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Thailand · Gulf of Thailand

Koh Samui travel guide

Palm-fringed beaches and a different rainy season

Chaweng Beach. Photo: Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12h 30mflight from London
USMnearest main airport
29° in Maywarmest month
27° in Jancoolest month

Koh Samui is the biggest of the Gulf islands, with coconut palms, long sandy beaches and luxury resorts. Chaweng is lively, while Lamai, Bophut and the north are calmer.

Its weather pattern is different from Phuket, with a wetter spell from October to December, so it's a good summer choice.

Good forBeachesHoneymoonsWellnessFamilies

What Koh Samui is known for

  • Chaweng Beach

    A long white-sand beach.

  • Luxury resorts

    Villas with private pools.

  • Ang Thong Marine Park

    Forty-two islands to explore.

  • The Big Buddha

    A golden statue on an islet.

Top things to do in Koh Samui

  1. 1

    Ang Thong Marine Park

    Kayak and hike to a lagoon viewpoint.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Fisherman's Village

    Bophut's Friday night market.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    The Big Buddha

    Wat Phra Yai on the north coast.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Na Muang waterfall

    Jungle waterfalls with swimming pools.

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See all tours and tickets in Koh Samui

Where to stay in Koh Samui

Find a hotel in Koh Samui

Best time to visit Koh Samui

Best value: May–Sep. January to August: sunny and dry. October to December is the rainiest.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
26.8 C27°J27 C27°F27.9 C28°M29 C29°A29.2 C29°M28.7 C29°J28.3 C28°J28.1 C28°A27.9 C28°S27.7 C28°O27.7 C28°N27.2 C27°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Koh Samui, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h 30m from London to USM, and flights from most UK airports.

Taxis and songthaews. A car helps for exploring.

Find flights to Koh Samui (USM)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Taxis are expensive on Samui: agree fares first.
  • Ferries go to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
  • Flights to Samui cost more than to other airports.
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Koh Samui FAQ

Is Koh Samui good in July?

Yes, it's one of its driest months.

How do I get there?

Fly from Bangkok or take a ferry from Surat Thani.

More places in Thailand

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