Koh Samui Travel

Koh Samui Weather Overview

Keeping warm is rarely a problem in Koh Samui with each month offering plenty of sunny days. Located off the east coast of Thailand between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, the island has a tropical monsoon climate with 3 distinct seasons; dry, hot and rainy.

The dry season runs roughly from December to March and is defined by warm weather, little rain and calm seas. Also known as high season, many consider this as the best time to visit Koh Samui for a beach vacation.

From April it’s the hot season in Samui with temperatures soaring well into into the 80s (around 30c). There’s an increase in rainfall with the weather following a pattern of hot daytime sunshine followed by cooling afternoon rain showers.

September through November sees the monsoon season and therefore the heaviest rainfall. Due to the unpredictable weather this may not be the best time for sunbathing or scuba diving but the upsides of visiting in low season are quiter beaches and lower accommodation rates. You’ll also find plenty of amazing activities to keep you busy on rainy days.

Check the below table for the general idea of Koh Samui weather throughout the year.

Koh Samui attractions extend beyond the beautiful beaches the island is known for, though they are definitely attractive in their own right. If you want a break from all of that lounging in the sand, though, there are a host of unusual things to see, which make the most of the island’s unique culture and charms.

1. Sunbathe and Swim at Koh Samui Beaches

Koh Samui's beaches provide variety and serenity in equal parts. Chaweng Beach is one of the most popular on the island and the most developed. It's home to luxury resorts like Vana Belle and Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. Chaweng Noi, to the south, is one of the top-rated beaches in Thailand.

On the less developed southeast coast lies Laem Setbeach. This peaceful, palm-fringed slice of paradise has a beautiful coral garden off the coast and unusual rock formations. To catch the sunset, head northwest to Phang Kabeach for a spectacular view.

At Lamai Beach, Koh Samui's second largest resort area, look for the distinctive rock formations colorfully described as "Grandpa" (Hin Ta) and "Grandma" (Hin Yai), referring to the anatomical likeness to their names. You can stay right on the beach here at the four-star Rocky's Boutique Resort, or go with five-star Banyan Tree Samui for sumptuous villas overlooking the bay. Northeast of here, Silver Beach (Haad Thong Ta-khian) is a picturesque, palm-lined cove flanked by smooth granite boulders, with great snorkeling in the calm bay.

On the north side of the island, peaceful Maenam Beach offers views of Koh Phangan. You'll find an appealing range of accommodations here, from affordable backpacker bungalows to mid-range boutique hotels, like Code, and five-star resorts, like the Santiburi Koh Samui and the W Koh Samui.

2. Take a Boat to Koh Phangan

Just a stone's throw (in fact, you can see one island from the other's shore) is Koh Phangan, the second largest of the three islands and one of the most popular day trips from Koh Samui. Koh Phangan's coast is more rugged than Koh Samui, with huge granite rocks and jungle-cloaked mountains rising behind the beaches. Most of the development clusters along the south and west coasts.

Unlike the many wide stretches of flat beach along Koh Samui, Koh Phangan's coastline tends to scallop into sheltered coves, flanked by outcroppings of granite and backed by lush hills. On the island's relatively quiet east coast, Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai are among the most popular beaches—Noi in particular tends to be cleaner and has plenty of food stalls. Accommodation options here range from budget resorts to the five-star Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas and the four-star Buri Rasa Koh Phangan.

On the island's northwest coast, Haad Yao, Hat Salad (Salad Beach), and Haad Son, also known as "Secret Beach," are great options, with decent snorkeling a short kick from shore. Accommodation options here are mainly budget and mid-range resorts, like Sunset Hill Resort, perched high on the hills overlooking Secret Beach.

Just to the south, Haad Chao Phao, about 30 minutes from the pier and main tourist area, provides a perfect balance of comfort and quiet, with several good restaurants and small seaside bungalow resorts, like Seaflower Bungalows. It's easy to find transportation to other parts of the island, but quiet enough that you feel you have a little piece of Phangan (almost) to yourself.

For a truly secluded experience, Bottle Beach (Hat Khuat) on the island's north coast is an excellent choice, but it's best accessed by long-tail boat—unless you don't mind a hike through the steamy jungle along a rutted dirt road.

Accommodation here is fairly basic, like the beachfront bungalows at Bottle Beach 1 Resort.

3. Tour Ang Thong National Marine Park

Both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are part of this breathtaking archipelago of 42 islands. If you take only one tour while you're on vacation in this area, make it a sightseeing tour around Ang Thong. Many tour companies offer one-day packages, and you can typically arrange these through your hotel or guesthouse.

Most include a boat tour through the islands with stops for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to viewpoints, where you can admire this amazing island chain. Limited accommodation is available in the park, so plan your time well if you want to return to the main islands for the night. Be sure to keep your camera handy and find a spot above deck, because you won't want to miss the breathtaking photo ops.

4. Hop Over to Ko Tao for Diving and Snorkeling

From the air, Ko Tao (the smallest of the three islands) looks like mounds of granite boulders cloaked in green, drifting on a jade-green sea and linked by dazzling sweeps of white-sand beach. Diving is the most popular thing to do here.

Colorful coral reefs lace the clear waters that are home to some of the best diving spots in Southeast Asia. Vast schools of fish, brightly-colored sea anemones, stingrays, and even whale sharks are among the sea creatures spotted here, and the island is a popular and relatively affordable place to obtain PADI scuba diving certification.

Though it's certainly no off-the-beaten-path destination, Koh Tao typically has less tourists than both Samui and Phangan. Accommodation consists mainly of villas and bungalows that peek out from the jungly slopes, with breathtaking views of the bay, like Monkey Flower Villas and The Place Luxury Boutique Villas.

5. Head to Sail Rock for Even More Diving

Experienced divers will want to check out this popular diving site between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, marked by a huge limestone rock jutting 10 meters out of the water. This famous wall dive, with a maximum depth of about 40 meters, is known for being one of the best areas in Thailand for swimming with a range of exotic fish, and even whale sharks if you're lucky.

You can also see giant black coral, moray eels, and large schools of fish, such as batfish, snapper, and trevally. Another feature is the vertical chimney swim-through. While popular with experienced divers, Sail Rock is actually suitable for all levels of divers, depending on conditions.

6. Discover the Secret Buddha Garden

Set at the top of Pom Mountain, one of the highest hills in Koh Samui, the Secret Buddha Garden (AKA Tarnim Magic Garden) is a sculpture park worth a visit. Getting here requires a long and somewhat difficult climb, though, so be prepared for it.

The entire garden was the beloved project of Khun Nim, a retired farmer who worked on it for 14 years until his death at the age of 91.

He originally envisioned the place as an oasis to meditate and relax in solitude, but also as his final resting place one day. Over the years, however, he also added little houses with roofs covered in vegetation that traveling monks could use as a place to rest or meditate.

The final result is a magical place full of enclaves; fountains; and sculptures, including many Buddha statues in different poses, but also animals, angels, and musicians. There are even a couple of sculptures representing his parents, grandparents, and himself as a child. A short walk away, on a staircase path surrounded by a lush flowering garden, Nim's tomb offers the final peace he so eagerly wanted.

7. Explore Phra Yai Temple Complex

A somewhat majestic, somewhat overwhelming mix of reds and golds, this Buddhist temple is located in Ko Phan, less than three kilometers offshore from Koh Samui. Home to a massive 12-meter-high gold Buddha statue at the top of a staircase, Phra Yai (also known as the Big Buddha Temple) is one of the most popular temples in Koh Samui and a massive attraction for tourists year-round. Aside from the main Buddha statue, there are also smaller statues here, as well as a collection of bells on the grounds of the temple.

Visitors who arrive in the early morning will be able to see local monks during their daily prayers. After a walk around the grounds, you can pick up some food or Buddhist statues and meditation supplies to take with you. Nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park and Wat Plai Lem are also worth a visit while you're here.

8. Stop by Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple dedicated not to Buddha but to Guanyin (or Kuan Yin), the Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy. Although the temple is relatively new, it's been decorated using ancient techniques and murals. Guanyin herself is depicted in her ancient form, as a massive gold and white statue with 18 arms. She's sitting on a platform-pavilion decorated with a large dragon, who is said to be able to carry the goddess to aid shipwrecked sailors. From here, she watches over the temple and a pond filled with fish—visitors who make a donation to the temple can grab a small bag of fish food in exchange.

On the other side of the temple complex, a giant laughing Buddha holding prayer beads presides over the ordination hall

9. Kayak in Koh Taen

Koh Taen or Coral Island is located just five kilometers off the coast of Ko Samui. Technically part of the main archipelago, Koh Taen is only accessible by boat and rarely visited by tourists despite offering stunning coral reefs, great mountain biking trails, and a unique mangrove forest buzzing with local fauna. The island is also home to many monitor lizards—-which can reach a size of up to 2.5 meters long—and a number of simple bungalows that can be rented for overnight stays.

Although Koh Taen has less than 50 permanent residents year-round, a number of companies offer day tours to the island for kayaking and snorkeling. Because of its location among other small archipelagos, the waters of Koh Taen are soft and calm and perfect for kayaking along the coastline.

10. Eat and Shop at Fisherman's Village Bophut

On the island's north coast, Bophut beach is right by the old Fisherman's Village, with its Chinese shophouses, funky boutiques, and popular night market. The Fisherman's Village Walking Street comes alive every Friday at 5pm—its sidewalks crammed with stalls, food vendors, and street performers. While many night markets in Thailand focus mainly on cheap souvenirs and street food, Bophut offers a unique range of handicrafts, high-quality handmade jewelry, high-quality textiles, and even local spices and snacks.

Aside from shopping, this is a great place for local dining—both sitting down cafés and restaurants or food stalls where you can pick up a quick bowl of som tam or pad Thai to savor while you keep walking and exploring. Keep your eyes open for performances, too, once you reach the junction near the pier —traditional Thai dancers and Muay Thai fighters often put on short shows here that are full of color and charm.

11. Go Rock Climbing at Chaweng and Lamai Beaches

The stretch of coast near Koh Samui's most developed beaches has become a popular climbing and bouldering spot. With limestone walls up to 40 meters high and the promise of stunning views of the island's scenery from the top, both Chaweng and Lamai beaches offer great hot spots for rappelling and climbing. There are suitable routes here for both beginners and advanced climbers. Nearby Koh Tao island also has plenty of granite blocks, ideal for bouldering.

It's also possible to rock climb farther inland—but since much of the inland mountains can only be reached after a jungle trek, this option is best for experienced outdoor enthusiasts or those joining an organized climbing group. Day tours can be organized if you're a beginner or just want some help conquering the rocky formations.

12. Trek to See Some Waterfalls

There's a lot more to Koh Samui than white sandy beaches—just venture inland and away from the turquoise waters, and you'll discover a jungle paradise that's equally enchanting. If you're up for a slightly steamy but fascinating trek through a tropical forest, set off to find Koh Samui's three major waterfalls.

Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2 (the "Purple Waterfalls") are located inside a park of the same name, which can be accessed by car. Na Muang 1 is close to the park's parking lot and easily accessible on foot; Na Muang 2 requires a steep but short trek uphill from the first waterfall. The first waterfall is the biggest and offers a small pool, perfect to cool down or for a swim.

Another waterfall worth a visit is Khun Si Waterfall. Located just a few minutes away from Khun Si viewpoint over Chaweng Beach, this waterfall is smaller and harder to find but that means smaller crowds—and if you come in the morning, a good chance you'll have the waterfall all to yourself. Surrounded by thick lush jungle, this waterfall makes for a refreshing stop before you continue on to other attractions

The sheer quantity and variety of Koh Samui restaurants ensures that you need never go hungry on the island! From delicious local snacks to international five-star cuisine, every taste is catered to. No matter where you're from or what food you like, you'll find it somewhere on Samui for you. The range of restaurants, cafés, street stalls, beach vendors, bakeries and local places to eat is huge.

Head to Chaweng Beach for its high concentration of internationally-acclaimed restaurants, or stop in Lamai for high quality, reasonably priced Thai food. Fancy dining underneath the stars on a moonlit beach? Or in a chic restaurant with a live band? Or maybe in a hilltop restaurant with a fantastic view? There are restaurants in Koh Samui which offer all of this and more.

Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant

Koh Samui is the second largest island in all of Thailand, and with so much coastline to work with, you must try the seafood dishes before departing this particular paradise. This is where Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant comes in. The restaurant is the perfect venue for those who have yet to try any one of Southern Thailand’s most noteworthy seafood dishes, with lobster, prawn, and crab-based meals to choose from. Unlike many of restaurants that specialize in sea cuisine, Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant is actually pretty affordable, despite its prime location near Chaweng Beach. The restaurant can accommodate up to 150 people, so bring your friends, families, and grab a few strangers to dine at this delicious, seaside eatery.

Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant, Koh Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand, +6677429700

Jahn

Those in search of Koh Samui’s best 360-degree views need to head to Jahn. The Thai fusion cuisine served as Jahn is almost as noteworthy as the views from the luxurious venue, as it is cooked up by one of the island’s most renowned chefs. Chef Berm has quite the reputation for fantastic food. The restaurant is a bit out of the way unlike the rest of the restaurants on our list, but visitors will surely be pleased they made the trek after trying one of the delectable dishes founded at Jahn. The restaurant is super exclusive as well, with a smart casual dress code and a venue that only holds 28 people, so be sure to put on your best attire before heading to this excellent dining option.

Jahn Restaurant, Hillcrest Road, Tambon Taling Ngam Chang Wat Surat Thani, 84140, Thailand, +6677915888

Baci Italian Restaurant

You no longer have to venture from the Land of Smiles to enjoy some of the most delicious Italian cuisines. Baci Italian Restaurant in Koh Samui pleases even those who hail from Milan and Rome with its delicious, authentic cuisine. The restaurant is under the watchful eye of Tiziana Vairolati, an Italian who has resided on the island for some 20 years. Though all of this restaurant’s Italian cuisine is noteworthy, pizza lovers will be delighted to hear that the restaurant is equipped with its own wood stove pizza oven, making you feel as though you have left the Kingdom and ventured to Europe for that perfect slice.

Baci Italian Restaurant, Tailandia, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand, +66 77 300 492

Zazen Restaurant

Restaurants do not get much more romantic than Zazen Restaurant on Koh Samui. The restaurant’s hanging and candlelit lighting lend the entire outdoor seating area a gorgeous red glow, the perfect place for couples to enjoy a nice meal together. The restaurant sits right along the Gulf, providing diners with some of the best views of the surrounding sea. Those looking for both delicious cuisine and an authentic Thai cultural experience will be happy to hear that the restaurant puts on a traditional Thai dance performance every Sunday and Thursday night. Diners can chow down on the amazing Thai and International cuisine while watching one of Thailand’s most coveted art forms come to life.

Zazen Restaurant, Moo 1, Tambon Mae Nam Chang Wat Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand, +66 77 425 085

Dr. Frogs Italian Bar & Grill

Do not let the seemingly strange name fool you. Dr. Frogs Italian Bar & Grill serves up some of the most delicious cuisine on the island. The restaurant only opened in 2007 and has been impressing diners ever since. The restaurant’s décor is certainly striking, but it’s Dr. Frogs menu that keeps customers coming back for more. Chef Massimo Mariani is behind the dishes at Dr. Frogs, having hailed from Milan and bringing back more than a bit of his home country’s delicious cuisine to the island of Koh Samui. The menu aims to please all those who visit, with Massimo’s delicious Italian dishes, traditional Thai dishes, and a bit of seafood sprinkled in for good measure.

Dr. Frogs Italian Bar & Grill, 103 Bontji Moo 4, Koh Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand, +66 77 448 505

Poppies Restaurant

Poppies Restaurant has the best of both worlds. With both International and Western cuisine to choose from, even the pickiest of diners will be able to find a dish that fits their culinary needs. The restaurant first opened in 1995, and since then it has been working to find new ways to impress its diners in terms of its aesthetics as well as its cuisine. Found near Chaweng Beach but away from the crowds, this is the perfect place to frequent if you want both a delicious meal and some much-needed privacy on a busy island such as Koh Samui. The restaurant has an Ayutthaya-style teak pavilion that overlooks its crystal clear swimming pool. Be sure to check out Poppies Restaurant on Saturday, when the restaurant has live traditional Thai music and dance performances for diners to enjoy with their delicious meals.

Poppies Restaurant, Bo Put Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand, +6677422419

Barracuda Restaurant

Barracuda Restaurant combines unique Thai cuisine with distinct Mediterranean flavors, making for some of the most coveted dishes on the island. Found on the impeccable Maenam Beach, this restaurant has been dubbed one of the best on the island, since it opened in 2010. Owner and executive chef Ferdinand Dienst is behind all of the culinary delights at Barracuda Restaurant, which has been awarded titles including “Best Restaurant” by the Kingdom’s own Thailand Tatler Magazine.

Barracuda Restaurant, 90/24, Moo 2 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, +66 77 956 289

Supattra Thai Dining

Seafood does not get any fresher than that being served at Supattra Thai Dining. Visitors can expect to come across Asian fusion dishes in combination with their favorite Gulf catches, all of which can be enjoyed in the restaurant’s outdoor dining area. All seafood served has been purchased fresh that day from local fishing boats, as opposed to being imported or farmed. This is why diners will not find a printed menu at Supattra Thai Dining: just a simple blackboard exclaiming what the delicious catch of the day is. Wooden tables and chairs add to the rustic vibe, with lush jungle surrounding the dining area. Cooked by Supattra herself, all of the dishes at this Thai restaurant aim to please even the pickiest of diners and are best paired with one of the restaurants many international wines. The restaurant has limited seating (about eight tables or so), so be sure to get there early to enjoy some of the best seafood on the island of Koh Samui.

The Hut Cafe

Usually packed with plenty of regulars is The Hut Cafe’. This Thai restaurant serves up local and tourist favorites at affordable prices, considering the cafe is found near the Fisherman’s Village Bophut, a more upscale part of the island.

The Hut Cafe, Bo Put Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand, +66872781536

Are you planning to visit Koh Samui (Thailand)? Would you like to know what are the best areas to stay in Samui? Some of the renowned hotspots on the island are Chaweng Beach, Lamai, Bophut, or Taling Ngam. However, there are so many other places that you can explore, which is why it makes sense to figure out where to stay in Koh Samui.

1. Chaweng

Koh Samui’s most heavily developed and popular beach, Chaweng is home to a great selection of hotels and resorts. If you want to be close to Koh Samui’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife options, this is where you’ll want to stay.

Accommodation on and around Chaweng ranges from budget hotels and bungalows to several of Koh Samui’s most luxurious resorts. This is also where you’ll find Samui’s most diverse range of dining options, with a great selection of Thai and Western restaurants.

Luxury Hotels in Chaweng

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

The Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is a large resort with beautiful grounds, a convenient location right beside the beach, nine dining options, a spa, large outdoor pool and a wide range of rooms and suites.

Nora Buri Resort & Spa

Located right on the beach, this five star luxury resort has a beachside infinity pool, stylish and spacious rooms, beachside dining and all of the facilities you’d expect from a five star resort.

Mid Range Hotels in Chaweng

OZO Chaweng Samui

OZO Chaweng Samui is an upmarket four star resort located directly on Chaweng Beach. With a selection of modern rooms and direct beach access, this hotel is a great option if you want to be right beside the beach.

Chaweng Garden Beach Resort

Located right beside Chaweng Beach, Chaweng Garden Beach Resort has modern rooms and bungalows, a beachside swimming pool and great dining options for guests.

Budget Hotels in Chaweng

Samui Green Hotel

With a great location less than 150 metres from Chaweng Beach, Samui Green Hotel has clean, simple and comfortable rooms that are perfect for backpackers and budget travellers.

Chaweng Budget Hotel

As its name suggests, Chaweng Budget Hotel offers simple, affordable rooms that are ideal for backpackers and budget travellers seeking a clean, comfortable place to stay near the beach.

2. Lamai

Located south of Chaweng on Koh Samui’s east coast, Lamai Beach has a more laid back vibe than its larger, more developed neighbour to the north. If you want to relax and enjoy the beach while still having modern conveniences nearby, Lamai is an ideal place to stay.

Like Chaweng, Lamai is a long, sandy beach that’s lined with beachside bars, restaurants and resorts. While Lamai offers some nightlife (especially around Lamai Night Plaza), it’s a quieter, more laid back area than Chaweng and ideal for people that want to take it easy.

Lamai is also where you’ll find most of Koh Samui’s budget accommodation, making it a better option than Chaweng for backpackers and budget travellers.

Luxury Hotels in Lamai

Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Located on quiet and peaceful Thong Takian Beach, the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa is a luxurious and relaxing hideaway that’s less than 10 minutes from Lamai.

Banyan Tree Samui

Another option on Thong Takian Beach, the Banyan Tree Samui offers a selection of luxurious villas with direct access to one of Samui’s most beautiful beaches.

Mid Range Hotels in Lamai

Royal Beach Boutique Resort and Spa

This four star resort on Lamai Beach has a large selection of rooms and private bungalows with views over the beach.
Samui Beach Resort

Located right on Lamai Beach, Samui Beach Resort has a selection of spacious rooms offering beautiful beach views, all at very reasonable prices.

Budget Hotels in Lamai

At Lamai Resort

Located a 15-minute walk from Lamai Beach, At Lamai Resort offers clean, spacious rooms at low prices. Motorcycles are available to rent from the hotel, making it easy to get to the beach.

Amarina Hotel

Less than five minutes from Lamai Beach, the Amarina Hotel has clean, spacious rooms and a small outdoor pool for guests, all with very reasonable pricing.

3. Bophut

Located in the north east of Koh Samui, Bophut is a chilled out beach village that offers a great mix of modern conveniences and relaxed atmosphere that made Koh Samui famous as a tourist destination.

Bophut can be split into two areas. There’s the popular Fisherman’s Village, which is home to an exciting night market and a selection of bars, cafés and restaurants. There’s also Bophut Beach, which offers white sand and great views over to Koh Phangan.

Hotels and resorts in Bophut range from cheap and simple favourites like Smile House to some of Koh Samui’s most luxurious accommodation. Dining here is a mix of Thai and Western food, with a variety of good seafood restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Luxury Hotels in Bophut

Hansar Samui Resort & Spa

One of Koh Samui’s most luxurious resorts, Hansar Samui offers modern luxury rooms right on the beach, with a stunning infinity pool and world class facilities.

Mantra Samui Resort

Set back from Bophut Beach on a small hill, Mantra Samui Resort features a variety of luxurious suites, a hillside infinity pool and other impressive facilities.

Mid Range Hotels in Bophut

Baan Bophut Beach Hotel

Located close to Bophut Fisherman’s Village, Baan Bophut Beach Hotel has direct access to the beach and a selection of modern, comfortable rooms and suites with excellent sea views.

Deva Samui Resort & Spa

Deva Samui Resort & Spa is an upmarket resort located on Big Buddha Beach, offering a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with free shuttle services to Choeng Mon and Chaweng.

Budget Hotels in Bophut

Smile House

Smile House is a mid-sized resort a short walk from Bophut Beach with a large range of cheap and simple bungalows, two pools and large gardens.

Pelegrin Hotel Samui

Conveniently located right on the beach in Bophut, Pelegrin Hotel Samui offers fan and air con rooms with comfortable beds and free WiFi.

4. Taling Ngam

Quiet and secluded, Taling Ngam is a beautiful area in Koh Samui’s south west that’s home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. Largely undeveloped, Taling Ngam is also where you’ll find one of Samui’s best snorkelling beaches.

Accommodation in Taling Ngam ranges from ultra-luxury options such as the InterContinental and Conrad to a variety of affordable resorts. As one of Samui’s least developed areas, this is the place to stay if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Taling Ngam is quite an isolated area, meaning you’ll need to embark on quite a long drive to get to any of Koh Samui’s other beaches. Still, if you’re looking for a secluded place to unwind with your partner or family, Taling Ngam’s peaceful atmosphere is very hard to beat.

Luxury Hotels in Taling Ngam

Conrad Koh Samui

Peaceful, secluded and luxurious, the Conrad Koh Samui offers a variety of beachside villas and world class facilities a short walk from Taling Ngam Beach.

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort

The InterContinental is one of the Samui’s most luxurious resorts, with a variety of rooms, suites and villas located minutes from isolated and peaceful Taling Ngam Beach.

Mid Range Hotels in Taling Ngam

Am Samui Resort

Located right on Taling Ngam Beach, Am Samui Resort offers a selection of studios and beach cottages for guests, as well as beachfront dining.

Phangka Paradise Resort

Phangka Paradise Resort is a quiet, isolated beach resort located on the south western tip of Koh Samui. With a selection of spacious villas, this three star resort is a great hideaway with direct access to one of Koh Samui’s quietest beaches.

Budget Hotels in Taling Ngam

Villa Giacomelli

Located close to Taling Ngam beach, Villa Giacomelli is a cheap and simple beach resort that offers clean, comfortable and conveniently located rooms near one of Samui’s best beaches.

Getting from Bangkok to Koh Samui

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the top cities around the world for tourists. Bangkok is a major city which makes it completely different from an island like Koh Samui. The city has plenty to do to stay entertained, but it’s always good to see all sides of a country like Thailand. If you’re in Bangkok, Koh Samui is a place you should visit if you want to get away from the busy city life.

Bangkok is more centrally located in Thailand. Travelling from Bangkok to Koh Samui depends a lot on your travel budget since there are so many different options. Flying is the simplest and fastest way. Bangkok has its international airport along with another local airport. Both of these have flights going to Koh Samui. There will be a lot of transfer flights directly from Bangkok to the island’s airport.

You could also find cheaper flights going to airports close to the island such as Surat Thani or Chumphon airport. It’s only a short flight to either of these airports, but you’ll have to transfer to a ferry to take you to Koh Samui.

Another method of getting from Bangkok to Koh Samui is a combination of land and water. The best port to reach Koh Samui is from the mainland port of Donsak. Most of the trip options will take you here by land. There are several bus and train services from Bangkok to Donsak. It’s more than a ten-hour trip to the port, so there are special overnight sleeper options for buses and trains. Once you reach Donsak, you will be able to transfer to a ferry going to Koh Samui. Companies conveniently package bus and ferry tickets or train and ferry tickets for the journey.

Getting from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui

You will hear a lot of talk about Koh Phangan while on Koh Samui. Many of the people on Koh Samui are visiting from Koh Phangan or have plans to travel there at some point during their trip. Koh Phangan is another island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is most known for its Full Moon Party which happens monthly. Around this time especially you will find many trip options for travelling between the two islands.

The major port on Koh Phangan to get to Koh Samui is Thong Sala. Many of the ferries operate out of Thong Sala that has daily trips going to Koh Samui. The Lomprayah Ferry is the fastest option of getting from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. This ferry will take you to the Maenam Pier at Maenam Beach. Also, the Seatran Ferry that arrives at Bophut Beach is a common ferry between the islands.

Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party takes place on its beach called Haad Rin. Around the time of the party, there will be a lot of local boat services that arrive in Koh Phangan and these same services can provide a return trip to Koh Samui. There are speedboats that leave from Haad Rin and travel to Fisherman’s village on Koh Samui. Long Boats are also available from this beach that can get you to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan.

Getting from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand that is one of the premier destinations around the world for diving. Many people come to Koh Tao to enjoy this water activity to experience some of the best marine life that Thailand has to offer. Koh Tao is relatively close to Koh Samui so there are a lot of day tours to either island from the other. You can find several accommodation options on both islands too, so it’s common for visitors to split up their time between the two.

The main pier on Koh Tao is called Mae Haad Pier. This pier is where you will find most of the trips leaving to Koh Samui. Ferries that depart from Mae Haad Pier can take you to one of the Koh Samui piers such as Maenam Pier, Bangrak Pier, and Nathon Pier. These have difference locations around Koh Samui so make sure the right trip is taken to save additional travel time when you arrive on Koh Samui. Each of the ferry services from Mae Haad Pier has multiple daily trips to Koh Samui.

Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a further distance than some of the other popular trips to the island. The ferries range from about one to three hours travel time to get to Koh Samui. Taking the ferry or reserving a private speedboat are the main travel options because of the distance.

Getting from Krabi to Koh Samui

Bangkok is an area comparable to Koh Samui. It’s known for its beaches and also world class islands right off of its coast. It’s also for visitors to explore both of these places since they both have their own unique offerings. Krabi is also located on the mainland of Thailand so there are similar options for travel just as if you were coming from a city like Bangkok.

The most convenient way to travel from Krabi to Koh Samui is by plane. Krabi International Airport has a daily direct flight that goes to Koh Samui.

Krabi is much closer to the Donsak Pier than Bangkok, so a bus and ferry travel route are more common coming from Krabi. There are many bus and shuttle services around Krabi that can take you to the pier. It’s about a 6-8 hour ride to Donsak Pier. You will then transfer to one of the ferry services leaving from this pier heading to Koh Samui. This takes an additional 1-2 hours depending on the ferry you select.

Getting from Phi Phi Islands to Koh Samui

The Phi Phi Islands is another one of the top islands in Thailand along with Koh Samui. There are major differences between the islands and their development, so it’s definitely worthwhile to visit both if you have the opportunity. These islands are located on opposite coasts of Thailand and separated by the Gulf of Siam, a land strip between the islands. This land strip makes the journey from the Phi Phi Islands to Koh Samui a bit more complex.

Air is one method to travel. The Phi Phi Islands are located in the middle between Krabi and Phuket. Both of these have their own airports. You can take a ferry from Phi Phi Islands to either of these and get a direct flight into the Samui airport.

The more scenic route to travel includes a land leg of the journey. You can take a ferry from Phi Phi Islands to the mainland. Most likely you will arrive at Krabi. From Krabi, you can take one of the many bus or shuttle services to the Donsak Pier for the final ferry to Koh Samui. This total journey is about 8-9 hours, but most people don’t mind this trip for the sights along the way.

Getting from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Surat Thani is a hub in southern Thailand. It’s where you will find transportation to and from most of Thailand including its major cities and routes to the islands. Travelling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is one of the more popular trips.

Surat Thani has a major airport as well as the train station to give you access to anywhere in the country. A lot of travellers make the journey from Surat Thani airport to Koh Samui, so all of the major ferry service companies to Koh Samui have shuttle service directly from the airport. This service is a bus and ferry combination that will first take you to Donsak Pier and then transfer to a ferry to Koh Samui. This method is common for travellers who opt not to fly directly into Koh Samui. You can find many bus service options at the train station that also will first take you to Donsak before transferring to the Koh Samui ferry.