Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Koh Samui

FAQ Koh Samui - Questions and Answers

Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions people have when planning a trip to Koh Samui. We provide brief responses. To learn more, we invite you to explore all our pages about Koh Samui to get comprehensive and detailed information.

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• What are the main attractions to visit in Koh Samui?
• Where to stay in Koh Samui?
• How to get around Koh Samui?
• How to get to Koh Samui?
• When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

What are the main attractions to visit in Koh Samui?

The must-see places in Koh Samui are:

• The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), which is somewhat of a symbol of the island.
• The Wat Plai Laem and the 18-armed Guanyin statue. It is a representation of the goddess of mercy and compassion from Chinese Buddhism, located in the center of the temple complex, above a pond.
• Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, in Lamai.
• Ang Thong National Marine Park and its superb archipelago, one of the most beautiful marine parks in Thailand.

These are just the most famous places, but there is much more to see on the island of Samui. You will find other places to discover on the page tours to do in Koh Samui.

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Koh Samui island is quite large. Here are the beachfront locations where tourists prefer to choose their hotel based on what they're looking for. Most of them are located on the east coast:

• Chaweng is the liveliest beach, the one where you have everything close at hand, as well as a somewhat raucous nightlife. The most touristy part of the island.
• Lamai, also lively, has a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
• Bophut & Maenam are known for being quiet and family-friendly.
• Southern beaches, much less touristy, are more tranquil, but without transportation, your visit to Samui is somewhat limited.

On this page, you will find our hotel recommendations in Koh Samui.

How to get around Koh Samui?

As mentioned, the island of Koh Samui is large, so to fully explore and enjoy it, it's important to know the transportation options available:

• Songthaews are pickup trucks with benches in the back, a bit like local shared taxis. They travel around the island, especially between the main beaches on the eastern coast (Maenam, Chaweng, Lamai).
• Koh Samui buses connect the airport to the main beaches.
• Private taxis are more expensive and almost never charge a meter.
• VTC apps allow you to order a vehicle with a driver using your smartphone.
• Scooter rentals, but be careful, there are many accidents on Koh Samui, and remember, you need a driving license. International + motorcycle license to be legal

How to get to Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a small island with an airport and numerous ferry connections. You can get there:

• By plane: Koh Samui Airport (USM), owned by Bangkok Airways, offers direct flights from both airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and also from cities abroad. Please note that since Bangkok Airways has a monopoly, flight prices are quite expensive.
• By ferry from Surat Thani, or Donsak, a 1.5-hour drive from Surat Thani, or from Chumphon.
• By bus + ferry: From Bangkok, there are offers that combine bus and boat.
• By train + ferry: From Bangkok, you can, for example, take an overnight train to Surat Thani and then a combined bus or van + ferry (book here).

You'll find all the schedules, prices, and advice on the page dedicated to transport to get to Koh Samui

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

• February to April: ideal period, dry and sunny climate.
• June to the end of August, or if the monsoon is already quite present in the south, over the Gulf of Thailand and therefore Koh Samui, the weather is sunny and quite favorable. Therefore, it's an ideal destination during the summer holidays.

The least recommended time to visit Koh Samui is from November to the end of December, beginning of January (lots of rain).

You can find weather trends throughout Thailand in the section on weather in Thailand.