Koh Samui Guide 2026: Beaches, Hotels, Food & Getting There

Koh Samui — The Complete Travel Guide for 2026

Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and the Gulf of Thailand's most developed resort destination. Here's everything you need to know.

Getting to Koh Samui

By Air: Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hour), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Bangkok Airways dominates this route, so expect higher fares ranging from ฿3,000 to ฿8,000.

By Ferry: A cheaper alternative is to fly to Surat Thani and take a ferry for 1.5–2 hours. The total cost is just ฿400–฿800, with ferries departing from Donsak Pier throughout the day.

By Bus + Ferry: Combined tickets from Bangkok start at ฿700 for an overnight bus followed by a morning ferry. Book via our transport portal for the best prices.

Best Beaches

Chaweng Beach is the main strip — 7 kilometres of white sand with buzzing nightlife, endless restaurants, and the island's best shopping. It's the top choice for first-timers and party lovers.

Lamai Beach is slightly quieter than Chaweng with excellent snorkelling at the rocky southern end. It's also home to the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.

Bophut (Fisherman's Village) is a charming converted fishing village with boutique hotels, French restaurants, and a famous Friday night walking market that stretches along the beachfront.

Maenam Beach is a long, quiet beach popular with families and budget travellers. The consistent winds make it one of the best kitesurfing spots in the Gulf.

Lipa Noi faces west for spectacular sunsets and remains peaceful and uncrowded. It's also home to the pier for ferries to Koh Phangan.

Choeng Mon is a sheltered bay in the northeast with upscale resorts and calm, shallow water that's perfect for families with young children.

Where to Stay

Budget travellers will find guesthouses and hostels in Chaweng and Lamai for ฿500–฿1,500 per night. Mid-range beach resorts in Bophut and Maenam run ฿1,500–฿5,000 per night, typically with pools and breakfast included. For luxury, villa resorts and five-star properties like Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, and W Koh Samui start from ฿5,000 per night. Browse hotels through our hotel portal.

What to Eat

The beachfront seafood restaurants along Chaweng and Bophut serve incredible grilled fish, prawns, and crab. The Fisherman's Village Friday Market transforms Bophut into a street food paradise every week. For authentic local flavours at local prices, head to Laem Din Market in Chaweng where Thai dishes cost just ฿40–80. And since Samui is known as the "Coconut Island," you absolutely must try the fresh coconut ice cream.

Top Things to Do

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning archipelago of 42 islands accessible by day trip from the island, with kayaking, snorkelling, and hilltop viewpoints for ฿2,500–฿3,500. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is the island's most iconic landmark, a 12-metre golden Buddha overlooking the northeast coast. The Secret Buddha Garden hides mystical sculptures in the highland jungle. Namuang Waterfalls offer natural swimming pools perfect for cooling off. You can watch or train Muay Thai at several gyms around the island. A quick 30-minute ferry takes you to Koh Phangan for beaches or the legendary Full Moon Party, while Koh Tao is just 2 hours away for world-class diving.

Best Time to Visit

Peak season runs from December through February with perfect weather but the highest prices. The shoulder months of March through May are hot but offer good deals. The rainy season from June to November sees October and November as the wettest months. Unlike Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman coast, Koh Samui's monsoon season is shifted — the Gulf coast is driest when the west coast is at its wettest.

Getting Around

Songthaews (shared taxis) cost ฿50–100 per trip along main roads. Grab is available but limited on the island. Scooter rental at ฿200–300 per day is the most popular way to get around, while car rental runs ฿800–฿1,200 per day for those who prefer four wheels.

Budget Breakdown (Per Day)

Our Verdict

Koh Samui is the best all-round Thai island — it has everything from budget hostels to world-class resorts, stunning beaches, great food, and easy connections to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. It's particularly great for couples, families, and anyone who wants island life with modern convenience.

Book your transport to Koh Samui through our booking portal.