Recommended stay
5–7 nights
← Back to the home page
Thailand
Koh Samui
Koh Samui combines palm-fringed beaches, small-town life, temples and green excursions in the Gulf of Thailand. Its areas have distinct personalities, so the best trip begins by choosing a base that matches your preferred pace and experiences.
Especially good for
Beaches and island lifeCouples and friendsTemples and natureFood and markets
Best areas
Chaweng, Bophut, Lamai and Mae Nam
Transport
Taxi, songthaew, boat and rental car
Airport
Samui International Airport
A little more of the place
Find your rhythm in Koh Samui
Samui is at its best when you choose a base you actually want to spend time in. Share your days between the beach, meals and small outings.
An experience worth making time for
Old shophouses and beach life
Bophut
Bophut has older Chinese shophouses and a different feel from the larger beach strips. Allow time for the area rather than making it another quick car stop.
Visitor information: Tourism Authority of ThailandSomewhere to stop for food
Thai restaurant · Anantara Bophut
Thin Tai
An option for a more planned dinner at Anantara Bophut, serving modern Thai food. Confirm reservations and access directly, particularly if you are not staying at the hotel.
Visitor information: Anantara BophutAbout these tips and sources
This section contains editorial suggestions based on official tourism guides and venues' own websites, not firsthand reviews. These source links are not affiliate links. Personal visits are labelled separately.
Sources for this section were checked on . Menus, opening hours, access and transport can change. Check directly before visiting; this date does not represent a full review of the rest of the guide.
Weekend plan
48 hours in Koh Samui
First day
Beach and Fisherman's Village
Settle in at the beach nearest your hotel, then spend the evening in Bophut's Fisherman's Village with its restaurants, shops and market when scheduled.
Second day
Temples, views and waterfalls
Plan an easy island circuit including Wat Phra Yai, a viewpoint and Na Mueang Waterfalls. Distances and traffic make it wise to limit the number of stops.
Third day
Ang Thong or an easy beach day
Choose a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park when weather and sea conditions are good. If conditions are unsuitable, spend the day at a quieter beach with a long lunch.
Where should you stay?
Choose an area that fits the trip
Chaweng
The liveliest base, with many restaurants and a long beach.
Bophut
Fisherman's Village, pleasant evenings and a more relaxed base.
Lamai
A good balance of beach, dining and a gentler pace.
Mae Nam
Quiet beach life and fewer busy evenings.
Good to know
Small tips for an easier weekend
Choose the area before the hotel
The island is larger than it looks and transport takes time. Choose your area according to beach, nightlife and activity preferences.
Check sea conditions
Boat trips can be moved or cancelled because of wind and waves. Book flexibly and follow local safety advice.
Confirm transport and insurance
Compare prices in advance and check licence, helmet and insurance requirements if you rent a vehicle.
Photo credits
Yoori Koo · CC0 · Maksim Sundukov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · yeowatzup · CC BY 2.0 · Goh Rhy Yan · CC0
Continue planning
Useful travel tools for Koh Samui
Always compare coverage, total prices and terms with the provider before booking. Affiliate links do not change the price you pay.
Affiliate link · Car rental
Compare rental cars
Compare several rental companies and check the deposit, insurance, fuel policy and final price.
Affiliate link · Mobile data
Find an eSIM plan
Check destination coverage and compare data allowance, validity and activation rules before travelling.
Ready for more ideas?