This complete Koh Samui info guide covers everything you need to know before and during your visit to Thailand's most complete beach island — from arrival logistics and transport to beaches, activities, accommodation, food, nightlife, weather and the practical information that makes the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless one. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning after years away, this Koh Samui information hub is the only reference you need for 2026.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Koh Samui receives over 2 million international visitors annually — making it Thailand's third most visited island destination and one of Southeast Asia's most sought-after beach holiday locations.
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Koh Samui Info — Island Overview
| Category | Koh Samui Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulf of Thailand · Surat Thani Province · 80km from mainland |
| Size | 228 km² · 25km east-west · 21km north-south |
| Population | ~65,000 permanent residents |
| Ring road | 60km circumnavigation · Route 4169 |
| Airport | Koh Samui Airport (USM) · Bangkok Airways exclusive |
| Main ferry pier | Na Thon Pier (west coast) |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) · 1 USD ≈ 35 THB (2026) |
| Language | Thai (official) · English widely spoken in tourist areas |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) · No daylight saving |
| Electricity | 220V · Type A/B/C plugs · European adaptor needed |
| Emergency number | 191 (Police) · 1669 (Medical) · 1155 (Tourist Police) |
Koh Samui Info — How to Get There
The two main ways to reach Koh Samui — by air or by ferry from the mainland:
| Method | From | Duration | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Direct flight | Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | 1h15 | 1,500–4,000 THB | 12Go Asia |
| ✈️ Direct flight | Phuket (HKT) | 1h15 | 2,000–5,000 THB | 12Go Asia |
| ⛴️ Ferry (Raja) | Donsak Pier (mainland) | 1h30 | 150–200 THB | 12Go Asia |
| 🚌⛴️ Bus + Ferry | Bangkok (overnight) | 10–12h | 600–900 THB | 12Go Asia |
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Koh Samui Info — Getting Around the Island
| Transport | Price | Best For | Book / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛵 Scooter rental | 150–250 THB/day | Maximum freedom · Ring road · Best value | WhatsApp Tonton Samui |
| 📱 Grab app | 80–300 THB/trip | Single journeys · Evening · Fixed price | Grab app |
| 🚗 Private driver | 1,500–3,000 THB/day | Families · Comfort · Custom itinerary | GYG or hotel concierge |
| 🚐 Songthaew | 30–100 THB | Budget · Short hops | Flag down on ring road |
| 🚕 Street taxi | 200–500 THB/trip | Airport · Luggage · Groups | At pier or airport |
🛵 Rent a Scooter — Tonton Samui WhatsApp →
Koh Samui Info — Beaches Guide
| Beach | Coast | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | East · 7km | Most complete · Vibrant · Everything | First-timers · Nightlife · All ages |
| Lamai | South-East · 4km | Social · Less touristy · Budget | Balance · Value |
| Bophut | North · 3km | Charming · Fisherman's Village · Dining | Couples · Foodies |
| Maenam | North · 4km | Quiet · Long · Calm water | Families · Long stays |
| Choeng Mon | North-East · 1.5km | Protected bay · Family · Airport | Families · Calm |
| Taling Ngam | West · 3km | Sunset · Luxury · Ang Thong views | Couples · Sunsets |
| Nathon | West · Ferry pier | Local · Authentic · No tourism | Authentic experience |
Koh Samui Info — Top Activities
Koh Samui Info — Weather Guide
| Month | Temp | Rain | Sea | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | Low | Calm · Clear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Peak season |
| February | 28°C | Low | Calm · Clear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Peak season |
| March | 29°C | Low | Calm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best value |
| April | 30°C | Low-Medium | Calm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| May | 30°C | Medium | Some chop | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| June | 29°C | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| July | 29°C | Medium-High | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable |
| August | 29°C | High | Rough at times | ⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable |
| September | 28°C | High | Rough | ⭐⭐ Risky |
| October | 28°C | Very High | Rough · Cancellations | ⭐ Avoid |
| November | 27°C | Very High | Rough · NE Monsoon | ⭐ Avoid |
| December | 27°C | Medium-Low | Improving | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
Koh Samui Info — Accommodation Guide
| Budget | Type | Price/Night | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Budget | Hostel dorm | $6–12 | Chaweng hostels |
| 💰 Budget | Guesthouse private | $15–30 | Chaweng · Lamai sois |
| 🟠 Mid-range | 3-star resort | $50–100 | Amari · Centara Villas |
| 🏆 Luxury | 5-star resort | $150–400 | Anantara · SAii · Conrad |
| 💎 Ultra luxury | Private pool villa | $400–1,200+ | Four Seasons · Banyan Tree · Ritz |
🏨 Browse All Koh Samui Hotels — Agoda →
Koh Samui Info — Food Guide
Koh Samui has one of the most complete food scenes of any Thai island — from 60 THB street food to 3,000 THB fine dining at Jahn restaurant:
| Food Type | Price | Where | Must Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night market street food | 60–150 THB | Chaweng · Lamai · Bophut | Pad thai · Green curry · Grilled fish |
| Local Thai restaurant | 80–200 THB | Nathon · Local sois | Som tam · Tom yum · Khao pad |
| Beach restaurant | 150–400 THB | All beaches | Fresh seafood BBQ |
| Fine dining | 1,000–3,000 THB | Bophut · Taling Ngam | Catch Beach Club · Jahn (Conrad) |
| Friday Night Market | 50–200 THB | Fisherman's Village · Every Friday | Grilled whole fish · Southern curry |
Koh Samui Info — Day Trips Guide
| Day Trip | Price | Duration | Why Go | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ang Thong Marine Park | 1,200–2,000 THB | Full day | Best day trip from island | GYG |
| Five Islands + Pig Island | 800–1,500 THB | Half–Full day | Most photographed tour | GYG |
| Koh Tao diving | Ferry + activity | Full day / 3–4 days | World-class marine life | 12Go + dive school |
| Koh Phangan Full Moon | Ferry + 100–200 THB | Evening | World's most famous beach party | Local pier · 12Go |
| Samui city tour | 150 THB (scooter DIY) | Full day | Temples · Waterfall · Culture | Tonton Samui |
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Koh Samui Info — Cultural Attractions
| Attraction | Location | Admission | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) | Bang Rak · North | Free | 45 min |
| Wat Plai Laem | Bang Rak · North | Free | 60 min |
| Wat Khunaram (mummified monk) | Interior · South | Free | 30 min |
| Na Muang Waterfall 1 & 2 | Interior · Central | Free | 2–3h |
| Secret Buddha Garden | Interior · Central | 80 THB | 1–2h |
| Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather Rocks) | South Lamai | Free | 30 min |
| Fisherman's Village Bophut | Bophut · North | Free | 1–2h |
| Nathon Old Town | Nathon · West | Free | 1–2h |
Koh Samui Info — Complete Neighbourhood Guide
Understanding the different neighbourhoods is the most important Koh Samui info for choosing where to stay and what to expect in each area of the island. The six main areas have completely different characters — choosing the wrong one for your travel style is the most common source of visitor disappointment:
Chaweng (East Coast): The island's most developed and commercially active area — 7km of beach backed by Thailand's most complete tourist infrastructure outside Bangkok. Chaweng has everything: beachfront resorts at every price point, the best restaurant variety, the most active nightlife (Ark Bar fire shows, Green Mango Club, live music bars), the island's largest shopping mall (Central Festival), the most comprehensive night market and the highest concentration of travel agencies and tour operators.
Essential Koh Samui info for Chaweng: it is noisy at night (beach road clubs until 02:00–03:00), the most expensive area for accommodation and food, and the beach is busy with jet skis and boats. Best for: first-timers, party lovers, solo travellers, couples who want maximum variety.
Bophut and Fisherman's Village (North Coast): The most characterful neighbourhood on the island — a row of restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses from the early 20th century housing boutique restaurants, galleries and cafés on the beach road. The Fisherman's Village Friday Night Walking Street (17:00–23:00 every Friday) is the finest single evening event on Koh Samui — street food, craft stalls, live music and a genuinely festive atmosphere. The Anantara Bophut Resort and its Catch Beach Club anchor the north end of the village with the finest beachfront dining on the island.
Essential Koh Samui information for Bophut: quieter than Chaweng, calm swimming beach, more authentic atmosphere. Best for: couples, foodies, return visitors wanting something different.
Maenam (North Coast): The quietest of the main tourist areas — a 4km long, relatively undeveloped beach with calm north-facing water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. The Four Seasons Koh Samui and Santiburi Resort occupy the finest positions on the north coast from Maenam. The area has a small but pleasant local market, several good budget guesthouses and a genuinely relaxed pace that contrasts dramatically with Chaweng. Essential Koh Samui info for Maenam: there is very limited nightlife and dining compared to other areas — the appeal is peace, beautiful water and the view of Koh Phangan on the horizon. Best for: families, long stays, digital nomads, guests prioritising swimming over nightlife.
Lamai (South-East Coast): Koh Samui's second-largest tourist area — a 4km beach with a more local atmosphere than Chaweng and generally lower prices. The famous Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) are at the south end of Lamai Beach — a quirky natural formation that is one of the island's most photographed landmarks. The Lamai Night Market (daily 18:00–midnight) is one of the best budget eating options on the island. Essential Koh Samui info for Lamai: it shares Chaweng's east-facing orientation (great for sunrise, no sunset) and has similar water quality. Best for: budget travellers who want beach + social without full Chaweng intensity, return visitors who know Chaweng.
Koh Samui Info — Island Interior Highlights
The most overlooked Koh Samui info among first-time visitors is the interior — approximately 60% of the island is protected forest and highland that contains some of its finest experiences:
Na Muang Waterfall: The island's most famous waterfall — a two-tier system where iron-rich water flows orange over granite rock into natural swimming pools. Na Muang 1 (lower, 30m cascade) is accessible by a 10-minute flat walk and has excellent swimming. Na Muang 2 (upper, 80m cascade) requires a 30-minute uphill hike and is almost always deserted. Both are free to visit. The orange colouring of the water — completely natural from the granite — is unlike any other waterfall in Thailand and creates extraordinary photography. Located in the central interior — 15 minutes by scooter from Chaweng.
Secret Buddha Garden: A collection of hand-carved stone statues created over 20 years by local fruit farmer Nim Thongsuk, set in a jungle hilltop garden at approximately 400 metres altitude. The 80 THB entry includes access to panoramic views of the south coast and the Gulf of Thailand. The steep mountain road requires a 125cc+ scooter or 4WD — not accessible by standard automatic 110cc scooter. The late afternoon light (15:00–16:00) is the finest time to visit when the jungle canopy filters golden sunlight onto the stone figures.
Khao Pom Summit (635m): The island's highest accessible point — a steep interior road delivers a 360-degree panorama of the entire island, both coastlines and the Gulf on clear days. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are visible to the north, the mainland to the west. Best visited at sunrise (05:30 departure from hotel) for the most dramatic light and the coolest temperature. Requires a 125cc+ motorbike or 4WD — not suitable for standard rental scooters.
Koh Samui Info — Practical Information
Visa: Most Western nationals receive a 30-day visa exemption on arrival at Koh Samui Airport (USM). Extensions of 30 days cost 1,900 THB at the immigration office near Nathon.
Currency and ATMs: Thai Baht only — ATMs island-wide charge 220 THB foreign transaction fee. Withdraw larger amounts to minimise fees. Credit cards accepted at hotels and most restaurants; street food and markets are cash-only.
SIM card: Available at the airport and every 7-Eleven — 150–300 THB for 30 days of data. AIS and DTAC both have excellent coverage. Essential for Grab, Google Maps and WhatsApp communication with local businesses.
Health: No mandatory vaccinations for Thailand. Dengue fever cases occur year-round — use DEET mosquito repellent in evenings. Nearest international-standard hospital: Bangkok Hospital Samui (Chaweng). Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover strongly recommended.
Safety: Koh Samui is generally safe. Common issues: jet ski damage disputes (always photograph the ski before use), scooter accidents (most tourist injuries on the island), opportunistic theft in busy areas after midnight. The Tourist Police hotline (1155) provides English-language assistance.
Internet and connectivity: Wi-Fi available at virtually all hotels, cafés and restaurants. Mobile data coverage is excellent across the entire island including interior areas. Co-working spaces are available in Chaweng and Bophut for digital nomads.
Koh Samui Info — Inter-Island Connections
| From Koh Samui | To | Duration | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na Thon / Maenam Pier | Koh Phangan | 30–45 min | 150–250 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Na Thon / Maenam Pier | Koh Tao | 2h | 450–600 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Na Thon Pier | Donsak (mainland) | 1h30 | 150–200 THB | 12Go Asia |
| USM Airport | Bangkok | 1h15 | 1,500–4,000 THB | 12Go Asia |
| USM Airport | Phuket | 1h15 | 2,000–5,000 THB | 12Go Asia |
Koh Samui Info — Useful Links and Resources
- Complete Guide to Koh Samui 2026 — Full destination guide
- Koh Samui Itinerary — 3 to 10-day plans
- Samui City Tour — Temples, waterfalls and ring road
- Best Hotels Koh Samui — All budgets ranked
- Scooter Rental Koh Samui — Tonton Samui guide
- Nightlife Guide — Evening activities
- Best Viewpoints — Top 10 panoramas
- Nature Reserve Guide — Waterfalls and wildlife
Plan Your Koh Samui Trip
Tours · Transport · Hotels · Scooter · Free cancellation
FAQ — Koh Samui Info
What is Koh Samui known for?
Koh Samui is known for its world-class beaches (Chaweng, Maenam, Bophut), luxury resort infrastructure (Four Seasons, Conrad, Banyan Tree), extraordinary day trips (Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Tao diving), vibrant nightlife and the Fisherman's Village Friday Night Market. The island offers a uniquely complete combination of beach, culture, nature and dining that makes it one of Southeast Asia's finest all-round destinations.
Is Koh Samui safe?
Koh Samui is generally safe for tourists. The main risks are scooter accidents (the leading cause of tourist injury), jet ski damage disputes and opportunistic theft in busy nightlife areas. Use the Tourist Police hotline 1155 for English-language assistance. Travel insurance covering medical care is strongly recommended.
How many days do you need in Koh Samui?
A minimum of 5 nights is recommended to experience Koh Samui properly — enough for beach time, 2 day trips (Ang Thong and Five Islands or Koh Tao) and a ring road circuit. Seven nights is ideal for most visitors. Ten or more nights suits divers who want to include 3–4 days on Koh Tao for a PADI course.
What is the currency in Koh Samui?
The currency on Koh Samui is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are available island-wide and charge 220 THB per foreign transaction — withdraw larger amounts to reduce fees. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and most tourist-area restaurants; night markets and small local restaurants are cash-only.
Continue Reading
- Complete Guide to Koh Samui 2026
- Samui Travel Agency — Book Smart
- Go to Samui — How to Get There
- Best Hotels in Koh Samui 2026
- Scooter Rental Koh Samui
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