Koh Samui essential travel tips

Samui Island once enjoyed the reputation as an affordable holiday destination and a laid-back backpacker’s haven. You can access Thailand’s second largest island via a domestic Thai Airways flight service with a travel time less than one hour.

There are several daily flights between Bangkok and the tropic island. By road you can travel to Suratthani and from there take the ferry to Koh Samui. Lamai and Chaweng are the island’s main touristy and well-facilitated beach areas.

Chaweng is the most popular and biggest beach while Lamai, which is located a little farther to the south, is quieter with less accommodation options but still a popular holidaymakers spot.

Across the island there are plenty other gorgeous spots to visit such as Bophut and Big Buddha beach. Koh Samui’s tourist infrastructure is comprehensive which makes the island so appealing.

Situated within a short distance of Koh Samui is the popular backpacker destination of Koh Phangnan while not far from Pha Ngan lies Koh Tao (turtle island). Koh Pha Ngan is a smaller isle just a short boat trip away north of Koh Samui.

This island is probably most famous for hosting the Full Moon Parties. The tiny Turtle Island or Koh Tao offers one of Thailand’s best dive sites.

Koh Samui pros:
- Fantastic beach areas
- Chilled out ambience
- Still affordable
- Fine dining & wining
- Good hotels and resorts
- Wide range of activities
- Beautiful nature

Koh Samui Cons:
- Getting to the island from Bangkok is rather costly
- Too many stingy backpackers arguing over who has to pay the bill