Koh Samui tourist guide

Samui has miles of uncrowded lovely beaches

Thailand’s self-styled ‘boutique island’ is an up market alternative to Phuket, situated on the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Recent development has seen the island’s infrastructure expand rapidly, with plenty of people buying villas and returning year after year.

For many, the biggest attractions here are the beautiful beaches and warm seas but the island has much more to offer. There are some interesting temples and the 12 metre high Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai is the most visited sight on the island. Much of the action is on the east coast at the popular beaches of Chaweng, and Lamai farther south. Somewhat quieter but conveniently close (with no nasty hills in the way) are Big Buddha and Bophut beaches which are never crowded.

There are plenty of options here for the more adventure minded tourist with jet-skiing, water skiing, bungee jumping, and scuba diving all available and popular. But the island also has lots of options for those seeking serious relaxation; luxury spas are dotted around the island and a de-stressing beach massage is a must.

This self-styled Boutique Island has its own sense of style

The islands’interior is great for exploring either on foot or by jeep, motorbike, or mountain bike, and you can either arrange these independently or with an experienced guide. There is a hilly hinterland with several lovely waterfalls and viewpoints, but you’re never far from the ocean. The west side of the island is where all the locals stay, while the south is delightfully unspoilt with its coconut groves intact.

Being a holiday island Samui also boasts a good nightlife, with Chaweng and Lamai beaches the main spots for those looking for some serious partying. You can choose from first class restaurants, quiet beach bars or the raunchy go go bars that are confined to a few areas. On the whole, there is very much an up market character to the island, although plenty of budget choices also exist.

Some fantastic zen-like tropical villa resorts are found here

As you would expect from a location as popular as Samui, the accommodation choices are huge. With luxury five star resorts, ramshackle wooden huts on the beach, and lots in between, you are certain to find something to suit your style and budget, particularly those ‘boutique places’ which have become all the rage in recent years. In Samui almost all resorts front onto the beach, which is unique.

Samui is also near the backpacker favourite of Koh Pha Ngan, famous for its monthly full moon parties. Although the atmosphere here is altogether more bohemian, there are some upscale resorts on the nicer beaches and the island as a whole is far more natural, undeveloped and rustic. Farther away is the smaller, boulder strewn Koh Tao, which is Thailand’s dive centre island. The gorgeous Ang Thong archipelago is also near enough to be a popular day trip.

Samui life is revealed in more detail on our islands forum.

Koh Samui tourist guide

Attractions

Activites

Hotels & accommodation

Restaurants and bars