Getting there and choosing your base
- Thong Sala pier: The main port, served by Lomprayah catamarans, Raja ferries and slower boats from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Donsak (for Surat Thani) and Chumphon. Hotels on the west and south coasts are the easiest reach from here; many resorts will send a pick-up if asked.
- Haad Rin pier: Boats from Big Buddha pier on Koh Samui land directly at Haad Rin, which saves the drive over the steep hills from Thong Sala if you are staying in the south-east.
- Koh Samui, Surat Thani and Chumphon airports: The nearest airport is on Samui; Surat Thani and Chumphon are on the mainland and need a bus and ferry connection. Ferries stop running around dusk, so a late flight can mean a night on Samui or the mainland.
Areas to consider
Haad Rin
Suits party-goers who want to walk home from the Full Moon Party and have shops, ATMs and food on hand. Rooms close to the main party beach are loud for days around each full moon; ask how far the room is from the sound systems.
Thong Sala and Ban Tai
Suits travellers who want the main pier, shops and ATMs close by, and the island's longest uninterrupted beach facing Koh Samui. Ban Tai has its own party scene, so check the event calendar near the property as well as the full-moon dates.
Haad Yao and Haad Salad (west coast)
Suits couples and snorkellers who want sunsets, beach bars and a mix of budget bungalows and higher-end resorts. Check whether the room is on the sand or set back up the slope, as some properties climb steeply from the beach.
Thong Nai Pan
Suits families and anyone after calm swimming on the twin bays of the north-east coast. The road there is poor and taxis are expensive, so plan to stay put or confirm the resort's transfer arrangements.
When to go
The main high season is December to March, with a second busy period in July and August. This part of the Gulf gets its heaviest rain in October and November, roughly the opposite of Thailand's west coast. Decent rooms near Haad Rin sell out a few days before each Full Moon Party, so check the lunar calendar before fixing dates.
Before choosing a room
- Some bungalows on remote beaches run on generators rather than mains power. Ask whether electricity and air-conditioning are available all day.
- Bottle Beach and parts of the north coast are reached most easily by longtail boat. Confirm how you and your luggage will get there and back.
- Fake websites imitating well-known island resorts have been reported. Book through the resort itself or a booking platform you trust, and check the property's exact location.
Sources and planning resources
Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.