город и курорт

Koh Samui: a laid-back tropical island

An island in the Gulf of Thailand with coconut palms, soft sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Loved by couples and families who want a break without the bustle.

best time

January to August; rain mostly from October to December

highlights

  1. IChaweng, Lamai and Bophut beaches
  2. IIAng Thong Marine Park
  3. IIIThe fishing village in Bophut
  4. IVThe Big Buddha temple
  5. VKoh Phangan and Koh Tao nearby

Who Koh Samui suits

Koh Samui is for those who want the tropics without the noise. There are no huge resort districts here, but plenty of small hotels by the water, villas and beachfront restaurants. The island is a favourite with newlyweds; read more about such destinations in our guide on where to go for your honeymoon.

Families with children enjoy it here too: many beaches have calm water and a gentle slope into the sea. Samui may feel dull if you are after lively nightlife and big shopping malls; Phuket or Pattaya would suit you better.

Season

Samui’s climate differs from the Andaman coast. The dry, sunny period runs from January to August, and the summer months are often good for the beach. That makes Samui a convenient option for a summer holiday, when Phuket is in its rainy season.

From October to December the monsoon rains arrive, sometimes for days on end, and the sea can be rough. September is a transitional month. For a month-by-month comparison of the regions, see our guide on when to go to Thailand.

Beaches and areas

Chaweng. The longest and liveliest beach, with restaurants, bars and shops. Good for a first visit and for those who want activity around them.

Lamai. The second most popular, a little calmer than Chaweng, with a beautiful bay and the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks.

Bophut. A fishing village with wooden houses, cafés and a Friday night market. Calm water, convenient for families.

Choeng Mon. A small bay in the northeast, quiet, with good hotels.

Maenam. A northern beach with an unhurried feel, for a secluded holiday.

West coast. Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam: quiet beaches with sunsets and views of the mainland.

What to see and do

Ang Thong Marine Park

An archipelago of dozens of islands with limestone cliffs, lagoons and a viewpoint. A full-day trip with kayaking and snorkelling is the top excursion from Samui.

On the island

The Big Buddha temple on a small islet linked by a causeway. Wat Plai Laem with its many-armed statue of a goddess. Na Muang waterfalls in the jungle. Viewpoints in the hills in the centre of the island.

Neighbouring islands

Koh Phangan, with its beaches and famous full moon parties. Koh Tao, one of the region’s popular places to learn to dive. Ferries and speedboats run to both islands.

Relaxation

Spa and massage, Thai cooking classes and yoga centres. Night food markets in Bophut, Lamai and Maenam.

How many days

10–14 nights is a comfortable length given the flight. You can spend 2–3 nights in Bangkok on the way and set aside a couple of days on the island for Ang Thong and the neighbouring islands.

Sample 10-night itinerary

The first three days: the beach and recovering from the journey. Day four: a full day at Ang Thong Marine Park. Day five: a loop around the island with the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, the Lamai rocks and Na Muang waterfalls. Days six and seven: sea and spa. Day eight: a trip to Koh Tao with snorkelling. Spend the last days at the Friday market in Bophut, watching sunsets on the west coast and taking a cooking class.

Good to know

Flights from Tashkent: our manager will find direct and connecting options, usually with a change in Bangkok. Domestic flights to Samui can be pricey, while the ferry option takes longer. Check Thailand’s entry rules before you travel.

The island is hilly, and riding a scooter without experience is dangerous. Boat trips may be cancelled in the rainy season. Medical insurance is a must: there are clinics on the island, but treatment is expensive.

Ride-hailing apps work well on the island, though in remote areas you will wait longer for a car. If you plan trips to the neighbouring islands, book your boat with plenty of time to spare before your flight, as departures get delayed in windy weather. It is best not to schedule an excursion on your last day.

Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

Plan your holiday

Tell us your dates and the kind of holiday you want. Send a request, message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1 or call +998 99 760-82-88: our manager will pick the beach, hotel and route on Samui and around Thailand to fit your budget.

Updated: 2026-10

FAQ

When is the rainy season on Koh Samui?

Samui's main rains fall roughly from October to December. Unlike Phuket, it is often dry here in summer, so Samui works well for a summer holiday.

How is Koh Samui different from Phuket?

Samui is smaller, calmer and more intimate, with fewer large resort areas and less loud nightlife. Phuket is bigger, with a wider range of amenities and entertainment.

How do I get to Koh Samui?

Usually via Bangkok with a domestic flight to the island. Another option is to fly to the mainland and take a ferry. Our manager will find the right route.

Which beach should I choose on Koh Samui?

Chaweng for restaurants and nightlife. Bophut and Choeng Mon for a relaxed stay with good amenities. Maenam and the west coast for seclusion.

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Global DestinationTashkent
TASHKENT2026

To: Global Destination

Where: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tel.: +998 99 760-82-88

Email: [email protected]

Telegram: @GlobalDestination1