Koh Samui, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide

Koh Samui is located in the southern Gulf of Thailand. It’s the largest island of the Samui Archipelago and the second-largest in the country. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, mountainous interior landscape, wide range of entertainment options, and spectacular accommodation, Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Thailand. And since it’s the only island in the archipelago that has an airport, most travelers arriving from Bangkok or abroad land here. In this travel guide, we share 10 of the best things to do on Koh Samui as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

Ang Thong Marina Park near Koh Samui

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Check out our video about Koh Samui to see the best things to do through our camera!

Best Things To Do On Koh Samui

• Relax at the beaches (Lamai, Lipa Noi, Choeng Mon, Chaweng)

• Discover the Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)

• Visit the Na Muang waterfalls (Half-day jeep tour)

• See Koh Samui’s most mysterious rocks Hin Ta & Hin Yai

• Go island hopping to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao

• Eat and Shop at Bophut Fisherman's Village

• Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match

• Explore the colorful temples (Wat Ratchathammaram, Wat Plai Laem, Wat Phra Yai)

• Go on a boat tour to Ang Thong Marine Park

• Eat street food at the night market (Bophut Fisherman’s Village Friday 5 PM until 11 PM)

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

Tarnim Magic Garden

Places To Stay In Koh Samui

• Aumpai Luxury Hotel: this is where we stayed, it's located in the heart of Lamai and has clean and spacious rooms as well as a pool

• Bangrak Pier Bungalow: beautiful bungalows located in Bophut Village right at the beach

• Palm Coco Mantra: Located on a hill with a beautiful sea view and pool

Places To Eat And Drink In Koh Samui

• Bophut Village Night Market: the best food you can find! (only on Fridays)

• La Fabrique: French bakery with good coffee

• Pure Vegan Heaven: delicious vegan food, we love their smoothie bowls

• The Tent Beachfront: a fancy beachfront restaurant

• The Jungle Club: Thai and Western food with a panoramic view

• Haad Bang Po: family-run eatery right on the beach

• Happy Elephant: a variety of food options in Fisherman's Village

• Kohinoor Indian Restaurant: the best Indian food we found on the island and very affordable

• Green Bird: Thai seafood at affordable prices

• DARA Kitchen & Café: very local place to eat Thai food

• Sala Thai Restaurant: delicious authentic local Thai dishes at reasonable and affordable prices

• Le Betole: Thai and Italian food on Choeng Mon beach

Hin Ta & Hin Yai

Map Koh Samui

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay on Koh Samui on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:

1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Koh Samui will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places

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Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Koh Samui

• Booking.com for places to stay

• Skyscanner for cheap flights

• GetYourGuide for local tours

• Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Koh Samui? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.

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Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles on Thailand:

• Koh Phangan, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide

• Bangkok, Thailand: The Ultimate Travel Guide To The Capital Of Thailand

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Travel Guide To One Of Thailand's Most Popular Cities

• Kanchanaburi, Thailand: A Guide To The Historic Province Of Thailand

• Chiang Rai, Thailand: A Complete Guide

• Krabi, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide