Koh Samui

Travel Guide

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

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

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 Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks.

Lamai City Center
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Bophut Hills

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

Bophut Hills
The Briza Beach Resort, Samui
The Briza Beach Resort, Samui
4.5 out of 5
173/22 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is S$215 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
S$215
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (666 reviews)
"Very good resort and staff!!"

Reviewed on 14 Feb,2025

The Briza Beach Resort, 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 S$239 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
S$239
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar
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! (537 reviews)
"Property was beautiful and the staff was so amazing"

Reviewed on 16 Feb,2025

Fair House Villas & Spa
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
5 out of 5
99/11 Moo 5, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is S$378 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
S$378
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (286 reviews)
"Extraordinary service and the hotel is just amazing"

Reviewed on 14 Feb,2025

Hyatt Regency 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.
Panorama Samui Residences
Panorama Samui Residences
4 out of 5
79/7 Bang Por Soi 4 Moo 6 Maenam, Koh Samui, Suratthani
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nathon Pier and Fisherman's Village ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Great view"

Reviewed on 1 Feb,2025

Panorama Samui Residences
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 Fisherman's Village and Chaweng ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"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
Allure Resort
Allure Resort
3.5 out of 5
7/1 Moo5 Bo Put, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Bo Phut Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Good resort, area was really good"

Reviewed on 1 Sep,2024

Allure Resort
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