Koh Samui Travel Guide (2026) – Beaches, Food & Tips

Koh Samui is good to visit year-round, but the best weather is usually from December to April when it is sunny and dry. The wet season is normally October to November, with occasional heavy rain.

Samui sits on the Gulf coast, which runs on a different pattern to Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman side. If one coast is having its monsoon, the other is often fine.

You can fly directly to Koh Samui from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and several regional destinations. The airport is privately owned, which is why fares are higher than you might expect.

The budget alternative is flying into Surat Thani on the mainland and taking the combined bus and ferry transfer across. It adds a few hours but can cost a great deal less.

Chaweng is the liveliest area with the most restaurants, bars and shops — the easiest choice if it is your first time and you want everything on your doorstep.

Lamai is a little more relaxed with a good beach. Maenam and Bophut in the north are quieter again and better if you want a local, low-key stay.

Chaweng Beach is the longest and most popular, with soft white sand and plenty of places to eat. Lamai is a great alternative with a more relaxed atmosphere.

For something quieter, head to Maenam, Bophut or Silver Beach — the last is small and rocky at the edges but has some of the clearest water on the island.

Samui has a strong food scene, from traditional Thai dishes and fresh seafood to international cuisine. Do not miss local favourites like pad thai, som tum (green papaya salad) and fresh grilled seafood.

Fisherman's Village in Bophut is a good place to find beachside restaurants and a night market. The Friday walking street there is the busiest evening of the week.

The easiest way to get around Koh Samui is by renting a scooter or a car. Taxis and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are also available but can be expensive, and taxis rarely use the meter.

If you are not confident on two wheels, many hotels can arrange a private driver for the day, which is often better value than several separate taxi trips.

A few final things that make a real difference to a first trip: