Koh Samui

Travel Guide

Lamai Beach which includes a beach
Bo Phut Beach featuring general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Bo Phut Beach which includes general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Koh Samui
Koh Samui

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 Shopping Center.

Chaweng City Center
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Lamai City Center

4/5(22 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Lamai City Center, you might enjoy its beaches and shopping. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Lamai Beach or Lamai Night Market.

Lamai City Center
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Bophut Hills

When in Bophut Hills, you can plan a visit to Fisherman's Village and Bo Phut Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
Centara Reserve Samui

Centara Reserve Samui

5 out of 5
38/2 Moo 3, Borpud, Surat Thani,, Koh Samui, Koh Samui
The price is RM1,158 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
RM1,158
RM1,375 total
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (238 reviews)
Best hotel in Ko Samui
The staff were amazing, the resort itself was immaculate and I don't think you can find better on the island. Hands down, best hotel stay I have ever enjoyed. You don't know what good service looks like until you stay a few days at this hotel.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Centara Reserve Samui
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 RM416 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM416
RM494 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (611 reviews)
Perfection! This Villa was everything we wanted, private, peaceful, beautiful setting right on the beach. The restaurant was fantastic, delicious with a great selection of meals and drinks. Breakfast is generous and The Banquet and Bbq evenings are fantastic value (bbq includes a fireshow) The gardens ...

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Fair House Villas & Spa
Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa

Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
44/134 Moo 1, Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM442 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
RM442
RM525 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (461 reviews)
Fantastic place, highly recommended

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa
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.
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 14 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
A great place to stay on the quieter side of the island. Staff were lovely, and the area is walkable to shops and temples

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Skye Beach Hotel
Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa

Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa

4 out of 5
19/6 Moo 4 Bophut Bangrak, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Bo Phut Beach and Fisherman's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great place to stay. Very nice, clean, everything is there at the villa to make for a good stay

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa
Villa the wave

Villa the wave

4 out of 5
53/114 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 ...
We are very happy to stay at your villa The staff is excellent The whatsapp group is great, very convenient and always available. Thanks for everything. Some points for improvement 1. The ants in the kitchen and outside 2. The sunbeds are outside without mattresses (we asked and were told that there ...

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2024

Villa the wave
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 58%
4 - Good
96
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
20
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was only there 1 day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It such a great destination , a great experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great , but Cinnamon Beach Resort needs a rethink