Koh Samui holidays are your gateway to a glorious tropical island, where soft sands, blue skies and the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand all await you.
This sensational destination offers all manner of delights. Relax on secluded shores dotted along the coast, enjoy local delicacies in the vibrant restaurants and markets of Chaweng – or explore the scenic hiking trails and majestic temples that dot the spectacular landscape.
Luxury accommodation options offer memorable stays for honeymoons and romantic breaks, while families can unwind in resorts boasting kids’ clubs and activity areas.
Whether you’re planning on soaking up the sun or discovering an underwater world on a diving course, a holiday to Koh Samui is your ticket to Thai paradise.
Holidays in Koh Samui have something for everyone. Taste Thai cuisine at a street food market, head out to explore fascinating monuments, or get involved in fast-paced water sports.
One of the key attractions of Koh Samui, the island’s famous beaches draw visitors back again and again.
With soft sands fringed by palm trees and warm, clear waters, you’ll find it impossible to resist the appeal of this enchanting coastline.
Koh Samui has coves and stretches to suit all manner of tastes. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and hip dining spots, then Chaweng is a fantastic choice.
Bophut is a more laid-back spot, with beachfront hotels that are great for families.
The Fisherman’s Village is a popular part of Bophut. Indeed, this upmarket area of the island blends the traditional feel of a small community with the welcoming vibe of a resort town.
Head here on Fridays for a street market offering everything from souvenir stands to tasty food stalls.
Weave your way through the crowds and pick up some gifts for loved ones back at home, or tuck into Thai specialities like grilled seafood, massaman curry and mango sticky rice.
If you’re interested in exploring the culture and heritage of this part of Thailand, take a break from the beach and venture to the many holy sites here.
Perhaps the most famous is Wat Phra Yai temple, which sits on a small island off the north-east coast.
Admire the gigantic, 40-foot golden statue – affectionately dubbed ‘The Big Buddha’ – before picking up some souvenirs at the market outside.
Wat Plai Laem, meanwhile, is a stunning complex of equally eye-catching monuments and traditional-style buildings, overlooking the gleaming nearby water.
While many people travel to Koh Samui for the beaches, there’s a whole other world to discover when you move inland.
Pull on your hiking boots and stride out along one of the scenic trails that wind their way through lush jungles and across hillsides. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.
Those wanting to get active during their stay can take a walk up to Hin Lad waterfall, a serene spot that’s an ideal place for a picnic – or even a swim if the conditions are right.
One of the best ways to get to know the island is by embarking on a guided jungle safari tour in a 4x4.
Enjoy the natural highlights of Koh Samui as you journey through jungles and up hillsides, stopping at waterfalls, remarkable natural rock formations, and other famous sights along the way.
Get a glimpse of local coconut farms and plantations, watch out for wildlife including curious lizards and inquisitive monkeys – and pay a visit to fascinating sites such as the Secret Buddha Garden, where exquisitely carved sculptures await you.
One of the most popular destinations for Koh Samui packages, Chaweng puts you right at the heart of the action.
Offering paradise sands lined with palm trees, cafes and restaurants, as well as the island’s biggest shopping complex, Chaweng is a picturesque spot with an energetic atmosphere that lives long in the memory.
Chaba Samui Resort is located nearby, just minutes from the beach.
For more laid-back stays, Bophut is a traditional fishing community with a modern outlook – the streets here are lined with great shops and many high-quality restaurants.
Ideal for a romantic break or luxury holiday in Koh Samui, the Six Senses Samui is a five-star hotel with amenities including an outdoor pool and on-site spa services.
Choeng Mon Beach and Wat Plai Laem are both easily reachable from here.
The southern side of Koh Samui offers truly serene stays – and boasts a superb range of accommodation.
For a family holiday, check out the Centara Villas Samui – a four-star resort with three outdoor pools and a private beach. It’s also just a 15-minute walk from Samui Butterfly Garden.
Honeymooners meanwhile will love the five-star Conrad Koh Samui, a 30-minute drive from Na Muang waterfall.
The local currency in Koh Samui is the Thai baht (THB). US dollars are also accepted as payment in many major tourist areas.
Major resorts can be explored on foot, but if you plan on visiting different parts of the island, it’s a good idea to rent a car or motorbike. You can also take taxis for shorter trips – or arrange guided tours and treks.
Public holidays in Koh Samui include 1 May (Labour Day), 5 May (Coronation Day) and 10 December (Constitution Day).
The official language of Thailand is Thai, but you’ll find that many locals in Koh Samui – particularly those working in shops and bars – also speak good English.
Koh Samui might be famed for its magnificent coastline, but there is plenty of culture here too.
The Art-Samui museum, near Bophut, is a fantastic showcase of modern creative techniques – and comes complete with some stunning optical illusion experiences.
To learn more about the island’s food heritage, check out the Coconut Museum.
Situated on the western side of Koh Samui, it also runs coconut cooking classes and even offers insights into how experts here climb a coconut tree.
The Dusit Dhewa centre of fine art and culture can be found near the stunning Lipa Noi beach, while examples of traditional sculpture and statues are also dotted around the island’s majestic landscape.
Thai cuisine is loved right around the world – and favourites such as green curry, massaman curry and pad thai can all be widely sampled and savoured in Koh Samui.
Expect flavours of coconut and delightful layers of spice.
Excellent restaurants can be found in every resort – and there are lots of street food outlets for those who want a truly authentic taste of local life.
Islanders and tourists alike flock to the markets of Lamai Plaza and Chaweng to tuck into delicious meals at bargain prices, including gway tiao, a kind of noodle soup that’s particularly popular here.
Many people booking Koh Samui packages flock here for the golden beaches - and Thailand’s third largest island is certainly packed full of scenic seaside locations for you to choose from.
If you get tired of reclining on the sands, however, there are also plenty of coastal activities to keep you entertained.
Take a diving course and discover an underwater world of colourful fish and coral, or simply throw on a snorkel mask and swim through the shallows.
Get your adrenaline pumping even further if you wish - and try your hand at parasailing or jet skiing too.
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