Ko Samui Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful attractions, local culture, food, and more in Ko Samui. Discover its best places to visit, activities to do, and safety tips in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Ko Samui

Ko Samui is a stunning island located in the Central Gulf coast of Southern Thailand. It is one of the largest islands in Thailand and is known for its beautiful beaches, unique rock formations, lush forests, and vibrant culture. This island has something to offer for everyone, from luxury resorts to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Ko Samui

Ko Samui is home to numerous cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wat Plai Laem: A beautiful temple with a giant statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and a large prayer wheel.
  • Big Buddha Temple: A popular attraction with a 12-meter high golden Buddha statue and an observation deck offering stunning views of the island.
  • Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: These famous rock formations resemble male and female genitals and are a popular photo spot.

Natural Attractions of Ko Samui: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Angthong National Marine Park: A breathtaking marine park with a collection of islands with lush forests, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters.
  • Namuang Waterfall: A stunning double waterfall located in a tropical rainforest, ideal for swimming, picnicking and hiking.
  • Chaweng Beach: One of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the island, with plenty of water activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ko Samui

Ko Samui has many hiking and biking routes for adventure seekers. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Jungle Route: A 7-km trail through the lush rainforest of the island with beautiful waterfalls and stunning views.
  • Samui Loop: A 52-km road circumnavigating the island with beautiful scenery and numerous pit stops for food and drinks.

Best Things to Do in Ko Samui: Activities and Tours

Ko Samui is famous for its water activities, nightlife, and cultural experiences. Here are some of the best things to do on the island:

  • Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Discover the underwater world of Ko Samui with various snorkeling and scuba diving tours.
  • Nightlife Tour: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ko Samui by visiting various nightclubs and bars.
  • Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook delicious Thai dishes with local ingredients and recipes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ko Samui

To make the most of your trip to Ko Samui, here is a week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and Beach Relaxation
Day 2 Visit the Big Buddha Temple and Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
Day 3 Explore Angthong National Marine Park, snorkeling, and kayaking
Day 4 Visit Wat Plai Laem and nearby beaches
Day 5 Take a cooking class and enjoy a night out on the town
Day 6 Hike the Jungle Route and visit Namuang Waterfall
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Ko Samui

Ko Samui has a diverse culinary scene with lots of delicious dishes to try and local beverages to quench your thirst.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pad Thai: A famous Thai street food dish of stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables and egg.
  • Massaman Curry: A curry made with meat, potatoes, peanuts, and spices.
  • Tom Yum Goong: A spicy and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, and chilies.

Local Beverages

  • Chang Beer: A popular Thai beer, brewed with a mix of rice and malted barley.
  • Singha Beer: Another famous Thai beer, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.
  • Thai Iced Tea: A sweet and refreshing tea made with condensed milk and spiced with star anise.

Where to Stay in Ko Samui: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ko Samui has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and style. Here are some of the best options:

  • Luxury Resorts: Some of the most luxurious resorts are located on the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai.
  • Mid-Range Hotels: There are many mid-range hotels to choose from, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities and private beaches.
  • Budget Hostels and Guesthouses: If you’re on a tight budget, there are several affordable hostels and guesthouses with basic amenities and shared dorms or private rooms.

What to Buy in Ko Samui: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ko Samui has a rich cultural heritage, and its local products reflect that. Here are some of the best things to buy as souvenirs:

  • Coconut Oil: Ko Samui is known for its high-quality, organic coconut oil that is great for skincare or cooking.
  • Traditional Thai Clothing: You can buy traditional clothing, including sarongs and silk dresses, in local markets.
  • Handicrafts: You’ll find many skilled craftsmen producing beautiful items like wooden carvings, pottery, and jewelry in Ko Samui’s markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Ko Samui

Ko Samui has a unique culture and customs that reflect its rich history and heritage. Here are some things to know:

  • Respect the Royal Family: It is important to show respect to the Thai royal family, as they are highly revered in the country.
  • Dress Modestly: When visiting temples or other religious sites, dress conservatively and remove shoes before entry.
  • Wai: The Thai greeting is called Wai, which involves bowing with your hands pressed together in front of your chest.

Best Time to Visit Ko Samui

The best time to visit Ko Samui is from December to April, during the dry season when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm. The rainy season from May to November has more rain, humidity and occasional storms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ko Samui

Here are some essential tips to ensure that you have a great time in Ko Samui:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Always wear sun protection while staying on the beach.
  • Carry a mosquito repellent during hiking.

Don’t:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the flora and fauna in the national parks.
  • Don’t litter the public beaches.
  • Don’t take pictures with or ride elephants- it is not ethical.

Safety and Health

Your safety and well-being are crucial while traveling in Ko Samui.

Safety in Ko Samui

  • It’s essential to stay hydrated while enjoying outdoor activities, especially during hot days.
  • Take necessary precautions, including wearing helmets, while biking or hiking.
  • Be wary of scams, take care of valuables and don’t leave them unattended.

Health in Ko Samui

  • It’s essential to carry a basic first aid kit and take necessary vaccinations before arriving on the island.
  • Make sure to drink clean water and pay attention to food hygiene while eating street food.
  • Bring insect repellent, and wear long clothes during the humid seasons to avoid dangerous mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Ko Samui: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ko Samui is very well connected with other cities in Thailand as well as other countries,

Airports Near Ko Samui

*Koh Samui airport is the only airport on the island. There are daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai, other thai cities and international destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Bus Stations Near Ko Samui

  • The bus station in Surat Thani is the most convenient option (around 45 minutes ferry ride from the island).

Other Options

  • Ferry services are available from Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
  • Private transfers, shared vans, and taxis are also available.

How to Get Around in Ko Samui

  • Taxis and Tuk-tuks are readily available, but you should negotiate the fare in advance.
  • Renting a scooter or a car is a popular and more flexible way to explore the island, but driving is challenging and can be dangerous in crowded areas.
  • Bus service mainly connects the most touristy areas like Chaweng and Lamai.

Where to Go Next from Ko Samui: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ko Samui is well-located and there are many reachable destinations.

  • Koh Phangan: This island is well-known among backpackers and famous for its full-moon parties and wellness retreats.
  • Koh Tao: Koh Tao offers excellent diving and is home to many diving schools and centers.
  • Khao Sok National Park: This is one of the most lovely and picturesque nature reserves in Southern Thailand with jungle trekking, wildlife watching and scenic views.

Conclusion

Ko Samui is a must-visit destination in Thailand, with its diverse attractions, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. There is something for everyone on this stunning island, from pristine beaches and cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine. Plan your trip carefully and enjoy this tropical paradise to the fullest.

Even the sun rests in paradise Even the sun rests in paradise Samui airport has a unique open design Samui airport has a unique open design Ferries are a popular way to travel to and from Ko Samui Ferries are a popular way to travel to and from Ko Samui Seatran ferries at Don Sak pier, Surat Thani Seatran ferries at Don Sak pier, Surat Thani Nathon Pier on Samui's west coast has services to Surat Thani and Ko Pha Ngan Nathon Pier on Samui's west coast has services to Surat Thani and Ko Pha Ngan Part of the Samui Ring Road in the south of the island Part of the Samui Ring Road in the south of the island A typical songthaew A typical songthaew Grandfather and grandmother stones Ko Samui Grandfather and grandmother stones Ko Samui Night market in Mae Nam Night market in Mae Nam Big Budha statue Big Budha statue Do not drink the offerings to the spirits Do not drink the offerings to the spirits


    Chaweng
    Choeng Mon
    Laem Yai
    Lamai
    Mae Nam
    Nathon
    Samui South Coast