So, you’re thinking about Koh Samui. Maybe you’ve heard the name whispered on some beach in Bali, or perhaps it just popped up in one of those “best islands to live” lists. Either way, this Koh Samui Guide is here to walk you through it with honest insight, not travel brochure fluff.
Koh Samui isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s not Bangkok with beaches. It’s not Phuket’s wild cousin. It’s… well, Koh Samui. Part beach paradise, part laid-back island town, and part puzzling contradiction. You’ll see what I mean.
What is it about Koh Samui? Let’s start the Koh Samui Guide!
Koh Samui doesn’t rush you. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t overwhelm you the second you arrive. In fact, it might feel a little too calm at first. Like you’ve landed somewhere that’s still waking up, even at noon. The airport is small. The roads are quieter than expected. And somehow, the island gives you space to just breathe.
But that quiet? It’s deceptive. There’s a rhythm here if you stay long enough to feel it. Mornings start with roosters and sweeping brooms. By afternoon, beach cafés fill with a slow mix of tourists, remote workers, and retirees lingering over iced coffee. Evenings sneak in quietly. You might find yourself barefoot, holding a drink, wondering how the day passed.
Koh Samui is where people go to slow down. Not to disappear, but to soften the pace. It’s not a party island. Not really. But it’s never boring either. It lives in that in-between space. Comfortable. Scenic. Sometimes frustrating in its island logic, but never unkind.
Some areas are polished, especially near the resorts and beach clubs. But turn down a random road and you’ll be in someone’s coconut grove, dodging chickens. Both sides feel true.
Koh Samui isn’t trying to impress anyone. It just is. Steady. Soft-spoken. And for some people, quietly perfect in all the right ways.
Getting To and Around Koh Samui?
Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย) sits quietly in the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of the mainland. It’s part of Surat Thani province and belongs to a trio of islands that includes Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Of the three, Samui is the most developed and by far the easiest to reach.
Let’s start with the most comfortable option.
Flying to Koh Samui
Samui has its own airport, USM. It’s small, open-air, and surprisingly relaxed for an island with so much traffic. Flights are operated mostly by Bangkok Airways, which limits airline competition and keeps ticket prices relatively high for such short distances.
Direct flights from Bangkok take about one hour. There are also regular connections from Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and occasionally even Singapore. Landing here puts you just a few minutes from Chaweng and under 30 minutes from most parts of the island. If your budget allows, flying is by far the easiest route.
Taking the Ferry to Koh Samui
If you’re on a tighter budget or traveling from another part of southern Thailand, the ferry is a solid alternative. It’s slower and involves more steps, but some travelers actually enjoy the slower pace and added sense of adventure.
There are three main ferry operators serving Koh Samui from the mainland: Raja Ferry, Seatran, and Lomprayah.
Raja Ferry carries vehicles and is the slowest of the three. It’s a good option if you’re traveling with a car or motorbike. Seatran is a balanced choice with decent reliability and facilities. Lomprayah is the fastest but can be rough in choppy weather, since it uses high-speed catamarans.
All ferries leave from Donsak Pier, located about 60 to 90 minutes from Surat Thani Airport or train station. Most travelers book a combined ticket that includes the bus or van ride to the pier, followed by the ferry trip. The boat portion takes about 90 to 120 minutes depending on the service.
If you’re coming from Bangkok and want to take the land and sea route, you’ll probably start with an overnight train or bus to Surat Thani. From there, you’ll transfer to Donsak and catch the next available ferry. It’s a long trip and you’ll probably arrive a little tired, but it can save you money, especially during high season.
Coming from Other Islands
Getting to Koh Samui from the surrounding islands is relatively easy.
From Koh Phangan, it’s a quick 30 to 45 minute boat ride. Multiple departures run daily, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
From Koh Tao, expect a longer trip of about 90 minutes. Most travelers take Lomprayah for this route.
If you’re coming from Phuket or Krabi, there are combination tickets that include van and ferry service. These usually take most of the day, but the transfers are handled for you, which simplifies the process.
Getting Around the Island
Once you’re on Samui, you’ll need a way to get around. There’s no real public transport system, so most people choose between a few local options.
Scooter rental is by far the most common. Prices start around 200 to 300 baht per day, with monthly deals available. It’s cheap and flexible, but not without risk. Accidents are common. Helmets aren’t optional, even if you see plenty of people ignoring them.
If you prefer more comfort or plan to explore the island extensively, car rental might be a better fit. Daily rates range from 800 to 1500 baht depending on the season and car type. You’ll find rental agencies at the airport and in tourist-heavy areas like Chaweng and Lamai.
Taxis are available, but they tend to be expensive and rarely use meters. It’s a good idea to negotiate your fare in advance. Grab, Bolt an other ride hailing apps work in some parts of the island and can be significantly cheaper than local taxis, though availability is inconsistent.
Songthaews, which are converted pickup trucks with bench seating in the back, loop around the island but don’t follow strict routes or timetables. They can be cheap and convenient if you’re staying near the main roads, but less useful in more remote areas.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Choosing where to stay on Koh Samui depends less on your budget and more on your pace. How fast do you want your days to move? How often do you want to hear motorbikes? Do you want to fall asleep to waves or wake up to jungle sounds and roosters?
Let’s break it down by traveler type, with enough detail to actually help you picture what your stay might feel like.
For Tourists (Short Stays)
Chaweng is where most people start. It’s the island’s busiest area, full of restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and shopping malls. If you want action and don’t mind some chaos, this is it. The beach is lovely but usually packed. At night, things get loud. If you’re looking for quiet evenings, this probably isn’t the place.
Lamai offers a softer version of the tourist experience. It still has bars and restaurants, but with more space and slightly fewer people. You’ll find a mix of budget hotels and mid-range resorts, many right on the sand. Ideal for couples or solo travelers who want convenience but not crowds.
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut has a curated charm. Boutique hotels, wine bars, and stylish beach cafés make this feel a little more polished. The beach is walkable and usually quiet, though the sand isn’t the softest. Still, it’s a favorite for visitors who like good food, atmosphere, and early nights.
Silver Beach and Coral Cove sit quietly between Chaweng and Lamai. Small bays, fewer people, and some surprisingly nice resorts or bungalows tucked into the cliffs. Great for couples or anyone who doesn’t need much more than a hammock and a good book.
For Digital Nomads
Maenam is calm without being boring. It has a long stretch of beach, a few solid coffee shops, and a pace that supports focused work. You’ll find affordable rentals close to the sea and some co-working spots if you need the structure.
Bophut, especially outside the village center, works well too. You get decent internet, a choice of cafés, and a few low-key social events that make meeting people easier. It’s lived-in without being run down.
Lamai Hills attracts the deep work crowd. Villas with jungle views, quiet roads, and cool breezes make this a retreat for coders, writers, and those on digital detox. It’s not close to the beach, but that’s often the point.
Choeng Mon, up in the northeast, is a quieter alternative with upscale touches. There’s not much nightlife, but that can be a plus. You’ll find reliable internet and enough infrastructure to stay productive.
For Expats and Long-Term Visitors
Bang Por is one of those places people move to after living in Chaweng too long. The beach is peaceful, the local community is friendly, and you’ll find long-term houses with actual yards. It feels less like a resort town and more like a neighborhood.
Lipa Noi is even quieter. Perfect sunsets, soft sand, and very little traffic. Families and retirees like it here because the pace is slow and the scenery is consistent. You won’t find many bars or shopping centers, but that’s the appeal.
Hua Thanon, on the southeast coast, is more local. It has markets, family-owned restaurants, and fewer tourists. The rent is cheaper and the vibe is more grounded. If you’re looking to stay long-term and want to feel embedded in island life, this area is worth a look.
Plai Laem and parts of Choeng Mon are dotted with gated communities. Villas with pools, security guards, and landscaped driveways are common. You’re close to the airport and major stores. Ideal for families with kids in international schools or anyone who values convenience over novelty.
A Few Notes Before You Book
Beachfront doesn’t always mean better. Some beaches are great for swimming, others are rocky or disappear at high tide. It’s worth visiting in person if you can.
Jungle villas look amazing online but come with bugs, long driveways, and the occasional power cut. They’re not for everyone.
Each area has its own tempo. You don’t always know if it’s the right one until you spend a few days listening to it. That’s the best part.
Koh Samui Beaches: A Quick Take
Koh Samui doesn’t have just one beach that draws the crowds. It has many. Each with its own quirks. Some are long and lively. Others feel like private little corners of the island where time barely moves. And depending on the season, the same beach can look completely different. Calm and turquoise one month, choppy and grey the next.
There’s no perfect beach here. But there’s probably one that’s perfect for you.
Chaweng Beach
This is the main act. Long, wide, and full of energy. Chaweng Beach is where people come to swim, sunbathe, play beach football, or just watch the day roll by from a lounge chair. You’ll find jet skis, parasailing, vendors, beach clubs, and more than a few cocktails with pineapple stuck in them.
The water is shallow and swimmable most of the year, though it can get rough in stormy season. At night, some parts of the beach turn into soft-lit lounges. Others crank up the volume. If you’re looking for peace, stay near the northern end.
Lamai Beach
Lamai is smaller and a bit quieter. The beach has a more relaxed rhythm, but still enough life to keep things interesting. The sand is soft and the water gets deep faster than in Chaweng, which some people prefer for swimming.
It’s a good balance. You can still find beachfront massages and sunset drinks, but it won’t feel like a beach party unless you go looking for one.
Maenam Beach
This one often flies under the radar. Maenam is long, clean, and usually peaceful. It’s backed by palm trees and quiet resorts, with very few vendors hassling you. The sea here is a bit deeper and darker, and the waves can be stronger, especially during the monsoon season.
Families like it. Long-term visitors like it. You might too, especially if your ideal beach day involves a book, a breeze, and no schedule.
Bophut Beach (Fisherman’s Village)
Not the softest sand, but full of atmosphere. The beach here feels like an extension of the village itself. You can walk out of a café and be on the sand in seconds. It’s more about the view and the vibe than the actual swimming.
Sunsets here are lovely. And even if the beach isn’t your favorite for lying around, it’s perfect for a late afternoon stroll with ice cream in hand.
Silver Beach
Also known as Crystal Bay, this small cove between Lamai and Chaweng is one of the prettiest on the island. Soft white sand, big granite boulders, and calm clear water when the sea behaves.
It can get busy during the day, but early mornings and late afternoons feel magical. Great for snorkeling close to shore. A few bungalow resorts and restaurants are tucked in here, but it never feels overbuilt.
Lipa Noi
This is the west coast’s answer to beach fatigue. Wide, flat, and unbelievably calm, Lipa Noi is where you go when you’ve had enough of the buzz. The sand is fine and shallow water stretches out far, making it a safe spot for kids.
It’s also one of the best places to catch a sunset. Fewer people, long shadows, and the sun slipping into the sea without a sound.
A Quick Tip Before You Go
Koh Samui’s beaches change with the seasons. From November to January, the Gulf can get choppy. Some beaches lose their calm surface and turn a bit wild. In contrast, March to May is usually hot, dry, and postcard-perfect. But the sun can be brutal, so don’t count on shade unless you bring it.
Also, beach access is public by law, but not always obvious. Some of the nicest stretches are hidden behind resorts or at the end of narrow roads. If a place looks like it’s private, it probably isn’t. Just walk through with confidence and a smile. Most locals won’t mind.
You won’t find a single beach that ticks every box. But over time, you’ll find your beach. The one that just feels right. Even if you can’t explain why.
Koh Samui’s Food: Between Local, Exotic and Western Style
You can eat for 40 baht on the side of the road or drop a thousand on imported pasta by the sea. Both are easy to find.
Southern Thai food here leans bold and spicy. Lots of seafood, chili, and rich coconut sauces. Try a local yellow curry with crab or anything that comes wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over coals.
Don’t skip the morning markets. Fresh mango, rice porridge, grilled pork skewers. Simple stuff, but somehow unforgettable.
Western food is everywhere, especially in Bophut and Lamai. Some of it’s great. Some of it’s just expensive. Croissants are passable. Pizza is decent. Avocados show up when they feel like it.
Stick to local dishes, fresh fruit, and seafood from beachside grills if you want to eat well without overthinking it. Or overspending.
What to Do in Koh Samui (Besides Sit on the Beach)
- Big Buddha Temple – Iconic photo spot
- Secret Buddha Garden – Feels like a hidden world
- Na Muang Waterfalls – Go early or they get crowded
- Ang Thong Marine Park – A full-day boat trip, but worth every minute
- Koh Phangan Day Trip – Or stay a few nights. Different vibe entirely.
Also… just rent a scooter, ride inland, and get lost. The coconut farms, jungle roads, and sea views will sneak up on you in the best way.
Internet, Co-Working, and What’s Interesting for Digital Nomads
If you’re planning to work remotely, Koh Samui is… acceptable. Not amazing, not terrible.
- Wi-Fi speeds vary wildly. In villas and resorts, you’ll get 100Mbps+ if you ask.
- Mobile data is reliable. AIS and TrueMove both offer tourist SIM cards with generous data plans.
- Co-working spaces: Mantra Work Lounge, WYSIWYG, and BeachHub are solid choices.
Pro tip: Test the speed before committing to an apartment. And have mobile data as backup, the power does cut out sometimes during storms.
Healthcare and Safety
Healthcare on Koh Samui is generally reliable and surprisingly accessible for a small island. Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or settling in for the long term, it’s reassuring to know that help is nearby and usually efficient.
Local Clinics
For common issues like stomach bugs, allergies, minor injuries, or infections, local clinics are the easiest first stop. You don’t need an appointment. Just walk in, describe your symptoms, and you’ll likely be seen within 10 to 20 minutes.
Consultations usually cost between 300 and 800 baht. That often includes basic medication handed to you in small labeled bags. English is spoken at most clinics, though not always fluently. Using Google Translate or showing photos of symptoms can help smooth things out if needed.
Clinics can be found all over the island. The busiest and best-staffed ones tend to be in areas like Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut. Some are open 24 hours, but most close in the evening.
Private Hospitals
For anything more serious, including injuries, lab work, or specialist care, private hospitals are the way to go. They are clean, well-organized, and set up to handle international patients.
Bangkok Hospital Samui is the most advanced on the island. You’ll find English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and a wide range of services from general medicine to diagnostics and dental care. Prices are high by Thai standards but often still more affordable than in many Western countries. They do accept travel insurance, but it’s best to double-check coverage before treatment.
Samui International Hospital is slightly smaller and sometimes less busy. It offers good care and is often chosen by expats for regular checkups or non-urgent treatment.
Bandon International Hospital is a more basic option in the north of the island. It’s not as polished, but fine for minor illnesses and general consultations.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are everywhere and easy to spot. You can get a wide range of over-the-counter medicine including painkillers, antibiotics, and allergy meds. Many pharmacists speak enough English to help you choose the right treatment. If not, pointing at a translation or showing a past prescription usually works.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Always have travel insurance. Some hospitals and even clinics will ask for upfront payment if you don’t have proof of coverage.
Tap water is not safe to drink, but ice in restaurants is fine. Food safety is generally good, though raw seafood or buffet items left out too long can cause problems. Mosquitoes are common, especially during rainy season, so use repellent if you’re staying in more rural areas.
For day-to-day health needs, Koh Samui offers convenience and peace of mind. The quality of care is solid, and for most visitors, it’s more than enough.
Known Scams and Street Smarts
Koh Samui is laid-back, friendly, and generally safe. But like any popular tourist destination, it has its share of tricks, overcharges, and minor annoyances. Most aren’t dangerous, just frustrating. A little awareness goes a long way.
Overpriced Taxis
This is the most common complaint. Taxis often quote flat rates that are way above what locals would pay. There are no meters. Just starting a ride without agreeing on a price can lead to awkward arguments.
Use Bolt where available. It’s cheaper and more predictable. If Bolt isn’t an option, always agree on the fare before getting in. Ask your hotel or host for a rough price so you know what’s reasonable.
Motorbike Rental Mishaps
Scooter rentals are cheap and easy, but they’re also a hotbed for tourist mistakes. The biggest risk isn’t theft, it’s damage disputes. Scratches, dents, or even dust on the paint can lead to big fees if the rental shop claims you caused it.
Before taking a bike, inspect it carefully. Take photos and videos, even if the staff seem friendly. Don’t leave your passport as collateral. If they insist, walk away. A cash deposit or a copy is enough at reputable places.
Jet Ski Damage Claims
It’s rare in Koh Samui, but it happens. You rent a jet ski, return it, and then someone points out a mysterious scratch and demands compensation. This is a well-known tourist trap in some parts of Thailand.
If you really want to rent one, choose a vendor with good reviews and do a full walk-around inspection before heading out. Photos help.
Tour and Ticket Markups
Some tour sellers bump up prices with creative markups. A boat trip that should cost 1,200 baht might be listed at 2,000, especially near hotels or beachfront shops.
Compare prices online and read reviews before booking. You can often book directly with the tour operator, either online or through social media. Better price, same experience.
“Helpful” Strangers
Most locals are genuinely kind, but a few make a habit of offering unsolicited advice that ends in a sales pitch or fee. Someone might recommend a tailor, spa, or rental agent who “gives discounts,” only for you to end up paying more.
If you didn’t ask for help, it’s okay to politely decline. Trust your instincts. A smile and a “no thank you” usually works.
Money Exchange Tricks
Stick to licensed money changers and banks. Avoid small booths offering great rates but no receipts. Always count your money carefully, and check for hidden service fees. ATMs are reliable, but they charge a withdrawal fee, often around 220 baht.
Rental Property Scams
If you’re staying long-term, never send a deposit for an apartment you haven’t seen. Scams targeting digital nomads and remote workers do exist, especially in Facebook groups.
Book short term, view the property in person, and deal with agents or owners with verified reputations. Word of mouth matters here.
A Final Note
Koh Samui isn’t a dangerous place. Scams here tend to be soft and opportunistic rather than aggressive. Most visitors never run into real trouble. Stay polite, ask questions, and if something feels off, don’t commit. There’s always another driver, another vendor, another option.
Cost of Living in Koh Samui
Living in Koh Samui can be surprisingly affordable, or quietly expensive. It really depends on how you approach it. You can live on a backpacker budget, enjoy mid-range comforts, or lean into luxury without much resistance. The island has space for all three.
Budget Lifestyle
If you stick to local apartments, eat mostly Thai food, and avoid tourist traps, you can get by on 25,000 to 35,000 baht per month. That includes a basic studio, a rented scooter, meals at markets, and occasional outings. It’s not glamorous, but it’s sustainable. And for many digital nomads, that’s enough.
Local apartments away from the beach rent for 7,000 to 12,000 baht. Electricity bills stay low if you use fans instead of air conditioning. A meal from a street vendor costs 40 to 60 baht, and a fruit smoothie adds another 30.
Mid-Range Lifestyle
With a bit more comfort, think air-conditioned one-bedroom, Western groceries, beach café lunches, and co-working memberships, your monthly spending might land around 45,000 to 65,000 baht.
Condos near the beach with decent amenities go for 15,000 to 25,000 baht per month. Add in scooter rental, fuel, utilities, high-speed internet, and meals split between local places and Western cafés, and the numbers add up fast.
A co-working pass is usually 2,500 to 5,000 baht, and weekly grocery trips to Makro or Big C might run 1,500 to 3,000 baht, depending on how much imported cheese ends up in your cart.
High-End Lifestyle
If you want a pool villa, private car, imported wine, fine dining, and regular massages, the sky’s the limit. It’s easy to spend 80,000 baht or more per month without even trying.
Luxury villas rent for 40,000 baht and up, especially in Choeng Mon, Bophut Hills, or near the beach. Dining at upscale restaurants or beach clubs can cost 1,500 baht per person with drinks. Wine starts around 1,000 baht per bottle for decent quality, and high-end groceries will always cost more than local markets.
Long Term Living
Spending a few weeks in Koh Samui is one thing. Settling in for a few months or more is something else entirely. And for many, it just sort of happens. What starts as a short escape quietly stretches into something longer. Maybe you extend your visa once. Then again. Then suddenly, you’re learning where the good laundry shop is and which noodle stall closes on Mondays.
Koh Samui works well for long-term living, especially if you want a balance of convenience, nature, and a touch of comfort. The infrastructure is solid enough to get things done. Wi-Fi is decent in most areas. There are supermarkets, clinics, international schools, even co-working spaces and specialty grocery stores. You won’t have to give up much, unless you’re coming from a big city and need constant stimulation.
Finding a home is easier once you’re here. Facebook groups, local agents, and word-of-mouth still beat most listing websites. Long-term rentals often aren’t advertised online, or the prices are inflated for short-term visitors. Walking around the neighborhood you’re interested in and asking directly can get you a better deal than any booking platform.
Most expats and long-stayers avoid Chaweng for anything more than a weekend. It’s fun, but noisy and crowded. Instead, people gravitate toward places like Maenam, Bophut, Bang Por, or Lamai Hills. These areas offer a quieter pace, better prices, and a mix of local and foreign residents. They feel like places you could actually live, not just visit.
Groceries and daily errands start to shift too. You’ll move from dining out every night to picking up produce from local markets and planning simple meals. You’ll know which 7-Eleven has the working ATM. You’ll start remembering shop owners by name.
Visas can be a bit of a puzzle. Some go the education visa route. Others do monthly extensions or border runs. Retirement visas are an option if you’re over 50 and meet the financial requirements. And more recently, digital nomad visas and elite visas have opened up new doors, though they come with higher price tags or longer application processes.
Life isn’t perfect here. The rainy season gets long and the power sometimes cuts out. Bureaucracy is slow. Some things don’t make sense, and you learn to let them go. But if you’re okay with that — if you can adjust your pace, accept a bit of island logic, and find joy in small routines — Koh Samui can be a surprisingly comfortable place to stay long term.
It won’t try to sell itself to you. But if it fits, you’ll know. And you might just find yourself staying far longer than you planned.
Final Thoughts in our Koh Samui Guide
Koh Samui isn’t trying to impress you. It doesn’t shout for your attention. It takes its time, and if you stay long enough, you start to notice why people stay.
The mornings feel slower. The light shifts differently over the water. Strangers start to look familiar. You stop checking the clock so often. Days blend together in a way that feels more peaceful than confusing.
It’s not perfect. Some things don’t work. The weather turns quickly. Bureaucracy moves at its own pace. But if you can let go of expecting everything to run like home, the island offers something else. Something quieter and a bit more honest.
Whether you came for a week or a year, Koh Samui leaves an impression. It doesn’t ask for anything from you. But if you let it, it changes the way you move through the world.
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