Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island and is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations. The island was our first travel destination in Thailand. Koh Samui is a great base for island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand. Trips to the neighboring mainland Khanom and Surat Thani as well as the islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are very easy. We have visited these places many times and always liked staying there. Also, the island offers many activities for every taste and every budget.

Koh Samui offers a mix of luxury hotels, cozy guesthouses and small bungalows, especially on the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. At these beach sections in the evening, most of the going on. On the other beaches, the resorts are usually smaller and the atmosphere is much quieter. The island offers the right accommodation for every taste and budget.

Koh Samui has an "international" airport, but the journey takes place via the metropolitan airports in Bangkok. At the beginning, the airport was only served by Bangkok Airways, which operates the airport itself. Meanwhile, the airport is also open to some competitors. Since February 2008, Thai Airways flies to Ko Samui, with Malaysian, Singaporean and Chinese companies. From Bangkok Koh Samui is served in smaller aircraft. The approximately 1-1.5 hour flight ends with landing at a beautiful, tropical-style airport, which is considered one of the most beautiful airports in the world.

Airport transfer (Koh Samui) to the hotel:
The airport transfer is regulated in Koh Samui. For about 500 Bath / Car you can get from Samui Airport in about 20 minutes (depending on traffic) to Chaweng (North), Choeng Mon Beach or Big Buddha. There are no price negotiations with the taxi drivers, because the taxi tickets are issued in the arrivals hall in the airport building and the fixed price is charged depending on the destination. There you will receive a receipt and can then board the booked taxi or minibus / van.

You can also rent a car at the airport. Here are the usual lenders to choose from (AVIS, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz). Depending on the season, the prices vary greatly and often smaller vehicles are fully booked in the main season. The best way to book the car already in Germany.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• Arriving from Bangkok by plane is possible with either Bangkok Airways or another airline (Thai Airways, Malaysian, Singaporean and Chinese companies). In Bangkok there are 2 airports to choose from (Don Muang, where only domestic flights depart and land and Suvarnabhumi Intl.)
• The journey by land is e.g. possible from Bangkok with the so-called "VIP Bus" or "Aircon Bus" and takes depending on the traffic between 13 and 16 hours. Due to the air conditioning, it gets really cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. There are 3 different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:

1. Standard buses (orange) with approx. 75-80 seats (280 THB = approx. 7.- EUR) (the bus stops in different locations)
2. Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 40 seats (600 TBH = approx. 15.- EUR)
3. VIP buses (inscription "VIP Bus 999") with approx. 24 seats (895 THB = approx. 25.- EUR)

• Koh Samui is not connected to Thailand's rail network. But you can take the train to Surat Thani and from there by ferry to Koh Samui.

• The onward journey from Bangkok can either be made by bus / train or plane to Surat Thani and then by bus & ferry to Koh Samui or by direct flight from Bangkok.

Arrival from Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Koh Samui. From the pier, pick-ups or minibuses continue to the beaches.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. The mini bus continues to the bus station and from there by VIP bus to the "Bus Station" at Donsak Pier in Surat Thani. From there, take the boat / ferry to Koh Samui. From the pier, pick-ups or minibuses continue to the beaches.

Since the end of 2022, a long-distance ferry has been operating between Sattahip (Chuksamed Pier) (Sattahip is about 30 km from Pattaya) to Koh Samui. The duration of the trip is approximately 12 hours.

In addition to overnight accommodation, the ferry also offers a restaurant, a wellness and massage service and various entertainment options (including a bar and disco).

Tickets can be booked via Line / Facebook.

Standard ticket per person and route from 2,500 THB (plus additional costs for vehicles [motorcycles from 400 cc and more 1,500 THB, vehicles up to 5.5 meters 2,000 THB.]

From March 2023, Seahorse will operate the the Koh Samui - Sattahip route once a week, always on Sundays from 4 p.m

They also serve the route Sattahip - Koh Samui once a week (Thursdays from 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit The Seahorse Ferry on Facebook.

Temples:
Big Buddha and Wat Phra Yai
The Big Buddha Staue was created in 1972 and measures approx. 15 m. The wheel of life and a ship on the back of the statue was built in late 2005. The Buddha statue is both a landmark and most visited destination of Koh Samui.
The Big Buddha is located on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui on a small offshore island of Koh Fan, which can be reached via a causeway. The dam is adjacent to the town of Bang Rak, whose beach is often called the Big Buddha Beach. The distance to Chaweng is 7.5 km (northwest) and 3 km (east) from Bophut. The temple is located on Thai Highway 4171, which is a side street off Highway 4169.
Admission to the temple is free, but the monks are happy to accept small donations to maintain the whole complex.
The complex is shady under coconut palms. Several souvenir shops have settled here. Handicrafts, jewelery and batik fabrics are mainly sold.
A staircase leads to a gallery on the Big Buddha. From there you have wonderful views over the Big Buddha Beach to Koh Phangan.

Wat Plai Leam and Nuan Na Ram Temple
One of the most beautiful destinations of Koh Samui is located about 2 km north of the Big Buddha at the village Ban Plai Leam. The two temples Wat Plai Leam and Nuan Na Ram were built in 2004 and are constantly expanding since then. The artist who created this temple complex is Jarit Phumdonming. He spent over three years at the reliefs and details inside the temples.
Particularly striking and visible from afar is the 18-armed statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy and compassion. The worship of the goddess Guan Yin comes from Chinese mythology, but her influence has been widespread in Southeast Asia for many generations. In addition to the Goddess of Mercy, there is also a large Chinese Buddha statue and beautiful temples and outbuildings. For a small donation of 10 THB you can feed fish in a pond.
Admission to the temples is free, but the monks are happy to accept small donations to support the entire complex.

Ban Plai Laem is very close to the Big Buddha, about 3 km north of Samui International Airport, 3 km east of Bophut Beach and about 7.5 km from Chaweng Beach.

Secret Buddha Garden / Magic Garden
The Magic Garden (also called the Secret Buddha Garden) is located in the lush tropical rainforest of Koh Samui. The Durian farmer Nim Thongsuk, began building the garden in 1976 at the age of 77, to create a place of meditation and inner peace. Nim Thongsuk expanded his garden until his death at the age of 91. In the Magic Garden is an unusual collection of reliefs, Buddha stone figures, musicians, dancers and animal sculptures, all of which were made with great attention to detail. The large complex is crossed by a stream, you will find a waterfall and the area is protected by dense jungle from the sun. Today, the Magic Garden is managed and maintained by the descendants of Nim Thongsuk. Admission is 80 THB.
The easiest way to get to the Magic Garden is via the Military Road south of Nathon. The path is signposted here. For locals, however, the garden is a bit difficult to find, because of the main road numerous side roads lead into the jungle. The Magic Garden is also part of the standard program of many jeep and trekking tours offered on Koh Samui.

Hin Ta Hin Yai
Hin Ta Hin Yai are fascinating rock formations on the southern coast of Koh Samui. They are also called Grandmother and Grandfather-Stone and are located near the traditional Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon, south of Lamai.
The bizarre rock formations are reminiscent of a female and a male genitals and are among the top attractions of Koh Samui. According to legend, a couple suffered shipwreck and petrified here.
On the small road that leads to the rocks there are a number of stalls. Souvenirs, textiles, drinks and snacks are offered. In the small beach bar directly under the rocks you can drink delicious fruit cocktails. The sandy beach here is small and the water crystal clear.

Viewpoints:
Big Buddha Viewpoint
If you climb the stairs to the Bug Buddha Staue, you can see on the back with a clear view of the Big Buddha Beach to Koh Phangan.

Lamai Viewpoint
The Lamai Viewpoint is located in the district Lamai, just before the famous rock Hin Ta Hin Yai. On a hill is a restaurant with stunning views of Lamai Beach. The restaurant offers very good food.

Lamai Beach Viewpoint (Hin Ta Hin Yai)
The viewpoint on Lamai Beach is one of the island's most scenic vantage points and offers wonderful views of the entire Lamai Beach and some striking rock formations.

Overlap Stone
The Overlap Stone is located just after the Hin Ta Hin Yai Rock, near the ring road. The path is well signposted. The ascent is a bit of a hassle but the view over the Overlap Stone and the fantastic view of the south coast of Koh Samui compensate. The viewpoint is one of the most beautiful on the island.

Lad Koh Viewpoint (Samui Viewpoint)
On the ring road between Chaweng and Lamai is the Lad Koh Viewpoint The Viewpoint is located in the direction of Lamai on the left side of the road. The view of Chaweng Beach is beautiful.

Laem Sor Pagoda and Wat Khao Chedi
The road to the pagoda is quite hard to find. As a point of reference, the Laem Sor Chedi (a golden pagoda on the beach) at the southernmost point of Koh Samui. From the pagoda, a somewhat hidden road leads up a mountain to Wat Khao Chedi towards the mountain, the Wat is then signposted. The view is breathtaking and goes over Laem Sor Beach.

Waterfalls:
Hin Lat Waterfall
This waterfall is located about 2 km south of the village of Nathon near the Wat Hin Lat Temple. Roads 4169 and 4172 lead to a parking lot. From this car park you can reach a bridge and the temple. To the temple complex belongs a beautiful garden with many rare plant species. On foot you can reach about a 3 km long jungle path. The waterfall falls over several cascades and ends in a natural pool with crystal clear water that invites you to refresh.

Na Muang Waterfall (Waterfall 1 & 2)
The waterfall 1 is 18 m high and also goes in cascades over cliffs into the valley and ends in a natural pool in the middle of the dense jungle. The waterfall is about 10 km from Nathon and can be reached via the ring road 4169. From the village Baan Thurian the Na Muang waterfalls are signposted. At the foot of the falls is also an ATV center for quad-tours and an elephant camp, which also offers jungle tours. The ascent to Waterfall 1 takes only about 10 minutes.

In order to reach the waterfall 2, it needs more condition: the Na Muang 2 is about 80 m high. 120 m from the waterfall there is a parking lot. From here you continue on foot into the dense jungle. Sturdy footwear is mandatory here!

In general, the waterfalls in Thailand are subject to abundant water during and shortly after the rainy season. During the dry season, the waterfalls lead to little water - but they are still worth a day trip!

The most famous beaches on Koh Samui include Chaweng Beach, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. Especially Chaweng and Lamai are very busy and there are many hotels for every budget.
Chaweng Beach
The village of Chaweng is well developed with numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques and a large mall (Central Festival). The place is famous for its nightlife. Near Chaweng Lake are larger clubs such as Reggea Bar, Lake View and others. Behind the hotel facilities extends a very beautiful, 6 km long, fine sandy beach. Here you can jet ski or just enjoy the sun. Near the Chaweng Walking Street there is a public access to the beach, otherwise you have to go through one of the hotel facilities. The beach is very clean despite the many hotel facilities and visitors and the water is ideal for swimming.
Chaweng Noi Beach
Chaweng Noi Beach is directly adjacent to Chaweng Beach. The about 1 km long beach is very clean and powdery, fine. The water is crystal clear and therefore ideal for swimming. Chaweng Noi Beach has been home to a number of new lodgings over the last few years, especially in the upper price range.
Lamai Beach
After Chaweng, Lamai is Samui's second largest beach. The beach is located on the east coast of the island. Again, there are fine sandy beaches and the sea has a bit more surf than in Chaweng. For water sports, swimming, snorkeling and surfing the conditions are ideal. The choice of hotels and restaurants is great and a bit cheaper than Chaweng Beach. Again, there is an exciting nightlife with many bars and clubs. In the center there are many beautiful shops and galleries.
Bophut Beach
The fishing village Bophut is next to the Fisherman's Village, one of the oldest settlements in the north of the island. Here is a 2 km long beach that is suitable for swimming all year round. At Bophut Beach, boats leave for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. At the shopping mall "The Wharf" there is a big market with walking-street on the weekends. Fisherman's Village is a particularly beautiful suburb of Bophut. Here are the streets lined with old wooden houses, there are tasteful boutiques and very nice restaurants with a great view of the sea. The hotels on Bophut Beach are in the middle and upper price segment.
Maenam Beach
Also located on the north coast, is the village Maenam with its eponymous beach. Here it is quiet and tranquil, but it is a bit more touristy than on the beaches Bang Po and Baan Tai. Along the beach are beautiful restaurants for cool drinks and delicious food. The beach is about 5 meters long and falls shallow into the sea. Its shores are fringed with palm trees and you can spend a relaxing day here. Here are some hotels and bungalows located in the middle price range.

But also the other beaches have a lot to offer:

Between Chaweng to Lamai is the Coral Cove Beach and the Silver Beach (Thong Takian Beach). The Coral Cove Beach is visible from the ring road. (From Chaweng the beach is on the left side) Here are some hotels and bunglow systems located in the middle price segment. The beach is not that busy. For swimming and snorkeling Coral Cove is ideal and you can spend a nice day here.

A little further south and Lamai is on the left of the ring road (coming from Chaweng) the Silver Beach (Thong Takian Beach). Here there is a parking lot at the hotel area. If you go through between the bungalows and houses you get to the beach. There is a nice beach bar with small plates and snacks and a restaurant. The beach has a light surf, but is ideal for swimming.

In the southeast of the island, at Hinta Hin Yai begins the Bang Nam Chet Bay. Here is a very quiet stand section, which is good for swimming. In addition to the Rocky Resort, there are still some smaller facilities and undeveloped beach sections. The stand is very well suited for relaxing and swimming.

Located on the west coast of Samui is the Lipa Noi Beach. The most famous establishment is the luxury beach resort Nikki Beach. There are regular pool parties and fashion shows with swanky, international DJs. The Lipa Noi Beach has a fine, white sand beach and a light surf. The beach is very suitable for swimmers.

Between Hua Thanon and Laem Set is the Natien Beach also a nice, quiet beach section. Here are some smaller bungalow resorts and a few larger resorts settled. Nearby is the Butterfly Garden and Buddha Footprint.

In the very south of Koh Samui, the Bang Kao Beach is an absolute dream beach. Here you can enjoy the peace or just go for a walk. The beach is good for swimming. Only a few small plants have settled here.

At the neighboring Thong Krut Beach are also few accommodations and a few small restaurants. The beach is only suitable for swimming in a few places, as there is a lively boat traffic to the neighboring islands of Koh Tan and Koh Madsum. In the immediate vicinity you will find the Chedi Laem Sor and Wat Santi Karam.

On Samui's west coast (about 20 km south of Nathon) is Taling Ngam Beach. Here it is still relaxed and the mass tourism has not yet respected. For those seeking peace, this is the perfect place. On the long sandy beach there are a few small bungalow resorts and on the north side of the beach there is a small pier.

The harbor village Nathon also has a beach to offer: Nathon Beach. On the south side there is a nice section that invites you to relax. However, there is a pier in the middle of Nathon Beach. Thus, the water is a bit choppy and not so good for swimming.

At the northwestern tip of the island lies Laem Yai, a small dreamy beach with some luxury resorts (including Mövenpick Resort)

On the north side of the island is the Bang Po Beach. The beach lures with fine sand and the view of Koh Phangan is very beautiful. Here is one of our favorite restaurants on the island: the Relax @ Samui. The restaurant is idyllically located directly on the water. The beach section is also called Relax Beach and is one of the quieter spots on Koh Samui. Along the beach a few small bungalow resorts have settled. It is very nice to swim and relax here.

Between Bang Po and Maenam Beach is the Baan Tai Beach. The beach is one of the quieter spots on Koh Samui. Along the beach a few small bungalow resorts have settled. To swim and relax, it is just beautiful. The beach is lined with palm trees and powdery fine. Off the coast there is an offshore reef, so you can snorkel here. Just like Bang Po, you can enjoy the view of Koh Phangan here.

Along the village of Bang Rak is Bang Rak Beach (often referred to as Big Buddha Beach). The Big Buddha is one of Koh Samui's landmarks. From here, the Haad Rin Queen sets off for Koh Phangan (Haad Rin Beach). In addition to the pier there is also a small fishing village, from which lively boat traffic emanates. Due to the boat and boat traffic, the beach is less suitable for swimming, but still there are some quieter spots here. In the evening the beach is very nice to watch the sunset. Some hotels have also settled here, mainly cheaper bungalows and guesthouses, as well as a few mid-range resorts.

The ring road leads between Bang Rak and Choen Mon to Thongson Bay on the east side of the island. On the road, the Thong Son Bay Resort is signposted. The bay is one of our top favorites on Samui. Here you can enjoy peace and seclusion on a 500 m long beach. Apart from a few luxury-class hotels, the Tongson Bay Bungalows are also located here. The cabins are very simple, but the grounds and the beach are beautiful. The bungalows are partially built along a ledge. Here you can reach the property via a footbridge. The Thongson Bay Bungalows also has a very good restaurant serving authentic Thai food. The beach is powdery and white and there is also a palm tree growing diagonally across the beach. For swimming and snorkeling the beach is very suitable.

North of Thongson Bay is Laem Samrong and Samrong Bay. The beach is framed in rocks. For swimming and snorkeling the beach is very suitable. The few accommodations are a bit more luxurious.

Also located in the east of the island, is the Choeng Mon Beach. Here are some of the old-established resorts of Koh Samui (Imperial Boat House, The White House) and especially accommodation in the middle and upper price segment. The beach is best reached through one of the hotel facilities. The atmosphere here is very relaxed and family suitable. The water is shallow and you can walk far into the sea.