Koh Samui, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide
Updated: Sep 11, 2023
Koh Samui is located in the southern Gulf of Thailand. It’s the largest island of the Samui Archipelago and the second-largest in the country. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, mountainous interior landscape, wide range of entertainment options, and spectacular accommodation, Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Thailand. And since it’s the only island in the archipelago that has an airport, most travelers arriving from Bangkok or abroad land here. In this travel guide, we share 10 of the best things to do on Koh Samui as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.
Check out our video about Koh Samui to see the best things to do through our camera!
Best Things To Do On Koh Samui
Relax at the beaches (Lamai, Lipa Noi, Choeng Mon, Chaweng)
Discover the Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)
Visit the Na Muang waterfalls (Half-day jeep tour)
See Koh Samui’s most mysterious rocks Hin Ta & Hin Yai
Go island hopping to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao
Eat and Shop at Bophut Fisherman's Village
Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match
Explore the colorful temples (Wat Ratchathammaram, Wat Plai Laem, Wat Phra Yai)
Eat street food at the night market (Bophut Fisherman’s Village Friday 5 PM until 11 PM)
Places To Stay In Koh Samui
Aumpai Luxury Hotel: this is where we stayed, it's located in the heart of Lamai and has clean and spacious rooms as well as a pool
Bangrak Pier Bungalow: beautiful bungalows located in Bophut Village right at the beach
Palm Coco Mantra: Located on a hill with a beautiful sea view and pool
Places To Eat And Drink In Koh Samui
Bophut Village Night Market: the best food you can find! (only on Fridays)
La Fabrique: French bakery with good coffee
Pure Vegan Heaven: delicious vegan food, we love their smoothie bowls
The Tent Beachfront: a fancy beachfront restaurant
The Jungle Club: Thai and Western food with a panoramic view
Haad Bang Po: family-run eatery right on the beach
Happy Elephant: a variety of food options in Fisherman's Village
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant: the best Indian food we found on the island and very affordable
Green Bird: Thai seafood at affordable prices
DARA Kitchen & Café: very local place to eat Thai food
Sala Thai Restaurant: delicious authentic local Thai dishes at reasonable and affordable prices
Le Betole: Thai and Italian food on Choeng Mon beach
Map Koh Samui
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay on Koh Samui on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Koh Samui will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Koh Samui
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Koh Samui? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles on Thailand:
