TH · Surat Thani · 9.50°N 100.00°E

ko samui

Palm-fringed beaches, the Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village walking street.

Best time
Samui's weather runs differently from Phuket's. January to August is generally good, and the heaviest rain falls around October to December.
How long
4–5 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok and connect to Samui, about 1 hour. Or fly to Surat Thani, then take a bus and ferry, about 3–4 hours in all.
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TH · Surat Thaniko samui9.50°N 100.00°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Palm-fringed beaches, the Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village walking street.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKo SamuiTH, Surat Thani
KLko samui
≈ 731 km from KL, as the crow flies
Lipa Noi Beach on Ko Samui, Thailand, shortly after sunset with coco palm. The islands of the Ang Thong Marine National Park (Mu Koh Angthong) are visible at the horizon.

Photo: Manfred Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Thailand's second-largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand, with palm-lined beaches, resorts for every budget and a busy but easy-going feel. It's also the base for boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park and the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Makan

  1. SeafoodGrilled fish and prawns at the beachfront restaurants in Fisherman's Village.Map ↗
  2. Southern Thai curriesSpicy dishes like gaeng som, a sour fish curry.Map ↗
  3. Fresh coconutsSamui grew up on coconut plantations, and fresh coconuts are everywhere.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)A 12-metre golden Buddha on a small island joined to the coast by a causeway.Map ↗
  2. Fisherman's Village, BophutOld wooden shophouses turned restaurants, with a weekly walking street market.Map ↗
  3. Ang Thong Marine ParkA full-day boat trip to dozens of limestone islands for kayaking, snorkelling and a steep viewpoint climb.Map ↗
  4. Chaweng and LamaiThe two busiest beaches. Lamai is a bit more laid-back and has the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks.Map ↗
  5. Na Muang WaterfallsTwo waterfalls inland, a cool break from the beach.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Only rent a scooter if you're experienced. The roads are hilly and accidents are common.
  • Cover your shoulders and knees at temples.
  • Ferries run on to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao if you want to island-hop.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.