Koh Samui Travel Guide 2025: Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand. It is known for its clean beaches, tall coconut trees, and peaceful atmosphere. Every year, many Indian travellers visit Koh Samui to enjoy nature and relax away from busy cities. The best part is, the island has something for everyone. Couples come here for romantic time, families, on the other hand, enjoy beachside fun, and solo travellers often find peace in its temples and waterfalls.
In this guide, you will learn the best time to travel Koh Samui, how to reach from India, places to see, things to do, food to try, and some useful travel tips. Whether you want a peaceful holiday or an adventure trip, Koh Samui gives you both.
A Quick Overview of Koh Samui
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Thailand |
| Official Language | Thai |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Time Zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| Best Known For | Beaches, luxury resorts, temples, waterfalls, and nightlife |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February |
| Peak Season | December to February |
| Off-Season | May to October (monsoon) |
| Ideal Duration | 3 to 4 days |
| Popular Indian Restaurants | Noori India, Curry Pot, Akbar Indian Restaurant |
| Famous Market | Fisherman’s Village Walking Street, Lamai Night Market |
| Things to Do | Visit Big Buddha Temple, relax at Chaweng Beach, explore Ang Thong Marine Park, enjoy water sports, spa and massages |
| Nearest Airport | Samui International Airport (USM) |
Best Time to Visit Koh Samui
The best time to visit Koh Samui is between December and April. During these months, the weather stays dry and pleasant. During these months, the skies remain clear, and the sea stays calm, which is perfect for swimming, sightseeing, and water sports.
If you like fewer crowds and low prices, you can also visit in May or June. There might be some light rain, but it does not disturb travel plans too much. Monsoon season usually comes between October and November, when heavy rain may affect outdoor plans.
- Dry Season (December to April): This is the best time to visit Koh Samui. The weather stays sunny, the sea is calm, and you can enjoy beach activities without any trouble. Most tourists come during these months, so the island feels lively and full of energy.
- Off-Season (May to November): If you want to save money and avoid big crowds, the off-season is a good choice. Hotels and flights become cheaper, and popular spots remain peaceful. There might be short rains, but they usually stop after some time.
- Festival Time: April is a special month because of Songkran, the Thai New Year. Locals and tourists enjoy water fights and street celebrations. In November, people celebrate Loy Krathong, a beautiful festival where they float small boats with candles on water to give thanks and pray for good luck.
How to Reach Koh Samui from India?
Reaching Koh Samui from India is easy if you plan properly. There is no direct flight from India to Koh Samui, but you can reach the island by taking connecting flights or using a mix of air and ferry travel.
By Flight: You can take a flight from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bangalore to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. After that, take a connecting flight to Koh Samui Airport (USM). Usually, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways operate daily flights to the island.
By Flight + Ferry: If direct flights to Koh Samui are expensive, you can choose a cheaper option. Fly to Bangkok or Surat Thani and then travel by bus and ferry. First, take a flight to Surat Thani, then a bus to the ferry terminal, and finally a ferry to Koh Samui. This option takes more time but saves money.
From Phuket or Krabi: If you are already in Phuket or Krabi, you can reach Koh Samui by road and ferry. Travel to Donsak Pier and take a ferry to the island. Many travel agencies offer combo tickets for bus and ferry.
Whichever way you choose, try to book in advance and check ferry timings, especially during the rainy season.
Top Places to Visit in Koh Samui
Enjoying holiday in Koh Samui? There are many beautiful places to explore in Koh Samui. Whether you like beaches, temples, waterfalls, or shopping, this island offers something for everyone.
1. Chaweng Beach: Chaweng is the most famous beach in Koh Samui. Here, you can relax on the soft sand, enjoy water sports, or even walk along the lively streets full of restaurants and shops.
2. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): This temple has a tall golden Buddha statue that you can see from far away. Because of its beauty and calm surroundings, many people visit it to offer prayers and also enjoy peaceful sea views.
3. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: These are natural rock formations with interesting shapes. They are also called Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. People visit to take photos and enjoy the sea breeze.
4. Na Muang Waterfalls: There are two waterfalls here, surrounded by green trees. You can easily take a small walk and enjoy the cool water. Overall, it is a good place for families and nature lovers.
5. Fisherman’s Village: Located in Bophut, this place has a calm vibe. Here, you can explore local markets, try Thai food, and shop for souvenirs. Especially on Fridays, the night market becomes very lively.
6. Secret Buddha Garden: This garden is on a hill and has many small Buddha statues. From here, you can enjoy peaceful surroundings as well as get good views of the island.
7. Lamai Viewpoint: This viewpoint gives you a beautiful view of Lamai Beach and the sea. You can reach it after a small hike and also see the Valentine Stone and a small fish spa nearby.
8. Wat Plai Laem: This colourful temple has a statue of Goddess Guanyin with many arms. It is also surrounded by a lake with fish. Every day, many people visit to pray and take photos.
9. Ang Thong Marine Park: This is a group of small islands near Koh Samui. You can reach there by boat and enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, as well as seeing hidden lagoons and caves.
Things to Do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand. It is known for its peaceful beaches, coconut trees, and friendly people. Many Indian travellers visit Koh Samui to relax and enjoy nature. Here are some easy and fun things you can do in Koh Samui.
1. Visit Big Buddha Temple: The Big Buddha Temple is one of the most famous places on the island. The golden statue of Buddha is very tall and shiny. Many people come here to pray and take photos. It is a peaceful place.
2. Relax at Chaweng Beach: Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach in Koh Samui. You can walk on the soft sand, swim in clean water, or sit under a tree. Many restaurants and small shops are also nearby.
3. Enjoy Waterfalls: Koh Samui has beautiful waterfalls like Hin Lat and Na Muang. You can take a short walk in the forest to reach these places. The sound of water and the cool air will refresh your mind.
4. Try Thai Food: You can taste many local Thai dishes in Koh Samui. You can try green curry, pad Thai, and mango sticky rice. There are also Indian restaurants if you prefer Indian food.
5. Go for a Boat Trip: You can join a boat tour to nearby islands like Koh Phangan or Ang Thong Marine Park. These places are full of natural beauty. You can see clear water, small islands, and colourful fish.
6. Watch a Sunset at Lamai Viewpoint: Lamai Viewpoint gives a nice view of the island. In the evening, you can see a beautiful sunset from here. It is a calm and romantic place.
7. Enjoy a Thai Massage: Many spas and massage centres are in Koh Samui. You can relax your body by taking a Thai massage. It is a good way to feel fresh after a long day.
8. Visit Fisherman’s Village: Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is a nice place to walk in the evening. There are small shops, cafes, and markets. On Fridays, a night market takes place where you can buy local items.
9. Try Water Sports: If you like adventure, you can try water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, or jet skiing. Many beaches offer these fun activities.
10. Take a Cooking Class: Some schools in Koh Samui teach how to cook Thai food. You can join a short class and learn to make dishes like spring rolls or curry. It is a fun experience.
Local Foods to Try in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand. It is famous not just for its beaches but also for its tasty local food. If you are planning a trip to Koh Samui, you should try some of its popular dishes.
One of the most famous dishes is Pad Thai. It is a noodle dish that is cooked with egg, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a special tamarind sauce. Many street stalls and restaurants serve this dish, and each one has a slightly different taste. Another must-try is Tom Yum Soup. This is a hot and sour soup made with lemongrass, lime leaves, chilli, and prawns or chicken. The flavour is very strong and refreshing. It is perfect for people who enjoy spicy food. You can also enjoy Green Curry, which is made with coconut milk, green chillies, and fresh herbs. It is usually served with steamed rice. This curry is a little sweet and a little spicy.
If you like seafood, Koh Samui is a good place for you. Many small restaurants near the beach serve grilled fish, prawns, and squid with garlic and lime. The seafood here is fresh and full of flavour. For something light, you can try Som Tam, which is a green papaya salad. It is crunchy and made with lime, chilli, fish sauce, and peanuts. It tastes sweet, sour, and spicy at the same time. For dessert, Mango Sticky Rice is a very famous sweet dish. It is made with soft sticky rice, sweet coconut milk, and slices of ripe mango. People of all ages love this dish.
Food in Koh Samui is not only delicious but also affordable. You can enjoy good food at roadside stalls, local markets, or simple beachside restaurants. Trying local food is a fun way to understand the culture of a place. When you visit Koh Samui, do taste these dishes and enjoy the real flavour of Thailand.
Travel Tips for Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand. If you want to enjoy your trip without any trouble, these small tips will help you a lot. The best way to move around the island is by renting a scooter. It is cheap and gives you full freedom. If you don’t want to drive, you can take a songthaew, which is a shared taxi that locals also use. The currency in Koh Samui is Thai Baht (THB), so keep some cash with you as small shops may not accept cards. The weather is mostly sunny, so always carry sunscreen to protect your skin.
Also, carry mosquito repellent, especially if you are staying near the beach or forest. If you learn a few Thai words like “Sawadee Ka” for hello, it will make the locals happy. They will smile and help you more. These small things can make your Koh Samui trip safe, smooth, and enjoyable.
Safety and Etiquette
When you visit Koh Samui, it is important to follow some basic rules to stay safe and show respect. If you go to a temple, always wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. It shows respect for their culture and religion. In peaceful places like temples or nature spots, avoid loud talking or shouting. Keep your voice low and enjoy the calm around you. At the beach, follow all safety signs and swim only in safe areas. Sometimes the sea can look calm but may have strong waves. So, always check before entering the water. Also, carry travel insurance before your trip. It helps a lot if something unexpected happens. These simple steps will help you enjoy your trip and also make locals feel happy and respected.
