K o h s a m u i

Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) is the second-largest island in Thailand, right after Phuket, located in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a very popular destination, especially among families with children. It’s not as crowded as Phuket, Ao Nang, or Phi Phi, which makes it a great alternative if you’re looking for a place that offers beautiful beaches, interesting attractions, an escape from the crowds, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Getting around the island is easy (at least in tourist areas), and you’ll find great restaurants, cozy cafés, night markets, clothing stalls, and souvenir shops. There’s also a shopping mall and plenty of hotels for every budget.

Since Koh Samui is an island, its beaches are truly beautiful - soft sand, turquoise waters, and the best part - you can often find a peaceful stretch of beach all to yourself. We’ve visited several times during different months of the year, and we’ve never had a problem finding a quiet spot away from the crowds. You can still find bars, beach clubs, and places to party here, but the island isn’t dominated by that scene like Phuket (Patong), Pattaya, or neighboring islands such as Phangan and Tao. From our experience traveling around Thailand, the crowd on Samui tends to be more relaxed and respectful. You rarely see people walking around half-naked in town or dining shirtless in restaurants - something quite common in more “party” parts of the country.

A fun fact: Koh Samui used to be Thailand’s main coconut producer, which earned it the nickname “Coconut Island.” Although production has decreased over time, coconuts still play an important role in the local economy. The countless tall coconut palms you’ll see all around the island create an iconic and stunning tropical landscape.

Another big advantage of this paradise island is its weather. While Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Lanta experience monsoon season and attractions like the Similan Islands or Maya Bay are closed, Koh Samui enjoys perfect weather. It’s one of the best places in Thailand to visit during the European summer months - June, July, or August - making it an ideal destination for a family vacation.

How to get to Koh Samui

The easiest way to get to Koh Samui is, of course, by plane - but it’s also the most expensive option. The island’s airport is privately owned, and only Bangkok Airways operates flights there. However, if your budget allows, this option is absolutely worth it - the airport itself is stunning and feels more like an attraction than just a transport hub. If you’d rather not spend a fortune on a domestic flight, the cheapest and most common option is to travel by bus and ferry. If you’re coming from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I recommend flying to Surat Thani, and then continuing your journey by bus and ferry to the island.

If you’re traveling from Phuket or Krabi, you’ll also need to book a bus + ferry option. We usually search for connections through 12GoAsia - simply enter your departure and destination points, and the site will show you combined routes with guaranteed transfers. We always pick the shortest ones to avoid spending an entire day in transit. Sometimes a transfer from Krabi takes 6 hours, while another might take just under 4. I’m including a search box for you below, so you can easily check and book your preferred route yourself. In most cases, the prices are exactly the same as when buying tickets directly at the port.

If you’re looking for a very budget-friendly option from Bangkok or another distant part of southern Thailand, you can of course choose a train or (often overnight) bus instead of a flight. However, be aware that sometimes your trip might be canceled or delayed at the last minute, or the departure time might change. Keep this in mind and plan for a time buffer, especially if your stay in Thailand is short. Once you arrive in Surat Thani, you can also buy a ticket to the island directly from local operators such as Phantip Travel or Lomprayah.

Best beaches on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is home to many beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. Below are a few that we consider to be the best on the island, for various reasons. That said, every beach on Samui is worth visiting - and if you’re exploring by motorbike, you can easily see them all and decide for yourself which ones you like best. The western beaches are a bit less ideal for swimming, as they experience strong low tides and have several ports, which can make the water less clean. However, they are perfect for watching breathtaking sunsets and offer a more local, authentic vibe. You’ll also find lower prices, local markets, and fewer tourists there. The most beautiful beaches are found on the north and east sides of the island - the more touristic areas, but with the best infrastructure and proximity to attractions, making them the most convenient spots to stay on Koh Samui.

Chaweng Beach is the most famous and developed beach on Koh Samui. The sand is soft, the water is crystal clear - perfect for both swimming and water sports. The beach is well-equipped for tourists, with plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and facilities available. Because of its popularity, Chaweng can get busy and noisy, but it’s long and wide enough that if you walk just a few hundred meters in either direction, you’ll easily find a quiet shady spot to lay your towel - no need to rent a sunbed.

The Chaweng area itself is one of the best places to stay if you’re visiting the island for a few days and want to be close to the action. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs, many offering day passes that include access to pools, sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, and drinks or meals. In the evening, you can dance, enjoy live music, or simply relax with a cocktail. Nearby, there’s also a shopping mall, a large night market, and plenty of spots to eat, play pool, or stroll around for some casual shopping.

Chaweng Beach

Lamai Beach is another beautiful, long stretch of sand located just south of Chaweng. Some say this area offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Chaweng - but honestly, I wouldn’t entirely agree. We’ve stayed in both Chaweng and Lamai, and if your accommodation happens to be on the wrong street, it can be noisy anywhere. Lamai has become more party-oriented in recent years, with quite a few bars near the beach playing music late into the night, while in Chaweng, most of the louder spots are either right by the beach entrance or tucked away in side streets.

That said, Lamai is still a great choice. The beach is long, with soft sand, plenty of palm trees providing shade, and at its far end, you’ll find beautiful rock formations that look stunning against the turquoise water. Near the end of the beach, there are also a few chilled local reggae-style bars where you can relax with a drink and enjoy some mellow tunes - perfect for a lazy afternoon with a coconut in hand. I really love this area. There are local night markets where you can sample authentic Thai dishes, as well as cozy boho-style cafés serving coffee, tea, and fresh juices, often with swings and hammocks. You’ll also find a good selection of Western restaurants, in case you feel like taking a break from pad thai for a while.

Lamai Beach

Silver Beach - also known as Crystal Beach, Crystal Bay, or Thongtakian Beach - is a small, stunning cove located between Chaweng and Lamai. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, it has an unmistakable tropical charm, and many people consider it the most beautiful beach on the island. Compared to the larger beaches, Silver Beach is quite small, so during peak hours it can get crowded, and finding your own spot may be tricky. There’s not much privacy here unless you arrive early in the morning (before 8:00 a.m.) - which I highly recommend, because at that time the beach looks absolutely paradise-like. There are a few resorts and beach bars nearby, though prices tend to be slightly higher than average. The main downside of Silver Beach is the surrounding area - there isn’t much going on outside the resorts. Apart from a small shop and one Thai–Mexican restaurant, there aren’t really any cool bars, markets, or evening hangout spots. And since the sun sets shortly after 6 p.m., the area gets quiet pretty quickly. If you choose to stay in this part of the island, keep in mind that you’ll likely need to rely on taxis to get around or to reach livelier areas like Lamai or Chaweng.

Silver Beach / Crystal Beach

Bophut, or Bo Phut, is a charming beach located on the northern coast of Koh Samui. The area is divided into two parts - Bophut Beach, overlooking the island’s northern shore, and Fisherman’s Village Beach, situated further east, where you’ll find the picturesque Fisherman’s Village. This coastal district is full of character, featuring traditional wooden fishermen’s houses that have been transformed into boutique shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants serving local specialties and fresh seafood. While Fisherman’s Village has lost much of its authentic local feel and become quite touristy and commercialized, it still offers plenty of charm. Many of the restaurants are beautifully designed - think bamboo interiors, colorful tablecloths, and sea views. If you enjoy stylish, atmospheric places, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The Bophut Beach area is home to numerous luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and private villas offering high-end accommodation and service. There are also budget-friendly options like cozy guesthouses and hostels, though the Fisherman’s Village area itself tends to be on the pricier side - something to keep in mind when planning your stay.

At Bophut Beach, you can rent kayaks or jet skis, and the calm waters make it especially popular among families with children. It’s also one of the best areas on the island for family-friendly accommodations. Keep in mind, though, that the sea conditions can vary - it’s always a good idea to check currents and tides before swimming. When we visited last year, the waves here were quite strong and the sand felt rough, but this year the beach was completely different - soft white sand, gentle waves, and pure paradise!

Bophut Beach

Maenam Beach is one of the most peaceful and serene beaches on Koh Samui - perfect for those seeking quiet, relaxation, and a break from the crowds. The beach is long and wide, offering beautiful views of nearby islands and plenty of space for long walks or simply enjoying the sunset. It’s easily one of our favorite spots on the island. The softest and cleanest sand can be found near the resorts, as they take great care of their surrounding areas. Many of them also offer beachfront massage services at reasonable prices - an incredible experience when the only soundtrack is the sound of the waves instead of background music. On the downside, Maenam Beach has less developed tourist infrastructure compared to Chaweng or Lamai, which means fewer restaurants, bars, and attractions. There are also no water activities available here, and public transportation doesn’t operate in this area, so you’ll need to hire a taxi or rent a scooter or car to get around. Still, if you’re looking for calm, clear waters, plenty of shade from palm trees, and a place to escape the crowds, Maenam Beach is absolutely worth it.

Maenam Beach

Ban Tai Beach is a small, charming beach that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Located on the northern coast of Koh Samui, just west of Maenam Beach, it’s a true hidden gem of the island. The main appeal of Ban Tai Beach lies in its tranquility and lack of crowds, making it an ideal spot for those seeking silence, relaxation, and authenticity. The area is also sparsely populated, even by locals, which only adds to its charm. While there are a few resorts along the shoreline, the beach itself is easily accessible from the public road.

Tourist infrastructure here is very limited - you won’t find beach clubs or a wide selection of restaurants, but there are a few simple local eateries and small shops along the road where you can grab some essentials. You can also dine at one of the nearby resorts. One downside is that there’s not much shade in the afternoon, so it’s best to visit in the morning when it’s still pleasant, or come for sunset, when a few people usually appear for a stroll. The views are stunning, especially when you lie in the shallow water and look back toward the beach - it’s simply breathtaking. Swimming here isn’t ideal, as the water is quite shallow and rocky in some areas, but the peaceful setting more than makes up for it.

Like Maenam, Ban Tai Beach is outside the main tourist zones, so you’ll need to hire a taxi or rent your own transport to get there. Still, it’s absolutely worth the trip - the beach is beautiful, quiet, and wonderfully untouched.

Ban Tai Beach

What to see on Koh Samui

• Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) – this 12-meter-tall Buddha statue is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island. It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat can be overwhelming. Our photos were so overexposed from the sunlight that I had to darken them just to make anything visible. If you stay long enough, you might spot planes flying low overhead, since the airport is nearby – it’s a really beautiful sight. You can actually see this in our featured Koh Samui stories, if you tap through enough of them!

• Wat Plai Laem – a colorful, modern Buddhist temple (just a short walk from Big Buddha) featuring a large golden statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, along with other striking sculptures. The temple complex is surrounded by greenery, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere - a perfect place for a quiet stroll and a cultural experience.

• Wat Khunaram – this temple is known for housing the mummified body of Monk Luang Por Khun, who passed away while meditating. It’s a deeply spiritual place, focused on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings, surrounded by serenity and contemplation. However, the sight might be a bit much for some - especially children or more sensitive visitors.

• Wat Ratchathammaram (Wat Sila Ngu / Red Temple) – one of the most important Buddhist temples on Koh Samui, located near Lamai Beach. The temple is entirely terracotta-red, adorned with intricate carvings both inside and out. Its serpent-decorated stairways lead directly toward the sea, making it one of the most photogenic temples on the island.

• Fisherman’s Village – a charming seaside area on Bophut Beach, famous for its traditional wooden houses, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops. While it has become more commercialized over time, it still retains a unique, cozy charm - especially in the evenings when lights reflect beautifully off the water.

• Namuang Waterfall – located in the center of Koh Samui, about 12 km from Nathon Town, this is one of the island’s two main waterfalls, with the second one simply called Namuang Waterfall 2 nearby. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush jungle. Namuang 1 is easily accessible by car, while Namuang 2 requires a bit of hiking. There’s a natural pool beneath the falls where you can take a refreshing dip. If you’re visiting during the dry season, check in advance whether there’s water - sometimes it runs dry!

• Secret Buddha Garden / Tarnim Magic Garden – a hidden Buddha garden nestled high in the hills of Koh Samui. It’s filled with stone sculptures and statues surrounded by tropical vegetation. It’s a lovely, peaceful place for a nature walk - especially fun for families with kids.

• Chaweng Night Market – a lively, colorful night market offering local snacks, handmade crafts, clothes, and souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to grab dinner, shop for gifts, and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere after sunset.

• Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) – famous rock formations on Lamai Beach that resemble male and female genitalia. It’s one of Koh Samui’s most unusual landmarks, with an interesting local legend explaining their origin.

• Viewpoints – the island has plenty of scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand. Some of the best include Lad Koh Viewpoint, Jungle Club Viewpoint, and Overlap Stone, which used to be surrounded by lush greenery. Now it’s a bare rock (with a small entrance fee), but still offers a great photo opportunity and a fantastic view. We usually avoid the super touristy spots, so we don’t actually have a photo from there ourselves.

Tours and other activities on Koh Samui

Relaxing on the beach doesn’t have to be the only thing you do on Koh Samui - even though it’s definitely one of the main reasons people come here! There’s so much more to experience. You can try your hand at Muay Thai, meet elephants, or get your adrenaline pumping with ziplining or quad biking. Love Thai cuisine? Want to recreate some of your favorite dishes at home? Then how about joining a Thai cooking class? Wondering what else to do on Samui? Check out the list below - I’ve put together some fun and interesting activities for you. And if something catches your eye, I’d be so happy if you booked it directly through the links below.