Guide to Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui , is about 700km south of Bangkok and the second biggest island in Thailand after Phuket.

Koh Samui (often known just as Samui) is renowned for it’s natural beauty, palm-fringed shoreline and variety of beaches and watersports.

Top reasons to visit Koh Samui

Idyllic island lifestyle

An abundance of beautiful beaches and landmarks from movies such as ‘The Beach’

Kayaking, scuba diving and boat tours

Main areas of Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s main areas tend to be located around the beaches, although the northern and western beaches are generally quieter.

Chaweng

Main developed part of Samui, with luxury hotels, buzzing nightlife and backpacker hostels and guesthouses.

Lamai

South of Chaweng, often called Samui’s second beach, also popular with tourists.

Bophut

Quiet and relaxed fishing village, slowly becoming more popular.

Bang Rak

North eastern beach, famous for the Big Buddha

Mae Nam

Beautiful and quiet beach on northern coast.

Laem Yai

A secluded beach on the north western tip of the island, with a wonderful view over the Ang Thong islands.

Samui south coast

Smaller beaches such as Na Khai, Bang Kao, Thing Krut and Ban Hua Thanon.

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When to go to Koh Samui

Koh Samui can stay dry during Thailand’s monsoon season of April to September, yet when it’a drier everywhere else win Thailand in October to December, it can be wet on the island.

5 Koh Samui experiences

1. Lovely natural beauty of the island such as waterfalls, lagoons, lush green coconut trees and stunning beaches.
2. Boat excursions around the Ang Thong National Marine Park doe scuba diving, fishing and kayaking
3. Dazzling beaches, varying from quiet secluded to thriving tourist-centric
4. Exploring the verdant inner of the island by trekking through the rain forest and jungle
5. Tasty local coconuts, cut down whilst you wait

Top Attractions in Koh Samui

• Beaches - Chaweng, Bang Rak, Bophut, Cheng Mon, Mae Nam
• Waterfalls - Hin Lat, Na Mueang
• Temples - Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui, Wat Phra Yai, Wat Khunaram
• Grandmother and Grandfather rocks
• Old House
• Secret Buddha Garden
• Pink Elephant water park
• Monkey shows
• Samui Tiger Zoo and Aquarium
• Buffalo Fighting Festival
• Ten Stars Samui Art Party
• Samui Butterfly Garden
• Samui Regatta

Shopping in Koh Samui

Shopping is not a major pastime in Koh Samui, although as one of Thailand’s most prominent wine regions there are many vineyards, which have a special designation of status from the European Union.

Eating in Koh Samui

No visit to Koh Samui is complete without trying the local delicacies, such as:-

• delicious local coconuts
• spicy Southern Thai food
• Malaysian, Indonesian and Indian-influenced dishes such as massaman curry
• khanom jeen - rice noodles in fish curry sauce
• rambutan
• salted eggs

Be careful when eating in restaurants, as dual pricing menus are often used - a cheaper one for locals, and a more expensive one for tourists.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Koh Samui

Chaweng and Lamai are famed for their nightlife, whilst Bophut offers more sedate, romantic bars. Karaoke is as popular as ever, and there is also a local rum distillery offering tours and drinks.

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