10 reasons to love Koh Samui? (2024)

The island of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the second largest island in Thailand, and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation (phu*ket is the biggest island and Koh Chang is the third largest). Koh Samui is a very popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the island’s laid-back atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant nightlife. The island is also home to temples, waterfalls, and other attractions, making it a great destination for travellers who want to experience the beauty and culture of Thailand.

10 reasons to visit Koh Samui?

1. Beautiful beaches: Koh Samui is known for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, white sand, and palm trees.
2. Stunning sunsets: The sunsets on Koh Samui are breath-taking and a must-see for anyone visiting the island.
3. Delicious cuisine: Koh Samui is home to some of the best Thai food you’ll ever taste, with a variety of seafood, street food, and local dishes to choose from.
4. Cultural attractions: Koh Samui has a rich cultural heritage, with temples, shrines, and other cultural attractions to explore.
5. Jungle &waterfalls: The island is home to several beautiful jungle areas and waterfalls, providing a great opportunity for nature lovers to explore.
6. Spa & wellness: Koh Samui has numerous spas and wellness centres offering massages, facials, and other treatments to help you relax and unwind.
7. Scuba diving & snorkelling: The waters around Koh Samui are home to a variety of marine life, making it a great place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Koh Samui is one of 42 islands in Ang Thong National Park became one of the prime destinations for backpackers in Thailand when the novel ‘The Beach’ by Alex Garland and subsequent movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio came out.
8. Shopping: Koh Samui has many markets and shops with souvenirs, clothes, and other items.
9. Nightlife: The island has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Chaweng is regarded as the main hub, along with Lamai and Bophut.
10. Easy to get to: Koh Samui is easily accessible from many major cities in Asia, making it a convenient place to visit.

How to get to Koh Samui?

• By plane: The most popular way to get to Koh Samui is by flying into Koh Samui International Airport, which is located on the island. There are direct flights to Koh Samui from many major cities in Thailand, as well as from some international destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
• By ferry: It is also possible to get to Koh Samui by ferry from the mainland. Ferries to the island depart from Don Sak Pier and Chumphon Pier, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. It is important to note that the ferries to Koh Samui only operate during the day, so you will need to plan your travel accordingly.
• By bus and ferry: Another option is to take a bus to Don Sak Pier or Chumphon Pier and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui. The bus ride from Bangkok to Don Sak Pier takes around 4 to 5 hours, while the ferry ride to Koh Samui takes an additional 3 to 4 hours.
• By car: If you are driving from Bangkok, you can take the motorway to Chumphon and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui from there. The drive from Bangkok to Chumphon takes around 8 to 9 hours, and the ferry ride to Koh Samui takes an additional 3 to 4 hours.

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

There are many different places to stay in Koh Samui, ranging from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. Some popular to stay include:

1. Chaweng: This is the most popular and busiest beach on the island, and it is home to a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget guesthouses.
2. Bophut: A more laid-back beach vibe, located on the north coast of the island. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, charming Fisherman’s Village, and relaxed atmosphere. There are a variety of accommodation options in Bophut, including resorts, hotels, and guesthouses. Our preferred choice to stay is Celes Samui (2 hotels that have recently been merged into 1. Samui Palm Beach Resort and Celes Beachfront Resort). This trendy hideaway offers a variety of well-equipped, spacious rooms & luxurious villas. The hotel has great views across to neighbouring Koh Phangan and is the perfect island getaway for both couples and families alike. See images above.
3. Lamai: Another popular beach located on the east coast of the island. It is known for its long stretch of sandy beach and its nightlife, with bars and clubs located along the beach. There are a variety of accommodation options in Lamai, including resorts, hotels, and guesthouses.
4. Maenam: A quieter beach located on the north coast of the island. It is a popular destination for families and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Why we love Koh Samui?

We first visited the island in 1990 and so much has changed since our back packing stay. There has certainly been a boom in hotels since the airport was opened in 1989 but fortunately many are not of the high-rise design (palm tree height) and most are under 100 rooms in size.

1. The airport is one of our favourites! It’s low rise, has lots of outdoor areas and stress free.
2. The beaches are stunning and apart from the main resort of Chaweng ….most are not crowded.
3. Ang Thong National Marine Park is ‘must’ for anyone visiting Koh Samui.
4. The island is relatively small and can be navigated by car in one day.
5. The island of Koh Phangan is just a stone’s throw away by ferry and worth a day trip. Forget the infamous ‘Full Moon Party’ as the island has so much more to offer.

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