Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand (240 km²) and it is undoubtedly a paradise and a great place to rest and enjoy the sun and the sea.
This island was very little known and travelers did not reach it until the 1970s, when the first backpackers arrived.
Back then the facility consisted of some thatched huts with hot water and electricity (when it worked) and it was a very authentic destination.
Nowadays the island of Koh Samui is very popular, and quite luxurious. Although you can find accommodation for all budgets, villas and luxury hotels abound.
In this post you have a complete guide, and I will tell you what to do in Koh Samui, how to get there, how to get around the island, which beaches you can visit, where to stay and some other things.
COMPLETE GUIDE TO KOH SAMUI
HOW TO GET TO KOH SAMUI
The best way to get to Koh Samui is by plane. Or at least the most comfortable. The island has its own airport owned by Bangkok Airways, and you will find flights from any airport in Thailand.
GETTING AROUND KOH SAMUI
You have several options to move around the island.
Rent a motorcycle
It is the most economical option. Keep in mind that you must have a motorcycle or car driver's license.
Rent a car
If you don't dare or prefer a car, you will also find rental options. It is somewhat more expensive than the motorcycle, but it has its advantages. You can pick it up and leave it at the airport and thus save those taxi rides, you will travel with air conditioning and you will be able to carry your things in the trunk without being aware of them at all times.
Sawngthaews
If you prefer not to rent transportation or do not have a driving license, you have more options.
The Sawngthaews are a van that, in the back, has seats. They are transports that you can take individually or even share a journey with other passengers.
Taxis
There are taxis on the island, so you can always use them. Make sure they put the meter on, or agree on a price beforehand.
WHAT BEACHES TO SEE IN KOH SAMUI
Koh Samui, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, is ideal to take advantage of a few days of your trip and spend them on the beach. On this island you will find beautiful beaches. I tell you about my favorite beaches.
Lamai Beach
Lamai beach is a quiet beach and you can find all kinds of accommodation, restaurants, shops and spas, massage centers. On this beach you will find some curious rocks in the shape of genitals that are known as Grandpa and Grandma rocks. It is a beach of fine sand and turquoise blue waters.
Chaweng Beach
It is considered one of the best beaches on the island. It is the beach of the main town and has transparent waters and white sand, it is also an area with a lot of nightlife. There are always quite a few people.
Maenam Beach
This quiet beach is located in the north of the island, you will find both accommodation for tight budgets and beachfront resorts.
It is a very quiet area, and ideal to disconnect and enjoy the sea, without being aware of the mobile or the clock.
This beach is not close to areas with many bars or restaurants. You can go to the bars and restaurants of the hotels. But if what you are looking for is a party, it is best to have a motorcycle or rental car, so as not to spend a lot on night taxis.
Big Buddha Beach
One of the fastest growing areas due to its proximity to the airport and Chaweng beach.
Here you have the option of finding mid-priced accommodation, dive shops, supermarkets and plenty of nightlife options. You can go for a walk without having to take a taxi, motorcycle, car... you have everything very close.
Near this area is the 12-meter-high Buddha.
Lipa Noi Beach
Lipa Noi beach is less known, it has fine white sand, its turquoise waters and the fact that there are no rocks or corals in the water make it a good place to spend the day, especially if you are traveling as a family.
Silver Beach
Silver Beach is located in a small bay opposite Lamai Beach. The beach is small and not well known. You can sunbathe, stay in one of the 4 hotels on the island, enjoy a kayak ride, do some snorkelling...
WHAT TO SEE IN KOH SAMUI
Although the main attractions of Koh Samui are the weather and its beaches. There are some interesting places that you should know.
If you feel like it, you can take a guided tour of the Island. There is a tour of about 4 hours, for just over 20 euros, which includes transportation, a guide and a tour of various places of interest.
Big Buddha
In the north of the island is the Big Buddha sanctuary. This Buddha can be seen from miles away and is the main tourist attraction. This Buddha is 12 meters high and stands out above all for being golden. In the enclosure there are other smaller Buddha statues.
Wat Khunaram
This temple apart from being beautiful, its main claim is the mummified monk. This monk died 20 years ago and is mummified in the temple. For Thais it is something they worship on a daily basis, for me it was something shocking. The monk is dressed in his orange robe and sunglasses. I leave you the photo of the temple, and for the photo of the monk you will have to go. Tell me what you think!
El Parque Nacional Marino de Ang Thong
This national park is made up of an archipelago of 42 islands and limestone mountains, it has white sand beaches, lakes, mangroves, waterfalls, caves and a lot of fauna. It is a very spectacular place and a must do thing in Koh Samui.
The best way to get to know this park is to hire an excursion. In this way you can go around the place by boat, kayak, swim... The place is beautiful and worth knowing. Do not miss it!
Secret Buddha Garden
Secret Buddha Garden, is located in the interior of the island, between hills and vegetation. In the garden there is a gazebo with incredible views of the island.
To get to the viewpoint you will have to make a path surrounded by jungle, with tropical plants and a large number of statues that decorate the entire garden, at the top there is a pool where you can bathe paying a small fee.
The island has areas of forests, jungles, waterfalls, small lagoons and endless trails for trekking. Not everything is beach in Koh Samui!
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH SAMUI
Koh Samui is very popular and highly visited throughout the year. Here you will find everything from hostels to large chain hotels. There are more than 2000 accommodations. Depending on whether you want a quieter area or another, you can search for hotel deals in Koh Samui from this link to find the hotel that best suits you.
Koh Samui Hotel Deals
Taking advantage of the fact that Koh Samui was the last stop on our trip, we decided to treat ourselves and stayed in a very cool villa, Santiburi Koh Samui, some 5-star villas. It was not very expensive for us, considering the type of accommodation it is. If it were the same hotel in another destination, surely it would be worth much more. I leave you the link in case you want to see what the accommodation is like and book if you fancy this hotel.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Thailand very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!