Koh Samui is Thailand’s third-largest island and arguably its most complete resort destination. Crystal-clear Gulf waters, jungle-covered hills, excellent restaurants and a well-developed tourism infrastructure make it a natural first choice for island-first visitors to Thailand.

The Beaches

Chaweng is the busiest and longest beach — white sand, clear water and a lively strip of bars and restaurants. It’s the place to be if you like energy. Lamai is slightly quieter with a laid-back vibe. Bophut (Fisherman’s Village) is charming and boutique — excellent restaurants, boutique hotels and a weekly Friday night Walking Street.

For the quietest beaches, head to the north coast: Maenam and Bang Po see far fewer tourists and offer calm, shallow water perfect for young children.

Beyond the Beach

The Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai is Samui’s most iconic landmark — a 12-metre golden seated Buddha visible from the causeway. Worth 30 minutes. Nearby, Wat Plai Laem is even more colourful, with an 18-armed Guanyin goddess over a lotus pond.

For a half-day adventure, rent a jeep and drive the island’s interior roads through rubber plantations and coconut groves up to the Na Muang Waterfalls. The upper waterfall (a 30-minute walk) requires some effort but rewards with a beautiful natural pool.

Island-Hopping from Samui

Koh Samui sits in the Gulf cluster with Koh Phangan (30 min by ferry) and Koh Tao (2 hrs). Koh Tao is Thailand’s best diving island for beginners — PADI Open Water courses here are world-class. Koh Phangan, while famous for its Full Moon Party, has beautiful beaches on the north coast that are family-friendly.

Getting There

Koh Samui has its own airport with Bangkok Airways flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok to Samui is 1h 15m. Alternatively, fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry (2.5 hrs). We Go Round arranges all transport as part of our South Thailand itineraries.