Koh Samui, Thailand: when to go and what to see

Located in the south of Thailand, about 700 km from boisterous Bangkok, Koh Samui is the country's third largest island, sought after year-round for its white beaches and relaxation, but also for its hinterland consisting of lush, green rainforests and its rather lively nightlife.

Once inhabited by fishing communities, and then by the hippies who arrived in the 1960s, today the island is at the centre of Thai tourism, having developed and been provided with adequate infrastructure, including shopping centres, luxury hotels and even a small airport that allows daily connections with the capital. Despite this, however, the central areas of Koh Samui have not been involved in the urban development process and the jungle still dominates there.

Informed travel: useful info

• Inhabitants: 62,500

• Airport: Samui Airport

• Languages: Thai

• Local currency: Bath (€1.00 = 34.37 bath)

• Climate: tropical monsoon

• Entry requirements: passport

• Distance from Italy: about 9,350km - 14 hours flight time (2/3 stopovers)

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: Koh Samui has a tropical monsoon climate. This means that average monthly maximum temperatures range from 29° in January to 33° in May. The lows, on the other hand, vary from 23° in December to 26° in April. The rainy season peaks in November, as opposed to February, which is the driest month.

• Best period: late January - April

• Period to avoid: October-December (monsoon period)

• Tips: In Thailand, despite the high level of humidity, which alleviates the feeling of heat, it is very easy to get heatstroke or feel dehydrated. For this reason, it is always better to have a small bottle of water with you just in case and remember to drink regularly. Consider also that the months between December and March, the dry season, are characterised by a light refreshing breeze. This is the ideal period for lovers of water sports such as windsurfing, which is very popular on the island's beaches.

Where it is located

Koh Samui is the most important of the many islands that make up the Mu Koh Samui archipelago in southern Thailand, 35 km north-east of the coastal resort of Surat Thani, to which the island is connected by frequent ferries. To the west of Koh Samui, 42 smaller islets form the Ang Thong Marine National Park, essential for the protection of many species of local fauna and flora.

Getting there and around

1. By sea from Surat Thani: there are four different ferry companies(Songserm, Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry) which offer cumulative tickets including bus/transfers to the various embarkation terminals from the airport, the train station or the city centre. The night ride is particularly recommended, departing at 10pm from Surat Thani and arriving at 4am in Koh Samui. Prices range between 500 and 1000 bath (between €14.00 and €29.00).

2. By plane from Bangkok: The island has a small airport called Samui Airport and is connected to the capital by Bangkok Air ways or Thai Airways flights which take about an hour. Return flights start from €200.00.

Once landed, it is advisable to reach the hotel by taxi. For a ride of about 20 minutes for 2 people + 2 suitcases you spend a standard amount of 500 Thai baths (about €14.00). For trips within the island, however, you can rent a scooter for about 250 bath per day (about €7.00). Many hotels offer two-wheelers for hire directly, so you won't have to look for additional companies to turn to.

What to see: beaches and sights

Koh Samui boasts some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches, easily accessible thanks to the road that runs around the entire perimeter of the island. Some of them are unspoilt, with very few tourists and very picturesque natural scenery, while others, such as Chaweng and Lamai beaches, are frequented mainly by water sports and snorkelling enthusiasts, attracted by the warm weather and the wonderfully rich seabed.

On the island, however, beaches are not the only attraction. There are waterfalls hidden in the greenery, as well as two large boulders with a rather curious shape.

1 - Chaweng Beach

Situated on the east coast of Koh Samui, Chaweng beach is one of the most popular, with its fine white sand and emerald-coloured water. It is more than 5 km long and, in its surroundings, you are sure to find a high concentration of bars, pubs, small restaurants and discos that liven up the island after sunset. For this reason, if you are more laid-back types looking for relaxation, I suggest you opt for other accommodation.

• Getting there: Chaweng is located not far from the airport, so you'll be able to get there in a few minutes by taxi/scooter - Get directions

• Information: free beach

2 - Lamai, Hin Ta and Hin Yai Beach

Not far from Chaweng, Lamai Beach is the second busiest beach on Koh Samui and is crescent-shaped and fringed by palm trees and a high rocky promontory on the north side. To the south, however, at the end of Lamai, are the two famous granite rocks, Hin Ta and Hin Yai, so popular because of theirincredible resemblance to male and female genitalia respectively. Formed over millions of years, they are one of the most photographed and curious sights on the island.

• How to get there: Lamai is about 20 minutes from Chaweng beach - get directions

• Information: free beach

3 - Mea Nam Beach

The shallow turquoise water makes Mea Nam beach ideal for families with small children, but also for those who want to enjoy the sea in absolute tranquillity. However, Mea Nam is not only visited for its shoreline: here you will find a typical Thai village with wooden houses and lanes surrounded by vegetation, as well as small traditional massage centres.

• How to get there: by scooter, it takes only 10 minutes to reach Mea Nam from Chaweng (west of Bophut) - Get directions

• Information: free beach

4 - Bophut Beach

Bophut is far from the island's more chaotic resorts and its bay presents the beach area to the west, while to the east is a picturesque fishing village, consisting of Chinese-style cottages and shops mixed with more modern buildings. The homely atmosphere of the place, its almost Mediterranean vibrancy and delicious local fish dishes make it one of Koh Samui's most beautiful spots, to be visited both day and night.

• How to get there: from Chaweng to Bophut is just under a quarter of an hour by car/scooter, heading north - Get directions

• Information: free beach

5 - Na Muang Waterfalls

As we said, it's not only the areas near the sea that are interesting on Koh Samui, but also the hinterland will certainly hold some nice surprises for you. The Na Muang Waterfalls, in the south-western part of the island, between trees and roots create a natural pool. Be careful when bathing, though: the water hides sharp stones under its surface, so it is best to have rubber shoes with you, which are usually used to go on the rocks.

• How to get there: between the towns of Hua Thanon and Nathon, in the south-west of the island. Accessible from the main road 4169 - Get directions

• Information: free access

What to do: info, excursions and tours

Koh Samui is a very beautiful island and there is no shortage of things to see beyond the main beaches. Many of these, including the statue of the Big Buddha (nothing exceptional compared to other Thai temples, but it can be a pleasant alternative to a day at the beach) or the Na Muang waterfalls, can be reached on your own, but there are also organised excursions that will take you around the island.

• Excursion to the Ang ThongNational Marine Park: The Ang Thong Marine Park consists of 42 mountainous islets that offer the opportunity to come into close contact with unique specimens of flora and fauna. Among the many species found here, otters and fish eagles often accompany the boats of tourists visiting the park.
  Discover the tour: Angthong Marine Park: big boat tour from Samui

• Snorkelling excursion: Numerous snorkelling excursions depart from Koh Samui, with catamaran trips and equipment included, where you can snorkel and/or dive in dreamy waters.
  Discover the tour: Koh Samui: Snorkelling and Kayaking by speedboat

• Jungle Safari: Adrenaline-pumping experiences by jeep to Koh Samui's most beautiful viewpoints!
  Discover the tour: Ko Samui: 4x4 jungle safari with lunch included

What to do in the evening: nightlife info

Koh Samui is a very lively island at night, especially around Chaweng and Lamai, where in addition to the usual pubs and clubs, fun beach parties are organised. If your holiday falls during the full moon period, you have the opportunity to attend the Full Moon Party, a big party that attracts hundreds of people every month on the neighbouring island Koh Phangan.

Here are the main venues and clubs on Koh Samui:

1. Reggae pub: Chaweng Beach - get directions
   average prices €2.00/3.00 per cocktail

2. Green MangoClub: Soi Green Mango, Chaweng - get directions
   average prices €2,00/3,00 per cocktail

3. Chill Inn Beach Café: Moo 1, Maret - get directions
   average prices €2.00 per cocktail

What to do if it rains

For those on holiday in Koh Samui, a rainy day might seem like a disaster. But there's actually nothing to stop you from having fun away from the beaches... Here are some recommended activities when it rains:

1. Shop at Central Festival: Located in the heart of Chaweng, between the lake and the beach, Central Festival Samui is a huge complex of restaurants, shops and arcades that offers a wide range of options to have a good time while avoiding the rain. Get directions

2. Enjoy a nice massage in a specialised centre: Spa treatments and massages are a pleasant and relaxing way to forget the rain while on holiday in Samui. There is a wide choice of spas and spas on the island of Samui, all you have to do is head to the one closest to you.

3. Have fun at the shooting range: Firing a few rounds is a good way to relax when you're troubled by bad weather, and Samui Shooting Sport is the place to do it. Located on Samui Ring's Road, just a few hundred metres from Tesco Lotus, this modern shooting range offers an impressive arsenal: from small calibre 22s to assault rifles such as Kalashnikovs. Get directions

4. Visit Samui Butterfly Garden: Located in the southwestern part of the island, Samui Butterfly Garden is a family-friendly attraction that allows you to discover butterflies and other insects in their natural habitat. Set in a large, well-maintained open-air garden covered by nets, the butterfly area is truly an enchanting place. Get directions

Prices and costs

Although international tourism is gaining ground year after year, prices on the island of Koh Samui are relatively low, especially when it comes to accommodation (excluding 5-star hotels) and eating out. Keep in mind that the most expensive parts of the island are obviously Chaweng and Lamai, the busiest, while as you move away from these two centres, prices drop considerably.

Flights, on the other hand, are by no means cheap.
Alternatively, you can always opt to reach the island by sea from Surat Thani: certainly less convenient than a direct flight from Bangkok, but also cheaper.
Finally, I suggest you avoid taxis unless you have to: paradoxically, they have higher fares here than in Bangkok and, if you plan to do a lot of travelling in a day, they are not the best solution.

• Where to stay: hotels and B&Bs from €12.00 per room - see offers

• Flights Rome - Koh Samui: from €545.87 - look at the deals

• Flights Bangkok - Koh Samui: from €221.55 - look at the deals

Pictures and videos of Koh Samui