Best Koh Samui Travel Guide & Tips
Islands are like our second home as we always have a soft spot for beach vacations. Our neighbour Thailand is a tropical paradise blessed with many pristine beaches. It is so difficult to find someone who not love Thailand. They have amazing food, hospitable people and offer one of the world’s best travel destinations. This time, we are bringing you to Koh Samui, an island situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Everyday, thousands of tourists flock into popular islands like Phuket and Krabi. Some might not even heard of Koh Samui, a laid back island with unique vibe of its own. Enjoy our Koh Samui Travel Guide and explore the island your way!
Safety & Security
The reason why we love island vacations is because we really get to relax and calm our mind. Basically, a worry-free travel as we don’t bring much valuable items while exploring around. If you are taking a dip in the sea, just keep an eye on your essentials like phones or cameras when you leave them on the beach.
In popular areas like Bophut and Chaweng, some parts of the street can be dim at night so watch your steps when you are walking.
Be careful when you are driving or riding a scooter as roads are steep in Koh Samui due to the fact that the island is mountainous in the central part, some hotels and resorts which have scenic views are also located on the hill.
Best Time To Visit Koh Samui
Peak & Dry Season (December – February)
During these months, expect sunny days and warm weather in Koh Samui. It is the busiest time of the year where tourists flock into the island for the comfortable weather. Accommodation prices are higher, streets are busy and restaurants are packed. We visited Koh Samui during the end of February and got to enjoy the great weather.
Shoulder & Hot Season (March – August)
These are the months where the island receives the most sunshine and least clouds. It can be scorching hot so make sure you keep yourself hydrated and sunscreen application is a must. Additionally, you can get some good hotel deals during this time of the year.
Low & Rainy Season (October – December)
Well, tropical weather is always unpredictable, and we admit that rainy season is definitely something everyone dislike and try to avoid when it comes to island vacation. Although this is the wettest time of the year, it also means you are at the best time to scoop up the best deals, especially for those on a budget. Expect quiet streets, choppy sea and strong breeze. Despite October and November being the rainiest months, the rain doesn’t last all day long and you will still be able to do some activities in the morning.
How to Get to Koh Samui
- Flight
Flying directly to Koh Samui airport is the fastest and most convenient way. Daily flights are available from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya as well as from neighbouring countries like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong. The only flight operator from Kuala Lumpur is Bangkok Airways. The return ticket ranges around MYR 900 – 1200 which is pretty expensive for a short 90-minute flight.
- Ferry
The second option is much cheaper but it takes 3 to 4 times longer to reach Koh Samui. Hop on an AirAsia flight to Surat Thani airport. Get yourself to the pier and board a ferry which brings you to Koh Samui. One of the famous ferry company that service this route is Lomprayah Ferry. If you are at nearby islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Koh Samui is just short a ferry ride away as well.
Currency Exchange & Travel Expenses
Thai Baht (THB) is commonly used. There are ATMs and money changers available in most places when you run out of cash. Great news is that the exchange rate is good. Things are generally more expensive as Koh Samui mostly targets high-end, big-spending tourists with many luxury private villas, hotels and resorts built on the island. You will be surprised with the food price in local restaurants at popular beach towns like Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai. However you can still manage to find cheaper local food. Some local stalls and small restaurants that don’t look appealing from the outside actually serve the best and most authentic Thai food with reasonable prices. Be sure to check out our Koh Samui Travel Guide video (Local food hunting) below.
Packing Guide
Best thing about a beach vacation is that you get to pack light. Chic sunglasses and some favourite swimwear of yours are a must for the best Instagram photos. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the harmful sun rays, especially during hot season. Besides, a comfortable pair of fit flops would be great for a trip in Koh Samui.
For ladies, big canvas or rattan bag is very useful to carry all your stuff. Make sure you have scarves, knee-length dress or skirts in your packing list if you are planning to visit temples.
For the gentlemen, you might want to bring a few semi-casual shirts for a nice evening dinner in Koh Samui. Of course don’t forget your board shorts, t-shirts and Tank Tops!
Getting Around Koh Samui
Despite being the second largest island in Thailand, it only takes around 2 hours to go around Koh Samui. Chaweng and Bhoput are the most crowded areas but it is really convenient as there are many restaurants, bars, shops, chic nightlife hangout spots. Staying out of these areas which mean you need to consider what are the best options to get around.
Scooters or Motorbikes
Scooters or Motorbikes are the most economical ways to get around Koh Samui. Daily rental rate can go as low as THB 200 or up to THB 500 depending on the functionality and model while gasoline is around THB 30 per litre. You will also be required to pay a deposit. Renting your own bike gives you more freedom in terms of number of destinations you want to go and you will have lesser parking issue. Just need to be careful because some roads are very steep and challenging. Picture yourself on road with warm sea breeze caressing your salty hair, greeneries and that ocean view. This is exactly how a true island life should be.
Songthaew (Local Transport)
Pronounced as “Song-Tao”, this is the local public transportation, also known as the “Jeepney” of Koh Samui. These mini trucks are commonly seen in popular areas and is definitely one of the cheaper ways to travel around.
The Most Wanted Travel Tips
There is no schedule and specific stops. Ask locals or your hotel concierge if you are planning to take a Songthaew. They will tell you where you can expect a Songthaew to pass by. You just need wait beside the road and when you see one, wave at them so they can stop. They tend to offer higher prices for tourists, so make sure you bargain and mutually agree on a price before hopping onto it. Remember to tell them your destination to ensure you are in the correct route. Ring the bell when you have arrived at your destination, pay the driver and you are good to go!
Local Taxis
Taxis are always not the cheapest option in most destinations and Koh Samui is not an exception. A simple 10-minute ride costs around THB 300, for real. Meters are available but drivers normally don’t use them. When you need to take one, ask for the best price before getting in. If you are travelling with children, in a group or you have many luggages, taxis would be great for the comfort and convenience.
E-haling Service
Download the e-hailing application called “Grab”. You can order a ride at anytime and price is similar or slightly cheaper to taxis. When you are heading to a party or simply a date night with your other half, we are sure that you are all dressed up. Getting in a Grab car would mean you will still look great when you arrived at your destination.
Car Rental
This would be the most expensive option but it offers great flexibility and maximum comfort. You can even rent a car with driver service. You can see many car renting companies offering their service the moment you walk out from airport custom. Alternatively, there are also plenty of websites where you can make reservation in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Places to Stay
With so much information online, you might wonder where is the best place that perfectly suits you in Koh Samui. We would suggest that you narrow down your choices based on the beach towns.
If you want everything to be convenient and within your reach, you might want to check out areas such as Chaweng, Bophut, Maenam and Lamai, as they have some of the best restaurants, hangout spots and shopping areas on the island. On the other hand, areas such as Lipa Noi, Laem Set and Choeng Mon are more quiet and they are perfect for those looking for a couple getaway or peaceful stay.
Private Luxury Villas
You must experience a private luxury villa stay in Koh Samui. Private villas are scattered throughout the island and some of them offer incredible ocean view or direct beach access. Some villas are located on the hillside and some are built in a secluded areas which give you 100% privacy.
Hotels & Resorts
You have a plethora of choices here. Those who fancy international chain hotels, you are on the right island! Ritz-Carlton, Conrad, Four Seasons, W – you name it. Koh Samui is nothing short of luxury hotels to satisfy your luxury indulgence. Fret not, there are also many mid-range hotels and resorts with decent facilities.
Budget Accommodations
Travelling in Koh Samui with low budget is possible. Accommodation is the best way to lower your travel expenses. Amidst the high-end stays, hostels, guesthouses as well as bed & breakfast with reasonable prices are widely available, some just cost as low as USD 10 per person per night!
The Most Wanted Travel Tips
Remember to consider the location and transport when choosing where to stay. The central part of the island is mostly mountainous jungle. Many villas, hotels and resorts are built on the hillside which makes driving or riding a scooter challenging. Roads are steep and dim at night, so please give extra attention. Some places are not even accessible using scooter or normal sedan car!
Internet & WiFi Connection
Don’t worry, you won’t be disconnected with the rest of the world while having your best time in Koh Samui. Internet connection is considerably fast in Koh Samui. You can also purchase a local SIM card with unlimited internet data upon arrival at the airport. There are a few reputable telecommunications companies and the price is approximately 590 THB for 7 days usage.
We hope you find our Koh Samui Travel Guide useful. Every beach town has its unique vibe and Koh Samui is for everyone whether you are here to find peace, indulge in luxury, spend time with loved ones or even party all night long. There is never a dull moment when you are in a tropical island.
Thank you for reading our blog.
All contents are ours and are based on unbiased opinion. We just want to share good stuff so don’t be shy to approach us for any travel related questions!
