Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is classified as part of Surat Thani province, and it is known for its many beautiful beaches. However, there is a wide variety of sights and activities in Koh Samui, from the beach bars at Chaweng Beach, to the maket in Fisherman’s Village. The island of Samui is home to many fascinating Buddhist temples, and some stunning waterfalls.
Each of Koh Samui’s beaches offer visitors a unique experience and the island has something for everyone. Read on to discover what makes Koh Samui so special.
Koh Samui (Ko Samui), like many other places in Southeast Asia, has a tropical climate, and the weather changes drastically between seasons. Many tourist activities depend on the weather, such as sightseeing. The weather also affects how busy Koh Samui gets. During the dry season, more tourists visit Koh Samui to enjoy the pleasant weather.
As a result, someone who visits Koh Samui during the high season will have a different experience than someone visiting during the low season.
As with many other places in Thailand, Koh Samui’s Weather includes three seasons; the hot season, rainy season, and dry season. However, for new travellers, the weather can be hard to navigate, and it can be challenging to decide when to visit Koh Samui. Here is a guide to Koh Samui weather that might help.
The hot season in Koh Samui runs from April to August, with May being Koh Samui’s hottest month. Unfortunately, this month is also reasonably humid. With average temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather can become uncomfortable. This is especially true for tourists who enjoy sightseeing and other outdoor adventures like hiking.
However, if you intend to spend most of your time swimming or sunbathing, a beach holiday during Koh Samui’s hot season may be perfect for you.
On the other hand, April has more pleasant temperatures and less rain. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter vacation, this could be the perfect month to visit Koh Samui as the weather is nice, but it is still part of the low season.
As a result, Koh Samui won’t be as busy, and prices will still be relatively low. Therefore, you are likely to get better deals during this season. In addition, this season contains the Thai New Year celebrations and has good weather for water sports.
The rainy season, from September to late October or November, is wet and humidity is high. As with many places in Thailand, Koh Samui’s rainy season is considered monsoon season.
However, the rainy months in Koh Samui are not nearly as wet as in some other areas. November is typically Koh Samui’s wettest month, with fairly frequent rain showers. The rains usually happen in short bursts but clear up by late afternoon. September, however, usually has significantly less rainfall and more sunny days.
If you enjoy a quieter vacation destination, September may be a great month to visit Koh Samui. Koh Samui’s rainy season is considered low season, which means fewer crowds and lower prices.
Many people will agree that the dry season, from mid-December to March, is the best time to visit Koh Samui. Typically the most pleasant season weather-wise, the dry season in Koh Samui comes with low temperatures, low humidity, and little rain.
The average temperature during this time is around 80 degrees. This makes for good beach weather and is perfect for bathing in the sunshine, swimming, and hiking. The dry season also has great weather for sightseeing.
However, December to March is also peak season in Koh Samui and many tourists stream to the island for vacation. As a result, flight tickets and hotel rates are also at their highest during the high season.
This is the ideal season for outdoor activities, hiking, scuba diving, sightseeing, and spending time at the beach.
The dry season from around early December to March is, weather-wise, the ideal time to visit Koh Samui. The weather is cooler and less humid than during the other seasons. It is also peak season, which is perfect for travellers who enjoy the hustle and bustle.
However, keep in mind that prices will likely be higher.
Key events:
Makha Bucha Day – Makha Bucha (Māgha Pūjā) is celebrated on the full moon during the third lunar month by Buddhist temples hosting a candlelight procession.
Koh Samui Midnight Run – A 5 or 10-kilometre nighttime fun run held annually (often in March) in Koh Samui to raise money for charity.
April to November is considered the off-season for Koh Samui weather, and as a result, there are fewer tourists, and prices are much lower than during peak season. While the weather is not as pleasant as during the high season, with some of the rainiest months and hottest months of the year, April and September are the best off-season months to visit Koh Samui.
Key events:
Songkran Festival – Thai New Year, typically celebrated in April with massive water-fights in the streets.
Koh Samui Regatta – A series of yacht races usually held for a week in July, a must-attend event for new visitors or those who enjoy the sunny dies.
Loy Krathong Festival – Typically celebrated in November, on the full moon night, baskets of banana leaves (or made of bread, in recent years) with flowers, candles, and incense are placed in water to release the negative energies of the previous year and make a wish for good fortune.
Koh Samui is located a little more than 700 Kilometres from Bangkok, around 350 Kilometres from Phuket, and just over 20 kilometres from Koh Phangan.
Located in the gulf of southeastern Thailand, Koh Samui only has one airport. However, Koh Samui Airport is often referred to as one of the most stunning airports in the world. Koh Samui International Airport can be found on the northern tip of the island, close to Bo Phut and Chaweng Beach.
Bangkok Airways intended to turn Koh Samui Airport into an International Air Hub in Thailand, like Surat Thani Airport in Bangkok. The purpose of the expansion was to launch more direct flights to and from Koh Samui. This expansion would include direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Shanghai, and Dubai.
Read on to discover different ways you can reach the beautiful white sand beaches of Koh Samui today.
Direct flightsOf the different ways to get to Koh Samui, flying is the easiest and most comfortable.
Koh Samui Airport was built and is privately owned by Bangkok Airways. As a result, most of the daily flights from Koh Samui are made by Bangkok Airways. It used to be the only airline offering flights from Koh Samui International Airport. However, more recently, Thai Airways began offering flights from Koh Samui Airport, as well.
Koh Samui Airport mainly serves domestic flights and airlines. However, Koh Samui International Airport does accept international flights from Singapore and Hong Kong. Those travelling from further away, however, may not be able to take direct flights into Koh Samui.
Koh Samui Airport is beautiful, with bamboo thatched buildings and tropical plants and flowers. It really sets the tone for a beach holiday.
Note: Not many areas in the airport are air-conditioned.
Bangkok is the largest and busiest city in Thailand, dwarfing all other cities with a staggering 10 million people in its population. As a result, many travellers who enter Koh Samui come from Bangkok.
PlaneBecause Koh Samui (Ko Samui) Airport is owned by Bangkok Airways, one of the most common ways to travel to Koh Samui Island is with a flight from Bangkok. As they are relatively close to one another, a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to Koh Samui only takes around 80 minutes.
While this is the quickest and most convenient option, it is also the most expensive way of getting to Koh Samui. Depending on the airline, a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui can cost anything from 4500 to 6000 Thai Baht.
However, airlines such as Air Asia and Nok Air offer cheaper combined trip tickets from Don Muang Airport to Nathon Pier. The trip takes much longer, at around six to ten hours, and you will need to take additional transportation from there.
Note: Flying to Koh Samui is more expensive than some other areas in Thailand because the airport in Koh Samui is privately owned.
By Train and FerryWhile not the quickest way to get to Koh Samui, there is the option of taking a combination train and ferry trip.
You can take an overnight train at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, and it will take you to Surat Thani Station. From there, you can travel via bus to Donsak Pier and take a ferry to Koh Samui.
The entire journey takes around 15 hours. Combination tickets such as these, which includes all transportation from Bangkok to Koh Samui, will cost about 1400 Thai Baht, making it considerably cheaper than flying.
Note: When combining a train, bus, and ferry ticket like this, it is essential to book ahead of time to secure your seats.
By Bus and FerryPerhaps the cheapest option for getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok is a combined bus and ferry trip. There are different public buses leaving from Sai Tai Mai Station or Khao San Road in Bangkok every day.
The bus will then take you to Surat Thani Pier, where you can take one of the ferries to Koh Samui.
Travelling to Koh Samui by bus and ferry can take around 14 to 18 hours, which makes it the slowest option. However, the entire trip can cost as little as 850 Thai Baht and includes both the bus and ferry tickets.
Note: You may decide to take a VIP bus instead of a public bus, as many of these buses are more comfortable and offer air conditioning or snacks.
Another option to reach Koh Samui is to fly first to Phuket Airport and travel to Koh Samui from there. Phuket International Airport is situated in Phuket City.
Phuket offers a direct flight to Koh Samui International airport. The journey takes just under an hour, and tickets can cost around 3000 Thai Baht.
However, much like in Bangkok, there is the option of using combined trips. A combined bus and ferry trip takes about 8 hours from Phuket to Koh Samui and will set you back about 500 THB.
Another option is to use a private car rental. These services can usually be found right at the airport but are typically one of the more expensive modes of travel. A private car does, however, come with the added comfort of travelling by yourself and at your own pace.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island and part of Surat Thani province. The island of Samui has beautiful sandy beaches, such as Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach, and is a lovely vacation destination. It is well worth exploring and has many exciting attractions.
While Koh Samui doesn’t have tuk-tuks or buses, there are still many other ways to explore Koh Samui Island. For example, many people make use of guided tours to explore the island. However, if you aren’t interested in taking a guided tour, there are still a wide range of public transport options to use on your trip to Koh Samui.
Read on to discover different private and public transportation options for getting around Koh Samui.
Ride-Hailing AppsOne of the best ways of getting around Koh Samui is through the use of a ride-hailing app. Perhaps the most famous international company for ride-hailing apps is Uber. However, Uber has been replaced by the Grab app in Thailand and all throughout Southeast Asia.
Grab
While the Grab app is the most popular ride-hailing app in Thailand, there aren’t as many drivers available in Koh Samui. It can be as costly as Taxis, and you would need to book your ride ahead of time to ensure that you get a driver.
SongthaewSongthaews are a common sight in Thailand and another popular form of public transport to get around Koh Samui. A songthaew is a pick-up truck that has been converted to contain two long benches which can fit up to eight or ten passengers. In fact, the word Songthaew means ‘two benches’.
Sometimes, when the driver agrees to take on even more passengers, tourists stand on the back bumper and hang on to the railing. However, passengers should do this at their own risk. Songthaews typically have luggage racks on their roofs to stow passenger luggage.
Songthaews are very affordable and can often be found at Koh Samui Airport or a ferry terminal. Apart from walking, they are the cheapest transport options for travellers in Koh Samui.
Much like taxis, songthaews can be flagged down to hail a ride. Once you want to get off and have rung the bell, or you have reached your destination, you will need to pay. Depending on your destination, you can expect to pay anything from 50 Thai Baht for a songthaew ride.
In the evenings, some songthaew drivers are willing to take you anywhere, for a higher price, much like private taxis.
Note: Keep some cash and small notes or change with you to make payment easier. Be sure to agree on the price before accepting the ride.
TaxiIt is not hard to find a taxi in Koh Samui. They are ideal for shorter distances, like travelling to and from your accommodation or visiting one of Koh Samui’s secluded beaches.
All Koh Samui taxis are yellow and maroon in colour, making them easy to spot. They are one of the most comfortable ways to travel in Koh Samui, but they are run by only one taxi company. This means that taxis are one of the more expensive ways to get around Koh Samui. However, the vehicles are maintained well, and many of them are air-conditioned.
Taxis are a convenient means of travel in that they can take tourists directly to their desired destinations and aren’t limited to fixed routes. Another perk of taxis is that they are so readily available. You can find them all over the island, near popular tourist attractions, at the airport, and in the streets.
Note: Like with songthaews, it’s important to negotiate and agree on a fixed rate beforehand as meters are often not used. If you find a reliable taxi driver with an agreeable price, get their contact information and book them again the next time you need a taxi ride. This will save you the hassle of trying to negotiate the cost every time.
Motorbike TaxisMotorbike taxis operate in much the same fashion as regular taxis but are often a cheaper option and ideal for those travelling by themselves. These motorbike taxis are also an excellent alternative to renting a motorcycle.
They are recognised by drivers wearing bright, colourful vests. In general, prices are affordable and depend on the distance you plan to travel. The price for most journeys can be agreed on beforehand. Because a motorbike taxi can zip through traffic, they reach most destinations quicker than big vehicles like cars or songthaews.
Make sure you get a helmet from your driver before accepting a ride or choose another if that one doesn’t have a helmet. Thailand’s roads are notoriously dangerous and prone to traffic accidents, so it is better to protect yourself.
Rental VehicleRenting a car in Koh Samui is the safest, most comfortable, and most flexible way to explore the island. You have the convenience of travelling wherever you would like, and at your own pace, without the limitations of crowded public transport vehicles or fixed routes. In addition, rental cars usually have air-conditioning, which is ideal for the hotter months in Koh Samui.
Many reputable vehicle rental companies are available at Koh Samui or Surat Thani Airport, such as Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Still, you may also decide to rent a car from a well-established local company. Your hotel would likely be able to give you some recommendations.
However, you would need either a valid Thai or International Driving Permit to rent a car. This is also one of the most expensive ways of getting around Koh Samui, with prices starting at around 800 to 1000 Thai Baht per day. Luxury vehicles can cost around 2000 THB a day.
When renting a car, take pictures and make thorough notes of any pre-existing problems or damage, to protect yourself against any potential scams upon return of the vehicle.
There is also the option of motorbike rental. Rental motorcycles are common in Koh Samui and can cost anything from 150 to 350 Thai Baht a day, depending on the brand. However, keep in mind that a deposit is always required when renting a motorcycle. The security deposit is usually around 1000 to 3000 Thai Baht, and you will get it back upon the return of the motorcycle. It is not advised to leave your passport, ID, or license as security- even though some rental services would accept them. Ensure that you have enough cash for the deposit before renting your vehicle.
Note: Roads in Koh Samui aren’t always well maintained, so check that the vehicle you are renting has insurance and opt for a 4 x 4 if possible. Also, remember that Thailand is a left-driving country.
On FootWalking or renting a bicycle are healthy ways of getting around Koh Samui. In addition, some guided tours are taken on bicycles, and both are great options for shorter distances and when travelling by yourself.
However, keep in mind that Koh Samui’s temperatures rise during the day, and you run the risk of sunburn when exposed to the sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, ensure you wear adequate sun protection and drink a lot of water.
When renting a bicycle, also keep in mind that the traffic in Koh Samui can be dangerous, so drive carefully and wear a helmet and protective gear.
Renting a good mountain bike is perhaps the cheapest way of travelling in Koh Samui and can cost as little as 80 to 150 THB a day. On the other hand, walking is completely free, but you are limited to the attractions within walking distance. Walking is also not safe for very long distances.
The Thai island, Koh Samui, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Thailand. Not only is it home to many beautiful beaches, but there are also some stunning Buddhist temples to visit if you like to immerse yourself in Thai culture. In addition, if you enjoy shopping and eating authentic Thai food, the island also has many walking street night markets to choose from.
Where you stay when you visit Koh Samui will likely depend on your budget and individual needs, and for a first-time visitor, it can be challenging to choose an area.
When deciding where to stay in Koh Samui, most people recommend choosing one of the many beautiful Koh Samui beaches.
Jump to location
Chaweng is often considered the capital of Koh Samui. Located on the east coast of the island, Chaweng Beach is perhaps the most developed and busiest beach on Koh Samui. Therefore, it is an excellent place for tourists who enjoy the hustle and bustle.
The beach itself is a long stretch of white sand, perfect for sunbathing and partying. Many tourists come to Chaweng Beach to jet ski. Chaweng Beach has many beachfront hotels, resorts, and other forms of accommodation available. In northern Chaweng, there is an active nightlife scene, perfect for younger visitors. On the other hand, southern Chaweng is better for those looking for a more quiet beach.
Chaweng is the perfect area if you plan on going out at night to socialize with other tourists or visit one of the many nightclubs.
Chaweng is not the best beach if you want a quiet vacation. It is a tourist hub, packed with people all the time. So you would be hard-pressed to find a secluded beach in the Chaweng area.
Lamai Beach is the second most-visited in Koh Samui. It is located next to Silver Beach, close to Chaweng Beach. There are many beachfront bars, restaurants, and accommodation options at Lamai Beach. The water is clean and perfect for swimming. However, the main appeal of Lamai Beach is that it is more peaceful than Chaweng Beach.
Another perk of Lamai Beach is that it is located close to the waterfalls in Koh Samui and Wat Lamai. Wat Lamai is one of the many Buddhist Temples in Koh Samui. If you enjoy immersing yourself in Thai culture, you may enjoy a visit to the history and Buddhist artefacts museum located at Wat Lamai.
Lamai is home to the Lamai Fresh Food Market, the Sunday Lamai Street Market, and the Lamai Viewpoint. There are also sites that are perfect for children, making Lamai ideal for families.
Local people often recommend Lamai Beach, as it’s an excellent place for couples or visitors on a budget. In addition, the accommodation options in Lamai are more affordable than in Chaweng, so you won’t struggle to find a budget hotel.
Because so many of the hotels and resorts are walking distance from the beach, it can be difficult to access Lamai Beach unless you are staying in one of them. While it has a more laid-back atmosphere than Chaweng, it is far from the peace and quiet some travellers may prefer.
On the northern side of Koh Samui, there is a very long strip of sand called Mae Nam Beach. This attractive beach is ideal for long walks and fishing. The beach is close to the Maenam Walking Street Market and Wat Phu Khao Thong.
Many shops, restaurants, bistros, and cafés can be found scattered along the length of Mae Nam Beach. It is the longest and most quiet beach in Koh Samui, perfect for people who enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from crowds.
It is an ideal area for family vacationers or those who enjoy outdoor activities like kite surfing. The private villas in the area are also perfect places for couples on a romantic getaway. However, luxury hotels aren’t the only accommodation options in Maenam. There are also a wide variety of mid-range hotels to choose from, and it is popular among backpackers.
It is one of the most affordable areas on the island.
While it is more serene, there is not much going on at Maenam in terms of Koh Samui’s Nightlife.
Bophut Beach is close to the famous Koh Samui Fisherman’s Village and is another ideal area for families to stay in Koh Samui. Fisherman’s Village is one of the best and most popular night markets in Koh Samui.
Situated on the north coast of the island, Bophut is an excellent middle ground between overcrowded and isolated. The Bophut beach area has many luxury resorts and hotels and is perfect for tourists who don’t mind spending a little extra for optimal comfort. It has an upmarket vibe, and the beach is ideal for swimming.
Bophut is a charming, rustic area with many restaurants and shops. The village is named so as it is believed that fishermen reached Koh Samui via this beach and then settled on the island. While not many of these fishermen remain in Bophut, the area has retained its Thai-Chinese heritage and architecture. The village also has some art galleries for those looking for some culture.
Bophut Beach is also close to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Koh Samui.
While the area is ideal for families, it may not be the best place for budget travellers or backpackers as it is a more high-end and, therefore, more expensive area.
Located in the northeast of Koh Samui near Thongson Beach, Choeng Mon Beach is a great area for first-time visitors. Often described as one of the best beaches, Choeng Mon Beach is only five minutes away from the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem and only fifteen minutes away from Chaweng Beach. It is also reasonably close to Koh Samui International Airport, but not so close that the noise from the airport will be a disturbance. Locals often recommend the Choeng Mon Beach area as it is clean and away from the hustle and bustle.
It is one of the quieter areas in Koh Samui, and the beach is beautiful with white sand and clear blue water. The pristine beaches of Choeng Mon are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, and many tourists indulge in some fresh seafood that is prepared and sold by fishermen around the beach. However, there are still many restaurants for tourists to enjoy in Choeng Mon.
Choeng Mon Beach has many luxury resorts and some of the best luxury hotels, making it perfect for visitors with a bigger budget or couples looking for a luxurious romantic holiday. There are also a good variety of mid-range hotels.
During the low tide, tourists are within walking distance from the two tiny nearby islands of Koh Fan Noi and Koh Fan Yai.
The area is one of the more expensive ones, so you may struggle to find cheap hotels and budget-friendly accommodation options. However, you will be able to find a budget hotel in the nearby Chaweng Beach area.
Big Buddha Beach area is an excellent place to be if you enjoy immersing yourself in Thai Culture.
The Big Buddha Beach, or Bang Rak Beach, is located close to Bophut Beach and Koh Samui Airport and is so named because it is close to the Big Buddha Temple.
Wat Phra Yai is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Koh Samui. It is this twelve metre tall golden Buddha statue that first greets most travellers when they fly into Koh Samui. It is a must-see. However, keep in mind that you dress appropriately when visiting Big Buddha, as the temple is still a sacred religious site despite being so popular among tourists.
This is a fast-rising area in Koh Samui, with many budget-friendly bungalows and mid-range hotels to choose from. Bang Rak Beach also has many restaurants where visitors can enjoy the local cuisine. More recently, the main road in this area has expanded to include some bars, pubs, and other nightlife attractions. There is also the Bang Rak Market, open throughout the week for those who enjoy shopping.
Because it is located near a pier, Big Buddha Beach is not the ideal place for swimming as boats often come and go on their way to and from Koh Phangan. However, this is a perfect place to be if you intend to go to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan.
Lipa Noi Beach can be found on the west coast of Koh Samui. This is one of the island’s most secluded beaches and has very little activity.
The bungalows are budget-friendly and spaced out among the palm trees, each a fair distance away from each other and the beach, making Lipa Noi perhaps the most private beach in Koh Samui. Because there are fewer accommodation options here, Lipa Noi is a great area to meet local residents as you are more likely to run into them than other tourists.
The sand is fine, and the water is blue and shallow, which is ideal for swimming with young children. However, because the water at Lipa Noi Beach is so quiet and shallow, it is sometimes described as feeling more like a large swimming pool than an ocean.
Lipa Noi Beach is located near the Koh Samui Memorial Park and Wat Namtok Hin Lat. It is also reasonably close to many of the waterfalls in Koh Samui, including Lat Wanon Waterfall and Hin Lat Waterfall.
Because this is such a remote area, there aren’t many beachfront activities for vacationers to enjoy, and it wouldn’t be ideal for tourists who enjoy busier cities.
Koh Samui is the second-biggest island in Thailand, and there is no shortage of activities and tourist attractions to experience here – from the many beaches to the Fisherman’s Village.
However, it may be challenging for first-time visitors to decide between the different Koh Samui attractions because it is such a big island. Read on to discover some of the most popular things to do in Koh Samui.
The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is Koh Samui’s most famous Buddhist temple. The temple’s giant golden Buddha greets travellers when they fly into Koh Samui Airport, and Wat Phra Yai is a popular tourist attraction for tourists who visit Koh Samui.
However, Wat Phra Yai is not the only temple worth seeing. Koh Samui is home to several stunning Buddhist temples.
The Hin Lad Waterfall temple is located in Koh Samui’s green jungles, close to the Hin Lad Waterfall. Wat Namtok Hin Lad has many Buddha statues and religious figures for visitors to see. There is also a beautiful garden and jungle walking path. The temple is usually calm and quiet, making it one of the most relaxing attractions in Koh Samui.
Wat Plai Laem in the northeast of the island is another temple worth seeing when you visit Koh Samui. This temple is home to a massive statue of the goddess Guanyin, depicted here with 18 arms. She is the goddess of mercy and compassion, and this temple is a testament to the Chinese influence found all over Koh Samui.
Wat Khunaram is another famous temple complex in Koh Samui, but it may not be for everyone. This temple is home to the mummified monk Luong Pordaeng. The mummy might be unsettling for foreigners, but to the locals, in Koh Samui, his remains are something to look upon in reverence.
While not really part of the temple grounds, the Secret Buddha Garden (Namtok Tar Nim Magic Buddha Garden) at the top of Pom Mountain in Koh Samui has a large collection of Buddha and other religious statues. Tourists come here to relax and take in the gorgeous views.
Much like its many Buddhist temples, the beautiful island of Samui has quite a few waterfalls worth seeing.
The Na Muang Waterfalls are two of Koh Samui’s most visited and most beautiful. These two stunning waterfalls can be found in the southeastern part of Nathon Bay, and a trip or tour to visit these falls is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking. The first Na Muang Waterfall has a natural pool where tourists can take a swim and escape the heat. There are also food stalls and vendors around this area for people to buy snacks and mementoes of their time there. About a 30-minute hike away from there, tourists will find the second Na Muang Waterfall. This fall cascades over rock formations and is surrounded by lush jungle and vegetation. A guided island tour of Koh Samui is likely to include a trip to the Na Muang Waterfalls.
The Namtok Tar Nim waterfall is another Koh Samui waterfall well worth seeing. The Tar Nim Waterfall is hand-made and forms part of the famous Secret Buddha Garden on Pom Mountain. The area is perfect for sightseeing and taking pictures or simply relaxing in nature.
Here are some of the best waterfalls in Koh Samui:
The Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is the largest of the night markets in Koh Samui. Held on Friday evenings from 5 pm to 11 pm, the Fisherman’s Village night market can be found within walking distance from Bophut Beach. The village itself is quiet, and there are many interesting Chinese shop-houses from the 19th century. It is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs, eat some local food at the food stalls, or experience live street performers.
If you’re looking for Chinese street food, the Mae Nam walking street market is the place to be. It is one of the island’s most popular markets and is situated in Koh Samui’s Chinatown, near Mae Nam Beach (Maenam Beach). This market is open on Thursday nights, and it is an excellent example of the Chinese influence on Thai culture in Koh Samui.
There are also other markets to visit in Koh Samui, such as the Chaweng Night Market or the market at Lamai Beach.
Alternatively, if you want to immerse yourself in the Thai culinary arts, you can take a Thai Cooking Class and learn how to make some authentic Thai dishes yourself.
Here are 5 best street food places you can find in Koh Samui:
When visiting Koh Samui, island hopping in the Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, in Surat Thani province, the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park (Angthong Marine Park) is a cluster of 42 islands, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Ang Thong’s main island, Ko Wua Talap, is home to one of the most stunning viewpoints in the Surat Thani province. However, there are many viewpoints and white sandy beaches to choose from when visiting the other nearby islands of Ang Thong National Park. It is a perfect destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, or diving to discover fascinating sea creatures and exotic fish.
The price of visiting the Ang Thong National Marine Park includes the ticket price for the boat trip and a 300 Baht entrance fee per person. The national park also has some bungalows hidden within the tropical forest for the tourists who intend on visiting for more than a day tour.
Tours to Ang Thong can be booked through a travel agent, your guesthouse, or your hotel.
Koh Samui is an island in Thailand’s Gulf and forms part of Surat Thani Province.
It is located just south of Koh Pha Ngan (Koh Phangan), around 700 kilometres south of Bangkok, about 345 kilometres northeast of Phuket, and just over 67 Kilometres south of Koh Tao.
Koh Samui has more than one walking street market scattered all over the island.
The Mae Nam (Maenam) Walking Street Market is one of the most popular in Koh Samui. It is situated in Koh Samui’s Chinatown and opens on Thursday Nights. This market is a great place to enjoy some Chinese street food.
Another very popular market is the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street. This is perhaps the largest walking street market in all of Koh Samui and can be found in the Bophut district within walking distance from its popular beach. It is open on Friday evening every week, from 5 pm to 11 pm. There are many shopping options, and it is the ideal site to enjoy some authentic Thai Food and local entertainment.
Koh Samui has around 40 beaches, which is not surprising when one considers that it is the second-largest island in Thailand. Some of the best beaches in Thailand can be found in Koh Samui.
The most popular among these spectacular beaches are Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Maenam Beach, Bophut Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, Big Buddha Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach.
As the largest of the Koh Samui beaches, Chaweng offers visitors gorgeous views on a daily basis. It has clear, turquoise waters and white sand. It is home to some big waves, making it a great choice for those interested in diving or jet skiing. It’s also an excellent beach for swimming. And if you decide that you would prefer a quieter beach, you can simply stick to the southern end of the beach as almost everyone gathers in the centre.
Chaweng Beach is easily accessible as it is only about a ten-minute drive from Koh Samui Airport.
Accommodation in Koh Samui can cost anything from 600 Thai Baht to 2000 Thai Baht a day, depending on the kind of accommodation. So naturally, you would spend less on a hostel than luxury hotels.
Prices also typically vary depending on the time of year. As a result, many tourists opt for visiting Koh Samui during the off season as prices are much lower than during the peak season.
Like much of Thailand, Koh Samui has only three seasons; the dry season, the wet season, and the hot season.
The ideal time for visiting Koh Samui is during the dry season, from December to March. During this time, the weather on the island is the most pleasant, and there is very little rain. It is the peak season for tourists and would be the ideal time for visitors who enjoy the hustle and bustle. However, keep in mind that prices will be higher during this time.
For visitors who enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere or budget travellers, the low season from April to November is ideal. While this is the rainy season, the monsoon season in Koh Samui is not nearly as bad as in some other areas in Thailand. The months of April and September have the least rain, and the off season is the cheapest option when visiting Koh Samui as all prices are typically lower.
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