· TH

Ko Samui

Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

Escape to Paradise: Discover the Magic of Ko Samui, Thailand Ko Samui, nestled in the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, beckons travelers with its promise of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a laid-back tropic…

#Island#Tropical#Beaches#Resort#Thai cuisine

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Ko Samui.

Top Hotels in Ko Samui

Top Flights to Ko Samui

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Ko Samui.

Tours

Samui Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Experience the ethical way to connect with elephants in their natural habitat at Samui Elephant Sanctuary.

Visit to Wat Plai Laem

Admire the stunning architecture of Wat Plai Laem, a colourful Buddhist temple rich in island history and culture.

Shopping

Chaweng Beach Shopping Spree

Explore the vibrant shopping district of Chaweng, offering a plethora of options from local handicrafts to designer goods.

Outdoor

Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour

Explore the natural beauty of Ang Thong National Marine Park with boat tours, snorkeling, and kayaking activities.

Na Mueang Waterfalls Adventure

Experience the beauty and serenity of the Na Mueang Waterfalls through guided hiking tours.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Ko Samui.

Currency

฿ | THB | Thai Baht

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand is 'Not Available'.

Languages

Thai, Thai, English, Chinese, Malay

Average weather

Ko Samui

Jan

29°24°

Feb

30°25°

Mar

31°26°

Apr

32°27°

May

32°27°

Jun

31°27°

Jul

31°26°

Aug

31°26°

Sep

30°25°

Oct

29°25°

Nov

28°24°

Dec

28°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Ko Samui.

What people love

Ko Samui, located in Surat Thani, Thailand, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. Here are some pros of traveling to Ko Samui:

Beautiful Beaches: Ko Samui is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Thailand, with soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees. Popular beaches like Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Bophut Beach offer a range of water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Island Hopping: Ko Samui serves as a great base for exploring other nearby islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. You can take boat trips to these islands to experience more stunning beaches, marine life, and vibrant local culture.
Water Sports: Ko Samui is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The island's clear waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal destination for water adventures.
Nightlife: Ko Samui offers a lively nightlife scene with beach bars, nightclubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy cocktails, live music, and dancing. The famous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is also easily accessible from Ko Samui.
Tropical Landscapes: In addition to its beautiful beaches, Ko Samui boasts lush tropical landscapes with coconut palm plantations, jungle-covered mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Exploring the island's interior will lead you to scenic viewpoints and hidden gems.
Spa and Wellness Retreats: Ko Samui is known for its luxury spa resorts and wellness retreats, where you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga classes, and meditation sessions to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Overall, traveling to Ko Samui offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, relaxation, and vibrant culture, making it a top destination for travelers seeking a tropical paradise experience.

Enjoy your trip to Ko Samui!

What to know

There are a few potential cons to consider when traveling to Ko Samui in Thailand:

High Tourist Traffic: Ko Samui is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. This means that the island can get crowded with tourists, leading to busy beaches, congested roads, and crowded attractions.
Increased Prices: Due to its popularity among tourists, prices for accommodation, dining, and activities on Ko Samui can be higher compared to other destinations in Thailand. This can impact your overall travel budget.
Weather Conditions: Ko Samui experiences a monsoon season from October to December, which can bring heavy rainfall and potential disruptions to travel plans. The weather can also be very hot and humid during the peak summer months.
Environmental Concerns: Like many tourist destinations, Ko Samui faces environmental challenges such as waste management, pollution, and strain on natural resources due to the high number of visitors. It's important to be mindful of your environmental impact while visiting the island.
Limited Public Transportation: While Ko Samui does have some public transportation options like buses and songthaews (shared taxis), they may not be as convenient or reliable as in other parts of Thailand. Renting a scooter or car may be necessary for getting around the island.

It's important to note that these cons are subjective and may vary depending on personal preferences and travel experiences. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to make the most of your trip to Ko Samui.

Ko Samui, located in Surat Thani Province, Thailand, is an island with a rich history and cultural heritage. Here's a detailed overview of its history, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Prehistoric Era: The island has been inhabited for at least 1,500 years, with early settlers believed to be fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern China. Archaeological evidence suggests that Ko Samui was part of the ancient trade routes used by traders navigating the Gulf of Thailand.
Historical References: Ko Samui is mentioned in Chinese maps dating back to 1687. It was known as "Pulo Cornam" in early European maps. The name "Samui" is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Malay word "saboey" meaning "safe haven" or from "mui," a tree native to the island.

19th Century

Settlements: During the 19th century, the island was home to a small community of coconut farmers and fishermen. The economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly coconut and fishing.
Colonial Era: Unlike many parts of Southeast Asia, Ko Samui and the rest of Thailand were never colonized by European powers. However, the island was influenced by regional trade and cultural exchanges.

20th Century Developments

Infrastructure: It wasn't until the late 20th century that Ko Samui saw significant development. The first permanent road was built in the early 1970s, which connected the island to the mainland and facilitated tourism.
Tourism Boom: The 1970s and 1980s saw an influx of backpackers and tourists, drawn by the island's natural beauty, pristine beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. This led to rapid development of tourist infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Modern Era

Economic Growth: Today, Ko Samui is a major tourist destination, contributing significantly to Thailand's economy. The island has an international airport that connects it to major cities in Asia and beyond.
Cultural Events: Ko Samui hosts several cultural festivals, including the annual Samui Regatta and the Samui International Jazz Music Festival, which attract visitors from around the world.

Significant Landmarks

Ang Thong National Marine Park: A stunning archipelago of 42 islands, known for its limestone mountains, thick jungle, and white-sand beaches. It's a popular spot for kayaking and snorkeling.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai): One of the island's most famous landmarks, this 12-meter-tall golden statue is located on a small rocky island connected by a causeway.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: Natural rock formations known for their unusual shapes, located near Lamai Beach.
Na Muang Waterfalls: Two beautiful waterfalls located inland, accessible via a short hike, offering a serene escape from the beach.

Notable Figures

While Ko Samui does not have historical figures of notable international recognition, it has been significantly influenced by local leaders and entrepreneurs who have contributed to its development as a tourist destination.

Ko Samui continues to thrive as a vibrant destination, balancing its natural beauty with the demands of modern tourism.