Thailand’s second largest island in the Gulf of Thailand
Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, Thailand’s second-largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Isthmus of Kra. It’s known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest.
Koh Samui offers a wide range of accommodation, from 5-star to budget. You can choose from beachfront or hillside accommodations, catering to those seeking a vibrant nightlife, a relaxed atmosphere, or privacy.
Whether you’re a sun worshipper, chilling in a hammock, feasting on world-class cuisine, beach partying, or discovering wellness in an exclusive spa, Koh Samui has it covered. There is truly something to do for everyone.
The island doesn’t have ancient sites to visit but offers a wide range of tours to the surrounding islands: Koh Madsum (Pig Island), Koh Taen, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Angthong National Marine Park. For those interested in Thai culture, there are numerous modern temples and waterfalls, and for the more active, there is waterfall hiking and breathtaking viewpoints.
You can engage in activities such as zip-lining, ATV off-road tours, off-road 4×4 tours, and cooking classes. Vast choices for massages, beach locations, exclusive spa days, or packages.
Koh Samui has 19 beaches to visit; although most of the beaches are not suitable for sunbathing or swimming, all have something of interest to see.
The most popular beaches are Chaweng beach (the largest beach), Chaweng Noi beach, Crystal Bay, Silver beach, Lamai, Maenam beach, Lipa Noi, Cheong Mon beach, and Bophut beach.
Throughout the week, you can visit walking street markets, offering street food and souvenirs. The most popular walking streets are Fisherman Village (Friday evening) and Lamai (Sunday evening). Chaweng hosts a nightly walking street market, which also includes a large food market.
Getting to Koh Samui
You have many options, and all depending on your budget, or holiday duration.
Koh Samui International Airport (USM): Domestic Arrivals from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chang Mai.
Internationally: Singapore, Malaysia, and China
Surat Thani International Airport (URT): Air Asia joint ticket from Bangkok, Don Muang Airport
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST): Air Asia(Joint Ticket), Nok Air( Joint Ticket) Thai Smile from Bangkok Don Muang
By Boat: Ferries arriving from the mainland, Donsak.
Seatran Ferry: Arrives into Nathon Town
Songsern Ferry: Arrives into Nathon Town
Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran: Arrives from Suratthani at Nathon Pier
Raja Ferry: Arrives at Lipa Noi Pier
By Train: Surat Thani Train Station from Bangkok
