Introduction: Koh Samui Travel Guide
A beautiful island famed for its stunning and wild nature, amazing palm trees edging crystal clear waters. The island is like a paradise and any type of traveller will be more than happy visiting it.
Koh Samui is also Thailand’s second biggest island after Phuket. Yet, the best things to do there is to chill by the beaches, enjoy some great views, hike a national park, scuba dive into amazing waters.
There are tons of things to do on that island but here are our favourites.
Table of Contents
Mapping the Koh Samui Travel Guide
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Koh Samui is to fly to its airport (Samui Airport). Another option would be to first get to Surat Thani by boat and fly from there.
Moving Around
Once more, the best way to move around the island is to rent a scooter. The island is pretty big, so walking or biking might be complicated.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, from December to March. At this time, the weather will be nice but the place more crowded.
The wet season runs from April to September with hot weather and a bit of rain. And October to November welcome the rainy season.
Where to Stay
- (€): Samui Hills
- (€€): Tropical Season Villa Resort
- (€€€): Belmond Napasai
- (€€€€): Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
What to Eat
Generally, in Thailand, the to-go-food are:
- Pad Thai (Thai Style Fried Noodles)
- Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
- Pad See Eiw (Thick Noodle Dish)
- Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
- Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry)
- Pad Phak (Fried Vegetables)
- Kao Niew Ma Muang (Mango and Sticky Rice)
In Koh Samui, we also really loved the street food market located in the main city. But Koh Samui is also home to many really good restaurants!
Things to do in Koh Samui
Big Buddha - Wat Phra Yai
Visit the best-known landmarks on this island is the Big Buddha. With its 12-meter-tall, the big Buddha sit on the north of the island.
Night Market
Any visit to Thailand would not be complete without some time in the night market. For us, night market in Thailand are some of our favorite things to do. It just never gets boring. The best night market on Koh Samui are Mae Nam on Thursdays, Bophut on Fridays, and Lamai on Sundays.
Namuang Waterfall
Hike to the Namuang waterfalls, a set of 2 waterfalls in the Jungle. The first waterfall flows into a small pool where you can swim, and the second waterfall is about thirty minutes further uphill.
Secret Buddha Garden
Enjoy the hidden garden of Koh Samui and a Panoramic view of the island. In 1976 Nim Thongsuk started gathering many statues in the land that he and his family owned, hidden in the center of the island is surrounded by lush forests. The journey to the garden is a challenge as the road to it is very steep.
Angthong Marine Park
Hop on the big tour boat going to Angthong Marine Park if you haven’t done it yet in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao. hike to the top of Mae Koh for views of the Emerald Lagoon, snorkel at Wua Talap Island, and kayak along the breathtaking coastilne
Wat Plai Laem
Any visit to any place in Thailand is also not completely done without visiting a couple of temples. This new made temple feature an 18m statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.
Diving
If you don’t plan on visiting Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao, then going scuba diving is a must in Koh Samui. Go on a full day scuba diving tour to discover all the beauty of the warm water around the island.
Some tour will bring you to Koh Tao for its stunning water or some to Sail Rock which is one of Thailand’s best diving site, is the place to get lucky and spot Manta Rays, Barracudas or even whale sharks.
Chaweng Beach
Located in the town of Chaweng, the biggest and largest town on the island. It might be one of the nicest beaches and is also where the major of the nightlife is located with tons of bars and restaurants.
Lamai Beach
Another beautiful beach but unlike Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach much quieter and not as busy. The ocean is deeper making it better if you desire swimming.
Maenam Beach
A budget beach compared to the rest of Koh Samui. The beach is yet really stunning and much quieter than the others. Less stores, less people, more fun.
Fisherman’s Village
Also called Bophut. The village is one of the top spots on the island. A market is present on Monday and Friday. In the village you will also find lots of restaurants and bars. But could also enjoy some street cocktail.
Mummified monk
If you are nearby, that is an unusual sight to see. The monk is displayed in an upright glass casket and surrounded by flowers, candles, incense sticks and fruit offering
4WD Jungle Safari Tour
That is quite the tourist thing to do, but as mentioned earlier Koh Samui is a big island so going on a Jungle Safari Tour in a 4WD sounds like a cool idea. The most famous tours will bring you around to the Mummified Monk, the Namuang Waterfall and the Buddha’s Magic Garden.
4 days Itinerary Koh Samui
Day 1:
- Big Buddha – Wat Phra Yai
- Wat Plai Laem
- Chaweng Beach
- Fisherman’s Village
Day 2:
- 4WD Jungle Safari Tour
- Mummified monk
- Namuang Waterfall
- Secret Buddha Garden
- Lamai Beach
- Night Market
Day 3:
- Diving
- Maenam Beach
Day 4:
- Angthong Marine Park
ซอให้ควายฟัง (see sor hai kwai fang) – To play the violin for the buffalo to listen to.
Meaning: Talking to a brick wall. (The person you are speaking to does not listen.)
