Are you heading to the Thai island of Koh Samui and want to know what not to miss? In this guide, Koh Samui, Thailand: 13 Best Things to Do and See, we spent a whole month on the island, traveled around the entire island, and took many trips to the surrounding islands, and here is a list of the best things to see and do on Koh Samui in Thailand. We’ve also added some practical information on how to get to Koh Samui and where to stay.
How to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok
Are you wondering how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui? You can choose from the following options:
- By plane directly to Koh Samui (most expensive option), via Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways.
- By plane to Surat Thani, then by ferry (mid-range option), via Nok Air or Air Asia.
- By train to Surat Thani, then by ferry (cheap option), definitely book your train tickets via 12GO.asia, and then simply pick up your tickets in Bangkok; we have great experience with them.
- By bus to Surat Thani, then by ferry (cheapest option), again, book via 12GO.asia.
Personally, we chose to travel by train to Surat Thani, and then continued by ferry. The train was a sleeper, so we slept the whole way and it was relatively comfortable. Why? I hate flying, so I avoid it if possible :).
12go Asia Reviews
What is 12Go Asia? Can we trust it? Absolutely yes!
12Go Asia is a reliable platform for booking transport in Southeast Asia. It offers a wide selection of connections – from buses and trains to ferries and private transfers. Its great advantages include a clear user interface, online payment options, and clear information about available carriers.
Bookings are mostly hassle-free, but sometimes it can happen that some connections are not currently available or that tickets need to be physically picked up at the station. Overall, however, 12Go Asia saves us time and facilitates travel in regions where transport organization can be more complex.
You might also be interested in: Bangkok Vacation
Koh Samui Weather
Koh Samui is a tropical island in Thailand with warm weather all year round. Average temperatures here range between 25 to 32 °C. The main season with minimal rainfall lasts from December to April, when the weather is ideal for beach activities.
The rainy season starts in October and lasts until December, but the rains are often short and quickly pass. The highest humidity is in the summer months, when there can be brief showers.
Where to Stay on Koh Samui?
We’ve compiled the best accommodation tips for Koh Samui in Thailand for you.
Koh Samui Vacation: Accommodation Tips
- Sasitara Thai Villas – Located near Choeng Mon Beach, these villas are styled in the Ayudhya Thai architectural style, built from authentic Thai teak wood. It’s a beautiful complex with a wellness center, pool, and restaurant.
- The Spot – Villa The Spot is a 3.5-star golf hotel offering free Wi-Fi, parking, and two outdoor pools. It’s close to the most beautiful beaches – Chaweng and Lamai.
- Amaya Resort Amaya Resort is a 4-star hotel located just an 18-minute walk from Lamai Beach.
- Aforetime Beach House (very cheap option) – This is a 63-year-old original Thai wooden house by the sea on Taling Ngam Beach.
Koh Samui Accommodation: where We Stayed and why not Anymore
We stayed a short distance from Nathon Pier in a beach house we booked via Airbnb. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a very good experience. Nathon Pier is a pleasant, quiet town where you can find everything you need, but the beaches simply aren’t great, and our house, though superbly equipped, was in a totally noisy location.
Our place was then at a misleading price of 13,000 (we were the first guests), today it’s 30,000-50,000 per month and definitely not worth it.
If you’re looking for inspiration for hotel resort accommodation, be sure to check out the vacation offers in Thailand on the Invia portal.
TIP: How to ride a scooter in Asia
Koh Samui, Thailand: 13 Best Things to Do and See
If you’re heading to Koh Samui and don’t know what to do there, we have 13 tips for you on what to see on Koh Samui.
1) Visit the Famous Big Buddha – Wat Phra Yai
The icon of Koh Samui is the twelve-meter golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai temple, which you can even see from the plane if you decide to travel to Koh Samui by air.
2) the Laughing Buddha and other Temples Wat Plai Laem
Another frequent stop on Koh Samui is the widely smiling Buddha and Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, who has 18 arms. The laughing Buddha is my favorite attraction on Koh Samui. When I look at the photos, I always have to smile.
3) where to Go on Koh Samui: Go Snorkeling on Koh Tao
Through Koh Samui Tour, you can book a snorkeling trip to Koh Tao, where you’ll spend an hour snorkeling. The trip also includes free lunch + unlimited drinks, and you’ll also visit Koh Nang Yuan.
4) Koh Nang Yuan
The most beautiful place in all of Thailand was definitely Koh Nang Yuan island. During high season, it’s usually incredibly crowded, but in November, we enjoyed empty beaches and had the island almost to ourselves. A visit to Koh Nang Yuan was part of a paid snorkeling trip to Koh Tao.
5) Go to the Friday and Saturday Markets in Fisherman’S Village
Fisherman’s Village offers everything a spoiled European could wish for. Beautiful cafes, tasteful souvenirs, and quality food. However, everything comes with European prices. The regular Friday and Saturday markets are the opposite. Try rolled ice cream, coconut, or sushi for 3 CZK/piece there.
6) Fly on a Zipline
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If you’re not on Koh Samui for long but want to soak up as much of the local nature as possible, you can try the Sky Fox zipline course, which will take you through the local scenery.
7) Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram
A somewhat unusual attraction is the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram from 1973. This is monk Luong Pordaeng, who died in 1973, and has been on display here ever since. Quite well-preserved, I’d say.
8) Grandma and Grandpa Rocks – Hin Ta and Hin Yai
Naming rocks as grandma and grandpa is popular even in the Czech Republic, but here they have quite unexpected shapes. They look like male and female genitals. Yes, a giant penis and vagina.
9) Na Muang Waterfall – Na Muang and Na Muang 2
Two waterfalls in the jungle, to which you can be driven by jeep (and we definitely recommend it!). Be aware, the jeep will only take you to the start of the trek, and then a very steep climb awaits you. You can even swim at the first waterfall, Na Muang 1, but not at the second waterfall, which is another 30 minutes higher, though the views here are amazing on a clear day.
10) Visit a Dog and Cat Orphanage
On Koh Samui, you’ll see many dogs that do as they please. Locals are used to feeding them and playing with them, even if they don’t own them. Very often, they don’t belong to anyone at all. When such a stray dog gets sick, a local calls the orphanage, and they take care of it.
The orphanage also houses dogs that are dangerous and bite people, or have lost their paws. You can simply come to the orphanage, play with the dogs and kittens, or sign up as a volunteer. However, we recommend visiting the shelter first before immediately starting to volunteer. You can also adopt a dog from the orphanage and take it home to the Czech Republic. They will be happy to help you with the paperwork.
11) Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park
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If you arrive on Koh Samui outside of November, definitely go on a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park for a trek. Reportedly, there’s nothing more beautiful than the view from Mae Koh of Emerald Lagoon or snorkeling on Wua Talap island. Unfortunately, we were on Koh Samui in November and couldn’t take this trip. But it’s a shame not to mention it here.
12) Secret Buddha Garden
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In 1976, Nim Thongsuk began filling the family garden with beautiful statues. The garden is a peaceful place with a waterfall, where not many tourists visit, because the path to it is very steep and it’s not a good idea to go there by scooter at all. Our friend fell off her scooter on the way to the gardens, which was the main reason we didn’t go there ourselves.
13) Full Moon Party
If you love parties, this is exactly for you. If – like us – you hate parties, then definitely avoid this. The Full Moon Party is a huge beach party on Koh Phangan that takes place every month during the full moon. Many companies will take you here from Koh Samui; you can even book a VIP package where they’ll pick you up from your hotel and bring you back (anytime you want between 11 PM and 7 AM).
💡TIP: If you’re heading to Thailand and not limiting yourself to just Koh Samui, check out the guide to Thailand by Matouš from travelbible.
Koh Samui Trips
Koh Samui island offers many options for excursions. Among the most popular are Ang Thong National Park, where you can enjoy island hopping and snorkeling. Another interesting destination is the Big Buddha, which is the dominant landmark of the island. The Na Muang Waterfalls are a great place for a refreshing dip in nature. For lovers of the underwater world, an excursion to Koh Tao is ideal, as it offers some of the best diving conditions.
Prices on Koh Samui
Koh Samui is affordable for both backpackers and more demanding travelers. Accommodation in cheap hostels starts at 300-500 THB per night, while luxury resorts can cost over 10,000 THB per night.
Food at street stalls costs 50-100 THB, while in restaurants, prices range from 150 THB upwards. Scooter rental costs around 150-300 THB per day. Excursion prices vary, but usually range between 1,000-3,000 THB per person.
Koh Samui Highlights
Finally, we’ve prepared a few interesting facts about Koh Samui for you.
- The Big Buddha is an iconic landmark of the island.
- The rock formations Hin Ta and Hin Yai resemble human figures and are associated with interesting legends.
- Ang Thong National Park offers beautiful views and opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling.
- Chaweng Beach is the busiest area with a vibrant nightlife.
- The mysterious Wat Plai Laem temple is adorned with colorful statues and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
- The Na Muang Waterfalls provide refreshment in tropical nature.
- Koh Tao island near Koh Samui is one of the best places for diving in Thailand.
- The night markets on the island offer authentic Thai specialties and souvenirs.
- Monkeys on the island were formerly used for picking coconuts; today, they are kept in sanctuaries.
- Koh Samui is a popular destination for wellness retreats and traditional Thai massages.
Thailand Itinerary: What to Visit in Thailand
Thailand offers countless wonderful places, whether you’re looking for exotic beaches, bustling cities, historical monuments, or natural beauty. We’ve put together tips for your itinerary:
Bangkok – a Vibrant Metropolis
- The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) – the most sacred place in Thailand
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – an iconic temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River
- Floating Markets – an authentic experience of Thai commerce on water
- Khao San Road – a famous street for travelers with a vibrant nightlife
Northern Thailand – Nature and Culture
- Chiang Mai – an ancient city with over 300 temples, including the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Chiang Rai – home to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
- Pai – a picturesque village in the mountains, ideal for relaxation and exploring nature
Southern Thailand – Islands and Beaches
- Phuket – the largest Thai island with beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife
- Koh Phi Phi – an iconic island with azure water, known from the movie “The Beach”
- Koh Samui – ideal for luxury stays, beautiful temples, and waterfalls
- Koh Tao – a diver’s paradise with some of the best coral reefs
Historical Sites
- Ayutthaya – former capital of the Siamese Kingdom with fascinating ruins
- Sukhothai – historical park with remnants of ancient temples and Buddha statues
National Parks and Nature
- Khao Sok National Park – tropical rainforest with lakes, limestone mountains, and rich wildlife
- Erawan National Park – stunning waterfalls with turquoise water in Kanchanaburi province
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
The best time is from December to April, when it’s dry and temperatures are pleasant.
How do I get to Koh Samui?
You can fly directly to Samui International Airport or take a ferry from mainland Thailand.
Is Koh Samui suitable for families with children?
Yes, the island offers many family-friendly beaches, amusement parks, and a safe environment.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
