Should You Visit Koh Samui?

Is Koh Samui worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this resort island for three to seven days because of the many great activities. Ko Samui is the second largest island in Thailand. It's off the east coast of the country and it has beautiful beaches, nice diving, lush rainforest, and a beautiful culture. There are many resorts on the island that range from luxury to backpacker-friendly with everything in between. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Conde Nast's Best Islands in the World to Visit.

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Reasons to Visit Koh Samui

Nightlife
All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

Resorts
The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Beaches
The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Food
Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Hiking
Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Shopping
The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Koh Samui might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Koh Samui here or see if Koh Samui is expensive here.

Is Koh Samui worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the low season for travel in Koh Samui. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 24°C (76°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Samui looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and relax at a luxurious resort. Also, you can experience the nightlife and the beautiful scenery.

Is Koh Samui worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Samui. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Samui looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, and the beaches. Also, you can relax at a resort.

Is Koh Samui worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 22°C (72°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

The peak season for travel is winter in Koh Samui, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Samui looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to taste delicious cuisine, dance the night away, and relax at the beach. Also, you can check out the beautiful resorts, the beautiful scenery, and the hiking.

Is Koh Samui worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Samui. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 24°C (76°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Samui looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, take in the beautiful scenery, and enjoy the evening activities. Also, you'll be able to lounge on the beach, relax at a luxurious resort, and get out into nature.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Koh Samui

Lots of Tourists
Koh Samui sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Koh Samui most famous for?

Koh Samui is most famous for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. People visit this impressive resort island for its great nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Also, it's known for food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Many people love the shopping, too. It is often described as laid back, beautiful, tropical, rainforest-covered, and lush.

What is the most famous sight in Koh Samui?

The most popular sight in Koh Samui is The Big Buddha Temple. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Koh Samui on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Big Buddha Temple and other attractions here.

How touristy is Koh Samui? Is it a popular resort island to visit?

Koh Samui is a very touristy resort island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Tour in Koh Samui: $42
• Koh Tao VIP Snorkelling Tour: $158
• X Quad Samui ATV Tour (Driver+Passenger) with lunch: $188
• X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (Driver+Passenger): $105
• Angthong Marine Park - Full Day Kayaking Tour: $72
• Full Day Chantara Pirate Junk Boat Koh Phangan Cruise with Sunset: $91
• Ko Samui Island Full-Day Cultural Experience with Pickup: $64
• 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $146

How long should I spend in Koh Samui?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Koh Samui is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Koh Samui has a variety of activities such as nightlife, resorts, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Koh Samui?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Koh Samui?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Koh Samui?.