A travel guide for Ko Samui

The island of Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, was once famous for its sweet, creamy coconuts. This tropical paradise used to attract backpackers with its sun-drenched beaches, where coconut palms swayed in the breeze, simple stilt houses, cheap beer, warm seawater, fire shows, and lively beach parties. From a backpacker haven, Koh Samui has transformed into an increasingly exclusive destination. The island has reinvented itself, offering world-class luxury holidays with top-notch beachfront hotels and resorts.

There is no wrong way to experience Ko Samui.

For a romantic getaway, honeymooners and couples in love can relax in the private pool of a luxurious beachfront villa. Foodies and partygoers are spoiled for choice with gourmet restaurants, exclusive beach clubs, and vibrant nightclubs. Parents can pamper themselves at the spa, while their children are well looked after in family-friendly hotels with childcare, paddling pools, and Western cuisine.

Sunset cruises, diving, sea kayaking, and snorkeling are just a few ways to experience the best of Koh Samui. With world-class spas, wellness centers, and yoga studios, Samui is also the ideal place to recharge, find inspiration, and harmonize body, mind, and soul.

Ko Samui is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy a stylish tropical beach holiday. Whether you want to soak up the sun, relax in a hammock, enjoy top-notch cuisine, party on the beach, or pamper yourself in a luxurious spa – Ko Samui has something for everyone.

Arrival

By plane: Bangkok Airways offers daily flights between Samui Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (65 minutes). The airline also flies directly from Samui to Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and other cities in Southeast Asia.

Other airlines also offer flights from Bangkok to the provinces of Surat Thani and Chumphon, from where visitors can reach Ko Samui via a short ferry ride.

By boat: Lomprayah offers a combined bus/fast ferry service from Bangkok to Koh Samui via Chumphon province. The boat stops at Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan on the way to Koh Samui.

In Surat Thani, ferries depart from the local piers in Don Sak and Ao Ban Don to Ko Samui.

locomotion

Songthaews (shared taxis) and motorbike taxis are popular for trips between the beaches of Koh Samui. A few taxis offer a fixed price.

Things to do in Ko Samui

Ang Thong National Park is a true underwater paradise, just a 40-minute boat ride from Koh Samui. The park encompasses a pristine archipelago of 42 islands. With its towering limestone mountains, secluded beaches, lush mangroves, waterfalls, and small bays, it offers ideal conditions for a full day of hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Many tour operators on Koh Samui offer all-inclusive day trips to this marine park.

Once a thriving fishing village with Chinese shophouses, the beach village of Bo Phut has transformed into a trendy area with shopping streets, boutique hotels, and a diverse range of restaurants. Many old wooden houses have been converted into chic bars and charming restaurants, making the fishing village a popular destination after dark. On Friday nights, visitors flock to the beach to enjoy street food, handicrafts, and the vibrant atmosphere. Visit Coco Tam's, a stylish beach bar, and relax with a drink in hand and sand between your toes.

Approximately 70 kilometers from Koh Samui lie Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan – two small islands with fantastic dive sites. Koh Nang Yuan boasts breathtaking reefs and a diverse marine life close to the shore, accessible to both snorkelers and swimmers. In addition, there are over ten dive sites around Koh Tao, all featuring spectacular reefs and a rich array of marine life. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are frequent visitors to these dive spots. The numerous dive schools on Koh Samui offer tailor-made diving experiences.

If you're looking to tee off with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, Santiburi Samui Golf Country Club is the perfect place to swap your beach slippers for golf shoes. This championship golf course stretches across rolling terrain and coconut palm-lined slopes before gently descending to the sea. At the 18th hole, you'll be treated to stunning views of the coastal paradise beyond Maenam Beach. The luxurious golf club offers a sea-view restaurant, a driving range, a putting green, caddies, golf equipment, and much more.

The island attracts sailing enthusiasts with its turquoise waters and breathtaking underwater world, especially during the annual Samui Regatta. A private excursion on an exclusive yacht to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao is very popular. Your skipper will show you beautiful, secluded beaches, hidden coves, and snorkeling spots before you enjoy the sunset from the deck. You can leave Koh Samui for a week and experience a sailing adventure around 50 islands on a yacht or catamaran equipped with cabins and a kitchen. Boat booking portals like Nowboat.com and Viator.com offer various sailing options in Samui, connecting aspiring sailors with sailing yachts and crews.

Your holiday on Koh Samui isn't complete without a holistic spa experience. Samui has long been considered one of the world's top spa destinations. Numerous spas and wellness centers invite you to linger, and most of the exclusive spas are located in luxurious resorts. At the Spa Village of the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui, for example, you can relax with a Songkran shower and a coconut scrub before enjoying a 90-minute coconut flow massage. Many day spas, such as the Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, also offer wellness treatments at reasonable prices.

Samui hosted the KTA Hydrofoil Series for Asia and Oceania for the first time in 2018. The tropical island attracts kitesurfers and adventure seekers in their wetsuits to its shores. The kitesurfing community is concentrated on Nathon Beach on Samui's west coast, where good surfing conditions prevail from July to September. Kite Boarding Asia offers various courses (one to three days) for beginners and advanced riders eager to get on the water. From January to April, kitesurfers flock to Maenam Beach to make the most of the wind.

Koh Samui is a beautiful island with lush greenery, stunning beaches, and azure waters. For decades, it has been a world-renowned yoga retreat destination, attracting yoga teachers and enthusiasts seeking peace and rejuvenation. To find inner balance, participants at the Samahita Retreat spend their mornings strolling along the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear ocean before participating in authentic yoga classes and meditations. From simple yoga huts to luxurious wellness centers, Koh Samui offers short-term visitors the opportunity to continue their yoga practice or try yoga for the first time.

Every Sunday and Thursday evening, tourists flock to the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium in Chaweng to witness an intense and authentic Muay Thai kickboxing match. Those wishing to learn Muay Thai will find numerous training centers on Koh Samui. All camps offer training facilities with rings and equipment. Most also provide basic accommodation for the fighters. The Lamai Muay Thai Camp on Lamai Beach offers top-notch training for beginners, advanced students, and professional fighters.

Located about 12 kilometers from Nathon Bay, the Na Muang Waterfalls offer a welcome change from the sea: here you can swim in a natural freshwater pool. Watch as the water plunges from a steep cliff into the green pool and then take a refreshing dip. The Na Muang Waterfalls are free, easily accessible, and only 100 meters from the parking area. Spend a whole day at the waterfalls swimming, exploring, hiking, and picnicking. The waterfalls are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

The island of Koh Samui lies in the heart of the tropics. It offers an abundance of ingredients for preparing delicious dishes from a wide variety of traditions and cooking methods. Fish and seafood are freshly caught, and rainforest spices and herbs are plentiful on the island and in the surrounding area. The region is also home to the best coconut milk in the country – a sweet and creamy ingredient that blends perfectly into popular Thai dishes.

With local herbs and spices like turmeric, bird's eye chili, peppercorns, kaffir lime, lemongrass, galangal, and lime, the cuisine on Koh Samui is spicier and more aromatic than that in more central regions. A bowl of Kai Tom Khamin (free-range chicken in turmeric soup) is hearty and warming, while Tom Kha Kai (chicken in galangal and coconut soup) is tender and creamy.

Massaman curry, a famous Thai dish with Persian roots, should definitely be on your list. For a delicious and easy breakfast, Khao Tom Thalay (seafood rice porridge with ginger slices) is an excellent choice. The recipe is partly based on recipes from Chinese seafarers who arrived on the island of Koh Samui over 100 years ago.

Anyone wanting to experience the best Thai cuisine in Koh Samui should definitely visit these five restaurants. Some are elegant restaurants with a sophisticated atmosphere, while others are simple eateries with excellent food.

Supattra Thai Dining – the kind of restaurant you wish you had in your neighborhood. Surrounded by mangroves and tropical plants, Supattra is located in a wooden house in the Big Buddha Beach area (also known as Bangrak). This charming restaurant revolves around the freshest local fish and seafood – all carefully selected and prepared personally by owner and chef Supattra. For a starter, we recommend the delicious Yum Thalay (seaweed salad with coconut), which pairs wonderfully with a Riesling. Her Massaman curry, made with Australian free-range lamb, boasts a delicate coconut flavor, complemented by crunchy peanuts. Supattra also offers an excellent wine list to perfectly enhance your dining experience. Opening hours: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Sabienglae, an institution of authentic southern Thai cuisine, has cultivated a loyal following at its flagship location on Lamai Beach. The restaurant's signature dish, Kaeng Kua Hed Lup (sea anemone curry with Piper sarmentosum leaves), lives up to its promise with its spicy-creamy flavor. Another famous dish is Kung Yai Tod Sod Makham (fried king prawns in sweet and sour tamarind sauce). The view is just as stunning as the food: the restaurant is situated directly on a beautiful beach. Two other Sabienglae ​​locations can be found on Chaweng and Bophut beaches. Opening hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Bang Po Seafood (Ta Kho) Located directly on Maenam Beach, Bang Po Seafood has been a popular spot for freshly caught fish and sea views for at least 20 years. Founded by Ta Kho, a local food expert from Koh Samui, this small beach bar attracts food lovers with authentic and flavorful Samui cuisine. Specialties include raw sea urchin roe, baby octopus, coconut, and turmeric. Try the spicy (but pleasant) Koei Jee (a slice of roasted shrimp paste and crab meat served in a coconut shell) and enjoy it with a cold beer. Other dishes include Pla Kapong Tod Nam Pla (deep-fried snapper with fish sauce) and Tom Yam Tha Lay (spicy seafood soup). Opening hours: 12:00–24:00

JahnJahn Restaurant at the Conrad Ko Samui Hotel offers an exceptional dining experience with breathtaking ocean views. Secure your table before sunset and savor the beauty of the earth with an aperitif. Inspired by haute cuisine, Jahn elevates Thai cooking with exceptional flavors and presentation. Appetizers include palm heart salad with chili dressing and curry croquettes. Main courses offer a selection of dishes ranging from discoveries to adventures – such as roasted quail with fried water mimosa or green barracuda curry. Opening hours: 7:00 PM–11:00 PM

Haad Bang Po Restaurant, tucked away in the quiet western corner of Maenam Beach, was Koh Samui's best-kept secret for decades. Regulars and locals alike considered it their hidden gem until Travel+Leisure magazine discovered it and named it the "Best Seafood Restaurant in the World." Moo, the owner, who has over 20 years of experience as a chef in upscale hotels, runs this lively little shack with tables and plastic chairs set up on the sand. Here you'll find classic local seafood dishes such as Khai Jiao Hor Mok (spicy seafood omelet) and Wai Kua (octopus in dried curry). Opening hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

The island of Koh Samui, a tropical party paradise, exudes a euphoric atmosphere. From glamorous St. Tropez-style clubs to cozy beach bars – find the perfect place to hit the dance floor on Koh Samui.

Woobar Bo Phut Beach, part of the stylish W Retreat Ko Samui, boasts a spacious outdoor terrace with a swimming pool. Relaxing lounge music, a rooftop bar, comfortable loungers, a breathtaking sunset, and exceptional drinks make Woobar the perfect place to unwind from 5 pm onwards. After dark, Woobar comes alive with live DJ beats and bespoke cocktails. The tonic bar serves creative sake tonics, as well as healthy refreshments and snacks. Entry to Woobar is US$31 per person and can be used towards food and drinks.

The Ark Bar Beach Club, nestled on Chaweng Beach, the trendiest stretch of sand in Koh Samui, is a charming beachfront resort where you can relax on sun loungers by the pool during the day. From 2 pm onwards, the tranquil atmosphere transforms into a lively one, as smoothies are replaced with beer and cocktails, and international DJs spin house music. Every evening, the Ark Bar Beach Club hosts an energetic beach party with live music, DJs, and fireworks.

Nikki Beach Samui, Lipa Noi Beach: When Nikki Beach opens its doors to guests on Lipa Noi Beach, this Miami-style club resort livens up the otherwise tranquil beach. It's a stylish yet vibrant party destination with laid-back music, a gourmet restaurant, entertainment, fashion, film, and art. By day, Nikki Beach Samui offers spa and yoga classes, as well as sun loungers for soaking up the tropical sun. Later in the evening, champagne corks pop and deep house music thumps from the speakers. Exuberant partying and barefoot dancing ensue.

The Seen Beach Club Samui is an elegant, trendy, retro-chic resort located directly on Chaweng Beach. Here, you'll find a lively party atmosphere with relaxed music, refreshing drinks, and a diverse culinary selection. During the day, the gentle sounds of Samui provide the perfect backdrop to your kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding experience on this popular beach. As the day progresses, more laid-back music takes over. In the evening, things really heat up: Enjoy chilled oysters, sushi, and pizza, along with a wide selection of cocktails, champagne, fine spirits, and wines. Every Sunday evening, the Seen Beach Club Samui hosts a party that is always well-attended by fashion-conscious partygoers.

Coco Tam's at Bo Phut Beach: A beach bar with a relaxed atmosphere, ice-cold beer, comfortable beanbag chairs, and sand between your toes – that's what has made Coco Tam's the most popular beach bar in the fishing village. Located directly on the beach, beneath the coconut palms of Bo Phut Beach, Coco Tam's combines a restaurant, beach bar, and trendy evening meeting place. During the day, guests flock to Coco Tam's for the delicious food. In the evening, you can grab a drink at the well-stocked bar, relax on a beanbag chair, and watch the waves against the bright blue sky.

The most beautiful tropical beaches in Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach

The three-kilometer-long, busiest beach on Koh Samui lies on the east coast and boasts dazzling white sand and swaying coconut palms. Chaweng is the perfect place to alternate between relaxing, swimming, and people-watching. This famous beach offers hotels, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife to suit all tastes. If you need a break from sun and sand, you can go shopping at the Central Festival mall, take a Thai cooking class, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment.

Lamai Beach

Samui's second largest beach, Lamai Beach, is dominated by the imposing granite cliffs of Hin Ta and Hin Yai in the south and is simply breathtaking. Powder-white sand, tranquil resorts, wellness oases, and water sports await you here. Thanks to the crystal-clear water and white sand, visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the peace and quiet or to participate in the diverse beach activities: sunbathing, surfing, volleyball, parasailing, and watching the sunrise. Lamai Beach also boasts a vibrant nightlife with bars, restaurants, and a night market on Friday evenings.

Bo Phut Beach

Located on the north coast of Koh Samui, Bo Phut is a beach village. Its three-kilometer stretch of fine, vanilla-white sand was once home to local fishermen. People used to come here to buy the day's catch and all kinds of fish. Today, they come for the delicious seafood and to enjoy some retail therapy. The old shophouses have been transformed into charming boutiques, bars, and restaurants. With its blend of tradition and modernity, its Sino-Thai shophouses, its pedestrian zone on Fridays, and its stylish boutiques with Mediterranean flair, Bo Phut is a popular destination after dark.

Maenam Strand

A long, narrow strip of thick, yellowish sand and clear water makes Maenam an ideal beach for leisurely sunset strolls. Here you can relax with a drink and enjoy the magnificent view of Koh Phangan. Unlike the lively Bo Phut Beach to the east, Maenam Beach is quiet and peaceful. Most of the beach resorts are clustered together at the end of long, winding paths, offering a high degree of privacy.

Choeng Mon Bay

With the opening of the Ritz-Carlton in Choeng Mon, this small but beautiful bay, with its sandy beaches and unusual rock formations, has become one of Koh Samui's most exclusive beaches. The wide stretch of sand attracts visitors with stylish and luxurious villas and resorts, picturesque landscapes, and a diverse range of leisure activities. Try snorkeling at a rock formation or take a kayak trip to a small island before enjoying a relaxing lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

Lipa Noi Beach

Hidden away on the west coast lies Lipa Noi Beach, a paradise for children. Here, little ones can build sandcastles, jump back to shore on the waves after swimming, or feed curious seagulls. The beach boasts fine, golden sand and crystal-clear, calm water that's shallow for up to 100 meters. Apart from the Nikki Beach Club and a few restaurants, Lipa Noi Beach is a quiet and secluded spot.

Taling Ngam Beach

With its Instagram-worthy sunsets and breathtaking ocean views, Taling Ngam is one of the island's most picturesque beaches. Imagine miles of silky, powdery white sand lapped by emerald-green waters and a dense curtain of swaying coconut palms. Taling Ngam is considered an exclusive stretch of coastline and is home to numerous luxury hotels and resorts. If you're looking for a luxurious holiday on a tranquil beach in Koh Samui, Taling Ngam is hard to beat.

Bang Por Beach

Bang Por beach, popular with young travelers and backpackers on Samui, lies in the north of the island. This relaxed, eleven-kilometer stretch of sand boasts golden sand and coconut palm-fringed shores. Rustic, laid-back, and less touristy than other beaches, Bang Por attracts young travelers with its tropical flair, bars, restaurants, and affordable beachfront accommodations. At Bang Po Seafood, a charming beach bar, you can enjoy delicious Thai seafood with a cold beer and dig your toes into the sand.

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