Travel Guide of Ko Samui in Thailand by Influencers and Travelers
Ko Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand. Geographically in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Ko Samui was granted municipal status and thus is now locally self-governing.
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Pictures and Stories of Ko Samui from Influencers
15 pictures of Ko Samui from Stefan Kunze, Samule Sun, Anthony DELANOIX and other travelers
- Emerald Lake, Ang Thong Marine Park ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nathan Boadle | ©Unsplash
- "Paradise Is The Word Comes To My Mind After Seeing The Place". ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nehal Patel | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Ko Samui ?
To get to Ko Samui, you can fly directly into Samui International Airport from several international cities or travel by ferry from mainland Thailand. Several ferry companies operate daily services from Surat Thani, Donsak, and Chumphon. Alternatively, you can fly into Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland and take a bus and ferry combination.
To make the most of your visit, it's a good idea to book some activities and accommodations in advance. Reserve your spot on a popular day trip like the Ang Thong Marine Park, a snorkeling or diving excursion, or a Thai cooking class. Additionally, many hotels and resorts offer special rates for early bookings.
The costs of visiting Ko Samui can vary depending on your desired level of comfort and activities. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations and food options, while those seeking luxury can enjoy world-class resorts and gourmet dining experiences. Expect to pay between 500-2000 THB per night for budget accommodations and 3000-15000 THB for mid-range to luxury options.
Among the best things to do in Ko Samui are exploring the island's beautiful beaches, visiting the iconic Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples, and experiencing the vibrant nightlife in Chaweng and Lamai. For outdoor enthusiasts, activities like hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling at Coral Cove, and exploring the nearby islands are not to be missed.
Ko Samui offers a wide range of dining options, from authentic Thai street food to fine dining. For a taste of local cuisine, try Krua Chao Baan, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and traditional Thai dishes. Another great option is Poom's Place, a family-run eatery offering delicious home-cooked meals. For a more upscale experience, visit The Tree Tops at Anantara Lawana, serving a fusion of Thai and international cuisine amidst a romantic treehouse setting.
When it comes to accommodation, Ko Samui has something for every budget. For a budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Chill Inn Beach Cafe & Hostel, located on the beautiful Maenam Beach. If you're looking for a mid-range option, check out the Banana Fan Sea Resort, a beachfront property in Chaweng. For a luxurious stay, consider the Banyan Tree Samui, an all-pool villa resort nestled on a private hillside.
Off the beaten path:
For a unique and unusual travel experience, consider visiting the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, where you can observe and interact with rescued elephants in a peaceful, ethical environment. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is hiking to the Secret Buddha Garden, a hidden gem in the island's hills featuring statues and sculptures amidst lush greenery. Finally, for a taste of local life, visit the Laem Din Market in Chaweng, where you can shop for fresh produce, try local snacks, and mingle with the locals.
The Best Things to Do and Visit around Ko Samui
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1 - Big Buddha
6 km away
The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as The Big Buddha, The Big Buddha of Thailand, Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin, and Mahaminh Sakayamunee Visejchaicharn, was in November 2018 the tallest statue in Thailand, the second-tallest statue in Southeast Asia, and the ninth-tallest in the world.
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2 - Wat Phra Yai
10 km away
Wat Phra Yai, known in English as the Big Buddha Temple, is a Buddhist temple on Ko Phan, a small island offshore from the northeastern area of Ko Samui, Thailand, connected to that island by a short causeway 3 kilometres north of Samui International Airport.
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3 - Cooking | Ko Samui Workshops and Classes
Join a cooking session in Koh Samui with a local guide. Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers, this includes a market tour and a cooking class in small groups for personalized help. Start with a hotel pickup, reach at a location, then choose three dishes to cook, such as Spring Rolls, Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, and Banana Coconut Milk for dessert. Take a 30-minute guided tour of a local market to see Thai herbs, vegetables, and spices. After the market tour, head to a fully equipped kitchen for a 2-hour cooking session. Learn to make four authentic dishes with guidance from a certified Thai teacher. Eat your handmade dishes and end your day with a transfer back to your hotel, leaving you with practical cooking skills and good memories.
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4 - Wat Plai Laem
11 km away
Wat Plai Laem is a wat on the resort island of Ko Samui, Thailand. Like the nearby Wat Phra Yai or "Big Buddha Temple", it is a modern Buddhist temple.
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5 - Laem Sor Pagoda
15 km away
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6 - Hat Rin
21 km away
Hat Rin is a peninsular beach area and town on the southern tip of Ko Pha-ngan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Its two main beaches are Sunset Beach to the south and the larger Sunrise Beach to the north.
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7 - Ko Tao
23 km away
Ko Tao is an island in Thailand and is part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. It covers an area of about 21 km². Administratively it is a subdistrict of Ko Pha-ngan District of Surat Thani Province. As of 2006 its official population was 1,382. The main settlement is Ban Mae Hat. The economy of the island is almost exclusively centered on tourism, especially scuba diving.
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8 - Ko Pha Ngan
24 km away
Ko Pha-ngan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in Surat Thani Province of southern Thailand. Ko Pha-ngan is best known for its Full Moon Party at Hat Rin Beach.
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9 - Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park
43 km away
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Learn More about Ko Samui
Samui is the number one island in the Gulf of Thailand and the second most popular destination in Thailand due to its easy accessibility, beautiful beaches and variety of activities. It is located in the Gulf, approximately 700km south of Bangkok and 80km off the south coast of Thailand.
Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and the largest of an archipelago of over 80 islands. Among them is the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking paradise that can be reached on a day trip from Koh Samui.
The island is small enough to be reached by motorbike or car in a couple of hours, but boasts a huge variety of beaches and activities that cannot be experienced in a single visit.
Until the late 20th century, Koh Samui was home to a small community that mainly fished and harvested coconuts; until the early 1970s, the island didn't even have roads. But when foreign visitors discovered this gem of a place, with its lush rainforest and coconut trees lining the golden sands and surrounded by aquamarine waters, development proceeded rapidly.
Today, the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are home to seaside towns with fabulous resorts, world-famous restaurants and world-class nightclubs. Cooking classes, yoga classes, Muay Thai training, scuba diving and golf are just some of the activities available around Koh Samui.
Some of the beaches have a certain charm of yesteryear, especially the quieter ones that are perfect for relaxing, such as the ones that are home to some of the world's best 5-star resorts, and Bo Phut, which boasts old Chinese teak houses. However, Samui remains as vibrant and exciting as it was decades ago, a paradise island in its own right that retains its natural beauty and offers all the activities and amenities for the ultimate beach holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Ko Samui
December to March is the "cool" season and attracts the most visitors. It is the period when it rains the least, the temperature is constant and very pleasant (30°C on average). On the other hand, the price of hotels rises and the best ones are taken by storm.
Where to Stay near Ko Samui
More Travel spots to explore around Ko Samui
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Ko Samui
🗼 Landmark spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🌴 Tropics spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🏰 Place of worship spots 🏰 Temple spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏨 Resort spots 🏖️ Sailing spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏘️ Cottage spots 🏞️ Waterfall spots 🌴 Jungle spots 🏖️ Lagoon spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🏨 Eco hotel spotsTravel map of Ko Samui
Explore popular touristic places around Ko Samui
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