Koh Samui Tours
Dawn view over Chaweng Beach bay from a rocky headland with palms.
Dawn view over Chaweng Beach bay from a rocky headland with palms.

Gulf of Thailand · Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province

Ko Samui's Palm-Lined Beaches and the 42 Islands of Ang Thong

Where to stay, the best tours and realistic itineraries — everything you need to book Ko Samui with confidence.

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Ko Samui is Thailand's second-largest island, about 229 sq km, in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Surat Thani Province. Bangkok Airways flies direct from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi in about 1 hr 10–20 min, and ferries cross from Donsak Pier in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast are the busiest beaches; Bophut and Maenam on the north coast are quieter. Nowhere on the island is more than about 45 minutes away.

Good to know

  • Flights to Samui Airport (USM)
  • Ferries from Donsak Pier, Surat Thani
  • Ferries arrive at Nathon and Lipa Noi
  • Grab and InDrive work on the island

Why visit Ko Samui

  1. Ang Thong Marine Park

    A day trip by speedboat, big boat or catamaran to 42 islands, with snorkelling, kayaking, caves and a viewpoint hike on Mae Koh.

  2. Temples and shrines

    The 12 m golden Big Buddha on Koh Fan is free to enter. Wat Plai Laem, Wat Khunaram and the Guan Yu Shrine are close by.

  3. Jungle waterfalls

    Na Muang waterfalls sit in jungle with a pool you can swim in, and they are free to visit.

  4. Friday night market

    Fisherman's Village in Bophut fills with souvenir stalls, street food and entertainment on Friday nights.

  5. Rocks and viewpoints

    See the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks at Lamai, then look out over the coast from Lad Koh viewpoint.

Where to stay

Lamai

A quieter east coast

The second most popular beach, quieter than Chaweng, with the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks and small Silver Beach close by.

Which area suits you?

Bophut and Fisherman's Village

Couples and eating out

Restaurants, shops and galleries in Bophut's historic quarter. The bay is still worked by fishing boats, so the water is less clear.

Which area suits you?

Start here

Things to do in Ko Samui

When to go

  1. December–May

    The dry, hot season and the best bet for sunshine. February–April has the most reliable weather; this is peak season for families.

  2. June–September

    Frequent showers but often 20+ dry days a month, fewer crowds, lower prices and very green scenery.

  3. Mid-October–mid-December

    Samui's main monsoon, with the heaviest rain and strong winds; November is wettest. East-coast seas turn rough with red flags.

Weather

Weather in Ko Samui

Weather by month →

Ko Samui weather by month

Ko Samui weather by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
High / Low (°C)
27°
26°
28°
26°
29°
27°
30°
28°
30°
28°
29°
28°
29°
27°
29°
27°
29°
27°
28°
27°
28°
27°
28°
27°
Rain (mm)
135
38
114
90
170
167
166
144
181
246
375
262

Average daily high and low (°C) and monthly rainfall (mm) · Forecast: MET Norway (yr.no) · Climate averages: NASA POWER

Practical tips

  • Check whether your ferry leaves from Donsak Pier, about 60 km from Surat Thani town, or Tapee Pier in town, as travellers often mix them up.
  • Install Grab or InDrive before you land, or flag down a red songthaew on the Ring Road and press the buzzer to get off.
  • When renting a scooter, never leave your passport as a deposit, and photograph the bike before riding to avoid false damage claims.
  • Obey red flags at Chaweng and Lamai, where swimmers ignore them every year.
  • Check the season before booking a beach holiday, since many travellers book mid-October to mid-December by mistake.

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