Koh Samui Holidays

One of the few islands sitting in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s east coast, Koh Samui invites you to - literally - a different side of Thailand. As a result of its unusual location, Koh Samui enjoys a longer-lasting dry season, meaning you can experience Thailand holidays with minimal rain right up to the end of August.

While getting a boat from Surat Thani is possible, the most common way to arrive in Koh Samui is a one-hour flight from Bangkok. Direct flights also depart from Chiang Mai, Phuket, and occasionally from Singapore and Hong Kong. Travel from Koh Samui Airport to Chaweng Beach in just ten minutes or reach any part of the island in one hour or under.

After a leisurely breakfast by the sand, you might choose to spend every day of your Koh Samui holidays soaking up the sun or splashing in the sea until it’s time to freshen up, watch the sunset, and sit down for dinner. Or you could head out, explore, and experience the island’s adventures.

Trek through the interior jungle or sail between white sand beaches and limestone forests at the 42-island archipelago of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Enjoy a day trip to Koh Samui’s sister islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan or Koh Faan, where you’ll come face-to-face with the Big Buddha. Or, if you’re an animal lover, get up close with these magnificent beats at an ethical animal shelter such as Samui Elephant Haven or Samui Elephant Sanctuary.

Beaches are at the heart of Koh Samui’s appeal, and the island’s east coast is where the most popular shores are found. Chaweng Beach, just 10 minutes from the airport, is the nightlife centre of Koh Samui and the liveliest stretch of sand. Even here, however, a short walk will lead you to quieter areas beside exclusive resort hotels.

A short drive south, Lamai is smaller and quieter but still offers plenty of restaurants and bars with a family-friendly atmosphere. In the northeast, Bo Phut Beach beside Fisherman’s Village is the home of several elegant and upmarket hotels, while its neighbours, Maenam Beach and Choeng Mon Beach, offer a little extra serenity. If you venture west, Lipa Noi Beach is Koh Samui’s ideal sunset spot, while Taling Ngam is an off-the-beaten-track paradise away from the crowds.

December to March is the best time to visit Koh Samui, but this island has a much longer season than most of Thailand. Daytime temperatures of around 26-28°C and about seven-and-a-half hours of sunshine each day make this an ideal winter break destination, while the Koh Samui weather stays dry until the end of August.

If you’re looking to take advantage of great flight prices or need to keep your travel to the school summer holidays, then Koh Samui is the best beach destination in Thailand for you. When the rainy season does come, it’s short and usually lasts only from September to November. The dry days return ready for Christmas and New Year, but you should always book well in advance if you choose to visit at this popular time of year.