Chaweng
NightlifeThe busiest beach.
Koh Samui city guide
Things To Do In Koh Samui
The biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, with its own airport, palm-fringed beaches from lively Chaweng to quiet Lipa Noi, the Big Buddha and the gateway to the Ang Thong Marine Park.
67
Hostels in the city
8.2
Average, from 13,634 reviews
42
Islands in Ang Thong
12 m
The Big Buddha
Oct–Dec
The rainy season
The Gulf's big island
Koh Samui was a coconut-growing island of fishing villages until the 1970s, when backpackers arrived. Today it is the most developed island in the Gulf of Thailand, with its own airport, a ring road and beaches for every kind of trip.
Chaweng, on the east coast, is the busiest beach, with nightlife and shops. Lamai is smaller and relaxed. Bophut's Fisherman's Village keeps its old wooden shophouses, and the west coast is quiet.
It is also the gateway to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Ang Thong Marine Park. Three to four days is right.
Where to stay
Chaweng, on the east coast, is the busiest beach, with nightlife, shops and restaurants. Lamai, to the south, is more relaxed. Bophut, in the north, has Fisherman's Village, a charming street of old wooden shophouses and restaurants.
Lamai
RelaxedA smaller beach.
Bophut
AtmosphereFisherman's Village.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 12 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui, the largest and most developed of the Gulf islands, has palm-lined beaches, resorts, temples and jungle waterfalls.
Chaweng is the longest and busiest beach, and Lamai is quieter, with the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, shaped like male and female genitals, at its southern end. Fisherman's Village in Bophut, with old wooden shophouses turned into restaurants, holds a walking street market on Friday evenings.
The Big Buddha, a 12-metre golden statue on a small island linked by a causeway, and Wat Plai Laem, with a many-armed statue of Guanyin over a lake, are the best-known temples. The Secret Buddha Garden, high in the hills, has statues in the jungle.
Na Muang waterfalls, in the island's interior, have pools for swimming.
Ang Thong Marine Park, 42 limestone islands with kayaking and an emerald lake, is the classic day trip. Koh Phangan is 30 minutes away by ferry, and Koh Tao about an hour and a half.
Free things
Free things to do in Koh Samui
The beaches and Fisherman's Village are free, and so are the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem. Na Muang waterfalls are free.
The Friday walking street in Bophut is free to wander.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Koh Samui
Samui has every cuisine, from beach restaurants to fine dining. For cheap Thai food, go to the night markets in Chaweng and Lamai and the Friday walking street in Bophut. Fresh seafood is grilled to order along the beaches.
A meal is €2 to €10.
Nightlife
Going out in Koh Samui
Chaweng has the island's nightlife: bars, clubs and beach parties. Lamai is quieter, and Fisherman's Village has relaxed beach bars.
A beer is €2 to €4.
Getting around
Getting around Koh Samui
Samui Airport has flights from Bangkok, which are expensive. The cheaper route is a bus or train to Surat Thani and a ferry from Donsak.
On the island, songthaews run the ring road; Grab and taxis work but are pricey. Ferries run to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Costs
What Koh Samui costs
Koh Samui is pricier than most of Thailand. Dorms start around €8 and a careful day is €25 to €40.
Ang Thong day trips are €40 to €60, and taxis expensive. Most temples are free.
The currency is the baht (THB), at roughly 37 to 40 baht to the euro; prices here are euro equivalents. Thai ATMs charge foreign cards about 220 baht per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts. Cards work in cities and resorts; street food is cash or QR payment.
Safety
Staying safe in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is safe.
On the Gulf islands, the rainy season runs from about October to December, the opposite of the Andaman coast. Obey the flags.
Scooter accidents injure more travellers in Thailand than anything else. Only ride if you are licensed and insured for it, and always wear a helmet.
At temples and palaces, cover shoulders and knees, take off your shoes, and never point your feet at a Buddha image.
Since 15 September 2026, eligible visitors get 30 days visa-free, for tourism only, extendable once by 30 days at an immigration office, and fewer nationalities qualify, so check whether you now need a visa. All visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before arriving.
Tourist Police: 1155. Emergency: 191 police, 1669 ambulance.
Day trips from Koh Samui
Limestone islands, the Full Moon island and the dive island.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Forty-two islands and an emerald lake.
Koh Phangan
The Full Moon island.
Koh Tao
The dive island.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The Friday walking street in Bophut is the weekly event.
6 May – 1 Nov
Wednesday Pool Party
Dive into a mid-week celebration at a lively pool party featuring high-energy performances from artists like Taro Pick, Tony S, Alex Redwhite, Sound Bogie,…
18 Apr – 14 Oct
Saturday Pool Party at Jump Shack
The Saturday Pool Party at Jump Shack offers a lively poolside experience with two stunning pools and a thrilling diving board. Guests can enjoy…
6 May – 1 Nov
Koh Samui City Tour
Explore the enchanting city of Koh Samui on a guided tour that takes you to breathtaking waterfalls, pristine beaches, and awe-inspiring viewpoints. With a…
5 May – 31 Oct
Clear Kayak & SUP LED Glow Tour
Embark on a distinctive nighttime journey in Koh Samui with a clear kayak and SUP LED glow tour. Enjoy the serene, starlit water while…
6 May – 1 Nov
Local Markets, Shrines & Silver Beach Tour
Experience the authentic local life of Koh Samui on a half-day tour. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Hua Thanon Market, pay…
6 May – 1 Nov
Half Day Around Island Tour
Embark on a half-day island tour to discover Koh Samui's iconic landmarks. This adventure includes visits to the majestic Big Buddha, ancient temples, breathtaking…
6 May – 1 Nov
Wat Prayai, Wat Phai Laem & ATV Tour
Experience the cultural richness of Wat Prayai and Wat Plai Laem, coupled with the natural beauty of Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations…
12 May – 7 Nov
Sunrise and Sunset Beach Yoga Class
Immerse yourself in a unique beach yoga class in Koh Samui. Enjoy practicing yoga on the sand, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the…
Hostels
Where to stay in Koh Samui
The top-rated places to stay in Koh Samui right now, live from Hostelworld.
The Dreamcatcher Hostel (Nathon)
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
Sustainable
DK1 Hostel
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
The Rock Samui
Dorms from €23 a night
See dates and book
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
Dorms from €22 a night
See dates and book
KoHabitat Samui
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
Kerton Hostel
Dorms from €8 a night
See dates and book
Ler Hostel 65
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
P168 Hostel
Dorms from €11 a night
See dates and book
Chill Inn Lipa Noi Hostel and Beach Cafe
Dorms from €8 a night
See dates and book
Samui Backpacker Hotel
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
SocialTel Samui, Chaweng Beach
Dorms from €10 a night
See dates and book
Us Hostel
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
When to go
January to August is best. October to December is the rainy season.
Jan
Drying out
Feb
Good
Mar
Excellent
Apr
Songkran
May
Good
Jun
Good
Jul
Busy
Aug
Busy
Sep
Good
Oct
Rains begin
Nov
Wettest
Dec
Christmas
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in euros.
Prices are in baht locally; these are euro equivalents. Excludes flights and Ang Thong tours.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Koh Samui travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
How do I get there cheaply?
By bus or train to Surat Thani and a ferry from Donsak; flights are expensive.
Which beach is best?
Chaweng for nightlife, Lamai for a quieter stay, Bophut for atmosphere.
When is the rainy season?
October to December, the opposite of the Andaman coast.
Is Ang Thong worth it?
Yes, for the kayaking and the emerald lake.
How many days do you need?
Three or four.
When is the best time to visit?
January to September.
When is the Fisherman's Village market?
On Friday evenings.
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