First-time tourists to Thailand often blindly opt for Phuket as the destination for their beach holiday, since it has established itself as the leader of the ultimate tropical getaway in Asia. However, many do not know that Koh Samui, Thailand, the largest island in the Chumphon Archipelago, has almost everything Phuket has to offer, while maintaining spotless white beaches, nonexistent traffic, and a far more unique nightlife experience. With outstanding local and international cuisine offerings, sublime diving spots, and several peaceful religious and cultural sites to explore, Koh Samui welcomes all kinds of travelers.
Visiting for the first time? No worries, we’ve got you sorted! This guide’ll show you some ideas on where to go and what to do in paradise, a.k.a., Koi Samui Thailand. 🏝️
Best time to visit
A perfect sunny day at Koh Samui | Photo by Viv T on Unsplash
We’re guessing your perfect beach holiday involves lots of sun, barely any clouds, and not a drop of rain. Being a tropical destination, Koh Samui can give you just that. However, it could also get sizzling hot or rainy depending on which month you visit. Here’s a quick rundown:
- December to February - The ideal time to visit. Expect sunny weather, lower chances of rainfall, and lots of opportunities for beach days and water activities. 🤿
- March to May - The hottest season, make sure you bring out your fans and singlets! 🎽 Expect longer days and lots of festivals.
- June to September - While this time of the year may be rainy, you can expect fewer tourists and cooler weather. 😃
- October to November - It’s monsoon season, especially around November. If you’re still keen to visit Koh Samui during this time of year, your best bet is to skip the beaches and focus on other attractions instead. 🥳
Exploring Koh Samui
Here are some of the must-visit places and top things to do in Koh Samui Thailand.
1. Have a beach day
The clear waters of Lamai Beach
Which beach you go to in Koh Samui depends on what you’re looking to do.
- Chaweng Beach - The party hotspot on the island, with dozens of beach bars and clubs as well as resorts, restaurants, and water sport operators.
- Lamai Beach - A similar offering to Chaweng Beach, but with a much more chilled-out vibe. 😎
- Mae Nam Beach - Located up north of the island, you’ll find this peaceful beach. It’s dotted with coconut trees and known for its tranquility.
- Bophut Beach - Home to a fishers’ village. It’s a great place for a honeymoon, family vacation, or peaceful retreat.
![[US] Chaweng Beach Banner](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1760105908/ovxi7wjaxafglqcpipxt.jpg)
2. Visit the islands
The pigs on Koh Mudsum are quite friendly with tourists | Photo by Klook User
Another great bonus of Koh Samui is the easily accessible surrounding islands.
- Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan - Famous for their gorgeous corals and clear, shallow waters, allowing for a tantalizing snorkelling experience.
You can book a speedboat day tour to visit Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan in one day! Enjoy a day of snorkeling and beach exploration.
- Koh Mudsum - If you love crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and well, pigs, then Koh Mudsum is a must-visit. Also known as “Pig Island,” it’s home to about a hundred free-roaming pigs you could interact with! 🐽
- Koh Tan - An island not far from Koh Mudsum, this hidden gem is definitely tranquil and teeming with marine life.
Since Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan are close in proximity, it’s best to book a half-day snorkelling tour to enjoy both friendly pigs on land and the marine life underwater!
3. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife
The legendary Full Moon party at Koh Phangan
Over the years, the Thai islands have built up quite a reputation for being the place for a hedonistic adventure, with many beach bars operating from noon onwards, raging nightclubs that never quite seem to lose energy, and the legendary Full Moon Party. 🌕
Chaweng Beach plays host to some of the most sought-after dance clubs on Koh Samui, such as Soi Green Mango and Soi Reggae, while Bophut Beach contains quaint, cozy dive bars, such as the Emerald Irish Pub.
If you arrive in time for the full moon, there’s no better place to be than Koh Phangan; this next-door neighbor of Samui Island, Thailand, hosts the main Full Moon Party, which has grown to become the largest beach party in the world! With fire sticks and buckets filled with booze, the place tends to get rather rowdy, so make sure you’re careful with your belongings! Even if you don’t want to be part of the Full Moon Party experience, Koh Phangan also has tons of chilled-out bars and cafes, as well as beautiful cultural sites to visit.
The Full Moon party happens every month the night of, before, or after every full moon. To get to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui for the legendary Full Moon party, book a speedboat transfer for a stress-free ride. 🚤
Otherwise, if you’d like to stay the night at Koh Phangan, consider booking a hotel.
4. See nature and cultural sites
Some of the statues that rest in the Secret Buddha Garden
Home to several venerated sites, Koh Samui is also ideal for travellers looking for a touch of island culture; since tourists often go to Koh Samui for the beach or party experience, these sites are usually stumbled upon rather than part of a planned visit – but it’s always good to break the mold, right?
- Big Buddha - Near to Bophut Beach you’ll find, a 15m long gold Buddha statue, that sits upon a hill overlooking the sea.
You can book a half-day city landmark tour to see Koh Samui, Thailand, icons like Big Buddha and other attractions nearby to make the most out of your trip.
- Wat Khunaram -Perhaps the most famous temple on the island, with the main attraction here being a mummified monkey that rests inside.
- Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - These rather phallic stone formations are also amongst the island’s most iconic attractions, with mysterious legends surrounding the rocks (which any nearby local is usually willing to divulge!).
- Secret Buddha Garden - For a more offbeat experience, be sure to visit this secret garden dotted with Buddha statues and lush greenery with, a sense of mystique. Topped with the fact that it is the highest point on the island, the garden makes a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.
Did you know? You could actually visit these three cool places and more in just one day! Book a Jungle Safari tour where you can ride a 4x4 army jeep to explore Koh Samui’s deep jungle. 🛻
FAQs
Why is Koh Samui so famous?
Koh Samui is famous for its pretty white sand beaches, laid-back vibe, and the fact that it’s not as crowded as other Thai islands. It’s also famous for its accessibility to vibrant nightlife spots, luxury resorts, and cultural charm.
Is Koh Samui or Phuket better?
It depends on what you’re after! Phuket is busier and more developed, with a vibrant party scene and lots of tourist infrastructure. Koh Samui, on the other hand, offers the same tropical beauty with fewer crowds, cleaner beaches, and a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere. If you’d prefer more tranquil spaces, Koh Samui Thailand is a better option for you to visit.
What is the best month to visit Koh Samui?
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Koh Samui all year round, but if your main agenda is to enjoy the beaches and islands, December to February is the best time to go. During this time, the weather is dry, the sun is out, and the waters are crystal clear. 👌🏼
Is it worth going to Koh Samui?
It’s definitely worth going to Koh Samui Thailand even if it’s your first or hundredth time! It offers pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and peaceful spots for relaxation, plus easy access to nearby islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. With its mix of adventure, culture, and tranquility, Koh Samui delivers the full island experience in one place.
More Koh Samui guides for you!
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