Koh Samui

🏛️ Why Visit Koh Samui, Thailand?

Koh Samui – Thailand's second-largest island and one of the most brilliant spots for a proper Thai jollie! This stunning tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand has got it all: jaw-dropping beaches with powder-white sand, lush jungle waterfalls that'll leave you speechless, and temples so colourful they look like they've been painted by the gods themselves. Plus, you've got your pick of everything from buzzing beach clubs where you can party 'til dawn to secluded coves where the only sound is gentle waves lapping the shore.

Top reasons to visit Koh Samui:

• 🏖️ Beach heaven – From the lively shores of Chaweng to the peaceful stretches of Silver Beach, you've got pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters wherever you fancy a dip

• 🎉 Perfect for everyone – Whether you're after wild nights out, romantic sunset dinners, family fun, or solo adventures, Samui's got your back with options for every type of traveller

• 🏰 Cultural treasures – The Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples are absolutely stunning with their colourful statues and peaceful vibes, plus you can feed massive fish in temple ponds

• 🌊 Island hopping paradise – You're perfectly positioned to explore Ang Thong Marine Park's emerald lagoons, Koh Tao's incredible diving, and Koh Phangan's legendary parties

• ☀️ Year-round brilliance – With its own international airport and tropical climate that's gorgeous most of the year, getting here is a breeze and you're pretty much guaranteed sunshine

🏙️ Koh Samui's Top Resorts

Chaweng is our absolute star – and for good reason! This is where most of our guests stay so it’s where we've got our biggest and best selection of brilliant hotels, from swanky beachfront resorts to fantastic value stays. Think 6km of gorgeous beach backed by palm trees, with the island's best nightlife, shopping, and restaurant scene right on your doorstep. You'll find everything from beach bars serving up cocktail buckets to swanky rooftop lounges, plus water sports galore. Perfect for younger travellers, groups, couples, and basically anyone who wants to be in the thick of the action – which is why it's our number one spot on the island!

Bo Phut and Fisherman's Village are where romance meets authenticity – cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, candlelit restaurants, and the most charming Friday night market on the island. The beach is lovely for swimming and the whole area has this proper Mediterranean-meets-Thai vibe that's absolutely magic. We've got some cracking hotel options here that are perfect for couples, food lovers, and anyone after that picture-perfect island charm.

Choeng Mon is your secluded paradise – a protected crescent-shaped bay that's ideal for families with its calm, shallow waters and less crowded beaches. You can literally walk to a tiny offshore island at low tide (how cool is that?), and it's close enough to Chaweng if you fancy a change of scenery. We've got some lovely stays here that give you that peaceful retreat vibe while keeping you connected to the island's highlights.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Koh Samui

Temple Hoppers & Culture Buffs 🏛️ Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – This 12-metre golden Buddha sitting majestically on a hill is absolutely breathtaking and visible from several kilometres away.

🎨 Wat Plai Laem – Talk about Instagram gold! This modern temple features an incredible 18-armed Guanyin statue and a massive white laughing Buddha, all surrounded by a lake filled with fish you can feed. The colourful Chinese-Thai architecture is unlike anything else on the island.

Adventure Seekers & Nature Lovers 🌊 Ang Thong Marine Park Day Trip – This archipelago of 42 pristine islands is like something from a movie (literally – it inspired 'The Beach'!). Go kayaking through hidden lagoons, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

💦 Na Muang Waterfalls – Two spectacular waterfalls in the jungle heart of the island – the first has a brilliant natural swimming pool at the base, while the second towers 80 metres high through the rainforest. The purple rocks are absolutely stunning after the rains!

Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers 🏖️ Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) – This hidden gem is probably the prettiest beach on Samui, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and dramatic boulders framing the perfect sandy cove.

🌅 Lipa Noi Beach – The ultimate sunset spot on Samui's west coast, with 3km of sandy beach, shallow calm waters ideal for families, and front-row seats to some of the most spectacular sunsets you'll ever see.

🍹 Chaweng Beach Bars – From beach clubs with infinity pools to reggae bars with fire shows, Chaweng's nightlife scene is legendary. Start with sunset cocktails and dance the night away on the sand!

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Koh Samui Holiday (that's still brilliant)

🗓️ When to Go

Visit during shoulder season (May-June or September-November) when accommodation prices drop by up to 50% but the weather's still lovely! You'll dodge the Christmas crowds and get way more bang for your buck 💰

💡 Smart Savings

🏍️ Rent a scooter – At just 200-300 baht per day, it's the cheapest way to explore and you'll feel like a proper local zipping around the island
🍜 Eat like a local – Street food and local restaurants serve incredible Thai dishes for 50-100 baht, while fancy resort meals can cost 10 times more
🏨 Stay inland or north – Bo Phut and Mae Nam offer brilliant value accommodation that's still gorgeous but way cheaper than beachfront Chaweng

🎉 Free Fun

🏛️ Temple hopping – Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem are completely free (just pop some coins in the donation box) and you can spend hours exploring
🏖️ Beach days – All beaches are public, so grab your towel and enjoy world-class sand and sea without spending a penny
🌅 Sunset watching – Lipa Noi Beach serves up spectacular free entertainment every evening with those jaw-dropping Gulf of Thailand sunsets
🐠 Fish feeding – For just 10 baht you can feed massive fish at temple ponds – the kids (and adults!) will absolutely love it

🚌 Getting About

🚕 Shared songthaews (red trucks) cost just 30-50 baht and run regularly between main beaches – much cheaper than private taxis
⛴️ Local ferries to nearby islands cost a fraction of private speedboat tours and the views are just as spectacular

Your wallet will thank you, and you'll still have an absolutely brilliant Thai island adventure that's every bit as magical as those fancy resort holidays! With Chaweng as your base (where we've got loads of brilliant options), you're perfectly positioned for an epic jollie without breaking the bank! 🌴✨