Book Koh Samui Tour Packages with TripFactory

I had seen enough Thailand ads on my phone and I could not stop but daydream about being in the land of smiles again. I have been to Thailand a couple of times and have covered most of the places. But this time I wanted to visit an Island. And trust me, even after being to Thailand so many times, I could not decide which island to visit. Obviously because there are like 1430 islands in Thailand.

There were a lot of  options on the table. There were islands of many types. Some which were remote and isolated whereas others which were crowded and more developed. Some islands were easily accessible by means of direct flight whereas others needed indirect modes of transport like ferry ride or bus. Some Islands were located on the Andaman sea while others were located on the gulf of Thailand. I even had the thought of visiting multiple Islands in our trip but that conflicted with our idea of having a slow trip. So we chose to go to just one island.

My best friend and I finally decided to go to Koh Samui. One of the key reasons we went for Koh Samui was there was an international airport on the Island which made our travelling experience much easier. Another reason was that since it was a bit more developed than other areas, there were better options for stay and dining. Finally since it was a bigger island compared to others, it would be fun to explore the different sides of the Island 

Now let me tell you a little bit about Koh Samui. Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It is known for its soft beaches, calm sea, and peaceful vibes. Many Indian travellers visit this island to enjoy nature, relax at luxury resorts, and take part in fun water activities. Whether you are coming for a honeymoon, family trip or just to relax, Koh Samui has something for everyone. From temple visits to waterfall treks, from street food to beach clubs, the island offers many good experiences. In this article I will try to share every detail that will help you to plan your trip better, whether it be the best things to do in Koh Samui, what to eat, where to stay, about Koh Samuitour packages, Koh Samuitrip cost from India.

About TripFactory’s Koh Samui Tour Packages

There are many Koh Samui tour packages that you will find across the websites as Koh Samui is one of the top holiday destinations. We decided to go for a Koh Samui tour package because the trip and itinerary is already planned right from the accommodation to the daytime planning. Koh Samui tour packages offer a great way to explore the vibrant city which is full of amazing places. The packages are designed in such a way that it suits every traveller’s needs. Whether you are a history buff, adventurous person or a person interested in experiencing the nightlife.And the best part is that there are tour packages for everyone whether you are on a budget or want to have a luxurious trip. We definitely choose a budget friendly Koh Samui tour package.

Koh Samui Trip Cost from India

Our overall cost of a Koh Samui trip from India was reasonable because we had made our flight booking in advance and booked our Koh Samui tour package at the right time. However there are other factors like when are you planning to visit, for how many days, in which season and type of accommodation you are choosing to stay which also influences the total cost. On an average the Koh Samui tour package starts with an average price of 10000 – 15000 per person for 4 days 5 nights without flights. With flights the price may increase accordingly to around 25000 per person. And if you are opting for a premium stay the price may go up to 40000 per person as well. Customization, travel date and inclusion of the meals might also impact the final price.

How to book a Koh Samui Tour Package with TripFactory?

We decided to go with TripFactory to book our Koh Samui tour package. Our dates were very clear, we had decided to travel on 12th January for 10 days and 11 night duration. There were many travel packages available with different rates. Since there were no packages specifically for Krabi. I decided to get our trip customized as per our needs at a very reasonable cost of Rs 45,000. Before proceeding with the final booking we checked the customer reviews, cancellation policies and other terms. Once we were satisfied with the entire itinerary plan we made the payment. We then received an email confirmation and the travel documents.

Why Choose TripFactory for Koh Samui Trip?

There are many reasons why you should choose TripFactory for Koh Samui tour package, such as:

30+ Customisable Tour Package

They have 30 different Thailand tour packages which satisfy the needs of all kinds of travellers. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a history buff we have something for everyone.

All Inclusive Packages with Flights

TripFactory has most of the packages which covers everything in the package right from accommodation to the flights.

Comfortable and Premium Stays

Relax in the comfortable and premium stay that has been handpicked for you. Enjoy top tier amenities, stylish interiors and exceptional service by the hotel staff.

If you face any hurdle in your travel to Koh Samui, the travel experts are there to guide and help you at every place. Whether you want to skip a place or change the hotel we are there to assist you.

Best places to visit and things to do

I visited Koh Samui in the month of January which was undoubtedly the best time to visit Thailand. Booking a Koh Samui tour package during this season offers an unforgettable experience. The place will feel like paradise during these months. However I personally feel that summer is also not a bad time to visit. The summer season lasts from June to September. It’s the best time to explore the nearby islands and beaches. The only advice I can give you is to carry light and breathable clothes. May – October is also a good time to visit Koh Samui. if you are okay with slight rain. It’s a great window for a budget-friendly Koh Samui holiday, as prices for accommodations and Koh Samui tour packages are usually lower compared to the peak months.

Big Buddha Temple

This temple was just near our hotel where we were staying. We reached the temple in just 10 minutes by walking. We could find people from all walks of life. The Buddha statue which was 12 metre high was visible from far. The temple is mounted on the island Koh Fan which is connected to Koh Samui by a roadway making it easily accessible for people to travel. Now let me tell you a little bit about the history of the place.The statue was built in 1972. It was built to celebrate the victory of Budhha over the evil forces. If you observe the statue carefully you will find Budhha in a very pure, calm and resolved state.

Pro Tip

Timing : The temple is open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. It would be best to visit the Big Buddha Temple in the morning time when the climate will be pleasant and it will be less crowded.

Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to enter the temple. However, donations are appreciated.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

This tourist destination was on our bucket list. We had heard a lot of stories about the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. Here is how the story goes. It was said that in a nearby village in Nakhon Si Thammarat lived an elderly couple named Ta and Yai. They were looking for a bride for their son. They found someone in the province of Prachuap Kiri Khan which was really far. So they decided to use their wooden boat to reach the place. However, the strong winds and waves had other plans. They tossed the little boat. The couple drowned in the sea. People say that their bodies were transformed into rocks and what we know today as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks is also famously known as the grandmother and grandfather rocks. It is called the grandfather and grandmother rocks due to its resemblance to the human genitalia. The only thing we were thinking was that we should have come here in this romantic place with our better half. But nevertheless we got a chance to interact with the local crowd and try the local cuisine.

Pro Tip:

Timing : Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks are open all throughout the year

Entry Fee : No, there is no entry fee

Ang Thong National Marine Park

To travel to this destination we had to hire a personal car as the place was a little far. It was 20kms away from our place. When we reached the location we were taken aback by the enchanting marine park which was  made up of 42 islands of varying shapes and sizes. Since the marine park was huge we decided to take a boat ride to view the entire area. Through the boat we could see the emerald lagoon, limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches. The park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure.Whether you’re a nature enthusiast seeking serenity or an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill, Ang Thong Marine Park promises an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.

Pro Tip

Timing : Ang Thong National Marine Park is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The park is closed annually from October 20th to December 20th.

Entry Fee : Yes, there is an entrance fee of 300 baht for the foreigners while for the kids the fee is 150 Baht.

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is another famous Buddhist temple after the Big Buddha temple. It is designed by the renowned Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming. The architecture and design of the temple is a mix of both Chinese and Thai tradition. It consists of the smiling Buddha and the 18 armed Buddha. The 18 armed Buddha statue is called Guanyin in Chinese. It is believed that she gives healthy children and protects the people from all sorts of danger. Nearby, the Smiling Buddha symbolizes happiness and prosperity, radiating joy to all who visit.

Pro Tip

Timing : Wat Plai Laem is open everyday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entry Fee : No, there is no entry fee to enter Wat Plai Laem.

Secret Buddha Garden

This place was actually a big secret for us. We had no idea that such a beautiful place existed in Koh Samui. It was recommended to us by our neighbours next door in the hotel. We decided to visit the garden in the morning. The place was just magical because of the beautiful atmosphere. As you enter the garden you will find  lines of crafted statues and sculptures. Each art piece has their own share of story. This place holds a deep spiritual and cultural significance among the people of Koh Samui. It was created by a person called Nim Thongsu who was  a local farmer, in 1976. He designed the statues one by one with total compassion and care.

Pro Tip

Timing : Secret Buddha Garden is open everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entry Fee : The entrance fee to the Secret Buddha Garden is 80 Thai baht per person. This fee is for individual visitors. If you choose to visit with a tour, the price can vary.

Fisherman Village

We went to the fisherman village at night. It was not very far away from our location. The only mistake we made was to not carry any warm clothes with us. Because by the time we reached the village it was pretty chill. The village offers a unique mix of traditional character and modern amenities.All shops looked of the same size and colour and also sold almost similar kind of products. There was everything from T-shirts, simple jewelry, purses, sunglasses, beer cosies, souvenirs, watches, clothes, and electrical goods. We also indulged in seafood which is supposed to be the highlight of the Fisherman Village.

Pro Tip

Timing : The Fisherman’s Village is a walking street that transforms into a vibrant night market every Friday evening from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to enter the market

Lamai Night Market

Shopping is something we really cannot resist. So we decided to visit the Lamai Night market. It is the centre of attraction for the Koh Samui town. The main fun is the game of bargaining, if you are not beginning here you are losing out on a lot of fun. You get almost everything in this market from the fans, wooden elephants in varying sizes from the mainland, ever-useful sarongs, attractive purses, bags, belts, witty (and not so witty) T-shirts, rolling luggage, striking and colourful lamps, bed covers, Buddha images and electronics goods. We ended up shopping for almost everything and spending just 5000 – 10000. It was one of the best nights in Koh Samui.

Pro Tip:

Timing : The Lamai Night Market is open from 3:00 pm to 11:59 pm.

Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to enter the market

Elephant Sanctuary

We spent our entire day in the elephant sanctuary. It is the first elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui. Just like Pattaya has the tiger kingdom where people are allowed to get friendly with the tiger, pet them and take pictures. In the same way this sanctuary allows the visitor to get close to the elephants in a safe environment. Elephants who have slogged and worked in the jungle for years can easily retire in this sanctuary. We were allowed to feed the elephants and observe these gentle giants as they roam, socialise, bathe, play in the mud, and enjoy the peaceful life that they deserve.Do not miss this truly memorable, once in a lifetime experience.

Pro Tip

Timing : The Elephant Sanctuary generally opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.

Entry Fee : The entry fee to the place might differ depending on what package you are taking. It ranges between 80 to 2400 baht.

Chaweng Beach

This beach was right in front of our hotel.Chaweng Beach is approximately 7 km long, and .it holds the title of the longest beach on the east coast It is divided into 4 main zones, the North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, South Chaweng and Chaweng Noi- each offering its own unique charm and vibe.People from all walk of life come here whether you are a backpacker on a budget or a family on luxury budget, there is something for everyone. It was also an ideal location for us because it had many restaurants, shops, affordable accommodation,water sports and many places to get a Thai massage. 

Pro Tip

Timing : The Chaweng Beach is open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.

Entry Fee : Chaweng Beach is a public beach, so there is no entry fee to visit and enjoy it.

Paradise Park Farm

This paradise park is a feast for the eyes. It occupies a space of 8 acres of land and is situated on the top of the mountain pom. From there you can see the picturesque view of the Koh Samui and nearby islands. The park is adorned with lush tropical vegetation, vibrant flower gardens and rows of grass arranged parallely to each other. Along with the beautiful view you also get to notice diverse species of animals and birds which  adds to the charm of the park.

Pro Tip:

Timing : Paradise Park Farm in Ko Samui is open everyday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Entry Fee : The entry fee for Paradise Park Farm is typically 400 baht per person. Children below 120cm  have a reduced entry fee and this fee includes the access to the pool.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui?

We decided to stay in the Chaweng Beach area because of its close proximity to the airport and the nearby attractions. Also there was a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Some of the places that you can book are SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort. If you want a more luxurious experience then you can go for Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Banyan Tree Samui. For a relaxed atmosphere you can choose Bo Phut and the Bo Phut Resort & Spa. There are other great options as well that you can go for like the Rocky’s Boutique Resort – Veranda Collection Samui, Nora Buri Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Koh Samui.

What to eat in Koh Samui?

Some of the local food that you can try in Koh Samui are as follow:

Gaeng Som (Southern Thai Sour Curry): A flavourful and spicy curry, often featuring fish or seafood, with a distinct sour and slightly sweet taste. 

Pla Tod Kamin (Turmeric Fried Fish): A simple yet delicious dish of fried fish, infused with the aroma and flavor of turmeric. 

Khanom Jeen Nam Ya (Cold Rice Noodles with Fish Curry): A refreshing dish of thin rice noodles served with a flavorful fish-based curry, often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal. 

Khao Yam (Southern Thai Rice Salad): A colorful and aromatic rice salad with a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables, and a sweet and sour dressing. 

Tom Som Pla (Spicy Tamarind Fish Soup): A tangy and spicy soup featuring fish and tamarind, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich curries. 

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers): Grilled pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, a popular street food option.

Restaurants you must try

Koh Samui  has a vast dining experience that caters to all types of people be it a solo traveller or a person on budget. Here are some of my top picks that you must try if you are visiting Koh Samui for the first time:

Maya Restaurant

If you want to have finger-licious delicious food against a nice background then you cannot miss this place . You have more options for non-vegetarians than the vegetarian one. One will be in awe with the hospitality and the care taken by the staff. You get almost everything from the Indian curry in Koh Samui to the sweetened dessert but the Tandoori Chooza is definitely a must try and a dish to die for.

Indian Hut

This restaurant serves traditional Indian food without sacrificing Indian flavours. It has now become a household name and is visited by most of the Indians for their delectable dishes. It was established in 1955 and is well known for its North Indian Cuisine and Indian Chinese fusion food. The chef serves well organised and lip tempting food which adds a unique taste to the taste buds of the customers.

Annapurna

Since I have lived in Bangalore, half of my life, I was craving for a South Indian meal.Then we discovered this famous south Indian restaurant Annapurna. It was the perfect choice if you are looking for a South Indian meal in a foreign land. It is a small and cosy yet neat place where you get cheap Indian food in Koh Samui at a very reasonable rate. We opted to go for a breakfast meal in this restaurant. 

Jungle Club

This place makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s perfectly perched on a high point on the island with a platform spread out that allows you to take in the whole east coast of the island. We only came for an iced coffee and a mango sticky rice snack, but the food and drinks around looked great. When we arrived, there was a small wait, but it was totally worth it. They do take reservations, so if you know with more certainty when you might want to stop by, reservations are totally worth it.

I-Sky Corner

This place is perfect if you’re looking for well priced, tasty, local food. They have a fairly robust menu with lots to choose from. For Eating Time, we got there earlier in the evening so there weren’t many in, but the staff were kind and food was good. At I-Sky Corner we arrived close to closing time so we were the only diners there, but they were easy going about it.

SIWA Latte Beach and Eatery

It had netted hammocks to sit in and looked like a nice place to post up for a day at the beach. We visited it in our first few hours in Koh Samui when we were really in search of a beverage or smoothie, and it was perfect for that.

Punjabi Palace

The name of the restaurant itself is more than enough to signify that it will serve tasty and delicious North Indian meals. Not only does the menu have many options but also comes at a low cost which will fit your pocket. So if you are looking for a budget friendly restaurant then look no further than the Punjabi Palace. The pleasant atmosphere and the friendly staff just adds to the glory of the ambience.

Shahi India Restaurant

Located in front of the beautiful beach Ko Chun, has a very peaceful atmosphere with simple interiors which will touch your heart. It is popular among people who want to have a lunch buffet. You get a variety of Mughlai food in Koh Samui ranging from biryani, kofta and kebabs to simple aloo paratha and puri sabzi. You will definitely have a good time here for sure.

Permits & Document Requirements 

There are certain essential documents that you need to carry with yourself if you are planning to visit Koh Samui. I had researched all the documents that were required. Therefore would like to list down the important permits and documents required:

Passport 

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned flying date and also must have 2 blank pages

Visa application form 

You will need to fill an online application form.

Photograph 

You will need passport size photo that is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm

Flight ticket 

A return ticket will indicate a round trip whereas an onward ticket simply shows your departure from Thailand

Proof of fund 

You need to have sufficient balance in your bank account around 20,000 Thai Baht per person.

Vaccination/Test 

There are certain vaccinations necessary to fly to Thailand. You need to fulfill these requirements according to the government guidelines.

Thailand Pass or TDAC 

The Thailand Pass or TDAC is actually an online form needed for all visitors entering Thailand and this is apart from the visa status.

Proof of accommodation 

You are also required to present your accommodation proof in Thailand. The valid proof of your hotel or resort booking can be used for this purpose.

How to plan a 7 Day Koh Samui trip?

Koh Samui is a place with many destinations and sometimes it can get really difficult as to which place you should visit. Especially if you are planning a trip for 4 days. To help you make the most of your time, I’ve put together a small itinerary featuring some of the must-visit places that you should include in your Koh Samui package.

Day 1 – Arrive in the Koh Samui Airport

Once you arrive in the Koh Samui International airport our local representative will meet and greet you. You will be transferred to the Krabi hotel. Check in and relax for the day.

Day 2 : Samui Island Tour

Some of the exciting places included in the tour are Wat Phra which houses the 12m tall sitting buddha statue, which is also visible from the plane, the viewpoint at Ladd Koh, the curious rock formation of Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather- and Grandmother Rock), which suggest that Mother nature has quite a sense of humour, a “Monkey School”, where monkeys are trained to pick coconuts from the trees. Visit the temple of Wat Kunaram famous for its mummified monk, whose body remains in a meditative posture decades after his passing. And finally visit the the Na Muang Waterfall which is a beautiful and natural sight to explore and take pictures

Day 3  Full Day Angthong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is also known as the golden bowl and occupies a space of around 250 acres of land and includes  50 sq. km of protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. Most of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except one. The island’s name is Koh Paluay. It looks like Koh Samui used to look 40 years ago before the entrance of tourism and modern infrastructure. Today the island is inhabited by the “sea-gypsies” who still earn a living from fishing. You can spend about an hour in the marine park which is a natural beauty and  untouched by any kind of development.

Day 4 – Visit Koh Phangan for a day trip

Koh Phangan or popularly known as Koh Pha Ngan is among Thailand’s most prominent and magnificent islands. This island is located in the Gulf of Thailand just to the south of Koh Tao and north of Koh Samui. This island being popular for its full moon parties it is also well known for its stunning natural beauty. Koh Phangan houses some magnificent waterfalls, mountainous rainforests and pristine beaches too. At the end of the day, I returned to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5 – Hike Khao Hua Jook Pagoda

Hiking the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is superb and you must experience it when in Koh Samui. Situated on the hill, it is conveniently visible from a distance. This is an entirely gilded pagoda and is among the suggested sites on this island. Here you have a unique thing to view. You can view the planes taking off and land at the popular Koh Samui International Airport. This experience is open all day long. At the end of the day you can return back to the hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 6 – Snorkel at Koh Taen

Koh Taen, also commonly known as Koh Tan is a tiny island around Koh Samui. This place provides magnificent snorkeling opportunities in its shallow and turquoise waters. The guides will share interesting information and will even help you spot some rare species. This experience is normally open by 9:30 am in the morning. The region is popular for its amazing coral reefs and a variety of marine creatures like giant clams and colorful fish.

Day 7 – Departure from Koh Samui

After your breakfast you can check out of the hotel. You will be immediately transferred to the airport in order for you to catch a flight back home.

Tips on getting around in Koh Samui

Carry cash : Cash is king in Thailand. Apart from fancy restaurants and rooftop bars, most places including local transport options, tuk tuk and river taxis only accept cash

Layer up: Public transit is freezing cold, so carry a sweater if you are hopping between BTS and MRT lines

Transport: Use Skytrain and MRT for long distances and tuk tuk or motorbikes taxi for shorter trips

Stay near public transit: Choose accommodation close to BTS or MRT station to save time and hassle.