Koh Samui

About Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand's third-largest island, sits in the Gulf of Thailand as part of Surat Thani province. Fringed by palm-lined beaches and turquoise water, it has grown from a quiet coconut-farming island into one of Thailand's most popular resort destinations, offering everything from luxury villas and beach clubs to laid-back fishing villages and jungle waterfalls. Samui is also the natural gateway to a wider archipelago of around 60 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, making it an ideal base for beach relaxation as well as island-hopping adventures.

Top Sightseeing Spots on Koh Samui

1. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – A 12-metre golden seated Buddha overlooking the sea, one of the island's most iconic landmarks.
2. Wat Plai Laem – A striking temple complex with an 18-armed statue of the Goddess of Mercy and colourful reflecting ponds.
3. Chaweng Beach – The island's longest and liveliest beach, lined with resorts, restaurants, and nightlife.
4. Fisherman's Village (Bophut) – A charming strip of restored wooden shophouses turned cafés, boutiques, and beachfront bars, especially lively at its Friday night walking street market.
5. Na Muang Waterfalls – Twin waterfalls set in the island's jungle interior, easily reached by a short walk from the road.
6. Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden) – A hidden hillside sculpture garden created by a local farmer, filled with statues, streams, and mountain views.
7. Wat Khunaram – Home to the preserved, mummified body of a revered monk, seated in meditation inside a glass case.

Small Islands Around Koh Samui

1. Koh Phangan – Famous worldwide for its monthly Full Moon Party, but also home to quiet northern beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
2. Koh Tao ("Turtle Island") – Thailand's top scuba diving destination, ringed by coral reefs and clear water, about a 1–1.5 hour boat ride from Samui.
3. Koh Nang Yuan – A tiny, postcard-perfect islet next to Koh Tao, where sandbars connect three small peaks; a top snorkelling and viewpoint spot.
4. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park – An archipelago of 42 dramatic limestone islands with hidden lagoons, viewpoints, and an emerald lake, about an hour from Samui by boat.
5. Koh Mudsum – A small island south of Samui known for its calm snorkelling waters and, more recently, for swimming with resident pigs.
6. Koh Taen – A quiet island near Koh Mudsum, popular for its coral reefs and less-crowded snorkelling spots.
7. Koh Wua Talap – The main island within Ang Thong National Marine Park, home to the park headquarters and the famous "viewpoint of viewpoints."

Good to Know

• Getting there: Fly directly into Samui Airport, or take a bus/train to Surat Thani followed by a ferry from Donsak Pier (about 1.5–2 hours total).
• Best time to visit: December to April for the driest weather; Koh Samui's rainy season runs roughly October–December, opposite to Thailand's west-coast islands.
• Island hopping: Ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao depart regularly from Maenam and Bangrak piers, and day tours to Ang Thong Marine Park can be booked from most areas of the island.
• Getting around: Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) circle the island's ring road; scooters and rental cars are also widely available.