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Koh Samui - Tropical Paradise
A tropical paradise in Thailand. This is your ultimate guide to discovering the best experiences on the island. From activities to transport, accommodations, and tours, we've got you covered. Plan your adventure with ease and explore all that Koh Samui has to offer.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. With stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation it's easy to see why. There's also lots to do, like snorkelling, diving, hiking, golfing, and spa treatments. Koh Samui has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, restaurants, and clubs.
You're probably wondering what beach is a good place to relax.
Here is a brief look at the beaches you may want to stay around:
Laid-back and serene beach, you should visit or stay at Lamai Beach!
Chaweng Beach is a lively place to go. It is the most popular beach on the island and has many things nearby from adrenaline-pumping water sports and cooking classes allowing travellers to do more than relax on a beach.
Maenam Beach is great for long shore walks, and enjoying the water and the sun. The beach is pristine and peaceful, with coconut trees providing some shade. The water was calm and perfect for swimming.
If you love snorkelling, you can head to Coral Cove Beach, which is situated in a small bay behind a hotel called Coral Cove Bungalow.
Choeng Mon Beach is a great option for the north of the island. It is located close to the Big Buddha and has many nice hotels and beach bars.
If you want a peaceful and beautiful day, Bang Po Beach is a great choice. The sea is smooth and bright, the sand is fine and pale, and the beach bar has comfortable seats and cool drinks. You can see Koh Phangan Island from this beach, especially when the sky is clear. Bang Po is a quiet and serene area, but it has some good eateries and coffee shops along the coast. The beach is neat, but the sand may be a bit rough in some spots. The viewpoint is a wonderful place to see the sunset and capture amazing photos.
Travelling with kids or as a couple? you can visit Lipa Noi Beach, which is the most kid-friendly beach on Koh Samui. It has shallow, clear water and no coral or rocks. The sea is very calm here.
The Ang Thong Marine National Park
Made up of 42 small islands, each boasting some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand. These islands are protected from development, so you can enjoy their natural beauty and peacefulness the way nature intended. You can explore with a boat tour that will take you to different islands, where you can snorkel, swim, and relax. Click here to browse the available tours and book.
Fisherman's Village
A popular spot in Bophut Samui with a lively night market, a variety of food and drinks, and spectacular fire shows. There is a beach here, you can enjoy the long promenade with many places to eat, drink, shop and relax. The night market offers delicious and cheap local dishes, desserts and cocktails, as well as souvenirs, accessories and handicrafts. The market is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and the weekend. If you want to experience authentic Thai cuisine, you can also try the less touristy restaurants nearby.
Samui Elephant Spa
Enjoy a unique experience with these gentle giants. Samui Elephant Mud Spa, tours are available. Where you will help the people working there prepare a natural health supplement for the elephants and feed them with fresh fruits. You can also take a bath with the elephants and play in the mud with them in a fun and safe environment. A great opportunity to learn more about the elephants and their care, and to bond with them respectfully and ethically.
Wat Phra Yai
The Big Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is something well worth seeing in Koh Samui. It's a Buddhist temple complex located on a small island near the northeastern shore of Koh Samui. The main attraction is a gigantic golden Buddha statue that's 12 meters tall and was built in 1972. The temple grounds also have a small market where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and religious items.
Wat Plai Laem
A modern Buddhist temple situated on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. It is located adjacent to the famous "Big Buddha Temple" or Wat Phra Yai. The temple's design is a blend of Chinese and Thai architectural styles and was partially crafted by the renowned Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks
Two natural rock formations on the coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. They are also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks because they resemble male and female genitalia. According to a local legend, an old couple named Ta Kreng and Yai Riem drowned at sea while sailing to ask for their son's bride. Their bodies turned into rocks as a sign of their true love and intention. You can admire the rocks and learn about the legend from the signs in English.
TRANSPORT
To reach Koh Samui, you have two options: you can either take a flight or take a bus and ferry.
Buses and ferries that connect are available from various locations in Bangkok and throughout Thailand, including the airports.
You can use the Asian Public Transport widget provided below to book your tickets for buses, ferries, and flights through 12Go to make your booking process more convenient. If you are not departing from Bangkok, you can simply modify the "Origin" field on the form. The 12Go website provides clear instructions to guide you through the booking process.
The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by air
Things to remember: Be aware that some of the airlines may have limits on checked luggage weight or charge extra for check-in, seat selection or oversized luggage.
If you choose a flight, factor in the time you will spend travelling to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, going through immigration if it's an international flight and retrieving your checked luggage.
ACCOMMODATION
I've stated what areas to stay already but here is a recap, I recommend using Agoda as it is normally the cheapest around Asia.
Koh Samui is a great place to relax on its stunning beaches. You can choose from different types of beaches, depending on your preferences and mood.
Lamai Beach is ideal for those who want a more tranquil beach experience. It is less crowded and more spacious than other beaches and has a relaxing atmosphere.
Chaweng Beach is the opposite of Lamai Beach. It is the most popular and lively beach on the island, with many activities, shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also the closest beach to the airport and the main town.
Maenam Beach is a long and beautiful beach that is perfect for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. It has a natural and peaceful vibe, with coconut trees lining the shore. The water is calm and clear, and the sand is soft and white.
Coral Cove Beach is a hidden gem that is located in a small bay behind a hotel. It is a great spot for snorkelling, as it has a coral reef that is home to many colourful fish. The beach is small and quiet and has a rocky shore.
Choeng Mon Beach is a nice beach that is located in the north of the island, near the Big Buddha statue. It has many hotels and beach bars and is popular with families and couples. The beach is clean and calm and has fine sand.
Bang Po Beach is a peaceful and scenic beach that offers a stunning view of Koh Phangan Island. It is located in the northwest of the island and has a smooth and bright sea, fine and pale sand, and a cosy beach bar. The beach is quiet and serene, but it has some good eateries and coffee shops along the coast. The viewpoint is a wonderful place to see the sunset and take amazing photos.
Lipa Noi Beach is the most kid-friendly beach on Koh Samui. It has shallow, clear water and no coral or rocks. The sea is very calm here, making it safe for children to play. The beach is also romantic for couples, as it has a beautiful view of the mountains and the sea.
If you are looking for a short-term rental in Koh Samui, you have plenty of choices. One of the best platforms to find and book your ideal accommodation is VRBO, the world's leading marketplace for vacation rentals. Go on, get yourself a beachfront condo. Why not?
TOURS
You have plenty of options to choose from for tours in Koh Samui.
You can and should explore the stunning Angthong Marine Park, a protected area of 42 islands with pristine beaches, turquoise waters and diverse wildlife.
You can also enjoy a thrilling quad tour, where you can ride through the jungle, visit waterfalls and admire the panoramic views.
Or maybe a safari tour and discover the culture and nature of Koh Samui, including temples, coconut farms and rubber plantations.
You can also visit the ethical elephant home, where you can interact with these gentle giants in a respectful and caring way.
If you love snorkelling, you can't miss the opportunity to visit Koh Tao, one of the best spots in Thailand for marine life.
You can also snorkel near Pig Island, where you can meet the friendly pigs that live there.
And if you are looking for some adrenaline, you can zipline at the tree bridge, a canopy adventure that will take you across the treetops and give you a bird's eye view of the island.
NEARBY
Ko Pha-ngan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Ko Pha-ngan is famous for hosting the Full Moon Party. Also offers many other attractions, such as waterfalls, temples, beaches, and diving sites.
Koh Tao is a beautiful island with great scuba diving, snorkelling, stunning beaches, and lush nature. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, hiking, cooking, yoga, and more. It's a perfect place to have fun and learn new skills.