THAILAND
KOH SAMUI
Jungle temples. Turquoise bays.
BEST TIME
December–April (dry season, calm seas, perfect weather)
CURRENCY
Thai Baht (฿)
LANGUAGE
Thai
TIMEZONE
ICT (UTC+7)
Koh Samui is Thailand's most sophisticated island — a place where world-class luxury resorts sit alongside ancient jungle temples, where the Gulf of Thailand turns every shade of turquoise, and where the food is some of the best in Southeast Asia. It's the island that has everything, without the chaos of Phuket.
QUICK FACTS — KOH SAMUI
DAILY BUDGET (LUXURY)
$200–$600 USD
Luxury villa or resort ($150–$500/night) + dining ($30–$100/person) + activities ($30–$100)
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
DECEMBER–FEBRUARY
Peak dry season — calm Gulf waters, minimal rain, and perfect beach conditions
MARCH–APRIL
Dry season continues with slightly lower prices and fewer tourists than December
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS
- 01
Koh Samui has its own airport (USM) with direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong — no ferry required.
- 02
Rent a scooter or hire a driver — the island is 25km across and taxis are expensive.
- 03
The north coast (Bophut, Chaweng) is livelier; the south coast (Lamai) is quieter and more local.
- 04
Ang Thong Marine National Park day trips must be booked through licensed operators — it's a protected area.
- 05
Thai massage is extraordinary and costs $10–$20/hour — book at your resort spa for the best experience.
READY TO GO?