Koh Samui

Why visit Koh Samui?

Although Koh Samui gets a reputation for being more developed and commercialised than its neighbouring islands in the Gulf of Thailand, that can also be seen as a bonus. Travellers can snap up their favourite brands at the large shopping mall, Central Samui, or in one of the island’s many street markets. After a hard afternoon’s shopping, they can then visit one of many luxury spas to relax before tracking down a great cocktail with a view.

Speaking of drinks, Chaweng Beach is favoured by the younger crowd and is home to the flashiest nightlife of Koh Samui – but you’ll find good music venues in the alleys off Lamei beach and bars and clubs to suit all tastes dotted around the island, from rock bars and cabaret to sports bars and beach shacks.

Fear not, shopping and drinking aren’t the only activities on the island! Some of the best things to do in Koh Samui involve getting out in nature, exploring its many wildlife reserves, national parks and hiking trails by foot, boat or bike. There are also plenty of temples and monuments to visit, such as the Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai), on a small island that’s connected to Samui by a short causeway. Koh Samui also has plenty of scenic cycling routes for you to craft a DIY bike tour, or we can organise one for you and your group.

Best things to do in Koh Samui

• Get pampered: Koh Samui has a massive range of great-quality day spas and luxury spa resorts for all budgets. If you’re tired out from travelling, and looking for a foot massage, facial, body wrap or a full day of treatments, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
• Hit the markets: Even if you’re not into shopping, Koh Samui street markets aren’t to be missed. The Fisherman’s Village Night Market, in particular, is a wonderful way to experience Thai culture, see live music and street performances, sample local dishes and discover a range of rare items, from handmade jewellery and musical instruments to high-quality fabrics and herbs and spices.
• Get active: The jungle-covered and mountainous island holds plenty of trekking opportunities within its lush interior. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is simply beautiful, with pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails – plus plenty of snorkelling and kayaking activities on offer.
• See the Elephants: Samui Elephant Sanctuary has received several recognition awards from animal welfare organisations – visiting them will support, rather than exploit, our floppy-eared friends.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is large enough that there’s a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes, ages and budgets. Most of the hotels lie to the west side of the island although, if you have a little more money to spend, head north.

Lamai Beach is quieter than Chaweng Beach, but still with plenty of good bars, live music and restaurants. Popular with couples, families and slightly older travellers, accommodation here tends to be lower than in Bophut.

Bophut, also known as Fisherman’s Village, is a gorgeous area to the north of the island, home to more upscale resorts and modern hotels, plus some of the island’s best beaches. The quiet, traditional Fisherman’s Village walking street comes to life in the evening, particularly on Fridays, when it hosts arguably the best (certainly most scenic!) night market on the island.

Our local travel team can chat to you about your preferences and budget to find you the very best place to stay on Koh Samui. Whether it’s a five-star resort or a boutique hotel, we can set you up with some of Koh Samui’s most charming accommodation options.

How to get to Koh Samui

The best way to reach the island is to fly into Koh Samui International airport (USM), which is located between Bophut and Chaweng. There are also plenty of ferry connections and speedboats from Don Sak on the mainland, and between Koh Samui’s neighbouring islands, too.

If getting the ferry, you’ll arrive on the east side of the island, so you can take a local bus or a private car to reach your hotel. Our travel assistants can arrange all the necessary transfers to make getting to Koh Samui a breeze!

Say hello to Samui

Koh Samui has heaps to offer independent travellers, couples, families and groups of friends alike.

With beautiful beaches, lush jungles and forests, coconut groves and waterfalls, you can soak up the peace of nature. And with shopping malls, street markets, luxury spas and great nightlife, you can enjoy the buzz of modern life, too!

Our travel team can help you experience it all – or whatever parts you want – to build your personal dream holiday to Koh Samui.

‍