Koh Samui is just like the island paradise from the movies with its pristine white beaches, sapphire blue waters and legendary nightlife. This small island off the east coast of Thailand draws different types of visitors, from young travellers who come here to party every night, those looking for its relaxed culture, and others simply for the pristine beauty of the beaches and the sea. Each side of the island has something different to offer. The south and west coasts are more relaxed and casual, perfect for those looking to chill on the beach with a good book or looking to experience the local culture. The north and east coast are popular for the famous beach parties, bars and night clubs.
On the west coast is Lipa Noi, a secluded beach that’s perfect for a romantic stay. Further to the south lies Phang Ka, with a number of first-class resorts and one of the best places to see the sun set into the sea. To the south lies the Bay of Thong Krut; here you can explore the fishing village or take a charter boat to nearby islands Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum where you can go deep sea fishing.
Go dancing for the evening in Chaweng, then spend the day resting on the incredibly beautiful Chaweng Noi Beach. This beach, found south of the village, is a perfect place to escape from the maddening crowd. In the northeast lies Choeng Mon, the most exclusive part of the island, where the resorts and private beaches attract a bit more of mature, more family-friendly, crowd.
Visit the Great Buddha, just north of the airport. This 12 meter high bronze statue stands on its own little island just opposite the beach. Stroll through Bang Rak and Bo Phut to see the more traditional side of the island.
The beaches are easily accessible via the ring road that runs in a along the coast. When one beach is too busy, simply drive a few kilometres to the next beach. If you'd like to explore the surrounding islands, you're just a short boat trip from Koh Phangan and the spectacular Ang Thong National Park.
Travellers to Chaweng City Center praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Chaweng Beach and Phetch Buncha Thai Boxing Stadium.
While visiting Laem Sor Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Laem Set Beach and Laem Sor Pagoda.
Top hotels in Koh Samui
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
155/4 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Rs8,065
per night
18 Nov-19 Nov
Located in Chaweng City Center, this beachfront resort is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Lake. Phetch Buncha Thai ...…Located in Chaweng City Center, this beachfront resort is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Lake. Phetch Buncha Thai ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (894 reviews)
"Excellent service, extremely friendly staff, beautiful grounds, centrally located, breakfast is terrific, view and access to chewang beach is fantastic. This was our 5th time at the resort, it gets better every time!!! Will definitely be back"…""Excellent service, extremely friendly staff, beautiful grounds, centrally located, breakfast is terrific, view and access to chewang beach is fantastic. This was our 5th time at the resort, it gets better every time!!! Will definitely be back"WWW…"
Offering direct access to the beach, this Koh Samui resort is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Lake. Phetch Buncha ...…Offering direct access to the beach, this Koh Samui resort is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Lake. Phetch Buncha ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (575 reviews)
"Amari is a beautiful resort. There is 2 sides, ocean views and garden views. We had the garden views and it was so magical, when you wake up there is birds singing. It is so relaxing and I felt like a Disney princess. And the staffs are so accommodating, always willing to help with a smile. Thank ..."…""Amari is a beautiful resort. There is 2 sides, ocean views and garden views. We had the garden views and it was so magical, when you wake up there is birds singing. It is so relaxing and I felt like a Disney princess. And the staffs are so accommodating, always willing to help with a smile. Thank ..."WWW…"
Located in Chaweng City Center, this beachfront hotel is in the city centre and within a 5-minute walk of Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Thai Boxing Stadium. Central ...…Located in Chaweng City Center, this beachfront hotel is in the city centre and within a 5-minute walk of Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Thai Boxing Stadium. Central ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (743 reviews)
"Beautiful modern beach hotel , large swimming pool and on beautiful beach Breakfast very good"…""Beautiful modern beach hotel , large swimming pool and on beautiful beach Breakfast very good"WWW…"
Perched high upon its own dedicated island, the Big Buddha of Koh Samui glints golden in the sun, quietly surveying the buzz of island life going on below.
If you want to catch a glimpse of Koh Samui before tourism development, visit this wonderfully well-kept street of 19th-century Chinese shop-houses and French architecture.
Relax on one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beaches, enjoy a massage in one of the many resorts and explore the surrounding picturesque fishing villages and temples.
Reviews of Koh Samui
4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
127
5 - Excellent 59.905660377358494%
4 - Good
68
4 - Good 32.075471698113205%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 6.60377358490566%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1.4150943396226414%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
11 Nov 2019
Towns are not the best place for youngsters after dark
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
12 Oct 2019
We have travelled a lot of Thailand now and this is ithout a doubt the most expensive place we have been to in thailand!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
6 Oct 2019
Loved the island
4/5 - Good
UKtraveller
30 Sep 2019
Lots of lovely places to visit on the island. The fisherman’s village was lovely with some amazing beach side restaurants
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
28 Sep 2019
Great place with very friendly people. Public transport is limited to Taxi's and a sort of Tuk-Tuk. You can rent a bike but I would thin before you do it as the roads are not the best in the world and not sure how many residents took a driving test !
5/5 - Excellent
Fiona
15 Sep 2019
Lovely island, would highly recommend it and we will defiantly go back.
