Surat Thani (Koh Samui), Thailand: travel guide
Palm-lined Gulf island of beaches, temples and relaxed resort towns
Island idyll of palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, elephant sanctuaries, and a vibrant beach town atmosphere.
About Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani province, and one of the country's best-known beach destinations. Coconut palms line much of the shore, and the interior is a hill of jungle and waterfalls.
Chaweng and Lamai are the main beaches, with restaurants and nightlife, while quieter areas such as Bophut's Fisherman's Village and the north coast have a calmer feel. The Big Buddha statue and Wat Plai Laem are the best-known temples, and boats go out to the Ang Thong marine park.
Samui suits couples, families and those wanting a beach break with good facilities. The drier months run from about January to August.
- Country
- Thailand
- Currency
- THB
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
- Nearest airport
- USM
- Typical trip
- 4-5 days
Last updated
Plan a Surat Thani (Koh Samui) trip
Top places to visit in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
Wat Plai Laem
temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Temple on stilts over a lake with an 18-armed Guanyin statue and a laughing Buddha.
Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Hidden hilltop garden of quirky Buddhist sculptures built by a durian farmer in 1976.
Nathon Pier & Old Town
Heritage · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · free entry
Samui's original Chinese-heritage town with colonial shophouses and the main ferry terminal.
Bophut Fisherman's Village Walking Street
Market · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Chinese fishing village turned upscale market. Friday walking street is unmissable.
Nam Tok Na Mueang Waterfall
Waterfall · 3.8 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Samui's largest waterfall with two tiers in interior jungle. Purple-tinted water from iron minerals.
Lad Koh View Point
Viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · free entry
Roadside scenic overlook on the ring road above Chaweng, with a wide view over Lamai bay and the east coast. A short stop, best in clear morning light.
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Temple · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Temple housing the preserved, mummified body of monk Luang Pho Daeng, seated in meditation pose in a glass case.
Wat Ratchathammaram (Red Temple)
Temple · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Also known as Wat Sila Ngu or the Red Temple: an ornate laterite-red sandstone temple on the south-east coast, carved in relief on every face.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Wildlife · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · entry ฿3,000 (≈ ₹8,520)
Ethical elephant sanctuary near Bang Rak where retired elephants roam without riding.
Chaweng Beach
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Koh Samui's longest and most popular beach — white sand, turquoise water, vibrant nightlife strip.
Coral Cove
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Small sandy cove between Chaweng and Lamai known for snorkelling over a coral reef just offshore.
Chaweng Night Market
Market · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Evening markets serving grilled seafood, pad thai, mango sticky rice and souvenirs.
Things to do
- Ang Thong Marine National Park Full Day Trip Nature · 9 h · from THB 1,500 per person
- Snorkelling at Koh Nang Yuan — Day Trip from Koh Samui Water Sports · 9 h · from THB 1,200 per person
- Thai Cooking Class at a Bophut Herb Farm Food · 5 h · from THB 960 per person
- Big Buddha Temple & Wat Plai Laem Cultural Tour Cultural · 3 h · from THB 410 per person
- Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary Half Day Nature · 5 h · from THB 1,700 per person
- Fisherman's Village Friday Night Market Stroll Shopping · 3 h · from THB 170 per person
- Na Muang Waterfall Trek & Village Visit Nature · 5 h · from THB 620 per person
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking at Chaweng Water Sports · 2 h · from THB 340 per person
Day trips and tours
- Ang Thong Marine Park Speedboat Tour 9 h · from THB 1,500
- Koh Samui Island Circle & Temples Tour 5 h · from THB 630
Where to stay in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
- Chaweng about THB 4,000 per night
Main beach area with resort accommodations
Hotels
- Banyan Tree Samui 5-star · THB 18,000 to THB 45,000 per night
- Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui 5-star · THB 4,500 to THB 8,500 per night
- Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort 5-star · THB 12,000 to THB 28,000 per night
- W Koh Samui 5-star · THB 4,500 to THB 8,500 per night
- Conrad Koh Samui 5-star · THB 4,500 to THB 8,500 per night
- Centara Grand Beach Resort Koh Samui 4-star · THB 5,500 to THB 12,000 per night
Where to eat
- Bang Por Seafood Takho Thai, Seafood, Southern Thai · about THB 500 per person
- Khao Horm Southern Thai, Thai · about THB 400 per person
- Krua Chao Baan Samui Southern Thai, Seafood · about THB 400 per person
- Baan Suan Lung Khai Southern Thai, Seafood · about THB 700 per person
- Kapi Sator Southern Thai, Thai · about THB 350 per person
- FishHouse Restaurant & Bar Seafood, International · about THB 2,200 per person
- Long Dtai Southern Thai, Thai, Seafood · about THB 3,500 per person
- Saffron Banyan Tree Samui Thai, Fine Dining · about THB 3,000 per person
Getting to Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
Airport: Koh Samui (USM)
How visitors arrive in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
- Flight to Samui Airport By air from Bangkok · common
Samui International Airport has Bangkok Airways connections to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai; the guide names flying or ferry as the main ways to reach the island. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Bus and ferry via Surat Thani and Don Sak By ferry from Surat Thani · common
Many visitors fly into Surat Thani and take a combined bus and ferry to Nathon Pier. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Catamaran from Chumphon By ferry from Chumphon · possible
Catamarans link Chumphon with Samui, often combined with Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Bus and catamaran via Nakhon Si Thammarat By ferry from Nakhon Si Thammarat · possible
Another mainland option is to fly to Nakhon Si Thammarat and continue by bus and catamaran. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Shared minibus from Samui Airport
Buy a fixed-price ticket at the arrivals hall counter; the minibus may stop at several hotels. Source: samuiairportonline.com
- Taxi from Samui Airport unconfirmed
Official airport taxis work to fixed rates by destination, so confirm the rate at the counter. Ride-hailing apps work on the island but are not permitted to pick up at the airport. Source: worldtravelguide.net
- Decline timeshare-presentation offers of taxi rides at the airport. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the port to the centre
- Ferry from Don Sak to Nathon
Seatran and Songserm ferries from Don Sak arrive at Nathon pier; Raja Ferry serves Nathon and Lipa Noi. Songthaews and minibuses go on to the beaches. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Motorbike Rental useful for some trips
Motorbikes are a common way to get around Koh Samui and can be rented on the island; photograph the bike and note any damage first.
- Ride Hail
Grab operates on Koh Samui and is available alongside NaviGo for trips such as airport transfers.
- Shared Taxi
Songthaews are shared pickup trucks running fixed routes around Koh Samui by day; later in the evening they work more like ordinary taxis.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Generic tourist overcharge
Major tourist zones
Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.
How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.
Best time to visit Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
- Jan 27°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 29°C
- Apr 30°C
- May 30°C
- Jun 29°C
- Jul 29°C
- Aug 29°C
- Sep 29°C
- Oct 31°C
- Nov 30°C · rough
- Dec 29°C · moderate
More in Thailand
Frequently asked questions about Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
- How many days do you need in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- A typical trip to Surat Thani (Koh Samui) is 4-5 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- The highest-rated places in our Surat Thani (Koh Samui) guide are Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Wat Plai Laem, Wat Ratchathammaram (Red Temple), Lad Koh View Point, Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk).
- Where should I stay in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Surat Thani (Koh Samui): Chaweng.
- How do I get around Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- Ways to get around Surat Thani (Koh Samui) covered in our guide: Motorbike rental, Ride-hailing app, Shared taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- Scams reported to us for Surat Thani (Koh Samui) include Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- Average daytime highs in Surat Thani (Koh Samui) run from 27°C in Jan to 31°C in Oct.
- Which airport is nearest to Surat Thani (Koh Samui)?
- The nearest airport to Surat Thani (Koh Samui) has the code USM.