Neil Aronson Are you looking for an Island in Thailand to visit? Koh Samui is a great option if you want to visit some of Thailand’s best beaches, while staying at spectacular hotels with lots of activities for couples and families.
Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, making it full of things to do. But also can get crowded. This article will focus on the best beaches, where to stay, and what to do. Also how to take advantage of the other nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Ang Thong National Park.
Koh Samui offers a balance between natural beauty, cultural experiences, and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. It is accessible by air and ferry from the Thai mainland, making it relatively easy for travelers to reach.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
This page contains links to affiliate partner websites. All such links lead back to our partners website. See also paidforadvertising.com/
Contents:
Island Information
Koh Samui is one of the most well-known and visited destinations in the country. It is famous for its stunning best beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of recreational activities. It is recommended to try and go during lower tourists times. High season is January-April.
Nearby Koh Phangan Island is famous for its Full Moon Parties, which bring a lot of people, so check those dates if you either want to avoid it or join in.
Here are some key highlights of Koh Samui:
Temples: The island has a few notable temples, such as Wat Phra Yai (home to the Big Buddha statue), Wat Plai Laem (known for its 18-armed goddess statue), and Wat Khunaram (housing the mummified monk Luang Por Daeng).
Water Sports: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling on some of the best beaches in Thailand, is one of the more popular things to do in Koh Samui. Visitors can enjoy various water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and jet-skiing.
Nightlife: Koh Samui offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties. Chaweng and Lamai are the primary areas for nightlife.
Shopping: You’ll find various markets and shops selling local products, souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts. The Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is known for its Friday night walking street market.
Outdoor Adventures: The island’s interior is hilly and covered in lush rainforests. There are opportunities for hiking, jungle trekking, and zip-lining.
Cultural Activities: Koh Samui hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the Songkran (Thai New Year) celebration and the Buffalo Fighting Festival.
Spa and Wellness: The island has numerous spa and wellness centers where you can indulge in massages and relaxation treatments.
Culinary Delights: You can savor a wide range of Thai and international cuisines at the island’s restaurants and street food stalls. Try some fresh seafood, traditional Thai dishes, and exotic fruits.
Island Hopping: Koh Samui is a great starting point for exploring nearby islands like Koh Phangan, famous for the Full Moon Party, and Koh Tao, a popular diving destination.
Beach Areas To Stay
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the most popular of the best beaches, and the beach with the most to do. It boasts a long stretch of soft white sand and is known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and various restaurants and shops. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle, Chaweng is the place to be. If your looking for more peaceful quieter choices, then look elsewhere on our list.
You can visit Wat Phra Yai, home to the Big Buddha statue, one of the island’s iconic landmarks.
Visit Wat Khao Hua Jook is a century-old Buddhist temple set on a hilltop north of Chaweng. This temple contains, according to the sign, a replica of Buddha’s footprint.
If you like modern shopping malls you can hit up Central Festival Samui, the islands largest with over 200 shops, bars, restaurants, and recreational activities.
Other activities include a luxurious spa day, taking in a Muay Thai boxing match at the Chaweng Stadium, or take a cooking class.
Where To Stay:
Sareeraya Villas & Suites (Luxury) is beachfront on one of the best beaches, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Be sure to set some time aside to visit Fisherman’s Village. Rated with 5 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and hot tub on-site.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is luxury with incredible sunrises! You are close, but not totally in the islands action. Tucked into its own bay towards the north of Chaweng. Anantara Lawana can offer you a very quiet experience either as a couple or as a family. Room options include pool villas and private plunge pools.
Sandalwood Luxury Villas (Luxury) Escape the crowded beach, situated on the cliffs with views. It is a place to treat yourself to one of the best boutique hotels in Koh Samui. Their spacious modern villas, many with private infinity pools, all have traditional Thai touches which create an oasis for you to relax and recharge. Perfectly positioned between Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach.
Casa De Mar is an absolute reader favorite. Casa de Mar is on the quieter north end of Chaweng Beach, with an infinity pool, good breakfast and a small gym.
Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (Value) is a mid-sized, reasonably priced hotel located in the center of the action of Koh Samui offers easy access to the town of Bophut but is also a quiet retreat thanks to Chaweng Beach being its backyard. Rooms range from value units to villas, and include modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs, minibars, climate controls, and free Wi-Fi. Beach views and suites are pricier but worth it. Free breakfast is served at the on-site beachfront restaurant, and there’s also a pool and spa.
Le Murraya Boutique Serviced Residence (Value-Family) All of this mid-range resort’s 41 rooms are enormous and a great value for travelers who prize space over style. The property is a five-minute walk from the beach, and guests have access the sister property’s beach club and pool. The Thai boxing stadium is next door, and nightlife, restaurants, and shopping are nearby. The resort has a pool with built-in kiddy pool and whirlpool plus a small fitness center.
Chaweng Best Hotel & Hostel (Value) is a hotel located in Chaweng, Thailand, offers family rooms and bike rental facilities. The property also features a terrace and free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring a comfortable stay for families.
Choeng Mon Beach
Choeng Mon Beach is a beautiful and relatively quiet beach located on the northeastern coast. One of our best beaches, it boasts soft, powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters. It’s lined by lush greenery, including palm trees, giving it a picturesque tropical setting. We like that there are less people, but close to a lot of things to do and restaurants.
The calm and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and various water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. You can also take boat trips from here to explore neighboring islands.
This beach is mostly dominated with higher end resorts.
Where To Stay:
Cape Fahn Hotel – This is you high end resort on its private island just off Choeng Mon Beach. We have not stayed here, out of my price range, but I would if I could! All villas with private pool.
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort means five-star everything, without a hint of pretension. Rooms are private villas and many have their own plunge pools. A serene adults-only pool offers canopied day beds, while sofas surround the family pool. Breakfast is spectacular, and then sunset Happy Hour.
Melia Koh Samui Beach Resort – Beachfront modern hotel with beautiful facilities. This 5 star hotel offers multiple dining and pool options. A great Family Option.
Melia Koh Samui is the reinvention of Choeng Mon’s Imperial Boat House. Its beachfront pool features a kids’ water park and lots of shallow-entry spots. For inside play, there’s a kids’ club (and a 24-hour gym for you). Choeng Mon with children? Look no further than Melia Koh Samui. Melia won #1 Luxury Beachfront Resort in the World at last year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards, plus four Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Melati Beach Resort And Spa, is a cast-away beach holiday, in beautiful surroundings. Melati is near, not on, Choeng Mon Beach but you definitely won’t care. Pictured above is the main family pool, right on the beach, with a superb swim-up bar. Without children, don’t miss the supremely-hidden-away quiet pool. Like SALA Samui Choeng Mon, mentioned above, it has a separate adults’ only pool. Melati won #1 Luxury Boutique Resort in Thailand at last year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Deva Samui Resort (Value) is a superb value for price, well ahead of competition. The lovely, off-the-beaten-path property is located on a quiet cove on Koh Samui’s north shore, with few neighbors. Spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs and can include outdoor whirlpools or direct pool access. There are three swimming pools and beach access, plus a swim-up bar, and beachside restaurant. The party scene of Chaweng and busy Bophut are a bit far, but the resort runs a free shuttle several times a day. Prices are almost unbelievably low, especially for how nice the property is.
Island View Bungalows (Value) Get a private bungalow on a budget. Featuring private balcony or terrace. Walk to the beach and shopping. Great budget option.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is somewhat similar to Chaweng beach, and is one of the best beaches located on the east coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. It’s known for its scenic beauty, soft white sand, and clear blue waters, making it a great destination for beach lovers and tourists.
One of the best beaches I found for swimming and snorkeling. The calm and clear waters of make it an excellent place for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Famous for Hin Ta and Hin Yai. These are the Thai names for the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks famous here. “Hin Ta” means “Grandfather Rock,” and “Hin Yai” means “Grandmother Rock.”
Just inland from Lamai Beach is Wat Lamai, a Buddhist temple with impressive architecture and intricate artwork.
Where To Stay:
Banyan Tree Resort And Spa (Luxury) is a whole world of its own. Super spacious and luxurious villas, all with pools and sundecks, stretch across two coconut palm-dotted hillsides above an attractive bay of rocky headlands and azure waters. Expect total privacy, great restaurants and excellent facilities.
Lamai Coconut Beach Resort – Beachfront and offer a layout option like a balcony or terrace. The resort offers 30 detached wooden bungalows with private balconies and a brand new building which offers 32 rooms either with garden, pool or stunning sea view, just steps from beautiful sandy Lamai Beach.
Rocky’s Boutique Resort (Luxury) is a private beachfront and boutique Samui resort. Features 47 elegant rooms and 3 spacious pool villas, and only a short walk to downtown Lamai. Great for a romantic couples getaway.
The kids’ club is excellent, always supervised and well-equipped with games for children of all ages. A babysitter can be arranged and during high season, special activities for young ones are organized. The restaurants have children’s menus.
New Hut Bungalows (Value) are budget backpacker huts that can be had for bargain rates, some of which are right on the beach. The resort is located at the far north end of Lamai Beach and town, and while it’s a good 15- to 20-minute walk into central Lamai, there are enough restaurants, bars, and shops in the immediate area to keep guests happy.
The Fisherman’s Chalet (Value) are small cabins hidden in the trees, featuring flat screen TV’s and Wi-Fi. Some units have balcony with ocean views.
Bo Phut Beach
Bo Phut Beach, located in the Fisherman’s Village area in the north of the island, is a charming and picturesque spot. Being one of the best beaches it has a mix of boutique hotels, bars, and restaurants. You can enjoy views of Koh Phangan Island in the distance and explore the historic Fisherman’s Village with its shops and eateries.
Smaller and quieter area than our first two best beaches. This is more my scene, peaceful but still things to do and places to go.
Bophut Beach has a number of bars and pubs that make for the perfect venues to drink and mingle with friends, family, locals, and other tourists. There are no discotheques or girlie bars here – just places to drink and unwind in a tranquil environment.
This area is a great jumping off point for ocean activities. Catch a boat tour to Angthong Marine Park. Rent Jet Skies, wakeboarding, kayaks, and great for swimming.
Where To Stay:
Bo Phut Resort and Spa (Luxury) is aimed squarely at honeymooners and couples. It is an elegant beachfront property offering smart garden villas and large rooms, with classic Thai touches and great facilities on one of Koh Samui’s quieter and more upmarket stretches of sand. The resort is just five minutes’ walk along the beach from the Fisherman’s Village, which offers a wide range of fine dining and upscale drinking options and a popular night market that runs three times a week.
Mantra Samui Resort – Nestled up above the beach in the trees. Only one KM from the Fisherman’s Village. Spectacular views and beautiful grounds. If you are looking for modern style rooms then you will like the apartment and suite options.
The Waterfront (Value) is a small and quiet mid-range resort is right on the beach at the quietest end of Bophut. All 18 units, either bungalows or rooms face the beach. A small, but lovely, pool faces the beach and an on-site restaurant is open all day — though it closes for dinner. While the rooms aren’t big, the prices are reasonable (and include continental breakfast) compared to what Bophut hotels normally ask.
Ibis Samui Bophut (Value – Family) is a large, solid-value family resort located near all the shops, restaurants, and many resorts. This popular hotel is a water lover’s dream, with three swimming pools plus a beautiful beachfront. There are over 200 rooms here, all of which have wood floors, and small balconies, which help to atone for the rooms and bathrooms being very small. The resort also has kayaks for rent, a pentaquin pitch, ping pong, and a small playground for kids.
Punnpreeda Beach Resort (Value) is on laid-back Bang Rak beach, close to Koh Tao ferries (the nightlife of Chaweng is a 15-minute drive away). While the hotel’s slice of beach is fairly small, and mainly for boat parking, the resort offers lower rates than can be found elsewhere in Samui.
Smile House Resort (Value) is a lush compound just down the street from Fisherman’s Village, the Smile House Resort has 56 bungalows and rooms spread among the greenery. Style ranges from classic Thai decor to newer villas with more contemporary accents, and all include flat-screen TVs and minibars. Some directly overlook the beach, though others are across the road. The resort features two swimming pools, both of which have kids’ sections.
U Samui Resort – Located east by a couple Km of the Fisherman’s village. But good location as you are also closer to the Big Buddha and the airport. Maenam Beach, another best beaches is located 6 Km to the west.
Mae Nam Beach
Mae Nam Beach is a quieter, coconut tree lined, and less crowded of the best beaches in the northern part of the island. It’s an excellent place for a peaceful and relaxing day by the sea. You can find some mid-range and budget accommodations here.
From the elongated golden beach you have a beautiful view of the island of Koh Phangan.
Santiburi Samui Country Club is located nearby, Koh Samui’s only championship golf course.
Where To Stay:
Santiburi Koh Samui is a world class resort facing Koh Phangan, and sitting along an attractive stretch of coarse sand. Santiburi sits in a world of its own in the 23-acre garden. The water along this stretch of beach gets deep quickly, perfect for keen swimmers. The resort is a 20 minute drive from the night market at Fisherman’s Village in Bo Phut, and about 30 to 40 minutes from the nightlife bustle of Chaweng and Samui airport.
Four Seasons Resort (Ultra Luxury) is of course your iconic high end resort that will not disappoint. And this one will get more notoriety as the hit HBO Show The White Lotus is filmed there for their new season.
The smallest of the seven villa types measures over 1,000 square feet, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread out inside soothing white rooms with dark woodwork, sky-blue accents, and potted orchids. A dressing area, wardrobes, and twin sinks and vanities connect the bedroom and the bathroom, which has an oval soaking tub that looks out through glass doors onto the pool deck and beyond.
Napasai (Luxury) has changed ownerships and remodels several times in the past 20 years, and is now one of the premier places to stay on the island. Near Maenam, this peaceful paradise is ideally situated on the northern coast of Koh Samui overlooking Baan Tai Beach and tropical gardens.
Shangrilah Bungalow (Value- Family) offers family-friendly facilities such as a child-friendly buffet and family rooms. The property features a private beach area, beachfront, and a sun terrace, ensuring a relaxing stay.
Escape Beach Resort – Relax among the coconut trees by the beach. Great place to unwind. Rates around 1500 baht.
Lipa Noi Beach
Located on the western coast of the island, Lipa Noi Beach is known for its calm and shallow waters. It’s a good choice for families and those who want to watch the sunset. This area is more serene and less developed compared to the eastern beaches.
Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches.
Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget.
Great area to walk to restaurants and the Lipa Noi Pier is close by for boat trips.
Where To Stay:
Avani+ Samui Resort sits in Panka Bay, at the south end of Taling Ngam, and is the only resort in this remote corner of Samui. South of Lipa Noi beach, it is perfect for visitors in search of peace and solitude. The bay, unfortunately a little too shallow for a swim, is lined with fishing boats and speed boats that take tourists to the nearby Five Islands that rise out of the placid sea like a dragon’s spine. The party beaches of Lamai and Chaweng are 20 to 30 minutes away, easily reached by a once-a-day free shuttle.
Nikki Beach Resort And Spa (Luxury) is a fantastic 5-start resort right on the beach. Take walks on one of the best beaches and stroll to get coffee at The Outback Cafe. The resort boasts a selection of 48 exquisite suites and villas, each designed for ultimate comfort.
Kanok Buri Resort (Value) is a lower-middle-range boutique hotel located in Lipa Noi. The hotel features Thai stylings, manicured tropical grounds, and it overlooks a scenic and peaceful white-sand beach. Rooms options include 57 one- and two-bedroom pool villas or streamlined modern suites.
There are many other smaller beaches and well as islands close to Koh Samui. So your options don’t end here. Keep exploring. I use Agoda for all our hotel bookings.
Tours And Things To Do
Koh Samui has no shortage of things to do, being Thailand’s second largest island. Learn more about these activities on Viator. Here are 19 things you can do, besides bars and restaurants!
Family Time: Enjoy the beautiful beaches with the kids, there are so many great areas to play. Silver Beach and Choeng Mon Beach are popular options, offering soft sand and shallow waters perfect for kids to splash around.
Watersports: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Wat Plai Laem
Butterfly Hill
Fisherman’s Village has a calm and serene atmosphere that makes it a popular destination for families and couples. Do not be fooled by this chill and laidback vibe though as the island is not void of adventurous experiences to try. Eating some local food on the beach is a nice way to go.
Night Markets: The Fisherman’s Village Night Market is a vibrant and culturally rich weekly event for both locals and tourists. Every Friday evening, the market is a treat for the senses, with a variety of food stalls offering freshly prepared food.
Adventure Activities: Try zip-lining, ATV rides, and jungle trekking.
Angthong National Marine Park: Take a day trip to this pristine marine park. Book easily on Viator.
Namuang Waterfalls: Visit the two Na Muang waterfalls and Hin Lad Waterfall. A visit to these natural wonders provides children with the opportunity to experience the island’s untamed beauty. After a short hike, families can take a refreshing dip in the cool pools below the falls.
Island Hopping: Explore the nearby islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, known for their scuba diving and Full Moon Party, respectively.
Elephant Sanctuary by tour. With this guided tour, you can discover one of the biggest elephant sanctuaries on Koh Samui with ease. Instead of waiting around for local buses, the trip includes round-trip transfers directly from your Koh Samui hotel.
Treetop Adventures: Visit treetop adventure park with ziplines and high ropes courses. Tree Bridge Zipline is the most popular one.
Thai Cooking Class: Take a 5 star rated class and spend a day with Chef Lat, while learning the secrets of a sustainable lifestyle. Explore the organic gardens where more than seventy types of produce are grown. Harvest your own fresh herbs and vegetables to contribute to the cooking experience.
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai): Watch or participate in a Muay Thai boxing match.
Cultural Shows: Attend cultural performances, such as Thai dance and music shows.
Island Cruises can be booked in advance through Viator.
Play Golf
Santiburi Samui Country Club is the most famous course on the island. Santiburi is set in the hills and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a challenging course with undulating fairways and significant elevation changes.
Take A Hike: On an island renowned for pristine beaches and sapphire seas, you would expect visitors to Thailand’s Koh Samui to spend all of their waking hours near the shore. However, there’s also lush rainforest that’s equally enticing for those of us that want something else besides the beach. Whether by boot or by bike, you’ll enjoy hidden waterfalls, secret gardens, and incredible views.
Hin Lad Waterfall Trail is a riverside path that gradually leads you uphill through the jungle to the scenic area where the flowing river falls into the plunge pool. Feel free to take a swim—or just dip your toes in—before heading back down.
Getting There
Koh Samui is located south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, not far off the coast. There are several ways to get there so you can visit these best beaches. Of course by air is the quickest and most expensive. Many backpackers and people traveling around, will get there by buss, ferry, and train combination.
- By Air: The most convenient and quickest way to reach Koh Samui is by taking a direct flight to Samui Airport. Many domestic airlines operate flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major Thai cities. You can also find international flights from destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
- By Ferry: You can take a ferry from several mainland piers in locations such as Surat Thani, Don Sak, and Donsak Pier to Koh Samui’s main piers, which include Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, and Maenam Pier. These ferry rides can vary in duration, with faster options taking around 1.5 to 2 hours and slower options taking 3-4 hours. The choice of ferry depends on your location and the level of comfort and speed you desire.
- By Bus and Ferry Combination: 12Go offers a combined bus and ferry service from Bangkok and other major Thai cities to Koh Samui. This option can be more cost-effective, but it involves a longer travel time.
- By Train and Ferry Combination: You can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then connect to a ferry to Koh Samui. This option is often chosen for its scenic train ride through the Thai countryside.
We recommend using AirAsia if flying. Or use 12Go which has all your options, from flights with Bangkok Airways, to busses trains and boats.
