By air
Samui International (USM), ~5 km from Chaweng; flights mostly via Bangkok
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Koh Samui, Thailand
Palm-fringed beaches and a laid-back island pace
Getting there
Best time to visit
January to August — the Gulf's dry months (its rains fall October to December)
Don't miss
The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Chaweng and Lamai beaches
Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks
Wat Plai Laem
Things to do
A boat day to Ang Thong Marine Park
Snorkelling off Koh Tao
Fisherman's Village night market
A cooking class
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Manfred Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0
What to pack
Swimwear, sunscreen, a light layer for air-conditioned ferries
A quieter corner
Hin Lad Waterfall, a short jungle walk from Nathon
Questions travellers ask
When is Koh Samui's rainy season?
Its rains fall October to December. January to August, the Gulf's dry months, is the time to go.
How do I fly to Koh Samui?
Samui International (USM) is about 5 km from Chaweng, and flights mostly come via Bangkok. Pack a light layer for the air-conditioned ferries.
Can I visit Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui?
Yes, spend a boat day at Ang Thong Marine Park. You can also go snorkelling off Koh Tao.
Where should I eat on Koh Samui?
Fisherman's Village Walking Street on Fridays, seafood in Bophut, and southern curries at the local markets.
About Koh Samui
- Island
Where it is
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Surat Thani province, with the smaller islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao to its north.
History
According to oral tradition, Samui was first settled around the 6th century by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula, and from the 19th century Chinese traders from Hainan settled on the island and began its coconut plantations. Backpackers began arriving in the late 1970s, and an airport built in 1989 helped turn it into one of Thailand's leading resort islands.
People
Samui's islanders speak a Southern Thai dialect, and the island's older families descend from Thai, Chinese and Malay settlers; Hua Thanon on the south-east coast is a long-established Muslim fishing village. Coconut farming, fishing and tourism are the main livelihoods.
Known for
- Chaweng and Lamai beaches
- The Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai
- Ang Thong Marine National Park
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks
- Fisherman's Village at Bophut
Did you know?
At Wat Khunaram the preserved body of the monk Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1973, remains on display, as he wished, as a reminder of the transience of human life.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.