Curator’s statement
I love Koh Samui because it strikes an incredible balance between having the development and convenience of a larger city in Thailand while still having a remote-off-the-beaten track feel since it is a small island with a small population of 70,000 people. Koh Samui has a rare kind of balance that few islands manage to keep—where luxury resorts, quiet temples, and everyday Thai island life all exist side by side. One moment you’re watching the sunrise over a peaceful beach, and by the afternoon you’re exploring waterfalls, night markets, or a golden Buddha overlooking the sea. There’s a slowness to the island’s rhythm that invites you to slow down rather than rush from attraction to attraction. Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most vibrant, turquoise waters, but it isn’t overdone as it invites quiet reflection in the white powdery sand.
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Things to do in Koh Samui
Na Muang Waterfalls is a great half-day trip in Koh Samui!
Island hop to Koh Phangan & Koh Tao
Day trips by speedboat or longtail boat to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan offer a perfect island-hopping escape, combining crystal-clear snorkeling waters, scenic beaches, and the chance to experience two very different island vibes in a single, unforgettable day. If you are looking for a remote island getaway (with no Grab app taxi access) you can also choose these as longer stays and not just a day trip.
Visit Ang Thong Marine Park
A great full day of snorkeling with some beautiful blue water and amazing fish. Ang Thong Marine Park is a breathtaking archipelago of limestone islands, hidden lagoons, and emerald waters where you can kayak, snorkel, and hike to panoramic viewpoints in one of Thailand’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Fisherman’s Village night market
Fisherman’s Village is a charming, romantic beachfront area in Bophut known for its old wooden shopfronts, seaside restaurants, boutique shops, and lively night market filled with street food, music, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Samui Football Golf
Great for football (aka soccer) fans—both kids and adults alike! Samui Football Golf is a unique outdoor activity in Koh Samui where you kick a football around a fun 18-hole course set inside lush tropical gardens, combining the relaxed walk of golf with the playful energy of soccer in a family-friendly, nature-filled setting.
Na Muang Waterfall
Na Muang Waterfall is a great half-day trip to a beautiful jungle cascade on Koh Samui where giant boulders, lush greenery, and natural pools create a peaceful spot for a short hike, photos, and a refreshing swim. Highly recommend the cliff jumping here if you feel adventurous.
Big Buddha in Wat Phra Yai
If you are looking for a great introduction to Thai Buddhism, you should visit the Big Buddha in Koh Samui. This is a towering 12-meter golden statue at Wat Phra Yai that overlooks the sea and offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere along with sweeping island views.
Baan Tai Beach
A great low-key beach mostly occupied by locals and relatively undiscovered by tourists. This is an incredible spot for families as the gentle blue waters with soft sand are about 1 to 1.5 meters deep for almost the entire stretch in the protected bay that reaches out into the Gulf of Thailand.
Lamai Night Market
With lots of foreign and Thai options, Lamai Night Market in Koh Samui is a lively evening spot where you can wander through rows of street food stalls, local crafts, and casual eateries while enjoying live music and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Places to eat & drink in Koh Samui
Bophut, Koh Samui
Fisherman’s Village night market
Located right next to Coco Tam’s, this is one of the best night markets I have been to in my 15 years of visiting Thailand. This place has it all, from Thai specialties to Western foods from across the globe: mango sticky rice, great smoothies, shawarma, lasagna, incredible Thai food, brownies, cocktail stands, souvenirs, and great music. Definitely something here for everyone, and we could have easily spent seven days straight going here every night for dinner with all the options.
Centrico Mexican Restaurant Samui
Located right in the heart of Fisherman’s Village, Centrico Mexican Restaurant Samui is a vibrant, laid-back spot in Koh Samui serving authentic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and fresh margaritas in a colorful, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a casual island dinner. You can’t beat the views. The fish tacos were incredible and there were lots of fun drinks for kids and adults. The mango chamoyada was particularly memorable (this is a frozen, savory, and sweet slushy-style drink that blends mango with lime, layered with chamoy and chili-lime seasoning).
Coco Tam’s
Coco Tam's is a trendy beachfront bar in Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village known for its beanbags on the sand, creative cocktails, and nightly fire shows set against stunning sunset views. When we visited, this was full of hundreds of hip 25- to 35-year-olds—but it was definitely one of the best fire shows in all of Koh Samui.
Mojo Samui
Close to Centrico Mexican, Coco Tam’s, and the Fisherman’s Night Market, Mojo Samui is a lively beachfront restaurant and bar in Fisherman’s Village offering modern international dishes, creative cocktails, and a relaxed tropical vibe just steps from the sea. Great food and awesome views looking right at Koh Phangan and the southern Gulf of Thailand.
André Beach Club & Restaurant
Located in Bangrak Beach away from the parties of Chaweng, this is one restaurant that was a little more off the tourist trail, but I have to list it here as it was some of the best Thai food we had in Koh Samui. Quiet and subdued in atmosphere, André Beach Club & Restaurant is a stylish beachfront dining spot in Koh Samui offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, sunset sea views, and a relaxed yet upscale beach club atmosphere. Slip your feet into the sand and let your worries float away!
Zorba Greek Restaurant
I am a huge sucker for Greek food and this was the best we had on the island. We loved the atmosphere with a live DJ spinning modern (but not overwhelming) chill house beats. Zorba Greek Restaurant Koh Samui is an authentic Greek taverna along Chaweng Road known for its homemade souvlaki, fresh Mediterranean flavors, and warm, friendly atmosphere. Great service and a wonderful mezze platter.
Beavers Animal Cafe Samui
This is definitely one of my more niche, educational entries, but great for families with kids looking for a break from the heat of the island. Beavers Animal Cafe Koh Samui is a cozy, family-friendly café featuring hearty breakfasts, a relaxed atmosphere, and the unique charm of live animals (they are all rescued and there is no mistreatment of animals here) on site that make it especially fun for kids and families. Let your kids hold a sugar glider, a bunny, hedgehog, or a meerkat as you relax with a smoothie.
Need to know
Here are some practical tips from our travels in Koh Samui:
Choose your area wisely.
Stay in Chaweng for convenience and nightlife, Bophut for charm and walkability, Lamai for a relaxed vibe, or Maenam/Bang Por for quiet, upscale stays.Plan around the weather (it’s different from Phuket).
Koh Samui’s best weather is usually December–April and often still good in summer, while October–November can be the rainiest months with monsoons.Use Grab or private drivers instead of relying on taxis.
Metered taxis are limited on the island, so ride apps or hotel-arranged drivers are often more reliable and fairly priced.Book Ang Thong Marine Park and boat trips early.
Day trips to Ang Thong, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan can sell out in high season and are best booked one to two days in advance.Dress respectfully for temples.
When visiting the Big Buddha or Wat Plai Laem, wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering temple areas.Visit night markets for the best local food value.
Fisherman’s Village Night Market (Friday) and Lamai Night Market offer excellent street food, souvenirs, and a great cultural atmosphere.Rent a car or scooter only if you’re confident driving.
Roads can be steep and winding, especially around the island loop, so beginners may prefer hiring a driver. We saw a lot of scooter injuries.Stay hydrated and plan activities in the morning.
The tropical heat and humidity are strong, so sightseeing, waterfalls, and temples are best explored before midday.Combine Koh Samui with nearby islands.
Koh Phangan (wellness and beaches) and Koh Tao (snorkeling/diving) are easy and worthwhile day or overnight trips.Book beachfront restaurants for sunset.
West and north coast beaches like Bophut, Bangrak, and Maenam offer some of the most beautiful sunset dining on the island—perfect for a slow, memorable evening.
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