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

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 Pier, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
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 S$253 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
S$253
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
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! (411 reviews)
"Great service ! We had a problem with the aircon and they solved the issue quickly and have us a voucher for 2 massage for the spa ! Quiet and really nice room With pool"

Reviewed on 15 Mar,2025

Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
5 out of 5
219 Moo 5 Tumbon Angthong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is S$2,044 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
S$2,044
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nathon Pier and Mae Nam Pier are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
Spectacular resort
"I’ve traveled extensively for decades and this is of the most spectacular properties I’ve been to."

Reviewed on 12 Mar,2025

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
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$168 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
S$168
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (675 reviews)
Amazing Resort!
"The Briza Resort was amazing. From the location (quiet but only a short walk to some great restaurants) and a mere 10 minute walk to the centre of Chaweng - so suitably away from the crowds but on the doorstep if you the night life. Booked a deluxe private plunge pool - made our holiday. It was fantastic ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar,2025

The Briza Beach Resort, 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 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 Bo Phut Beach and Fisherman's ...
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
Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
4.5 out of 5
249, Moo 2, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (79 reviews)
"This was a great experience to have a holiday in a private villa with your own pool overlooking the beach. The villa's are starting to become a bit run down and need some updating, however they are kept very clean and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. There was a lot of rubbish on the ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2025

Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa 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.

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