Koh Samui Guide: Discovering Thailand’s “White Lotus” Island Paradise
Learn all about the best things to see and do in Koh Samui in our in-depth Koh Samui Guide. Discover beaches, where to stay, when to visit, and more.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s most popular island destination. Its sandy beaches, clear, vivid turquoise waters, and luxurious accommodations make it the ultimate escape from the mundane.
If you watch The White Lotus on HBO, you probably were impressed by the White Lotus Resort & Spa. If you found yourself daydreaming of staying there, you’ll be intrigued to learn that the series was filmed at the real-life Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. But what you’ve seen on The White Lotus is just a glimpse of all that Koh Samui has to offer.
While Koh Samui is renowned for its lavish amenities, the atmosphere is laid-back and carefree. With its charming villages and temples, this island gives tourists an authentic experience, immersing visitors in Thai island life. Read on to discover what to do in Koh Samui in our full Koh Samui Guide.
Getting to Koh Samui
There are multiple ways you can get to Koh Samui.
- To fly into Koh Samui within Thailand, you can take a Bangkok Airways flight into Samui Airport. This is the only domestic airline that operates at this airport. Ticket price depends on your departure destination. For example, from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui (our most frequently booked route) is around $330/way.
- If you prefer to take a boat to Koh Samui, you can book a ride by sea from nearby islands. Speedboats, ferries and catamarans all take visitors to the island. Boats run between Koh Samui and Bangkok, Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and other locations on the mainland and the islands.
Once you arrive, you will need to take a taxi or shuttle van from the pier or airport to your destination. The shuttle vans are less expensive.
Best Time to Go
It can be pretty hot in Thailand throughout much of the year. So, if you want to explore Koh Samui at its best time, be prepared for hot weather with lots of sunlight. The coolest (it means 'warm'!) months are from December to February. Temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit at this time of year, and the weather is already dry and sunny.
The next peak season in Koh Samui would be July and August, the transition between the dry and rainy season of Koh Samui. After this time until early December would be the low season of this island, since they are the rainiest months with an average of 18 rainy days each.
Top Things to Do
Beaches
Koh Samui’s gorgeous beaches beckon travelers with their sandy shores, vibrant turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. Whether it’s a popular destination like Chaweng Beach near Choeng Mon, or the smaller or more secluded beaches like Thongtakian Beach or Bang Po Beach, you’ll find yourself immersed in natural beauty with opportunities to swim, surf, snorkel and more.
Cultural Experiences
If you can pull yourself away from the beaches of Koh Samui, there are lots of cultural sites and activities on the island worth experiencing. Head to Wat Phra Yai, the “Big Buddha Temple,” to marvel at the 12-meter-tall golden statue of the Buddha, or visit Wat Plai Laem to see a stunning statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. Other religious sites to visit include Wat Khunaram, Nathon Hainan Shrine, and Hin Lad Waterfall Temple.
Nature
Nature lovers will be at no loss for what to do in Koh Samui. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park features pristine blue waters and stunning coral reefs for those wanting to hop in a kayak or don a snorkel. Back on land, a short hike leads to Na Muang Waterfall, a peaceful spot to bask in the island’s natural beauty. Another magical spot is Blue Lagoon Emerald Lake, which truly does look like a vibrant liquid gemstone surrounded by lush foliage.
Another treat is a visit to Samui Elephant Sanctuary. These elephants were used for tourism and logging before being given a home at the sanctuary where they can finally rest, socialize, and play as nature intended them to do. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has recognized this sanctuary with the Best Animal Welfare award. So, by paying them a visit, you are helping to support healthy and happy lives for the elephants.
Dining and Nightlife
Throughout Koh Samui, tourists can indulge in delicious meals and refreshing beverages at restaurants and bars. Many eateries feature traditional Thai cuisine made from local, organic ingredients and freshly-caught seafood. If you fall in love with the flavors of Koh Samui, you can take a cooking class so you can bring them home to your own kitchen.
No Koh Samui guide would be complete without mentioning the island’s vibrant nightlife. A good start is a visit to Soi Green Mango on Chaweng Beach Road, considered to be the heart of Koh Samui’s after-dark activities. Conveniently close to hotels, this district features a range of bars and clubs.
Photo: Green Mango Club
Don’t let your nightlife tour end at Soi Green Mango, however. Koh Samui also boasts beachfront venues for late-night parties, beach bars at resorts, cabaret shows, and more. And be sure to catch at least one exhilarating, action-packed match at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium.
Prefer to go shopping? The Fisherman’s Village Night Market is open every night from 6pm to 10pm. Enjoy street foods or a tasty beverage while you shop for souvenirs such as handcrafted bowls made out of coconuts or breezy, beautifully-made kaftans you can wear on Koh Samui’s beaches. Sometimes the Night Market even features live music. Haggling is expected at the stalls, so be prepared to negotiate bargains with the vendors.
Where to Stay
Speaking of Soi Green Mango, the Chaweng Beach area is a great option for where to stay if you want to be close to bars, restaurants, nightlife and amenities. Although there is plenty of activity in the area late into the night, this destination has a more laid-back vibe than the popular nightlife areas in Bangkok and Phuket. So, it offers a very balanced “best of both worlds” experience.
While the Chaweng Beach area is lively and fun, some people may find it a bit noisy. If you want to stay somewhere quieter, go south to the Lamai Beach area. Not only is this a more tranquil spot to stay, but it is also renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. For many visitors to Koh Samui, it ranks as their favorite area in which to stay.
One more popular choice is Fisherman’s Village, which is on the northern coast of the island, home to the Night Market we discussed before. As you would guess from the name, Fisherman’s Village was originally a community that grew up around the fishing industry. Today, there are many comfortable hotels here, along with delightful shops and restaurants.
Looking for more seclusion? Fans of the HBO show The White Lotus will want to book a reservation at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in the northwest corner of the island, the real-life White Lotus Resort & Spa. Relax in a luxurious room with a view of the sea, or in one of the Poolside escape cabanas inspired by the show. At this resort, you can also get a treatment at the spa, train with a professional Muay Thai fighter, or charter a yacht to Angthong National Marine Park.
Local Cultures
One of the things that makes Koh Samui such a unique destination is its rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The island was originally settled by fishermen from southern China and the Malay Peninsula, clear back in the 6th century. There was little in the way of trade or communication between Koh Samui and Thailand’s mainland until a few decades ago.
So, while you are here, you will not only experience Thai culture, but also elements from China. And while Buddhism is the most widespread faith in Koh Samui, there are many Muslim people living on the island as well.
Tips and Tricks
To wrap up our Koh Samui guide, here are some tips and tricks to help you have the best experience on the island.
- Do spend time at Chaweng and Fisherman’s Village, but make sure you also venture elsewhere on the island. These are the most popular, tourist-heavy locations, but they represent only a slice of what Koh Samui has to offer. Much of the island is dominated by nature, but is not hard to traverse thanks to the roads.
- Accommodations on Koh Samui can fill up quickly, so book early for your trip.
- Choose a place to stay based on what kinds of vibes you are looking for. Go with Chaweng if you want the liveliest location, but try Lamai or Fisherman’s Village if you want something more relaxed.
- Renting a scooter can save you money compared to riding in taxis everywhere. Many people also enjoy how a scooter keeps everything up close and personal as you explore the island, enjoying the warm sea breezes while you ride.
- As always, keep an eye on your belongings and follow general safety recommendations.
