Ko Samui Information

Things to see and do

If you are heading to Ko Samui then you are sure to be spending a great deal of your time relaxing on one of its many beaches. Cheweng and Lamai are the two busiest and most developed. If you are keen for action and atmosphere then this is where you want to be. In these parts there are any number of people trying to sell you a range of water based activities: whether it is jet skiing, kayak tours, fishing trips or boat rides, there is no shortage of options. Prices are flexible.  It’s probably best to organise activities through reputable dealers.

If a quiet retreat is more your scene then make your way around to the north east corner of the island. The crystal clear waters of Maenam Beach, Bophut Beach and Chonegmon Beach provide pristine settings for you to roll out a towel, sip on a cool drink and relax.

If you want to get away from the beaches then turn your attention inland and explore Ko Samui’s lush interior and jungles. You can easily drive to the Hin Lat waterfall which has numerous small basins to swim in. Local roads can take you to the more impressive Na Mueang waterfall. From here a thirty-minute walk will take you to the Na Mueang 2 waterfall where water tumbles over purple rocks down an 80-meter drop.

Learning how to Scuba Dive is relatively cheap in Thailand. The excellent dive sites nearby have seen enthusiasts flock to these parts. This has meant that Ko Samui is full of excellent diving instructors stocked with good quality equipment. Most diving tours will go to the nearby Angthong Marine National Park and their shopfronts are mainly in Chaweng.

While you are not going to Ko Samui for a cultural and historical experience there still are a few sites worth having a look at. Wat Khunaram is the island’s most famous temple where a mummified monk can be found. There is also the Wat Phrya Yai (Big Buddha Temple) which houses a fifteen metre tall Buddha. For an excellent view of the island head to the Secret Buddha Garden which sits atop the mountains highest peak and has a fantastic view of the entire island.

Local Flavours

Clean water and offshore reefs mean that Ko Samui is home to excellent fresh seafood. Big barbecues line beachfront restaurants at night where whole fish and other fresh seafood are grilled to perfection. Go on a fishing trip and cook up your own catch!

Despite being an island, Ko Samui is also infused by the cooking styles of Southern Thailand. Spicy flavours feature more heavily than in northern Thailand due to Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian influences in the cooking. As wealthier travellers have come to Ko Samui’s shores so too has a number of excellent international restaurants that are largely scattered along the waterfront.

For a snack, try some of Ko Samui’s famous coconuts,

Getting In

Ko Samui Airport services all plane arrivals to the island. Flights to Ko Samui are only available from a limited number of providers and from certain airports. This means that you will often have to change airline providers after your flight to Thailand. Within Thailand, Ko Samui can be accessed from Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. From outside Thailand direct routes are limited.

Transportation is readily available from the airport to get you your *[accommodation in Ko Samui]. There are minibus services that operate to different areas of the island and prices vary depending on the length of the trip. However, it should generally cost about 150 baht for a standard trip. Taxis are also plentiful but more expensive – around 300 – 500 baht for most trips. Drivers are prone to trying to rip off tourists so if they refuse to use the meter then make sure a price is agreed upon before getting in.

Ferry services that operate from the mainland and surrounding islands to Ko Samui arrive at Na Thon pier. From Donsak pier, on the mainland, ferry services to Ko Samui are operated by Seatran and Songserm Travel.  From Donsak pier the trip is around 90 minutes long. If you are looking to bring a car to Ko Samui then the Raja Ferry Port company operates car ferries to Lipa Noi on the western side of Ko Samui.

Between the islands of Ko Tao, Ko Samui and Ko Phangan there are ferries offered by Lomprayah. There are also longer distance services from the mainland from Surat Thani and Bangkok.

Getting Around

Compared to nearby islands Ko Samui’s road system is well developed which makes getting around fairly easy. There are plenty of taxis and motorbike taxis are common too.  

For those feeling a bit more confident on the roads they should consider motorbike rental. It is cheap and gives you a lot of flexibility to explore the island. Be careful and keep your wits about you on these often busy and slightly unpredictable roads! Prices very depending on the size and condition of the bike. It generally costs between 150 – 700 baht for a day rental. Check your travel insurance details as many insurance providers will not insure you on motorbikes.

For shorter trips consider bicycle hire. This is a cheap option, equivalent of a few US dollars per day, and great for cruising along beachfront roads.

Car rental in Ko Samui is also popular due to its good road system. Although it is considerably more expensive you will have unparalleled access to the island in a nice air-conditioned car.

Weather

Ko Samui has slightly different weather patterns to the rest of Thailand. The weather is never cold but there are seasonal variations in rainfall. From October to December Ko Samui is in its monsoon season which makes heavy rains and winds common. The best time to visit is during Ko Samui’s hot and dry season from February to late June. No matter what the weather, prices always soar between December and July.

Good to Know

Scams are common in Ko Samui. Whether it is theft or dodgy travel agents promising you a ‘luxury bus’ you want to be a bit careful. Simple things like keeping valuables in safes provided by your accommodation and asking lots of questions are easy safeguards against any potentially nasty encounters.

Staying Here

There is no shortage of accommodation in Ko Samui. In a by-gone era the beachside bungalow was the dominant sleeping arrangement but now hotels are the norm. There is still accommodation for all budgets, from cheaper hotels to five star luxury resorts but mid range hotels are becoming increasingly prevalent. December and January can be incredibly busy so it is advisable to book ahead during these times. Outside of these times accommodation is generally readily available. The biggest decision facing travellers is how they want to experience Ko Samui. For buzzing nightlife and constant action base yourself in Chaweng or Lamai. For quieter experiences try the north east or southern sections of the island.