Thailand’s second biggest island, Koh Samui has a little bit of everything. It’s a bit on the pricey side, popular among the higher end Thai tourists. A mountainous, jungle environment in the middle, surrounded by some incredibly relaxing beaches, with temples and waterfalls sprinkled throughout.

Be ready for a lot of lounging, relaxing and drinking (if that’s your thing) on Koh Samui, not so much of an action adventure vacay.

The main area of the island is Chaweng, in the north east of the island, not far from the airport. Chaweng has most of the hostels, hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s the happening spot.

Further along down the east coast is Lamai, a smaller beach community and my favorite area on the island. It has a more laid back beach vibe, with yoga retreats mixed in with massage parlors, street food carts, kiosk-like bars and hotels/hostels.

Keep going south and you’ll find Hua Thanon, a more affordable part of the island with undeveloped beach areas, popular with backpackers whose primary intention isn’t to party on the island.

In the south and on the west coast you’ll find the ferry port and the homes of the local Koh Samuians.

Getting to Koh Samui

First, you can fly to Ko Samui Airport from most Thai airports. It’s a tiny, open air, flowery airport. I think it only has one runway. It’s government owned which makes it a little more pricey than the other options, but the convenience is well worth it.

Second, you can fly into Surat Thani airport on the mainland, then take a ferry to Koh Samui. A bit cheaper, but more time consuming.

Third is a bus/ferry combo. You can take a bus from most cities in Thailand to Surat Thani, then the ferry to Koh Samui. Cheapest, but most time consuming.

If you’re already on one of the neighboring islands (Koh Phangan or Koh Tao), island hopping is a breeze. Just head to port where you came in and hop on a ferry to Koh Samui.

Where to Stay

Tiki Tiki Beach Hostel

Located right on the beach in the Hua Thanon area, Tiki Tiki Beach Hostel has a pool and a practically private beach. It’s nothing fancy, but has everything you need. The service is incredible, the owner makes you feel right at home, introducing you to other guests and driving you into town every now and then.

It’s a bit out of the way of the main drag, and can be tough to hail a ride in, but with late night pool access and the chilled out scene, it was one of my favorite places to stay in Thailand.

Getting Around Koh Samui

Like most places in Southeast Asia, a motorbike is the best way to get around. The roads on Koh Samui aren’t the greatest, so just be careful, cruising on two wheels is the number one way to see the island.

Other transportation options include motorbike taxis, and private or public tuk-tuk like trucks. Just stand on the side of the street and hail whatever comes your way.  They’ll likely stop when they see a tourist.

Set the price before you get on. Price is negotiable and is determined by how far you’re going.

Explore Koh Samui

The best way to spend your time on Koh Samui:

1. Take a tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park

Kayaking through sea-caves, snorkeling in clear blue waters, hiking to a hidden lagoon, relaxing on beaches that are all but cut off to the world. This is a day exploring Ang Thong National Park, a 100 square kilometer park encompassing 42 islands and full of opportunities to explore a true paradise.

Read more about Ang Thong National park here.