Koh Samui Thailand: Island Adventures, Tropical Beaches & Unforgettable Sunsets
Thailand has a special place in our hearts. From the colourful streets of Bangkok to the mountains around Chiang Mai and the tropical islands in the south, every destination has its own magic. After exploring busy cities and jungle landscapes, arriving on Koh Samui feels like pressing pause. The pace slows down, the beaches appear, palm trees line the roads and suddenly the biggest decision of the day becomes: where are we going to watch the sunset tonight? Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most famous islands and for good reason. It combines everything travellers love about Thailand: beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly locals, jungle adventures and incredible viewpoints. What makes Koh Samui different from many other Thai islands is that it offers comfort without losing its tropical charm. Thanks to its international airport and well-developed infrastructure, travelling here is easy — making it a great choice for families as well as adventurous travellers.
How to get to Koh Samui
There are several ways to reach Koh Samui depending on your budget and travel style. The fastest and easiest option is flying. Koh Samui has its own airport, located between Chaweng and Bophut, with regular flights from Bangkok and other destinations in Thailand. If you are travelling through Thailand on a budget, you can also combine buses, trains and ferries. Many travellers arrive from Bangkok, Krabi or Surat Thani before taking the ferry across to the island. We travelled from Railay Beach near Krabi to Koh Samui. It was a full travel day, but honestly, these journeys are also part of the adventure. Watching the landscape change from mainland Thailand to tropical islands is one of the reasons we love travelling slowly. ✈️ Travelicious tip: For planning ferry, bus and train combinations in Thailand, we recommend checking options through 12Go It makes arranging transport between Thai destinations much easier.
Where we stayed on Koh Samui
During our stay, we chose Sandalwood Luxury Villas, The villa had the perfect island atmosphere: beautiful views, a peaceful setting and a place where we could relax after exploring all day. Koh Samui has accommodation for every type of traveller. You can choose from affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels to luxury resorts with private pools and ocean views. ✈️ Travelicious tip: Compare hotels and villas on Booking.com. Koh Samui has some amazing family-friendly stays, especially if you are travelling with children and want a little extra space.
Getting around Koh Samui
Koh Samui is much bigger than many people expect. To discover hidden beaches, viewpoints and local restaurants, you will need some form of transport. Renting a scooter is a popular option because it gives you complete freedom. However, the roads are busier here than on smaller islands, so only rent one if you feel comfortable riding. We decided not to rent scooters and still managed perfectly well. There are plenty of alternatives:
Songthaews (shared local pickup trucks)
taxis
motorcycle taxis
private drivers
Grab taxis
Our favourite Thailand travel hack: download the Grab app before arriving. It saves time and makes getting around much easier.
Where to stay on Koh Samui
Choosing the right area depends on the type of holiday you are looking for.
Lamai Beach: relaxed island vibes
Lamai was one of our favourite areas because it offers the perfect balance. The beach is beautiful, restaurants are easy to find and the atmosphere is relaxed. It is popular with families and couples who want to enjoy island life without being surrounded by nightlife. In the evening, the streets come alive with small restaurants, music and cosy bars.
Chaweng: the lively side of Koh Samui
Chaweng is the busiest and most energetic part of the island. This is where you will find the biggest selection of beach bars, restaurants and nightlife. It is also a convenient location because it is close to the airport and centrally located for exploring the island. If you love having everything nearby, Chaweng is a great choice.
Bophut & Fisherman’s Village: charming and stylish
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut has a completely different atmosphere. Here you will find beautiful beachfront restaurants, boutique hotels and a more relaxed, stylish feeling. It is especially popular with families and travellers looking for a little more comfort. The highlight is the famous Fisherman’s Village Night Market, where the streets fill with food stalls, music and local crafts.
The best things to do in Koh Samui
Although many travellers come to Koh Samui for the beaches, the island has so much more to offer.
Chase waterfalls through the jungle
One of our favourite ways to escape the heat was exploring the waterfalls hidden in Koh Samui’s tropical jungle. The combination of nature, adventure and a refreshing swim makes this a perfect family activity. Na Muang Waterfalls is one of the most famous waterfall areas on the island.
Find the best view at Overlap Stone
Some places are special because they feel like a little secret. Overlap Stone was exactly that. After a short walk through the jungle, you arrive at an incredible viewpoint overlooking Lamai Beach. It is the kind of place where everyone stops for a moment — phones come out, cameras start clicking and you simply enjoy the view. ✈️ Travelicious tip: A guided island tour is a great option if you want to discover viewpoints, temples and hidden places without arranging transport yourself. You can find different Koh Samui experiences through, with a 5% discount if you book
Visit the temples of Koh Samui
Thailand’s temples are always a highlight of our travels, and Koh Samui is no exception. The impressive Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) is one of the island’s most famous landmarks. Nearby, Wat Plai Laem is another beautiful temple with colourful statues and peaceful surroundings. Remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples.
Watch the sunset at Lipa Noi Beach
If there is one thing you should not miss on Koh Samui, it is the sunset. We headed to Lipa Noi Beach on our final evening, and it was the perfect ending to our island adventure. Walking through the palm trees, feeling the warm sand beneath our feet and watching the sky turn orange above the ocean was one of those travel moments you remember forever.
Experience Fisherman’s Village Night Market
Food is one of the best parts of travelling through Thailand, and the night markets are always a highlight. Fisherman’s Village Night Market is one of the best places on Koh Samui to experience local flavours. Try:
mango sticky rice
fresh seafood
Thai pancakes
smoothies
local street food
It is the perfect evening activity for families: everyone can choose something different and you can simply wander, taste and enjoy.
Is Koh Samui worth visiting?
For us, the answer is definitely yes. Koh Samui gives you the best of both worlds. You have beautiful beaches and tropical scenery, but also enough comfort and facilities to make travelling easy. It is an island where you can spend the morning exploring temples, the afternoon swimming in the sea and the evening eating delicious Thai food while watching the sunset. That combination is exactly what makes Thailand such a magical destination.
Planning your Thailand adventure?
Koh Samui is perfect to combine with other Thai highlights: Read our complete Thailand itinerary 🌆 Discover Bangkok with kids 🌿 Explore Chiang Mai and the jungle Thailand remains one of our favourite family destinations — and Koh Samui is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy island life.
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