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Koh Samui tropical paradise
Complete Island Guide

Koh Samui
Tourist Guide

Everything you need to know about this tropical paradise. Activities, climate, transport, accommodation, culture, and practical tips from our 20+ years of experience.

Presentation of Koh Samui

Koh Samui panoramic view

Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani. Its surface is 250km² and the ring road is 51 km. Known as one of Thailand's most luxurious and popular seaside resorts, it still retains many very authentic parts.

This tropical paradise is covered by a lush jungle of palms and coconut trees, offering sumptuous sunrises and sunsets, with white sand beaches and green hills. Enjoy its tropical climate with 30°C all year round.

Activities & Discoveries

🧖 Spas & massage parlors
🏞️ Waterfalls & jungle treks
🐘 Elephant sanctuary
🛕 Buddhist temples
🤿 Scuba diving & snorkeling
🏄 Water sports & parasailing
🧘 Yoga retreats
🚤 Island hopping trips

Explore waterfalls like Namuang, visit Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, go sea kayaking, walk the jungle, and gather at temples like Wat Plai Laem and Big Buddha. Take Thai cooking classes, try zip lines, or join island trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Weather & Climate

30°C

Average year-round

May

Hottest month

Oct–Dec

Rainy season

Hot all year with ~30°C average. May-June are hottest. October to December sees heavy tropical showers. April has the highest UV index. Rain can fall at any time but is usually short-lived.

Cost of Living

Local Food

50–150 THB

Fried rice, pad thai, curries

Budget Room

600–1000 THB/night

Double room with A/C

How to Get to Koh Samui

✈️ By Plane

USM Airport — ~1 hour from Bangkok via Bangkok Airways. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, China.

⛴️ By Ferry

~150 THB/person from Donsak port. ~1h20 crossing. Cheaper airports: Surat Thani (SRT) or Krabi (KBV).

Getting Around

Transport options on Koh Samui include:

Car or motorbike rental — The best option to explore freely, day and night.

Taxis — Meters rarely used. Always negotiate the price before getting in.

Song-teow — Pick-up trucks with benches, running on main routes.

Mini-van — ~150 THB for airport/port transfers.

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We deliver cars and motorbikes to your hotel, airport, or any location.

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Accommodation

From backpacker dormitories to luxury resorts, Koh Samui has it all. Chaweng, Bophut, Mae Nam, Bang Rak, and Lamai are the most popular areas. Budget bungalows start at ~10,000 THB/month (~€280). Villas in the hills offer breathtaking views.

Which Neighborhood?

Koh Samui fishing village

Chaweng

Most popular. Great nightlife and shopping.

Lamai

Quieter, bars, Sunday Walking Street.

Bophut

Fisherman's Village, upscale dining.

Mae Nam

Relaxed, beautiful beach, budget-friendly.

Bang Rak

Best sunsets, near Big Buddha Temple.

Choeng Mon

Family-friendly, calm and relaxing.

Food & Dining

Thai street food in Koh Samui

Local and international cuisine: fried rice, pad thai, curries, seafood, European fare, Indian, and vegetarian. Fresh tropical fruits, smoothies, ice rolls. From street food at 50 THB to fine dining beachfront restaurants.

Shopping

Central Festival mall for brands. Makro, Tesco Lotus, Big C for groceries. Family Mart and 7-Eleven on every corner — open 24/7 for essentials and fast food.

Currency & Exchange

Thai Baht (THB) — ~36 THB per Euro. ATMs charge 220 THB fee per withdrawal (max 20,000 THB). Compare exchange office rates. Prefer cash over card payments (3%+ commission). Avoid card fraud — use only trusted institutions.

Walking Streets

Monday Fisherman's Village, Bophut
Tue & Wed Central Festival, Chaweng (17-23h)
Thursday Mae Nam (17-22h)
Friday Fisherman's Village, Bophut (17-23h)
Saturday Chaweng Lake parking (17-23h)
Sunday Lamai (17-22h)

Beaches

Highlights: Silver Beach / Crystal Bay, Coral Cove, Choeng Mon Beach. Explore the island by car or scooter to discover hidden beaches in the southwest and north.

Nightlife

Vibrant nightlife starts early (sunset ~7pm). Reggae bars, electro clubs, live bands. Popular venues: Hush Bar, Green Mango, Ark Bar Beach Club.

Full Moon Party

World-famous monthly festival on Koh Phangan, ~30 min by boat from Koh Samui. Electronic music, fire shows, fluorescent paint. Pro tip: Stay in Koh Samui and take the evening boat to avoid high prices on Koh Phangan.

Muay Thai Boxing

Don't miss a Muay Thai fight! Several stadiums host events (1,000+ THB entry). Free fights on Saturday night in Lamai's central ring among the bars.

Culture & Customs

The Wai

Thai greeting with hands clasped. Height of hands indicates respect level.

Feet

Remove shoes before entering homes/temples. Never point feet at people.

Head

Never touch someone's head — considered disrespectful in Thai culture.

Temples

Cover elbows and knees. Remove shoes. Veils often available at entrance.

Songkran

Thai New Year (April 13). City-wide water fight! Protect your electronics.

Tipping

Not mandatory but appreciated. Masseuses earn ~150 THB/hour — tips help.

Safety

Key tips: Avoid conflicts — many locals practice Muay Thai. Don't flash money. Keep passport and departure card safe (needed when leaving Thailand). Thailand is generally safe but stay aware.

Ready to explore Koh Samui?

Rent a car or motorbike and discover every corner of this paradise island at your own pace.