The beautiful beaches in Koh Samui are the main reason why the island appears on the bucket list of so many travellers. With over 50 km of coastline and a tropical climate that offers a yearly temperature of about 30°C, it’s no wonder Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations in Southern Thailand.
Temples and shrines in Koh Samui are great for experiencing the island's traditional lifestyle and taking a break from its splendid beaches. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, followed by Chinese folk religions such as Taoism. A visit to temples on Samui Island will give you a glimpse of real Thailand.
Exploring the island to find the best vantage points and landmarks can be an exhilarating and memorable highlight of your trip. You'll only need to rent a motorbike for the day – or you can do it more luxuriously by hiring a private driver or by joining a tour to take you to each fabulous viewpoint and landmark.
Spas in Koh Samui are excellent for those seeking a place to relax and unwind. Thailand is, of course, famous for its signature massage, which is a must-try while you're here. The variety in range of spas available in Samui is extraordinary, with anything from small family-run shops to exclusive resorts.
Thai Boxing 'Muay Thai' has become a very popular sport and hobby all over the world. Most people find it challenging and interesting but it also keeps them in tip-top shape. Koh Samui has quite a handful of well-maintained gyms devoted to Muay Thai training. They offer training sessions for people of all ages.
Santiburi Samui Country Club is the most renowned golf course and the only championship course in Koh Samui. Offering 18 holes through the magnificent lush hills, streams and valleys with spectacular views above Samui's northern coast, Santiburri is indeed a world-class golf course.
The sheer quantity and variety of Koh Samui restaurants ensure that you need never go hungry anywhere on the island. From delicious local snacks to international 5-star cuisine, every taste is catered to. No matter where you're from or what food you like, you'll find it somewhere on Samui for you.
Shopping in Koh Samui is diverse, with hundreds of bargains to be found around the island. While almost every corner of the island has a store or market worth visiting, the main shopping sites are Chaweng, Lamai and Nathon. You can buy anything from designer handbags to souvenirs.
Samui nightlife is famous for being one of the best in Thailand. The variety of discos, clubs and beer bars is a major pull. Classic Thai dancing and Thai boxing bouts can also be found, whilst Thailand's legendary Full Moon Party awaits every month on easily reached Koh Phangan Island.
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It features towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are part of this breath-taking beautiful archipelago of 42 islands.
Koh Phangan is Thailand's 5th largest island that's located just 12 km north of Koh Samui and is still barely developed. Ferries from Samui are at hand to get there leaving frequently throughout the day. It features many idyllic, long white-sand beaches a mountainous terraine and is home to the world-famous Full Moon Party,
Koh Tao just 1 hour north of Samui by speedboat is one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in southern Thailand. The perfect white-sand beaches which ring the island are surrounded by crystal-clear waters. So far from civilization and while still being easily reached, it is the idyllic tropical island paradise.
Dry Season (December to February): Dry season is also high season in Koh Samui, when rains stay away, and the temperatures are slightly lower (think 28 degrees instead of 35 degrees Celsius). This also translates to calmer waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Expect fully-booked hotels and lots of people on the beaches.
Hot Season (March to August): means 30-plus-degree heat all the time and high humidity, with longs hours of sunshine and very little cloud cover. Though it rains in Koh Samui starting in May, it's usually in the form of short showers. This is the best time for snorkeling, kayaking and diving and your best chance to spot whale sharks.
Rainy Season (September to November): The off-peak season in Koh Samui coincides with the monsoon season, when strong tropical storms hit the island regularly. September is still relatively dry, but during October and November, it can rain for several days in a row, though there are usually many sunny dry breaks in between.