Thailand: Koh Samui
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui will beckon you to Thailand with a temptingly tropical vibe, a paradise of swaying palm trees, gorgeous beaches, and the promise of an unforgettably idyllic escape.
I’ve stayed on Koh Samui many times but usually for a few days either side of travelling to and from exploring other places in Thailand. The island has the convenience of both an airport and a ferry point, so it’s a strategic transit hub for destination hopping in the Gulf of Thailand – albeit one that will certainly tempt you to stay a while.
Koh Samui has long had a reputation as sleepy-by-day and party-by-night backpacker island, with a laid-back bohemian vibe, basic beach hut accommodations, and casual beanbag seating at tiki bars set on impossibly beautiful tropical beaches.
More recently, however, the island has been redesignated as an upmarket and swanky holiday destination. With the development of high-class hotels and five-star resorts and wellness retreats, there’s now also sunrise yoga on the beach and cocktails at sunset.
Koh Samui without doubt a stunning island that can indeed offer all things to all people.
What would be your idea of holiday bliss? My idea of holiday bliss is sitting on a squishy beach bean bag on a balmy Koh Samui evening, with a bottle of Leo or Chang in my hand, while the sun dips below the horizon line and fire dancers start spin on the tideline.
If you are a beach-babe, a pool-side lounger, a jungle-hiker, a culture seeker, or a water sports enthusiast, Koh Samui has it all and is the perfect vacation spot for you.
It will sway you with its palm tree slung rope swings and take your breath away with landscapes of lush rainforests, offering stunning inner waterfalls and outer coral reefs.
Lots of people come to the Gulf of Thailand to snorkel and scuba dive in warm crystal-clear waters and to try windsurfing, jet-skiing, or paddleboarding.
Koh Samui also has a rich cultural heritage through its temples, markets, and traditional festivals and must-visit spiritual sites offering insight into local Buddhist beliefs.
And, of course, it now has the hugely trending appeal of The White Lotus effect.
Let’s travel to Thailand and explore the paradise island that is Koh Samui!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- BEST AREAS TO STAY ON KOH SAMUI
- THE WHITE LOTUS EFFECT
- TOP HOTELS AND RESORTS
- POPULAR PLACES TO STAY ON KOH SAMUI
- TOP THINGS TO DO ON KOH SAMUI
- WHERE IS KOH SAMUI?
- HOW TO TRAVEL TO KOH SAMUI
- BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH SAMUI
- WHITE LOTUS – TROUBLE IN THAILAND?
- HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST
BEST AREAS TO STAY ON KOH SAMUI
There are lots of beaches all around Koh Samui making this destination a beach lovers paradise. Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular beaches and they can get busy. But there’s always a quieter beach not too far away, if you are looking for peace and quiet, and don’t need so many onsite amenities. Lots of locals and long stayers will claim to know of a ‘secret beach’ so it’s always worth asking for recommendations from your hotel reception or fellow guests.
Chaweng Beach: A vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere, Chaweng is the main beach on the island and is perfect for those looking to be close to the action. Almost 7 kilometres of wonderful white sand and lots of beach activities.
Lamai Beach: A quieter alternative to Chaweng, Lamai offers beautiful beaches and a range of accommodation options.
Silver Beach: Sometimes called Crystal Bay. Located between Chaweng and Lamai beaches, a favourite with snorkellers.
Coral Cove: Picturesque with big boulders and a secluded bay. Perfect spot for reading and enjoying peace and quiet.
Bophut Beach: This area offers a more laid-back vibe and is home to the charming Fisherman’s Village.
Maenam Beach: Known for its tranquil 5 kilometre beach, Maenam is ideal for families and seeking peace and relaxation.
Taling Gnam Beach: Beautiful soft white sand beach with a reef so a great spot for snorkelling.
Lipa Noi Beach: A little north of Taling Gnam beach and a quiet spot for sun worshiping.
Bang Po Beach: Another of Koh Samui’s quieter beaches and the location of a popular seafood restaurant.
Choeng Mon Beach: A family friendly beach close to the Big Buddha Temple.
Samrong Beach: Close to the airport and in a bay but a world away from Chaweng.
Thongson Beach: Secluded small beach with shallow bathing.
THE WHITE LOTUS EFFECT
The travel industry is expecting Thailand to have a huge year. According to Forbes – following HBO’s teaser release for The White Lotus TV Series in mid-December 2024 – searches for Koh Samui jumped by 40% on Hotels.com.
Travel and Leisure has named Thailand ‘Destination of the Year 2025’!
Hotel website Expedia saw searches for Koh Samui explode by more than 300% due to the “White Lotus” effect.
The home-rental platform Vrbo has seen a 115% uptick in searches year-over-year for vacation rentals in Koh Samui.
Have you seen White Lotus and is Koh Samui now on your travel radar because of the show?
TOP HOTELS AND RESORTS
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: This luxurious resort is a setting for White Lotus sumptuous breakfast and lunch scenes in its treetop restaurant. The resort offers stunning sea views, private villas, and world-class amenities.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort: Is home to the lavish on-screen lobby and hotel driveway in the White Lotus. Located by the beach this resort has beautiful gardens.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort: is the setting for the White Lotus bar (in real life it is known as Singing Bird Lounge). The decadent resort is at the northern end of Chaweng Beach and has a beach front pool.
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui: A blend of luxury and tradition, offering exquisite dining and a serene spa.
Santiburi Koh Samui: Offers a private beach, spacious villas, and a range of activities for guests.
POPULAR PLACES TO STAY ON KOH SAMUI
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort
Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui
FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY USING THIS INTERACTIVE MAP
TOP THINGS TO DO ON KOH SAMUI
Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park: A short boat ride away, this marine park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Kayak through emerald lagoons, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and discover hidden caves.
Culinary Delights: Koh Samui is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. Savor authentic Thai cuisine, indulge in fresh seafood, and explore the bustling markets and exciting night markets.
Visit the Fisherman’s Village: Located in Bophut, this charming village offers a blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities with quaint shops and meals with an ocean view.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): This iconic 12-meter tall golden statue is a must-see. It’s not only a spiritual site but also offers panoramic views of the island.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: Known as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, these natural formations are both amusing and scenic, drawing tourists for a fun photo opportunity.
Secret Buddha Garden: Hidden within the lush rainforest, this garden is filled with intriguing statues and offers a peaceful retreat.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes and bring a taste of Thailand back home.
Visit a Local Market: Experience the vibrant local culture and pick up unique souvenirs.
Relax at a Spa: Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage or a luxurious spa day.
Hike to Na Muang Waterfalls: Explore the lush jungle and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools.
WHERE IS KOH SAMUI?
Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It lies approximately 700 kilometres (about 435 miles) south of Bangkok, and is the second-largest island in Thailand after Phuket. Koh Samui is part of the Chumphon Archipelago and Surat Thani Province and is surrounded by several other beautiful islands that make it a perfect destination hub for island hopping.
Neighbouring islands include: Koh Phangan, which is located about 15 kilometres north (approx 9 miles) and Koh Tao, which is around 55 kilometres (approx 34 miles) north of Koh Samui.
Located to the west of Koh Samui is the Ang Thong National Marine Park – a stunning archipelago of around 42 islands with limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO KOH SAMUI
Koh Samui is easily to reach by air and sea. The island has its own airport Samui International Airport with direct flights from Bangkok and other major Asian cities.
To reach Koh Samui from Bangkok, you can opt for a short domestic flight, which takes about an hour, or choose a combination of road and ferry travel that will be less expensive, but can typically take around ten to twelve hours.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the Thai mainland with services available from Surat Thani and nearby islands.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH SAMUI
The best time to visit Koh Samui is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. However, the island’s tropical climate ensures warm temperatures year-round, with the rainy season typically running from October to November. Take a look at my post The Best and Worst Time To Visit Thailand for a closer look at weather patterns and monsoon cycles in different areas of Thailand.
WHITE LOTUS – TROUBLE IN THAILAND?
While Koh Samui’s popularity and local economy has been boosted by being the tropical location for series three of the popular fantasy TV show The White Lotus, it is feared that a sudden increase of tourists could have a detrimental effect on the island’s natural environment and put a strain on the island resources.
Travel agents are reporting a huge spike in bookings for Thailand. Resorts on Koh Samui are planning to offer tourists ‘White Lotus Themed Packages’. Airlines are already increasing flights to cope with demand for travel to the island in 2025.
We saw what happened to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay after its starring role in the The Beach. So many people wanted to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio and experience the ‘secret beach’ for themselves that it was almost destroyed.
The authorities had to take the decision to close Maya Beach to tourists. After three years, in 2022, it was reopened with strict controls on visitor numbers to protect the beach, the marine life, and the coral reef.
Challenges for Koh Samui as a result of this surge in tourism could result in overcrowding, further freshwater scarcity, environmental degradation, infrastructure problems and waste management issues.
Because everything consumable on an island has to be brought in and waste had to be removed to the mainland.
If you choose to stay in one of the top resorts to experience the fantasy of The White Lotus effect for yourself, then you will undoubtably be cossetted and shielded from any real-life infrastructure issues, such as water scarcity, as water will be bought privately by the resort. A luxury not afforded to all.
I believe that Koh Samui welcomes and needs the boost of revenue that tourism brings, but in my opinion, all visitors – and this applies to anywhere not just to Koh Samui – should be aware of their environmental impact by being as responsible as possible during their visit to preserve their destination’s natural beauty and vital resources for others and for the future.
HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST
Choose Sustainable Accommodations: Choose hotels and guesthouses that implement eco-friendly practices, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and support for local communities.
Minimise Waste: Carry reusable water bottles, bags, and containers to reduce plastic waste. Dispose of trash responsibly and participate in local recycling programs if available.
Respect Wildlife: Avoid activities that exploit animals, such as elephant rides or visiting tiger temples. Instead, find ethical wildlife experiences and support local conservation efforts. Use reef safe sunscreen. If you brought your toiletries with you in plastic bottles then why not take them back with you rather than add them to the landfill on the mainland?
Supporting Local Economies: Shop locally and buy your goods and souvenirs from local artisans and markets rather than large, international chains.
Local Cuisine: Dining at local restaurants and food stalls not only provides an authentic experience but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported foods. Take a local cooking class to learn how to cook Thai food!
Hire Local Guides: Use local tour operators and guides who have a vested interest in preserving their community and environment. I recommend you find your local tour guides using Get Your Guide.
Visiting Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: Exploring lesser-known areas can help reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots and spreads the economic benefits of tourism to more communities.
Are you planning a vacation/holiday in Thailand this year?
Are you planning to go to Koh Samui?
Are you inspired by the White Lotus TV series?
Let me know – I’d love to hear from you – leave a comment!
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