2025 Koh Samui Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 4)

About Koh Samui

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

31°C

View Local Experiences on Map

Koh Samui Local Travel Guide 2025

View More





Koh Samui Brief Guide

Koh Samui doesn’t just wow you—it wraps you in its charm. Coconut palms sway with their own rhythm, and the reefs are the sea’s masterpiece. Visit the Big Buddha for a moment of calm, or explore Fisherman’s Village, where every corner hums with local culture. Famous enough to land a role in The White Lotus Season 3, Koh Samui isn’t just a destination—it’s a place that stays with you.

Koh Samui Must-try Local Experiences

1. Connect with Sacred Beauty Koh Samui’s spiritual side shines at the Big Buddha Temple, home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in southern Thailand, and the serene Guan Yu Shrine. These sacred spots offer quiet moments, stunning views, and a glimpse into the island’s spiritual heart. 2. Explore Ang Thong Marine Park Just a short boat ride from Koh Samui lies Ang Thong Marine Park, a paradise of 40 islands where emerald lagoons, hidden beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs create a scene straight out of a dream. Paddle through crystal-clear waters in a kayak, hike to viewpoints that steal your breath, or snorkel among reefs teeming with life. Don’t skip Koh Wua Ta Lap, where white sands meet jaw-dropping vistas, or Koh Mae Koh, with its magical emerald lagoon cradled by towering green cliffs. This is nature’s playground at its finest. 3. Unwind on Samui’s Beaches Chaweng Beach buzzes with energy and offers the longest stretch of sand on the island, while Lamai Beach provides a quieter escape with its iconic Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. For ultimate tranquility, head to Lipa Noi, where soft sands and calm waters create a peaceful retreat. 4. Chase Waterfalls Discover Samui’s lush jungles and cascading waterfalls. Na Muang 1 is easily accessible with a large pool for swimming, while Na Muang 2 rewards adventurers with a steep climb and stunning views. For a hidden gem, visit Hin Lad Waterfall, where a trek through green trails leads to a serene natural pool. 5. Feel the Thrill of Muay Thai Witness Thailand's national sport come alive at Samui International Muaythai Boxing Stadium—where fists fly, crowds roar, and centuries of tradition meet heart-pounding action. Want more than just spectating? Lamai Muay Thai Camp, officially sanctioned by the World Muaythai Council (WMC), and local Thai boxing gyms offer training for all levels. Learn authentic techniques, push your limits, and gain true respect for the fighters' skill and discipline. 6. Cook Like a Local Join a Thai cooking class and learn to whip up classics like Tom Yum or Pad Thai using fresh, local ingredients. Bonus: you get to eat your delicious creations afterward. 7. Shop at Local Markets Koh Samui’s night markets are a sensory delight, and Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is the star of the show. What was once a quiet fishing village is now a charming blend of rustic wooden shophouses transformed into stylish boutiques, street food gems, and quirky shops. Stroll under the string lights, snack on local bites, and hunt for unique souvenirs—it’s shopping with a side of seaside charm. 8. Awaken Your Inner Artist Unearth the Secret Buddha Garden, a hidden jungle retreat where mystical statues, moss-covered sculptures, and weathered rocks create an enchanting, otherworldly charm. Or explore Samui’s art scene at gems like Samui Art Center and House of Lucie, where local creativity comes alive through captivating photography and exhibitions. 9. Ride and Explore Hop on a motorbike and zip around the island. Discover hidden beaches, local temples, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. Just remember to wear a helmet and drive safely!

Koh Samui Travel Tips

1. Beware of Jellyfish: Keep an eye out for jellyfish, especially during the rainy season. Some beaches have protective nets, but if stung, rinse the area with vinegar and seek medical help immediately. Wear protective swimwear, avoid swimming after rain or at night, and always heed warning signs. 2. Watch for Falling Coconuts: Koh Samui is famous for its coconut groves, but relaxing under a coconut tree comes with risks. Choose your sunbathing spot wisely and avoid lingering under coconut palms for too long. 3. Temple Etiquette: When visiting temples, revered as sacred places by Thai Buddhists, it's important to show respect by dressing modestly. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, keep noise to a minimum, and follow any posted signs, such as those requesting no photography or asking visitors to remove shoes. Women should maintain a respectful distance from monks. 4. Food Hygiene: Street food is generally safe, but stick to busy stalls where food is cooked fresh to order. Avoid raw or undercooked dishes, and opt for bottled water. If in doubt, observe how the food is prepared. 5. Motorcycle Rental Scams: When renting a motorbike, inspect it thoroughly for pre-existing damage to avoid being charged later. Avoid handing over your passport as collateral, use your own lock, and be cautious of rental shops staging thefts to claim compensation. 6. Monsoon Season Prep: Koh Samui’s monsoon season lasts from October to January. Be ready for heavy downpours and potential ferry cancellations due to rough seas. 7. Road Safety Tips: Remember that Thailand drives on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right. If you rent a motorbike, always wear a helmet and drive cautiously. Ensure you have an international driving license and comprehensive insurance. Avoid speeding, stay out of blind spots, and be mindful of other road users. 8. Bug Spray Essentials: Pack insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes, especially in the evenings or in natural areas. It’s a simple way to avoid bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. 9. Alcohol Regulations: Alcohol sales are restricted to specific hours and prohibited in religious sites, government offices, and public health facilities. The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. Additionally, alcohol sales are banned on important Buddhist holidays Makha Bucha Day and Visakha Bucha Day.

Koh Samui Must-see Attractions

Koh Samui is Thailand's third-largest island, offering a rich blend of beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and a variety of activities, from vibrant nightlife at Chaweng Beach to the serene natural beauty of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park and the cultural significance of Wat Phra Yai's Big Buddha.

Koh Samui Where to Stay

Koh Samui is a tropical paradise in Thailand, known for its stunning beaches and diverse accommodation options. The island's lodging is spread across various regions, each offering unique experiences to travelers.

Koh Samui Food Guide

Koh Samui's cuisine is celebrated for its fresh seafood seasoned with Thai flavors, reflecting the island's rich culinary heritage and the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes.

Koh Samui Useful Guide

From Samui International Airport, you can reach various parts of the island using: 1. Taxis – Convenient but can be pricey for direct trips from the airport. 2. Shared minivans – A budget-friendly option for group travelers. 3. Private transfers – Comfortable and hassle-free, though a bit more expensive. 4. Car rentals – Perfect for exploring the island at your own pace. Keep in mind that direct transportation from the airport tends to be on the higher end cost-wise. Surat Thani International Airport If you’re flying into Surat Thani International Airport, you can take a ferry to Samui. Ferry services can be booked online or at counters right outside the airport. While this option is more affordable than flying directly to Samui, it does add extra travel time. Bus and Ferry Services Currently, some bus and ferry operators offer combined routes to Samui, including providers like Lomprayah, BKS 999, and Sombat Tour. These services are a great way to save money, though schedules and routes may vary.