Koh Samui holidays

Best hotels in Koh Samui

Koh Samui holidays are all about pristine sands, bath-warm waters, and almost year-round tropical sunshine - sidestepping the main monsoon season. One of Thailand’s most popular islands, you can unwind in serene, lush surroundings or dive into vibrant markets, lively bars, and chic eateries.

Best things to do in Koh Samui

Whether you’re dozing off in a hammock, slurping up local dishes, partying on the beach, or unwinding in a luxurious spa, holidays to Koh Samui have it all. For a change of pace, explore lush waterfalls and scenic walking trails inland. Read on for some of our favourite things to do in Koh Samui.

Beachy bliss:

Chaweng Beach: Lively bars, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Lamai Beach: Quieter vibes and stunning sunsets.
Silver Beach: A hidden gem perfect for snorkelling.

Explore the wild side:

Ang Thong Marine Park: Kayak, snorkel, and hike around this stunning archipelago.
Na Muang Waterfalls: Trek through lush jungle to discover two beautiful waterfalls.
Secret Buddha Garden: A serene escape with statues and scenic views hidden in the hills.

Cultural hotspots:

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai): Marvel at the iconic 12-metre golden Buddha.
Wat Plai Laem: Explore this colourful temple complex with an 18-armed statue of Guanyin.
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street: Dive into the bustling market scene with street food, local crafts, and live music every Friday night.

Shopping in Koh Samui

Central Festival Samui: The island's largest shopping mall, offering a wide range of international and local brands, dining options, and entertainment.

Night Markets: Discover vibrant night markets like the Chaweng Night Market and Lamai Night Plaza, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample lip smacking street food.

Local Boutiques: Explore unique shops and boutiques around Bophut and Chaweng, offering everything from handmade jewellery to stylish beachwear.

Where to eat and drink in Koh Samui

Iconic Thai Dishes: Try street stall classics like thai pancakes, spicy papaya salad, and mango sticky rice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try deep fried silkworms - they’re actually pretty addictive.

Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the catch of the day at beachfront restaurants, with grilled fish, prawns, and squid served with spicy dipping sauces.

Beach Bars: Sip cocktails at beach bars like Ark Bar and Coco Tam’s, where you can relax with your feet in the sand while watching fire shows and listening to live music.

Nightlife in Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach Road: The heart of Koh Samui’s nightlife, packed with bars, clubs, and venues buzzing with great music.

Beach Clubs: Hit up beach clubs like Nikki Beach and Beach Republic for fancy eats, DJ beats, and seafront pool parties.

Full Moon Party: While the legendary Full Moon Party takes place on nearby Koh Phangan, Koh Samui offers pre-parties and rides to get you there!

28°C - 32°C

View live forecast

14 - 16 hours

Koh Samui Thailand holidays offer a tropical climate with temperatures between 28 - 32°C year-round. Unlike Phuket, it avoids the south-west monsoon, making it ideal for dry weather from May to September, though it experiences its own rainy season from October to December.Koh Samui International Airport (USM) is well-connected, stopping off at Bangkok. The airport is just a short drive from popular tourist areas like Chaweng and Bophut.

Map of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is best for...

Beach Bums: Chill out on gorgeous white-sand beaches, take a dip in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the sun at places like Chaweng and Lamai. Enjoy beach volleyball, snorkeling, sunset cocktails, paddleboarding, and vibrant nightlife.

Food Lovers: Dig into mouthwatering local dishes at bustling street markets, laid-back beach cafes, and fancy spots serving up fresh seafood.

Adventure Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with jungle hikes, waterfall treks, water sports or island-hopping. Or try rock climbing, kayaking, guided ATV tours, mountain biking, scuba diving, paragliding, snorkeling, and white-water rafting.

Getting around Thailand

Taxis and Tuk-Tuks: Easily available and convenient for short trips, but be sure to agree on the fare beforehand.

Songthaews: Pronounced, “song-tao”, these shared red converted pickup trucks offer an authentic way to travel around the island. With two back benches for 8-10 adults inside, it’s the cheapest way to get around the island.

Fast facts for Koh Samui

Language: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency: The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency.

Local time: Koh Samui is in the GMT+7 time zone.

Fly to: Koh Samui International Airport (USM), with a stop off at Bangkok.

Flight time from UK: 14 - 16 hours

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at Thailand’s tourism website.

Visa / Health:
Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Do I need a visa?
If you’ve got a British passport, you don’t need a Thailand visa. For further information on visas, please refer to the FCDO’s entry requirements.

Events in Thailand

Songkran (Lunar New Year): Celebrate the Thai New Year in mid-April with water fights, parades, and traditional ceremonies across the island.

Loi Krathong: In November, watch floating decorated baskets travel along the water, adorned with flowers, candles and small offerings.

Samui Regatta: Held annually in May, this prestigious sailing event attracts the best yachts in Asia.

Koh Samui safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Thailand, please visit the FCDO website.

Koh Samui weather

• Dry Season (December to February): Enjoy warm and sunny weather with average temperatures between 25°C to 30°C, perfect for days at the beach and exploring the island. December is the coolest month with occasional heavy rain, but that won’t affect your holiday much. January is dry and sunny. And February is the driest month.
• Hot Season (March to September): Expect hotter temperatures, often reaching up to 35°C, ideal for swimming and water sports. March through to April are sunny with low rainfall. May and June are the hottest months and may feel muggy, with some wet weather. July to September is Koh Samui’s second peak season, sidestepping the monsoon, unlike Phuket.
• Rainy Season (October to November): Experience short but intense rain showers, cloudy days and high humidity, with temperatures still warm, averaging around 28°C.