Ko Samui trip planner

Ko Samui Holiday Planning Guide

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the island of Ko Samui lies some 700 km (430 mi) south of Bangkok and features a palm-fringed coastline and hillsides shrouded in virgin rainforest. Take a trip to Ko Samui to discover a heaven for kayakers, snorkelers, and nature lovers of all ages. Together with about 60 other islands, Ko Samui is part of a sprawling marine national park sheltering a diverse wildlife that includes fish, frogs, otters, dolphins, monkeys, bats, turtles, iguanas, cobras, and hogs. Although you can tour Ko Samui's developed beaches in a few hours by car or motorcycle, the island is still large enough for serious adventures in the wild.

Places to Visit in Ko Samui

Destinations in Ko Samui

Taling Ngam: A great choice for a relaxing Ko Samui vacation, Taling Ngam offers unspoiled stretches of sand and lush jungle, ripe for exploration.

Maret: This sprawling cluster of beachside settlements provides a variety of tourist-oriented amenities, from quiet beaches and museums, to rowdy nightclubs.

Bophut: Notable for its proximity to the airport, this laidback seaside town has something for everyone, from families with kids to partygoers and surfers.

Mae Nam: A long, uninterrupted strip of white sand and calm waters remain the main draw of Mae Nam, a sleepy coastal town.

Popular Ko Samui Tourist Attractions

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): This Buddhist temple dates back to 1972 and boasts a 15 m (49 ft) tall Buddha statue, an island landmark.

Fisherman’s Village: A charming district of Bophut, this area houses old Chinese-style shop houses alongside modern boutiques.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park: One of the most popular places to visit in Ko Samui, this unspoiled nature reserve dotted with uninhabited islets is a diving and snorkeling haven.

Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks: These rock formations are notable for their resemblance to male and female genitalia, as well their picturesque seaside setting.

Chaweng Noi Beach: Away from the crowds of Chaweng, this quiet beach offers soft white sands, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of space for relaxation.

Lamai Beach: Often lively and crowded, Lamai Beach attracts couples and families, as well as the backpacker crowd.

Wat Plai Laem: Take a break from lazing on the beach and admire the ornate decor and colorful statues of this traditional Buddhist temple.

Na Muang Waterfall: These falls, at their most scenic during the rainy season, remain an oft-visited Ko Samui tourist attraction, accessible via a steep hike or elephant ride.

Thong Takhian Beach (Silver Beach): A small but attractive stretch of sand, this scenic beach provides a secluded spot for swimming and leisure.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo: On a visit to this popular aquarium and zoo you can admire Bengal tigers, or view a variety of birds and aquatic animals.

Planning a Ko Samui Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Ko Samui with Kids

An abundance of beaches, kid-friendly accommodations, and fawning locals make a Ko Samui vacation a good choice for families.

The quiet village of Mae Nam can be a good option for smaller children, as it boasts calm waters, soft sands, and activities suitable for youngsters.

The beachside town of Bophut is another destination the whole family can enjoy, teeming with family-friendly restaurants, shops, and spas.

Older kids and teenagers might benefit from a larger town with more amenities and entertainment options, such as the popular Lamai Beach , or the booming resort destination of Chaweng , a lively place with plenty of opportunities for water sports.

Things to Do in Ko Samui with Kids

The premier tourist attractions in Ko Samui are definitely its many beaches, some quiet and others busy and lively.

Beaches with calm waters, such as Choeng Mon Beach, can be a great place for kids to swim, splash around, and have fun on the sand.

Other fun activities for the whole family can include go karting, snorkeling, or mini golf.

On a rainy day, you can treat your family to some spa treatments, or attempt to solve the puzzles at Escapade Samui.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Ko Samui

Planning a family trip to Ko Samui can be fairly simple, as the island is quite child-friendly, boasting plenty of beaches and resorts.

Many of the larger hotels and resorts will have some sort of babysitting or childcare service, but remember to check ahead of time.

You'll rarely find high chairs in hotels and restaurants around the island. Locals don't generally use strollers and the roads can be uneven, so look into bringing a baby carriage or an umbrella stroller instead of a large one.

Bring bottled water everywhere you go. Refrain from leaving valuables out of your sight on the beach or in public transport.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Ko Samui

Cuisine of Ko Samui

Similar to the rest of southern Thailand, the cuisine of Ko Samui is known for its liberal use of spices and plenty of seafood dishes.

Coconuts are another widely used ingredient, making their way into sauces, drinks, and desserts, or eaten fresh.

Besides the seafood dishes and nationwide favorites, the culinary scene of the island is influenced by the cooking of northern Malaysia, often including spicy curries and noodle dishes.

A popular local dessert is "kalamae," a type of candy made from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar.

During a Ko Samui vacation, you can sample many of the traditional delicacies on tours of markets, or join a few cooking classes and delve into the intricacies of local gastronomy.

Shopping in Ko Samui

On a Ko Samui holiday, you'll find plenty of opportunities for a shopping spree, especially in larger towns and tourist destinations.

The island's shops, markets, and roadside stalls offer a range of affordable goods, from trinkets and souvenirs to clothing and antiques.

Handicrafts are ubiquitous and include a variety of wooden items, jewelry, local soap carvings, and products made from the famous Thai hand-woven silk.

Ash Tailor Samui, which provide quality bespoke apparel, are abundant.

Like everywhere in Thailand, you'll also find a variety of inexpensive electronics, homeware items, and knockoffs of designer clothing. Bargaining is a must when browsing the island's colorful markets.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Ko Samui

Interesting Facts About Ko Samui

* "Ko" means "island" in Thai, so the name of the island is actually just "Samui"

* Now a tourism haven, the island used to rely on its many coconut plantations for income

* Ko Samui is the second largest island in Thailand

* The island is a district of the Surat Thani province

Holidays & Festivals in Ko Samui

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant cultural and religious festivals that are celebrated all over the country, including on the island of Ko Samui.

Loy Krathong, or Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular holidays observed on the island.

Celebrated on a full moon night in November, Loy Krathong is marked by lively gatherings on beaches, rivers, lakes, and even swimming pools. The locals then release "kratongs," banana leaf holders with candles, to float on the water or release paper lanterns into the sky.

If you're planning a Ko Samui vacation in April, you can participate in the vivacious Songkran festival, the celebration of the Thai New Year. Although a religious observance, Songkran festivities include water fights in the streets, as locals emerge from their homes armed with buckets, hoses, and even trucks full of cold water. It's all in good fun, so join in.

Useful Ko Samui Travel Tips

Climate of Ko Samui

The island of Ko Samui enjoys warm, tropical weather and over 300 sunny days in an average year.

Temperatures rarely vary, averaging 24-32 C (75-90 F), with high humidity throughout the year.

The wet season, in October and November, is marked by plenty of rainfall.

For the driest weather, you should consider planning your Ko Samui holiday between February and April.

Transportation in Ko Samui

As the island is relatively small, you'll easily get around on your tour of Ko Samui.

For shorter distances there are plenty of options, from renting a bicycle, to taking a taxi or "songthaew," a pickup truck that buses passengers along fixed routes.

For a road trip around the island, you can rent a car, or alternatively, a motorcycle. Motorcycles and scooters are very common on Ko Samui, but should be driven with caution and always with a helmet, as accidents are common.