Koh Samui: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🌴 Editor's Guide: A Complete Guide to Koh Samui Travel
Koh Samui, Thailand's third-largest island, is renowned for its coconut-lined beaches, luxurious resorts, diving spots, and romantic sunsets. Compared to Phuket, Koh Samui offers a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a tranquil island escape.
📍 Must-see attractions in Koh Samui
1. Chaweng Beach
- Features : The most lively beach in Koh Samui, with a concentration of restaurants, bars and shops.
- Editor’s Tip : Enjoy water activities during the day and relax at the bar in the evening.
2. Lamai Beach
- Features : Quieter than Chaweng, with fine white sand, suitable for couples or family vacations.
- Editor's suggestion : Taking a walk in the early morning is super therapeutic.
3. Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Features : A protected area consisting of 42 islands, where you can snorkel, canoe, and climb to see the Emerald Lake.
- Editor's note : If you need to participate in a one-day tour, it is recommended to book in advance.
4. Fisherman's Village
- Features : It retains the style of an old fishing village and is full of unique restaurants, seaside bars and handicraft shops.
- Editor’s Tip : The Friday night market is incredibly lively, so come with an empty stomach for a feast.
5. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
- Features : The 12-meter-high Buddha statue sits on the seashore and is one of the landmarks of Koh Samui.
- Editor's suggestion : Come in the morning for the quietest and most suitable time for taking photos.
6. Na Muang Waterfall
- Features : Two-tiered waterfalls with surrounding jungle hiking trails.
- Editor's note : There is plenty of water during the rainy season and the scenery is even more spectacular.
7. Hin Ta & Hin Yai
- Features : Famous for its natural rock shapes resembling male and female genitals.
- Editor’s Tip : Try the local coconut caramel candies (Kalamae).
🍤 Must-try food in Koh Samui
| gourmet food | Recommended locations | Editor's Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Yum Goong | Fisherman's Village, Beach Restaurant | The spicy and sour dish is appetizing and the seafood is super fresh. |
| Pad Thai | Chaweng Night Market | Stir-fried until sweet with a hint of burnt aroma. |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Night markets, dessert shops | The mango is sweet and the glutinous rice with coconut milk is very comforting. |
| coconut ice cream | Seaside vendors | Rich and refreshing, it is a great pleasure to eat while looking at the sea. |
| Thai grilled fish | Fisherman's Village Restaurant | The skin is crispy and the fish is tender, and it is even better with spicy sauce. |
| Seafood Platter | Lamai and Chaweng beach restaurants | Lobster, crab, and shrimp are all available at once. |
🚐 Koh Samui Transportation Guide
1. Taxi/Grab
- More convenient, but the price is higher.
- Editor’s tip : You can negotiate the price or share the cost among multiple people.
2. Songthaew
- Koh Samui's shared minibuses travel along the main roads and are inexpensive.
- Ask about the route and fare before getting on the bus.
3. Motorcycle rental
- The rent is cheap (about 200-300 baht/day) and there is a lot of flexibility.
- Editor's reminder : You need an international driver's license and a helmet, and pay attention to road conditions.
4. Charter a car
- Suitable for a one-day island tour, the itinerary can be arranged freely.
5. How to get there
- There are direct flights from Bangkok to Samui Airport (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
- You can also take a boat from Surat Thani or Koh Phangan.
🎯 Editor recommends a 4-day itinerary
Day 1 : Chaweng Beach → Fisherman’s Village Night Market (Fridays only)
Day 2 : Island Hopping in Ang Thong National Marine Park
Day 3 : Big Buddha Temple → Grandfather Rock and Grandmother Rock → Lamai Beach Sunset
Day 4 : Namuang Waterfall Hike → Seafood Dinner → SPA Massage
