Koh Samui
What you need to know before you go
Koh Samui (Samui Island) is a popular resort island in the Gulf of Thailand with stunning beaches and plenty of fun activities. This cosmopolitan beach destination attracts a wide range of visitors, from budget travellers staying in simple beachside bungalows to the wealthiest holidaymakers enjoying the luxury of one of the many 5-star resorts and villas on Koh Samui.
There are 3 main beach towns on Samui island, each offering different experiences. From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach and the timeless feel of Bophut's Fisherman's Village, Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's islands in maintaining a broad appeal for many types of visitors.
What to see & do in Koh Samui
Featured stories & fun stuffKoh Samui attractions extend beyond the beautiful beaches the island is known for, though they are definitely attractive in their own right. If you want a break from all of that lounging in the sand, though, there are a host of unusual things to see, which make the most of the island’s unique culture and charms. Many of the best things to do in Koh Samui lean more towards low... Read more
21 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
The best things to do in Koh Samui include varied and interesting highlights that range from splendid natural features to manmade attractions. Beyond the gorgeous beaches where you can spend a day out under the tropical sun, there are attractive...7 Best Islands Near Koh Samui
The best islands near Koh Samui are the top choices for island-hopping adventures in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s...10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui
The best beaches in Koh Samui are the main reason why the island appears on the bucket list of so...5 Best Snorkelling Beaches in Koh Samui
Koh Samui beaches are not renowned for offering outstanding snorkelling opportunities, but a few spots around the island offer decent...14 Best Things to Do in Chaweng
The best things to do in Chaweng go beyond its beautiful beach. Indeed, this most popular resort town on Koh...6 Best Viewpoints in Koh Samui
Looking for the best viewpoints in Koh Samui? This Go Guide shows you some of the best spots to head...18 Must-See Temples in Koh Samui
The must-see temples in Koh Samui are great for experiencing the island's traditional lifestyle and taking a break from...10 Best Tours in Koh Samui
Our list of the best tours in Koh Samui will give you the chance to experience a wide range of...10 Most Instagrammable Places in Koh Samui
The most Instagrammable places in Koh Samui are also coveted by amateur and professional photographers. They can find the perfect...
Where & what to eat in Koh Samui
The sheer quantity and variety of Koh Samui restaurants ensure that you need never go hungry anywhere on the island. From delicious local snacks to international 5-star cuisine, every taste is catered to. No matter where you're from or what food you like, you'll find it somewhere on Samui for you. The range of restaurants, cafés, street stalls, beach vendors, bakeries and local places to eat is huge. Head... Read more
10 Great Restaurants in Koh Samui
Our pick of great restaurants in Koh Samui shows how the island is now a culinary destination in its own right. It boasts several world-class restaurants featuring extremely talented and innovative chefs. From genuine, traditional Thai cuisine to trendy...26 Great Restaurants in Bophut
These great restaurants in Bophut make up the village’s eclectic dining scene. This popular resort town has a bohemian touch...27 Great Restaurants in Chaweng
The great restaurants in Chaweng listed below make up a dining scene that’s on par with the popularity of this...
Where to shop & what to buy in Koh Samui
Shopping in Koh Samui is diverse, with hundreds of bargains to be found around the island. While almost every corner of the island has a store worth visiting, the main shopping sites are Chaweng, Lamai and Nathon. Chaweng offers the most choice and Lamai has a nice range of quirky little stores, but Nathon usually has the cheapest deals. The shopping scene in Thailand is famous for the wide variety... Read more
9 Best Places to Go Shopping in Samui
The best shopping opportunities in Samui are located in the most popular resort towns on the island. The largest town of Chaweng hosts an impressive scene of boutiques and shopping malls, including the giant Central Festival Samui. Lamai, Bophut, and...11 Best Places to Go Shopping in Chaweng
Our list of the best places to go shopping in Chaweng features the most renowned boutiques and shops in Samui’s...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Lamai
The best places to go shopping in Lamai are right in the centre of town, where you'll find a wide...
Where to go & what to do at night in Koh Samui
Koh Samui nightlife is famous for being one of the best in Thailand, if not the world. The island’s full moon parties are legendary and continue to attract an endless stream of visitors keen to party on the soft white sand until the break of day. The wealth and variety of discos, clubs and beer bars is also a major pull, bringing a lively young crowd of revellers. There is... Read more
11 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Koh Samui
The best things to do after dinner in Koh Samui are mostly concentrated around Chaweng Beach. Among the great choice of nightlife entertainment options, you'll find a myriad of lounge clubs, bars, pool parties, and discos. It's definitely the place...5 Best Night Markets in Samui
The best night markets in Samui offer a huge selection of shopping and dining opportunities, with the added advantage that...29 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Chaweng
This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Chaweng has everything to entertain the most enthusiastic partygoers...
Useful information
Gather as much information about Koh Samui as you can ahead of your visit, so that you're prepared for your trip and ready to experience the best of the island. The same could be said of anywhere in the world, but the best way to get the most out of your time on Koh Samui is to do your research. The comprehensive guides below should give you all of the... Read more
5 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Koh Samui
The mistakes the people make when visiting Koh Samui can be quite expensive and potentially ruin your holiday experience. However, the island is a very safe destination to visit, and such mistakes are easily avoided if you know what to...Koh Samui Weather
Koh Samui weather is really pleasant most of the time. The climate in Samui comes in 3 distinct seasons: dry...Getting Around Koh Samui
Getting around Koh Samui is not at all difficult, thanks to a modest but adequate range of transport options. Being...
neighbourhoods in Koh Samui
Lamai City Center
Lamai Beach is Samui's second-largest resort area after Chaweng. It's quieter and less bustling than its big sister, but still with plenty of accommodation, dining and shopping options,...
Read moreChaweng City Center
Chaweng is Koh Samui's busiest and biggest town, which has sprung up around one of the island's finest beaches. The 3-km ark of white sand on Samui's east...
Read more