Koh Samui, Thailand: Luxury Villas, Incredible Food & Adventures for Every Generation

Samui zip line & adventure

One of the best half-days on the island. Multiple zip-line courses run through the jungle canopy, and it’s suitable for kids and adults alike—minimum age is low enough that it’s a genuine whole-family activity. Go in the morning before the afternoon heat sets in and plan to stay for a few runs. The views through the treetops are spectacular, and the energy is contagious. Kids and adults will be talking about it for the rest of the trip.

Diving with Silent Divers

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to advance your certification, Silent Divers is excellent. We completed Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue certifications here. The waters around Koh Samui and the nearby islands are warm, clear, and full of marine life. Koh Tao—a short ferry ride away—is one of the best dive sites in Southeast Asia and easily done as a day trip for certified divers. The highlight was the wreck dive on the HTMS Sattakut, a 50-meter decommissioned Thai navy ship resting at 30 meters, now an artificial reef teeming with life—best suited to Advanced-certified divers given the depth.

Island hop to Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

You can take a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan in just 20 to 30 minutes, or continue on to Koh Tao in about an hour and a half to two hours. Both are easy day trips or overnight add-ons. Koh Tao is world-famous for diving and snorkeling, while Koh Phangan offers beautiful beaches and a more laid-back vibe beyond its famous full moon parties.

Visit Hin Ta & Hin Yai—and the morning market nearby

The famous grandfather and grandmother rocks at Hin Ta and Hin Yai are one of Koh Samui’s most iconic landmarks—worth a stop, especially if you’re in the area early. While you’re there, pick up kalamae from the local vendors near the rocks—a traditional sweet, sticky coconut-and-palm-sugar candy that’s one of those only-here treats. It reminds me of a caramel mochi.

Start your morning at the local markets

One of our favorite rituals was driving to the morning markets before the day got going. The food is cheap, fresh, and completely authentic. Look for jok—a thick, comforting rice congee—alongside khao tom, and patonggo, the Thai-style fried dough that makes the perfect breakfast.

Explore the night markets

Don’t miss the local night markets scattered around the island. Street food, local crafts, fresh tropical fruit—the night markets offer some of the best and most affordable eating on Koh Samui. A must at least one evening.

Discover Southern Thai cuisine

Koh Samui sits in the heart of Southern Thailand, and the food here is bolder, spicier, and more complex than what most visitors expect. Southern Thai cuisine features intense curries, fresh gulf seafood, and rich coconut-based dishes unlike anything you’ll find in Bangkok. Look for gaeng tai pla—a fiery, briny fermented fish curry and one of my personal favorites. Eat it like a local: served over kanom jeen noodles with a boiled egg alongside. Khua kling (dry-fried minced meat curry), gaeng som (a sharp, tangy sour fish curry), and khao yam—a vibrant rice salad mixed with fresh herbs and roasted coconut typically eaten in the morning—are all worth seeking out. For street food, gai yang (charcoal-grilled chicken) with sticky rice is essential. And save room for mango sticky rice—the version here, made with local fruit, is exceptional.

Best beaches

Koh Samui has beaches for every mood. Hin Ta Hin Yai on the southeastern coast is one of the most visited—iconic rock formations, local vendors, and a relaxed vibe that feels authentically Thai rather than touristy. Chaweng is the longest and most lively beach, great for people-watching and water sports. Choeng Mon in the north is quieter and ideal for families. Bophut has a charming village feel with calm water perfect for swimming.

Chaweng Beach & nightlife

If nightlife is on your agenda, Chaweng is where it happens. It’s the most active area on the island, with bars, restaurants, and energy well into the night. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s worth an evening out to experience the buzz. Families will enjoy it earlier in the evening before things get lively.

Explore the island by car

Renting a car is the best way to experience Koh Samui on your own terms. The roads wind through hills, jungle, and charming villages—having your own wheels means you discover things you’d never find on a tour. Note that an International Driving Permit is legally required for both car and scooter rentals and protects you in case of an accident. Get one before you leave home.

KOH Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort

We went three times—that says everything. Perched above the water with panoramic Gulf of Thailand views, the food is exceptional and the setting is one of the most beautiful restaurant experiences I’ve had anywhere in the world. Go at sunset and plan to linger. Order the yum tua plu goong—prawns with winged bean salad, roasted peanuts, and lime dressing. Winged bean salad almost never appears on menus anywhere in the world, and this version is my absolute favorite dish, full stop. Reserve a table for just before sunset and thank me later. The service is impeccable and every dish is thoughtfully prepared. Book ahead—this one fills up.

KOH Bar at the Four Seasons Resort

Pre- or post-dinner drinks with the same incredible views as the restaurant. The bar program is excellent and the atmosphere is exactly right—relaxed, elegant, and completely beautiful as the sun drops over the gulf. A perfect way to ease into an evening on the island.

Coco Rum Bar at the Four Seasons Resort

The hidden gem of the Four Seasons. Great cocktails in a fun, relaxed setting—but the real highlight is how you get there. A golf cart whisks you up and down the hills through the resort to reach the bar. Don’t skip this one.

WOOBAR at W Koh Samui

A completely different energy from the Four Seasons—sleek, modern, and lively. Light bites, great drinks, and stunning sunset views make this the perfect early evening stop. The W’s design-forward vibe really comes alive here. Go for sunset, stay for a couple of rounds.

Aromi Diversi Italian Restaurant & Beach Bar

The best pizza and pasta on the island—genuinely excellent, not just good for Thailand. Casual, beachside, and completely satisfying after a day of adventure. We went back multiple times. If you’re traveling with kids who need a break from Thai food, this is your answer.

CoCoTams Beach Bar

A Koh Samui institution. Sunset on the beach, tons of seating, and a fire show in the evening that draws a crowd for good reason. Arrive early for a good spot by the water and stay through the show. The vibe is festive and fun—one of those only-on-an-island experiences that stays with you.

The Mud Bar

Casual, easygoing, and right on the sand—exactly the kind of low-key lunch spot you want when you have kids in tow and nobody wants to change out of a swimsuit.