Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting in Thailand in 2024?

Ready to make your travel dreams come true in a dream Asian destination? Set sail for Koh Samui, this strikingly beautiful tropical island in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand. With its spectacular landscapes and warm atmosphere, it promises an unforgettable experience! Koh Samui embodies the richness and diversity of Thailand. Whatever your desires, this island will answer them. Discover in our complete guide all the wonders that Koh Samui has in store.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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1. Why should you visit Koh Samui?

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand in the southern province of Surat Thani, Koh Samui ranks as Thailand''s second-largest island, renowned for its dazzling natural beauty. Its development has made it a popular tourist destination, but it remains essential for all travelers to Thailand. Here''s why:

• Koh Samui has its airport, providing easy access to various cities in Thailand, neighboring countries, and the surrounding region.
• Each corner of the island has a different atmosphere, offering a varied and entertaining experience. While the east coast is often busier, other places preserve a peaceful atmosphere with quiet beaches, ideal for those escaping the crowds.
• Its development has made it a rich choice in terms of accommodation, catering and activities. The options are numerous: boat trips, visits to temples, hikes, discovering waterfalls, evenings at beach clubs or simply relaxing by a swimming pool.

2. The Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

• Enjoy the beautiful beaches with turquoise waters

The busiest areas of Koh Samui are concentrated around Chaweng Beach, on the northeast coast. This stretch is home to Koh Samui Airport and stretches over 6 km of white sand, lined with numerous hotels, restaurants, spas, nightclubs, and bars. Further south on the island, Lamai Beach, the second most popular beach after Chaweng, offers fine white sand and turquoise waters, with local attractions such as the Overlap Stone viewpoint and the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations.

For those seeking tranquility on the East Coast, Silver Beach is renowned for its pure white sand and crystal clear waters. Just north of Lamai Beach, this peaceful strip of sand is worth a detour. It offers excellent sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling opportunities.

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Bophut Beach, near the fishing village of Bophut, and Maenam Beach offer a more authentic and local atmosphere, ideal for relaxing in the north of the island. Fewer vendors and more space to relax, perfect for those looking for a quiet beach.

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For those arriving at Koh Samui from the mainland by boat or ferry, don''t miss the less-developed west coast of the island, home to Lipa Noi. This place is popular for its spectacular sunsets. The beach, suitable for swimming with its firm white sand, is suitable for families with its shallow waters and peaceful ambiance. Laem Yai Beach, another beautiful, quiet beach located in the northwest of Koh Samui, is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. Accessible only at low tide, it is more suitable for walking than swimming.

• Visit “Fisherman’s Village”

The night market in the fishing village is a good address for travelers who want a change of scenery. This place of exchange is held every Monday and Friday evening, and vacation souvenirs are sold at very competitive prices. Visitors will also find stalls offering delicious Thai dishes.

• Go scuba diving or snorkeling

Koh Samui is an excellent destination for diving during the holidays, with family or friends. This island has many excellent places to explore the underwater world or simply go snorkeling, such as Sail Rock, South West Pinnacle, or the Ang Thong Maritime National Park in the north of the island.

Diving excursions often leave for Koh Tao, where life under the sea is very rich, with the possibility of admiring beautiful fish of all kinds. There are a lot of whale sharks in particular, in March-April and September-October. Programs of all levels are offered, from special outings for beginners to explorations for the more experienced.

• Take a bike ride

The island of Koh Samui is extensive. To discover all the subtleties, renting a bike and going for a ride are essential. Life outside tourist areas or beaches with hotel complexes offers an authenticity of remarkable tranquility. This approach will give you more authentic perspectives of the island, often considered a seaside haven.

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• Discover the temples in Koh Samui 

On the island of Samui, the most famous is Plai Laem, a very picturesque Buddhist site, known for its giant statue 18 meters high. It represents Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, with the same number of arms.

The island is also home to other notable temples such as Wat Khunaram, where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditation position, rests.

And don''t sleep on the Secret Garden, also known as the Magic Garden or Secret Buddha Garden, is nestled in the hills of Koh Samui. Created in 1976 by Nim Thongsuk, a local fruit farmer, this enchanting garden features native flowers, trees, and Buddha statues arranged in meaningful scenes. A serene stream and small waterfalls wind through the landscape. 

• Visit AngThong National Park

40 km off the coast of Koh Samui, Ang Thong Marine National Park covers 102 km2, home to 42 islands preserved and maintained by the Thai government and locals. With its varied landscapes, cliffs, lagoons, caves, canyons, and white sand beaches, as well as lush vegetation, it is an unspoiled natural paradise.

Rare animal species are found there, and its unpolluted waters make it one of the most beautiful natural sites in Thailand. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as exploring deserted beaches, diving, kayaking, jungle trekking, and elephant rides on excursions organized by local agencies.

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• Discover the Ban Hua Thanon fishing village

Fishing has long been the economic mainstay of Koh Samui. Picturesque villages, witnesses of this activity, remain, such as Ban Hua Thanon, the most famous. This fishing village in the south of the island is famous for its bustling fish market and its magnificent colorful boats. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood at affordable prices at local restaurants.

• Relax with massage in Koh Samui

“Samui has everything you need for a wellness getaway: massages, healthy eating, healthy drinks, Ayurvedic wellness, essential oils…” says Briohny Smyth, global wellness expert and yoga teacher.

Indeed, many people come to Koh Samui to recharge their batteries or simply enjoy a seaside vacation with traditional Thai massages, promoting energy and health. In a peaceful setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy. 

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3. Festivities That You Shouldn’t Miss Out!

• Songkran

The greatest and perhaps most renowned festival in Thailand, Songkran is a big celebration that marks the Thai New Year with nationwide water battles in April each year. This 3-day water fight takes place throughout the entire country. Wild scenes of exuberance can be seen across the Kingdom, with music, dancing, drinking, and people drenched from head to toe. Water guns, hose pipes, buckets—anything you can get your hands on can be used to splash people. 

•  Loy Krathong 

 Loy Krathong, Thailand's "Festival of Lights," is one of the most significant nationwide festivities, alongside Songkran. On Koh Samui, people living along the waterfront gather at lakes, rivers, and beaches to release candlelit “krathongs” into the water. This act is a sign of respect to the goddess of water, asking for a fresh start in life and to wash away past misfortunes. If the candle remains lit until the krathong disappears from sight, it is believed that she will grant you good fortune for the coming year.

In Koh Samui, celebrations include cultural performances, workshops for making krathongs, and fireworks, creating a stunning display as thousands of floating lights illuminate the dark night sky.

• Koh Samui Regatta

Whether you're a sailor or simply a race enthusiast, the Koh Samui Regatta is a must-see event. Held annually at the end of May, it is part of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championships, attracting sailors and yacht lovers from around the world.

The regatta isn't just about the exhilarating yacht races along Koh Samui's beautiful coastlines but also includes vibrant beach parties, award ceremonies, and grand dinners. Hosted primarily at Chaweng Beach, this event offers a perfect mix of competitive sport and festive activities.

4. When Is The Best Time To Visit?

The best time to visit is from December to April, when sunny weather predominates, resulting in less rainfall and more agreeable temperatures, ranging from around 25 to 34 degrees Celsius. May, June, October, and November are typically the monsoon season, with higher rainfall during these months. Additionally, it's a good idea to check weather bulletins before visiting, as Koh Samui's coastal location makes it susceptible to maritime winds and typhoons from the Pacific Ocean.

>>> Good to know:  The Thai Water Festival, also known as Songkran, celebrates the Thai New Year in mid-April. If you visit during this time, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere along the coastline.

5. How to get to Koh Samui?

To get to Koh Samui, several options are available to travelers. The quickest way is the direct flight from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. 

With its international airport, the island of Samui offers daily flight connections to Bangkok as well as other major cities in Southeast Asia such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Koh Samui International Airport (USM), managed by Bangkok Airways, has long been the only airport to operate direct flights between the island and mainland Thailand, which has often led to high fares.

Another option is to take a flight from these towns to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south, then continue by bus and ferry to Koh Samui. Some prefer the train or bus ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani, followed by a ferry, as this can be less expensive than flying, although this journey takes between 8 and 12 hours.

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6. Where to stay in Koh Samui?

There is something for everyone on Koh Samui, depending on the type of vacation you are looking for. The main regions of the island focus on the north, northeast, southeast, and west.

The northeast side is the most developed, offering a vibrant nightlife, a wealth of activities, and a variety of accommodation options. This is also where the airport is located, ensuring quick accessibility by taxi. The main temples are also located in this area, providing pleasant proximity. It offers a wide range of accommodation, from resorts to more modest options.

The southeast, particularly the Lamai Beach area, is a little more peaceful but rich in dining options and activities. The beach, long and magnificent, hosts seaside hotels and inns as well as establishments located slightly back from the coastline.

The north offers beautiful, peaceful beaches and more luxurious accommodation options, including the Four Seasons and Intercontinental resorts. There are also smaller economic establishments, such as seaside cabins. This region, close to the airport, the fishing village, and Chaweng allows you to stay away from the bustling hustle and bustle of Chaweng while being well-located for exploring the surrounding area.

7. Places to combine with a trip to Koh Samui

7.1 Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are just 14 km (8.8 miles) apart, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the transport. Most routes depart from Thong Sala or Haad Rin Piers on Koh Phangan and arrive at Maenam, Nathon, Bengrak, or Haad Rin Queen Piers on Koh Samui. With these small islands, you''ll always be close to your destination.

The fastest and most affordable way to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is by ferry, making it the most popular choice. Fares start at just $6, ideal for budget travelers. However, ferries drop you off at the pier, not your hotel or the airport, which might be an issue if you''re in a hurry.

7.2 Koh Tao

Koh Tao, renowned for its stunning beaches and marine life, is about 70 kilometers from Koh Samui. Ferries run approximately six times daily from Maenam or Na Thon pier, with departures starting at 8:30 AM and the last one at 3:30 PM. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also book a taxi transfer from your hotel to the pier. Ferry tickets cost around $30, and you''ll arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.

7.3 Surat Thani

Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui Nathon Pier without a car is best done by taking a bus and ferry. This journey typically takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes and costs between $20 and $35. The distance between Surat Thani and Koh Samui is approximately 70 kilometers.

You can also book your tickets online through the Seatran or 123 Go, which are reliable options. Just show up at the desk when you arrive. There are multiple boats leaving at various times throughout the day from different locations. Some services use speedboats, while others operate ferries. Notably, the fastest option can take around 1.5 hours from the pier in Surat Thani, compared to the bus, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the ferry terminal.

8. So what are the tips?

• Accommodation areas favored by tourists in Koh Samui include the famous Chaweng Beach (known for its large expanse and excellent infrastructure), as well as smaller beaches such as Big Buddha, Maenam, Lamai, and the picturesque fishing village from Bophut. Among these, the 3-star resorts in the Chaweng region are often the most expensive.
• Koh Samui is one of the most peaceful islands in Thailand, ideal for those who like peace and a bit of luxury charm. If you want to spend the honeymoon or luxury couple''s trip, seek serenity or natural charm, Koh Samui is right for you.
• Due to its calm and lack of impact from mass tourism, this place is also one of the most expensive islands in Thailand, with many services being more expensive than Phuket.

Our last words,

Koh Samui is the ideal place for those seeking tranquility, perfect for a honeymoon or family vacation. With the information above, we hope we were able to give you a glimpse of the beauty of this island.

If you aspire to have an exceptional experience here, we are here to help you create tailor-made accommodation, perfectly suited to your personal needs. Do not hesitate to contact us for a memorable trip to the land of smiles!

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