Koh Samui travel guide: planning your stay

Getting there and choosing your base

Samui International Airport (USM): A privately run airport in the north-east of the island, with frequent flights from Bangkok and a few regional routes. Bophut, Choeng Mon and Chaweng are close; west-coast hotels mean a longer drive across the island.
Nathon and Lipa Noi piers: Ferries from Don Sak, near Surat Thani, land on the west coast, either at Nathon or at Lipa Noi a few kilometres south. Flying to Surat Thani and taking the bus-and-ferry link is cheaper than a direct flight but takes several hours.
Catamarans from Chumphon: High-speed boats from Chumphon call at Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan before Samui. They suit island-hopping, but confirm which Samui pier you will arrive at and arrange the transfer to your beach.

Areas to consider

Chaweng

Suits nightlife and choice, with the island's largest and most developed beach and everything from luxury hotels to backpacker rooms. Check whether the hotel is on the beach side of the road or behind it, as listings often use the beach name for both.

Lamai

Suits travellers who want some evening life with a little less development than Chaweng. Ask for a room away from the through road, which carries traffic between the east-coast beaches.

Bophut and Fisherman's Village

Suits couples who want restaurants within walking distance and a short run to the airport. Bophut covers a long stretch of coast, so measure the distance from the hotel to Fisherman's Village itself.

Mae Nam and Choeng Mon

Suits families and anyone after quieter north-shore beaches. Songthaews run fixed routes only until about 18:00 and then work as taxis at negotiated fares, so plan how you will get back from evenings elsewhere.

When to go

Samui's weather runs against most of Thailand: the main rains fall from October to December, while the middle of the year, wet on much of the mainland, is fairly dry here. January and February are the most comfortable months and among the busiest, and the Christmas and New Year period is hard to book at short notice.

Before choosing a room

Gulf tides follow an unusual cycle and some beaches become very narrow at high water. Ask how the beach in front of the hotel changes with the tide.
For a private villa, confirm which meals, cleaning and staff services are in the price and whether an airport pickup is included.
If you arrive by ferry at Nathon or Lipa Noi, an east-coast hotel is on the far side of the island. Check whether the hotel offers a transfer from the pier.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on 29 October 2026. Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.