Koh Samui

A coconut-palm island in the Gulf of Thailand, home to Chaweng Beach and upscale resorts, and a gateway to Ang Thong Marine Park and the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.

Koh Samui lies on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km east of the Surat Thani coast. Covering roughly 229 sq km, it is Thailand's second-largest island, thick with coconut palms. It once made its living exporting coconuts and is now synonymous with honeymoons, family holidays and resort stays. Where to go: Chaweng Beach on the east coast is the longest and liveliest, with restaurants, a night market and nightlife; Lamai Beach on the southeast coast is more laid-back and has the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai); Bophut Fisherman's Village on the north coast is known for its Friday walking street and boutique hotels; the Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem sit in the northeast corner near the airport; Maenam and Lipa Noi on the west coast are quiet sunset beaches with upscale resorts; and the island's centre is tropical jungle, with Na Muang Waterfall, the Secret Buddha Garden and viewpoints. The ring road runs about 51 km around the island, and half a day by rental car is enough to circle it. Beyond the island: Ang Thong National Marine Park to the northwest (about 1 hour by speedboat; kayaking and a hike to a viewpoint), Koh Phangan to the north (about 30 minutes by ferry; Full Moon Party and beaches), and Pig Island (Koh Madsum) and Koh Tan off the south coast (half-day long-tail boat island-hopping and snorkeling). Farther north, Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is a diving-certification hotspot; it is listed as a separate destination, and we recommend staying overnight there. Climate: Samui's dry season runs from December to August of the following year. February to April is the driest with the best sea conditions; May to August brings occasional showers but fewer visitors and lower prices; October and November are the peak of the rainy season, when ferries are often suspended, so avoid them. Getting there and around: Samui Airport is in the northeast corner, about 15 minutes from Chaweng, and is served mainly by Bangkok Airways, with routes to Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong and more. A budget option is to fly to Surat Thani, then take a bus plus ferry for 3–4 hours to the island. There is no public bus on the island; getting around relies on songthaews, taxis, Grab and rented motorbikes (a licence is required, and the accident rate is high). Recommended stay: 4–5 days, including one day for Ang Thong and one for Koh Phangan or the southern islands. Good to know: there are rip currents on the beaches in the rainy season; use only reputable water-sports operators; dress modestly at temples; and prices on the island are higher than on the Thai mainland.

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