samui in 5 days, 4 nights

Based at Chaweng: the Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village on the north coast, a full day at sea in Ang Thong Marine Park, Lamai and the Na Muang waterfalls in the south, and lazy beach time in between. January to August is the best stretch.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Chaweng

    Morning
    Fly from KL to Samui, direct when flights are running or with a change in Bangkok. The airport is about 15 minutes from Chaweng.
    Lunch
    Lunch near the hotel.
    Afternoon
    Swim and settle in on Chaweng beach.
    Evening
    Grilled seafood and a fresh coconut at a beachfront restaurant.
  2. Day 2

    Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village

    Morning
    Go early to the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), about 15 minutes from Chaweng, on a small island joined to the coast by a causeway.
    Lunch
    Southern Thai curries, like gaeng som, a sour fish curry.
    Afternoon
    Fisherman's Village in Bophut, about 10 minutes west, for its old wooden shophouses and a swim off the beach.
    Evening
    Stay for grilled fish and prawns at one of the beachfront restaurants, and the walking street market if it's on that night.
  3. Day 3

    Ang Thong Marine Park

    Morning
    Full-day boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park. Most tours collect you from your hotel.
    Lunch
    Lunch is usually included on the trip.
    Afternoon
    Kayaking, snorkelling and the steep climb to the viewpoint over the islands. Wear proper shoes for it.
    Evening
    Back in Chaweng for an easy dinner and an early night.
  4. Day 4

    Na Muang and Lamai

    Morning
    Drive about 30 minutes inland to the Na Muang Waterfalls for a cool dip.
    Lunch
    Lunch in Lamai, about 15 minutes away.
    Afternoon
    The Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks at the end of Lamai beach, then a swim on Lamai's more laid-back stretch of sand.
    Evening
    Dinner in Lamai before heading back to Chaweng.
  5. Day 5

    Home

    Morning
    A slow breakfast and one last swim.
    Lunch
    A last plate of southern Thai food, with a fresh coconut.
    Afternoon
    Head to the airport, about 15 minutes away, for the flight home.

Good to know

  • Use taxis or hire a driver unless you're an experienced scooter rider. The roads are hilly and accidents are common.
  • Cover your shoulders and knees at the Big Buddha and other temples.
  • Ferries run on to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao if you want to add another island.
The Ko Samui guide