Koh Samui
Welcome to Koh Samui
"Island paradise with coconut palm trees and white sandy beaches"
Koh Samui is located 700 km south of Bangkok and about 40 km off the coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand. Daily direct flights from Bangkok take about an hour. Koh Samui is the third largest island in the country with an area of 247 square kilometers, after Phuket and Koh Chang. On the west coast of the island is Nathon, the main port for fishing and the transport of vehicles and goods from the mainland. The different lowland and coastal areas are connected by a 51 km long road that encircles the island. An approximately 50 km long coastline with beautiful sandy beaches and coves with crystal clear warm water surrounds the hills, which are full of countless swaying palm trees.
The spectacular interior of Koh Samui consists mainly of dense tropical jungle, including the highest mountain, Khao Pom, with a peak of 635 m. There are a few roads through which are only accessible by motorbike or jeep. Good roads lead to the two beautiful waterfalls, the Namuang and the Hin Hat. In the northeast of Samui is the small uninhabited island of Koh Som and northeast of Chaweng is the small Koh Matlang. South and north of Koh Samui are plenty of opportunities for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts to explore the marine life and beautiful coral reefs. Just south are the islands of Koh Tan and Koh Matsum with a colorful underwater life, a popular snorkeling spot. To the northwest are 44 virtually uninhabited islands of unparalleled beauty, which together form the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park. North of Koh Samui is Koh Phangan, and further on Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.
The weather pattern on Koh Samui differs from that in the rest of Thailand. From April to September, it is usually dry on the island, while the rest of the country has the rainy season. The rainy season is from October to December.
Click and Zoom to see more of the map above.
Beaches and Accommodation on Koh Samui
With more than 50 km of coastline with about 40 beaches, bays and small coves, a tropical climate with an annual temperature of about 30°C, a good tourist infrastructure, Samui offers all the ingredients for a dream vacation and is one of the main destinations in Southern Thailand. We offer you accommodation on each of the beaches listed below.
Bophut Beach
Bophut is located on the north coast of Koh Samui and has a relatively quiet beach. It is an ideal destination for families.
Hotels:
Ibis Bophut Samui - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Samui Palm Beach Resort - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Bandara Resort & Spa - 5 Stars (5/5) ;
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort - 5 Stars (5/5)
Menam Beach
Located on the north side of Samui, Menam has a long and quiet beach with scenic views of Koh Phangan and a 5-minute walk from shops, bars, and restaurants.
Hotels: Adarin Beach Resort - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Paradise Beach Resort - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Fairhouse Villas & Spa - 5 Stars (5/5)
Thongson Bay
The most northern beach of Koh Samui with beautiful white powder soft sand and near the famous Big Buddha. Only a 10-minute drive from the airport and about 15 minutes from the lively center of Chaweng.
Hotels: Melati Beach Resort & Spa - 5 Stars (5/5)
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is the most beautiful and busiest beach on Koh Samui. It is located on the east coast and is 5 kilometers long. This is the “place to be” if you like to discover Koh Samui's nightlife. On the north side of Chaweng Beach is a 1-meter-deep lagoon, ideal for children and novice windsurfers. Around the south side of the beach is a ring of palm trees, which gives you a real tropical feeling. Rocks and quiet bays alternate here. This is without a doubt the most beautiful part of Koh Samui.
Hotels:
First Bungalow Beach Resort - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Fairhouse Beach Resort & Hotel - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5) ;Dara Samui - 4 Stars (4/5) ;
OZO Chaweng Samui - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Chaweng Regent Beach Resort - 4.5 Stars (4.5/5) ; Nora Buri Resort & Spa - 5 Stars (5/5)
Chaweng Noi Beach
To the south, adjacent to Chaweng Beach, Chaweng Noi Beach is a lot quieter. It is in one of the most beautiful parts of Koh Samui.
Hotels: Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Sheraton Samui - 5 Stars (5/5)
Coral Cove Beach
Located south of Chaweng Noi and between Chaweng and Lamai. The bay with its large rock formations and coral is one of the best snorkeling locations on Samui.
Hotels: Coral Cliff Resort - 3 Stars (3/5) ; The Kala Samui - 4 Stars (4/5)
Lamai Beach
This is Chaweng Beach's sister. Slightly less crowded than Chaweng, but plenty of opportunity to relax or play a game of volleyball with the locals. It offers a perfect balance of socializing, not too crowded and great views and is particularly popular with Europeans.
Hotels:
Thai House Beach Resort - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Rumanna Boutique Resort - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5) ; Royal Beach Boutique Resort & Spa - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa - 5 Stars (5/5)
Sights and excursions
Big Buddha & Wat Plai Laem
On the northern coast of Koh Samui. Probably Samui's most well-known landmark, the 12-metre-high golden Buddha can be seen from several kilometers away. Near the Big Buddha is Wat Plai Laem. The temple features an 18-arm image of Guanyin - the Goddess of Mercy - and a large white Chinese Buddha set on the lake.
Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village
The fishing village in the northeast of Koh Samui is popular among tourists. Don't let the name mislead you, because it is a very hip part of Koh Samui, with trendy restaurants, nice shops, trendy bars, and a beautiful beach. Also recommended for just a day trip!
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
On Lamai beach. The natural geological formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (the Grandpa and Grandma rocks), which look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.
Na Muang waterfalls
The name Na Muang refers to the massive purple rocks at the waterfalls. Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase that leads to the base of Na Muang 1. A large natural pool sits under the waterfall. A 10-minute walk further up the mountain leads to Samui's most beautiful waterfall, Na Muang 2
Hin Lat waterfalls
Located just south of Nathon. A 3 km trail through the jungle leads to the waterfall. The waterfall is at its best during the rainy season.
Secret Buddha Garden
Hidden away high in the hills in Koh Samui's interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds.
Wat Khunaram
Located at Lamai. The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Luang Pordaeng is on display here.
Koh Tan (Coral Island) & Koh Matsum
Just south of Koh Samui, Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, are the nearest islands from Koh Samui with live and beautiful coral reef, a good place for snorkeling in crystal-clear turquoise waters and magnificent beaches
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Located to the northwest of Samui, Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 44 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong Park is a protected area of more than 100sqkm of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
Angthong Marine National Park
