The big Gulf island — Chaweng and Lamai beaches, the Big Buddha, Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, Bophut fishing village, and Ang Thong
Koh Samui is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand, off Surat Thani. It's an easy-to-reach holiday island with its own airport, white-sand beaches, resorts at every price point, and no shortage of places to eat and things to do. Most people picture Samui as Chaweng —
Start with stays →Fresh seafood — As a fishing island, Samui has fresh prawns, s
Chaweng Beach — Samui's longest and liveliest white-sand beach
Chaweng Beach — Samui's longest and liveliest white-sand b
Stays, sights, food and itineraries — all on one page
The best of Koh Samui — don't miss these on a first trip
Pick a tab for stays, sights, food, itineraries and prep
A ranked roundup plus per-hotel reviews, with prices compared across Agoda · Booking · Trip.com
Compare the top neighborhoods and pick by your travel style before you book
Koh Samui stays picked from real reviews — honest about the good and the bad, with price ranges and booking links
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.1
8.9
8.9
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.0
8.0
8.0Highlights and sights around Koh Samui — nature, city and culture
Samui's longest and liveliest white-sand beach, packed with resorts, restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife. It's the island's hub for accommodation and entertainment.
The second-biggest beach after Chaweng, quieter and more family-oriented. The Lamai night market and the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks are both nearby.
A large golden Buddha image on Koh Fan, off the Bophut coast — a landmark you can spot from a distance. Climb the steps to pay respects and take in the sea view.
A cluster of oddly shaped rocks by Lamai Beach that became a well-known photo spot. There's a local grandfather-and-grandmother legend behind it and a walkway along the rocks to watch the waves.
The old seaside quarter at Bophut, with old wooden buildings, beachfront restaurants, cafes, and an evening market for eating and shopping. The vibe is more laid-back than Chaweng.
A chain of limestone islands in the Gulf, reached by boat from Samui, where you can snorkel, kayak, and climb to viewpoints over emerald-green water. It's one of the more scenic sea trips around.
Koh Samui's signature food — real local spots, rounded up and ranked
As a fishing island, Samui has fresh prawns, shellfish, crab, and fish. Seafood places along the beaches and at Bophut village grill, steam, and stir-fry them with curry powder or in tom yum — eaten right by the water.
Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut have beach clubs and seaside spots where you can eat and drink while watching the sunset — exactly the island feeling people come to Samui for.
The night markets around Lamai and Chaweng bring together Thai street food, grilled and fried snacks, and casual bites at friendlier prices than the resort restaurants.
Gaeng tai pla, gaeng lueang, khua kling, and khao yam turn up at local spots on the island — punchy southern flavours served with hot steamed rice.
Samui has plenty of coffee shops, brunch places, and healthy eateries spread across Bophut, Chaweng, and Fisherman's Village — sit by the sea or out in a garden.
With lots of foreign visitors, Samui has solid Italian, French, Indian, and Mediterranean restaurants, especially around Chaweng and Fisherman's Village.
The island has plenty of vegan spots, smoothie bowls, and clean eating to suit the wellness and detox crowd staying long-term.
Samui is known for its coconuts, so you'll find coconut desserts, coconut ice cream, and fresh coconut water to cool off with throughout the day all over the island.
Ready-made plans — from a day trip to 2–3 days, plus routes to neighbouring provinces
Best time to go, getting around, and what to know before visiting Koh Samui
December–August, clear seas and good sun — great for swimming, snorkelling, and boat trips to Ang Thong · October–December is the Gulf monsoon, with heavy rain and rough surf
Samui's longest and liveliest white-sand beach, packed with reso
The second-biggest beach after Chaweng, quieter and more family-
A large golden Buddha image on Koh Fan, off the Bophut coast — a
A cluster of oddly shaped rocks by Lamai Beach that became a wel
The old seaside quarter at Bophut, with old wooden buildings, be
A chain of limestone islands in the Gulf, reached by boat from S
Compare Koh Samui stays yourself across Agoda · Booking · Trip.com
🛶The 'town of a hundred islands' on the Gulf of Thailand — gateway to Samui, Cheow Lan Lake, and the old temple town of Chaiya
Explore Surat Thani →
🌴The Full Moon Party island at Haad Rin, plus Than Sadet waterfall, quiet northern beaches, and the Srithanu wellness scene
Explore Koh Phangan →Koh Samui is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand, off Surat Thani. It's an easy-to-reach holiday island with its own airport, white-sand beaches, resorts at every price point, and no shortage of places to eat and things to do. Most people picture Samui as Chaweng — the long, busy beach that buzzes day and night — and Lamai, which is a little quieter.
Beyond the beaches, Samui has the landmark Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks at Lamai, Wat Khunaram with the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, the Na Muang waterfalls in the middle of the island, and Bophut fishing village, which has turned into a seaside strip for eating and shopping. If you want to take a boat out snorkelling, Ang Thong Marine Park is one of the prettier day trips. Samui works for beach-goers, party people, families, and honeymooners alike.
Best time: December–August, clear seas and good sun — great for swimming, snorkelling, and boat trips to Ang Thong · October–December is the Gulf monsoon, with heavy rain and rough surf
