Are you having trouble finding the right accommodation or planning your days on Koh Samui?

Our map of Koh Samui shows the island's layout, the main accommodation areas, the sights, and the easiest day trips.

Read on, and it will all make sense.

Map of Koh Samui: Where exactly is it located in Thailand?

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand and belongs to the province of Surat Thani. You can fly directly from Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi in about an hour, or take the ferry from Donsak Pier in Surat Thani in 1.5 hours.

Koh Samui Attractions Map: Top Activities

This map shows you how the main sights of Koh Samui are grouped and how easy it is to combine them.

  • Lad Koh viewpoint – panoramic views of the sea and mountains
  • Chaweng Beach – the longest beach on the island, ideal for water sports, restaurants and nightlife.
  • Great Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – iconic golden statue by the sea
  • Wat Plai Laem – Statue of the 18-armed Guanyin and lake with fish feeding
  • Fisherman's Village – restaurants, shops and night market right on the beach
  • Choeng Mon Beach – a quiet beach suitable for swimming, popular with couples and families.
  • Maenam Beach – a long, quiet beach with views of Koh Phangan. Ideal for swimming.
  • Lamai Beach – a wide sandy beach, quieter than Chaweng, good for swimming
  • Silver Beach – a small bay with clear water, ideal for snorkeling and a peaceful atmosphere
  • Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks) – natural rock formations, short photo stop
  • Na Muang Waterfalls: Two jungle waterfalls (Na Muang 1 & 2) with natural pools and jungle hikes
  • Secret Buddha Garden – a hidden garden with sculptures and a waterfall
  • Ethical Elephant Experiences – Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Samui Elephant Haven, Samui Elephant Home and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui.

    • Hotel map of Koh Samui: Where to stay?

    Most of the hotels on Koh Samui are located along the beaches. The map shows you the main beach features at a glance.

    1. Those seeking comfort and social interaction/nightlife

  • Chaweng Beach – the top choice for first-time visitors. The island's liveliest and most famous beach, boasting the most beautiful stretch of sand and numerous hotels (many of them adults-only). A hub for nightlife, shopping, and easy day trips.

    • 2. Balanced/Mixed Atmosphere – Moderate Activity

  • Bo Phut Beach – Quiet boutique area, coarser sand, atmospheric restaurants, breathtaking sunsets.
  • Lamai Beach – Slightly quieter than Chaweng, with moderately fine sand.
  • Maenam Beach – Long golden sandy beach, calm water, few tourists. Ideal for undisturbed, peaceful days at the beach.

    • 3. Those seeking peace and relaxation / lovers of privacy

  • Choeng Mon Beach – Small, idyllic, fine sand, clear water, exclusive resorts. Perfect for a quiet, luxurious stay.
  • Taling Ngam – Secluded, few hotels, breathtaking sunsets. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and anyone who wants to enjoy undisturbed views.

    • 4. Price-conscious/practical travelers

  • Lipa Noi – Located near the ferry terminal, therefore convenient for arrival and departure. The sand and water are of poor quality, but the inexpensive seafood makes the stay pleasant.

    • Koh Samui transport map: Getting there and around

    Are you flying to Koh Samui? Then you'll land at Samui International Airport (USM). From there, you can reach popular spots like Chaweng or Bophut Beach in just 10-15 minutes by car.

    Arrival in Koh Samui from abroad

    There are several international flights to Koh Samui. Singapore and Hong Kong are the main options.

    Getting to Koh Samui from other Thai cities

    The map shows travel times from major Thai cities. From popular cities, it takes 1 to 2 hours to reach.

    Bangkok and Phuket are the most reliable destinations with year-round flight connections. A little tip: Tickets can sell out quickly, so it's best to book 2-3 months in advance.

    If you are taking the ferry, Donsak Pier in Surat Thani is your only access point.

    How to get around on Koh Samui

    Koh Samui is small – you can drive around the island in about three hours. Despite its small size, public transport is limited.

    There is no official bus service. Only songthaews (shared taxis) operate along the ring road and between larger towns such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Nathon.

    You can get on and off almost anywhere along the route, but at quieter times or on side streets the waiting time can be longer than you would like.

    If comfort and flexibility are important to you (especially if you have family or luggage), renting a car or booking a driver will make your life much easier.

    Koh Samui travel plan: How long should you stay there?

    Most travelers spend more than three nights on Koh Samui. Besides relaxing on the beach, they can also explore the surrounding islands such as Koh Nangyuan and Koh Tao.

    Popular day trips in Koh Samui

    1. Koh Tao + Koh Nangyuan – the best all-round day trip: Activities: Snorkeling at several reefs, time on the beach, a short hike to a viewpoint and photos of the famous sandbank.

    2. Ang Thong National Marine Park – active, longer day: Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking & breathtaking scenery

    3. Koh Phangan – ideal for romantic sunsets. Activities: snorkeling, relaxing on quiet beaches, and sailing at sunset.

    4. Koh Tan + Koh Mudsum – ideal for relaxing days. Activities: Peaceful snorkeling, relaxed beaches, and a fun stop to feed the pigs.

    Tip: Most of our guests spend 1-2 days island hopping (especially Koh Tao or the Ang Thong National Marine Park) and 1-2 days relaxing on the resort's beaches or at the spa. Time permitting, they also dedicate a day to exploring the island's culture and experiences, from temples and cooking classes to encounters with elephants kept in a natural environment.

    From map to itinerary: Planning Koh Samui and the surrounding area

    Now that Koh Samui seems more sensible, the next step is to find the right time to travel and combine the trip with other destinations in Thailand.

    Our Koh Samui travel guides, including information on the best time to visit and trip planning, will help you make your trip smooth and relaxing. Or contact us directly to customize your Koh Samui trip.

    If you would like to further your planning, you can also view our city maps: