Koh Samui is an island paradise in the south of Thailand, known for its nightlife, scenic viewpoints and long stretches of sandy beach. Popular with holiday-makers and travelers alike, there’s also a thriving expat community residing on Koh Samui. This definitely brings a more western feel compared to some other smaller islands in Thailand, but don’t rule it out because of that, there’s lots of great attractions and scenery here.
✈ Travel: If budget is not an issue, then the easiest way to get to Koh Samui is to fly in. Koh Samui has an international airport located between Bophut and Chaweng and there are regular flights from the mainland if you are travelling from elsewhere in Thailand.
If you’re travelling to Koh Samui, there are also regular ferries that run from the mainland, with buses and minivans available to catch to the ferry port. Regular ferries also run between Koh Samui and the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. You can travel from Railay beach, Krabi to Koh Samui and booked a ticket with a local tour operator in Railay.
✈ Transfer: We arranged for transportation with the accommodation of the villa
✈ Accommodation: Sandalwood Luxury Villas
GETTING AROUND KOH SAMUI
The best way to get around Koh Samui if you want to have freedom and flexibility is to hire your own scooter. However, be careful if you are not confident or experienced on a scooter, the traffic in Koh Samui is much busier than some of the smaller islands. I personally didn’t ride a scooter in Koh Samui and didn’t have a problem getting around. There is a local Songthaew bus which drives laps on the main ring road around Koh Samui. You simply flag it down, tell the driver where you want to go and confirm the price and off you go. Just note that this is a bus so you will be making stops and pick-ups along the way, so factor that into your journey time. There are also lots of private songthaews, taxis, and motorcycle taxis which you can flag down too.
✈ Tip: Use the Grab app
So, where is the best place to stay on Koh Samui? Well, it really depends on what kind of atmosphere you want. There are many different areas of Koh Samui where you can choose to base yourself, but I can only compare the three areas I’ve stayed in. I will say, however, that unless you want to be very secluded and have utter peace and quiet, then you will want to base yourself in one of the three main areas: Lamai, Chaweng or Bophut / Fisherman’s Village.
LAMAI
Lamai is a good place to base yourself if you want to have a more relaxed break, but still have access to a great selection of bars and restaurants. It is popular with couples, families and older holiday-makers but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring! Whilst there are no large nightclubs here, there are plenty of bars with live music open until late, and there’s a lively atmosphere in the evening along the main street.
CHAWENG
If you want a party atmosphere on Koh Samui, then Chaweng is the place for you! Chaweng is popular with younger backpackers, couples and groups and has the liveliest nightlife on the island, with lots of nightclubs, pubs and beach bars.
As well as having a great nightlife scene, Chaweng is also a great place to stay if you want a central location to base yourself on the island. From Chaweng, you can easily access the sights near Lamai in the south and up to Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. It is also conveniently located for the airport.
FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE/ BOPHUT
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is in the north of the island and is where you will find more upscale luxury resorts and large hotel complexes. This area is popular with couples and those who are on vacation, with a bit more money to spend on accommodation, rather than long term traveler’s or budget backpackers. However, there are some affordable places here too. The White Cottage – a small independent hotel which sits behind the popular beachfront Karma resort. It was a little walk along the beach to the Fisherman’s village area, or a short taxi ride. Some of the other larger hotel resorts include the Anantara resort and Hansar hotel, both with infinity pools overlooking Bophut beach.
WHAT TO DO IN KOH SAMUI
WATERFALL HUNTING
A popular island activity, and another of the most popular things to do in Koh Samui is chase waterfalls
OVERLAP STONE VIEWPOINT
There are a few man made viewpoints on the island but this rural one was our favourite!
Overlap Stone is located at the back of an old Thai families home and it’s just a short walk through the jungle to get there.
Located just around the corner from Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks and Lamai Beach it’s definitely worth adding to your things to do in Koh Samui list if you’re in the area. Visit
THE BUDDHAS & TEMPLES
Koh Samui Big Buddha Temple, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is one of the islands star attractions and on most people’s things do to in Koh Samui list.
Located basically next door to Wat Plai Laem, the 18 armed buddha, these two are the most famous modern pieces of architecture on the island and a cool little day out in the North.
CATCH A SUNSET
Do NOT miss this off your things to do in Koh Samui list!
There a few spots on the West coast for sunset but after many recommendations we chose to rush to Lipa Noi Beach on our final night! It was probably the best decision of our trip.
After struggling to find it, we dashed through some palm trees for an incredible firey sky. We couldn’t have asked for a better end to our few days on the island!
FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE NIGHT MARKET
Held every Monday and Friday, between 5pm-11pm, Fisherman’s Village Night Market is not to be missed.
It runs for miles and starts at every entrance to the T shaped junction of Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.
From souvenirs to smoothies and fresh street foods stall, we named Luang Prabang night market as the best in Asia, but this may just have over taken it!
✈ Reading tip: The Koh Samui Guide
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