Koh Samui

Travel Guide
Bo Phut Beach featuring general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Koh Samui is just like the island paradise from the movies with its pristine white beaches, sapphire blue waters and legendary nightlife. This small island off the east coast of Thailand draws different types of visitors, from young travellers who come here to party every night, those looking for its relaxed culture, and others simply for the pristine beauty of the beaches and the sea. Each side of the island has something different to offer. The south and west coasts are more relaxed and casual, perfect for those looking to chill on the beach with a good book or looking to experience the local culture. The north and east coast are popular for the famous beach parties, bars and night clubs.

On the west coast is Lipa Noi, a secluded beach that’s perfect for a romantic stay. Further to the south lies Phang Ka, with a number of first-class resorts and one of the best places to see the sun set into the sea. To the south lies the Bay of Thong Krut here you can explore the fishing village or take a charter boat to nearby islands Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum where you can go deep sea fishing.

Go dancing for the evening in Chaweng, then spend the day resting on the incredibly beautiful Chaweng Noi Beach. This beach, found south of the village, is a perfect place to escape from the maddening crowd. In the northeast lies Choeng Mon, the most exclusive part of the island, where the resorts and private beaches attract a bit more of mature, more family-friendly, crowd.

Visit the Great Buddha, just north of the airport. This 12 meter high bronze statue stands on its own little island just opposite the beach. Stroll through Bang Rak and Bo Phut to see the more traditional side of the island.

The beaches are easily accessible via the ring road that runs in a along the coast. When one beach is too busy, simply drive a few kilometres to the next beach. If you'd like to explore the surrounding islands, you're just a short boat trip from Koh Phangan and the spectacular Ang Thong National Park.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

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Chaweng City Center

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Chaweng City Center is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Chaweng Beach and Central Festival Samui.

Chaweng City Center
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Lamai City Center

4/5(22 area reviews)

You'll love the stunning beaches in Lamai City Center, and you might want to stick around to check out Lamai Night Market, a top place to visit.

Lamai City Center
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Bophut Hills

When in Bophut Hills, you can plan a visit to Big C Supercenter and Fisherman's Village Plaza, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
Fair House Villas & Spa
Fair House Villas & Spa
4.5 out of 5
39 Moo 1, Maenam, Suratthani, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM346 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
RM346
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (473 reviews)
Nice hotel
"Warmer hotel as it is surrounded in trees which is nice. Deet is a must once you walk outside the door once the sun starts setting;) Great location right by the beach and easy access to both pool and sea water. Nice breakfast and staff."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2024

Fair House Villas & Spa
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
5 out of 5
99/11 Moo 5, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM661 per night from 11 May to 12 May
RM661
per night
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (201 reviews)
"Absolutely perfect stay! Highly recommended! One minor thing to keep in mind, the hotel's beaches have some rocks, so we needed to go to other beaches."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui
5 out of 5
49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Tambon Taling-Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM2,111 per night from 6 May to 7 May
RM2,111
per night
6 May - 7 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Pangka Beach and Thong Kut Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (193 reviews)
Stay at the Conrad
"Fantastic stay in the ocean view villa - staff are friendly, approachable and determined to make your stay the best possible. Will be back."

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2023

Conrad Koh Samui
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
4.5 out of 5
249, Moo 2, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (69 reviews)
"The place is quiet and staffs are friendly. The next door restaurant is superb."

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2023

Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
Skye Beach Hotel
Skye Beach Hotel
4.5 out of 5
8/135 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Choeng Mon Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"This is a hidden gem. You do have to walk to get to a market but it is within walking distance of two important temples. The staff are incredible and very efficient with everything. The included breakfast was excellent and we actually ordered in most nights we were there and had some of the best ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Skye Beach Hotel
Villa The Wave 2 Residence
Villa The Wave 2 Residence
4 out of 5
93/104 Moo 3, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4-star villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Like - amazing standalone property with superb ocean & sunrise view. Helpful staffs and definitely highly recommended if you are looking for a relaxing vacation."

Reviewed on 19 Sep 2023

Villa The Wave 2 Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Koh Samui

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
165
" "5 - Excellent 57.69230769230769%
4 - Good
96
" "4 - Good 33.56643356643357%
3 - Okay
20
" "3 - Okay 6.993006993006993%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7482517482517483%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

Loved it!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

Amazing place to visit. Would definitely recommend & go back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Was only there 1 day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

Although there is more chaos than usual in Chewang due to the roads being taken up, still very lively!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2020

It such a great destination , a great experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Feb 2020

Great , but Cinnamon Beach Resort needs a rethink