Taxi or hotel pickup to the beaches
Samui International Airport (USM) is in the island's northeast, close to Chaweng. Use the airport taxi counter or a hotel pickup.
Korean MOFA travel advisory: Your destination: Level 1 (exercise caution) · some areas of the country have advisories
Elsewhere in the country: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: L3 (leave): southern Songkhla (Malaysia border), Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, within 50 km of the Thai-Cambodian border / L2: Tak / Special advisory: Chiang Saen (Laos border) and Mae Sai (Myanmar border) checkpoints / L1: rest of the country
Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).
since 2025-12-10 · checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Koh Samui Travel Guide
Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand mixes palm-lined beaches, resorts and quiet fishing villages. Relax on the sand, then take a boat to Ang Thong Marine National Park or nearby islands for snorkeling.
Plan your Koh Samui trip
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At a glance
- Currency
- THB (฿)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type A/B/C/O
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- ภาษาไทย
- How long to stay
- 4 to 5 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
January-August is generally sunnier. Being on the Gulf side, Samui's rainy season differs from Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman coast: October-December is wettest and boats can be cancelled.
Airport to the city
Shared minivan
Shared vans drop off at several hotels — cheaper if you're traveling solo. Ask at the airport counter.
Flights from further afield
Many international routes connect via Bangkok, Singapore or other hubs. Flying to Surat Thani and continuing by bus and ferry is possible but slow. Compare connections and total travel time.
Getting around
Songthaews (shared trucks)
The cheapest way around the ring road. Confirm the destination and fare before boarding.
Taxis
Island taxis are pricey. Agree on the fare first or ask your hotel to call one.
Ride-hailing apps
Available on the island, though cars can be scarce. Fares are set in advance.
Scooter or car rental
Hilly roads and frequent accidents. Check you hold a licence valid in Thailand and what your travel insurance covers.
Where to stay
Chaweng
Good for: First visit, dining & nightlife
The island's busiest beach, with lots of restaurants, shops and tour counters, lively into the night.
Lamai
Good for: A calmer beach
Quieter than Chaweng but with plenty of places to eat; a long beach and wide choice of stays.
Bophut (Fisherman's Village)
Good for: Village charm, evening strolls
A restored fishing-village street with beachfront restaurants and a Friday evening walking-street market.
Maenam
Good for: Quiet rest, value
A peaceful north-coast beach suited to resort stays.
Map of stays in Koh Samui
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Koh Samui in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Ang Thong Marine National Park day trip
Around 40 limestone islands for kayaking, snorkeling and a viewpoint hike. Check official information on park fees and sailings.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
A large golden Buddha on a small island. Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes.
Wat Plai Laem
A colorful lakeside temple known for its many-armed Guanyin statue.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks
Oddly shaped coastal rocks south of Lamai. Don't climb them when waves are high.
Na Muang waterfalls
Two forest waterfalls; slippery after rain, so take care.
Na Muang waterfalls · Photo: Koudkeu / CC BY-SA 4.0 Fisherman's Village Friday market
A Friday evening walking-street market in old Bophut, good for street food and souvenirs.
Chaweng Beach
The island's busiest white-sand beach, for beach activities and walks.
Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan snorkeling trip
A full-day boat trip to neighboring islands with clear water. Long travel times, and trips may be cancelled in rough seas.
What to eat
Grilled seafood
Pick prawns or fish at beach restaurants to be grilled; many price by weight, so check first.
Massaman curry
A mild curry with coconut milk and spices. About THB 150-250.
Som tam
Pounded green papaya salad, sour and spicy. About THB 60-120.
Fresh coconut
Samui is covered in palms, so cold coconuts are everywhere. About THB 50-100.
Mango sticky rice
Sweet sticky rice with ripe mango. About THB 80-150.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout THB 1,500-2,200 per day: guesthouse, street food, songthaews
Mid-rangeabout THB 4,000-6,000 per day: beach hotel, tours, restaurants
Comfortabout THB 12,000+ per day: pool-villa resort, private car
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Airport to your hotel, check in, a beach walk, then seafood for dinner.
- Day 2
Ang Thong Marine National Park day trip (kayaking and snorkeling).
- Day 3
Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem in the morning, Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks and Lamai Beach in the afternoon, then the Fisherman's Village market if it's Friday.
- Day 4
Na Muang waterfalls, a coconut and mango sticky rice, then the airport.
Local tips
- Island taxis are expensive. Agree on the fare first or book through your hotel.
- Boat trips can be cancelled on the day due to weather; avoid booking one on your last day.
- National park fees may be separate from tour prices — check what's included when booking.
- Jellyfish sometimes appear; check beach warning signs.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples.
- Thai entry rules (visa exemption periods, digital arrival card, etc.) can change. Check official Thai government information before you travel.
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