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เกาะสมุยGulf of Thailand
A palm-covered island in the Gulf of Thailand with soft-sand beaches, easy-going villages and a marine park of jungle islands. Here is where to stay, what to do and why the weather works differently here.
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and the best-known of the Gulf islands, on the other side of the peninsula from Phuket and Krabi. It was once a quiet island of coconut plantations, and palms still cover much of it, though today it has a ring road, a busy east coast and many resorts.
Each coast has its own character. Chaweng on the east is the busiest, with a long white beach and plenty of nightlife. Lamai, just to the south, is a little calmer. The north coast, around Bophut, Maenam and Choeng Mon, is quieter and good for families, while the west, around Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam, is the place for sunsets and peace.
Samui's weather pattern is the big difference from the Andaman coast. The heaviest rain usually falls from October to December, while much of the year, including the Andaman's wetter months, is often fine here. That makes it a good beach choice for a summer holiday in Thailand.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so you can choose the right side of the island and pair Samui with Bangkok or the north.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
The island's two best-known beaches on the east coast, with soft sand and plenty of restaurants. Chaweng is the liveliest, Lamai a little more relaxed.
Bophut, Maenam and Choeng Mon in the north and Lipa Noi in the west are calmer, with gentle water and lovely sunset views.
A day trip by boat to a scattering of jungle-covered islands. Kayak along the cliffs, climb to a viewpoint and see the emerald lake on Koh Mae Koh.
A large golden Buddha on a small island linked by a causeway in the north-east, and a colourful temple nearby with a many-armed statue of Guan Yin.
Old wooden shophouses turned into cafés and boutiques, with a busy walking street market on Friday evenings.
A long day trip by boat to clear water and coral around the small islands to the north, known for diving and snorkelling.
Two curious rock formations on the coast south of Lamai, a local landmark with a sense of humour.
Two waterfalls in the island's green interior, the lower one easy to reach and good for a cool swim after the rains.
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The main beaches on the east coast, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
Quieter northern bays with calmer water, near Fisherman's Village and close to the airport.
Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam, with quiet resorts and the best sunsets on the island. You will need a car to get around.
Tell us your style and our consultants will hand-pick a stay you would never find on your own.
A restored heritage house, a quiet lakeside villa or a family-run boutique: we match the hidden gem to you, and reveal it with your itinerary.
Ask for a surprise staySamui Airport has direct flights from Bangkok and a few regional cities, but routes are limited. The alternative is to fly to Surat Thani on the mainland, then drive to the pier and take a car ferry or speedboat across, which takes several hours in total.
Included on our journeys for transfers and touring the island's ring road.
Best for: Getting aroundAvailable for short trips between beaches.
Best for: EveningsDay trips to Ang Thong and connections to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Best for: IslandsPlaces that pair well with Koh Samui, with approximate travel times.
Samui follows the Gulf of Thailand's weather. January to August is generally the best time, with sunshine and calm seas, and February to April is often the driest. The main rainy season runs from about October to December, when heavy downpours and rough seas are common. July and August are often fine here while the Andaman coast is wet.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppGenerally from January to August, with February to April often the driest. October to December is the main rainy season. Samui is a good choice for a summer trip, when the Andaman coast around Phuket and Krabi is in its wet season.
Chaweng and Lamai suit first visits and nightlife, the north coast around Bophut, Maenam and Choeng Mon suits families and couples, and the west coast suits honeymooners who want peace and sunsets. Your travel consultant will help you choose.
Phuket is bigger, busier and better connected, on the Andaman Sea. Samui is smaller and more relaxed, on the Gulf of Thailand. The biggest difference is weather: Samui is often better from June to August, Phuket from November to April.
Fly directly from Bangkok or a few regional cities, or fly to Surat Thani and take a ferry across, which takes several hours door to door. Ferries also link Samui with Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Yes, on a calm day. The islands are beautiful, the kayaking is excellent and the viewpoint climb rewards you with wide views. Trips can be cancelled in rough weather, especially in the rainy season.
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