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Koh Samui island review
Koh Samui is a pure, tropical island paradise that exudes a magical spell of romance, calm, and adventure. With miles of soft beaches, tall coconut palms, abundant rainforest, and a top pick for famous hotels and wellness retreats, Koh Samui island promises an everlasting impression. Koh Samui may only be the second biggest island in Thailand. Still, it has its picks of mega-celebrities and dignitaries from all around the world lining up for a visit.
For some, it is the sandy beaches lined with thick palm forest and surrounded by blue-green waters that create a unique and relaxed vibe. For others, it is the combination of hidden waterfalls, lively night markets, and an abundance of Buddhist temples. For sea lovers, Koh Samui is a perfect island hub to go diving with whale sharks and exploring hidden beaches within the archipelago. Even for those willing to dance all night long, Koh Samui island is the right place.
Despite Koh Samui being widely developed, it still manages to retain that natural island aura, which travelers from all around the world are looking to experience. What started as just a fishing village in the ’90s is now blessed with its international airport, high-end resorts, fine dining, shopping centers, and modern cinemas. It has undoubtedly made Koh Samui more in tune with current standards but does nothing to take away from the charm.
Your Koh Samui vacation is not complete without some island hopping. Visiting Koh Phangan for a day trip, or Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan for snorkeling – are the most popular choices. Besides, the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park are spectacular for its biodiversity and the abundance of eco-adventures. While the half-day trip to Koh Madsum “The Pig Island” could be pretty attractive for families with kids.
- AIRPORT Koh Samui
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Mar - Sep
Beaches
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Snorkeling
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Must Visit
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Boat Tour
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Holiday
Why visit Koh Samui
How to reach Koh Samui
Koh Samui island lies in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand, and it is one of the most accessible holiday destinations in the Kingdom. Koh Samui features an international airport connecting to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia with daily flights. Chinese and Russian charters are very dominant, too. Koh Samui is well-connected with the Surat Thani mainland and surrounding islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. If you want to reach Koh Samui from Surat Thani by boat, expect a 1-hour long speedboat ride.
Koh Samui’s renowned status is not surprising as the crystal clear waters, vibrant local culture, and fantastic expanse of beachfront can charm anyone without much work. Koh Samui is an excellent place if you’re planning to do island hopping since its central location and, arguably, the most beautiful international airport. Koh Samui is only 20 minutes from Koh Phangan by private boat and around 50 minutes from Koh Tao. Other popular destinations near Koh Samui for boat day trips include Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Madsum, and Koh Taen.
Best time in Koh Samui
The best time to visit Koh Samui is between March through September, with calm seas and beautiful beach life. During this period, the waters are usually calm, and visibility is just excellent. You may be reading contradicting weather reports elsewhere. Indeed, the period from late December through April is considered the best season in other parts of Southern Thailand, but NOT on Koh Samui. This opposite seasonality to Phuket, for example, is explained by Koh Samui island’s location in the Gulf of Thailand, where the north-eastern monsoon (November-February) is more prominent. Therefore, as the sunny weather on Koh Samui picks up in March – this is the best time to visit. During that period, you can expect an abundance of water activities, boat tours to neighboring islands, diving, and snorkeling tours.
Rainy season in Koh Samui
Rainy season in Koh Samui starts from November through February. During the north-eastern monsoon period, Koh Samui experiences a high rainfall followed by choppy seas, murky waters, stronger winds, and limited adventure options, including snorkeling tours. Nevertheless, you can still expect sunny days with Koh Samui island being much greener than usual. But do note, floods during the rainy season have been frequent in recent years.
Koh Samui or Phuket
The total area of Koh Samui is 229 sq.km., which is barely half the size of the island-city of Phuket. Yet, a nicely furnished and wide main road will take you on a scenic 60 km drive around Koh Samui island in less than 90 minutes – a blessing compared to the massive and dense traffic in Phuket.
Another striking difference between Koh Samui and Phuket is the height of buildings. Koh Samui has a strict development regulation that no building be higher than a coconut tree. It allows the perfect escape from the city’s bustle and skyscrapers, into your peaceful seclusion anywhere anytime.
On the other hand, beaches on Koh Samui do not enjoy the same level of activity, size, and Phuket alternatives. There are more snorkeling tours and private boat trips around Phuket. Yet still, nearby island hopping destinations have a similarly striking effect for the first traveler to Thailand. Always keep in mind the seasonality. The best season to visit Koh Samui is between March to October, which is the opposite for Phuket – from October till May.
Koh Samui or Koh Phangan
Koh Samui island is more developed than Koh Phangan, but it doesn’t make it lose its tropical charm. Koh Samui is known for luxury retreats and five-star resorts. In contrast, the same level of luxury living is typically villa-based in Koh Phangan.
Interestingly, both islands are somewhat wellness-oriented, at least in the notion of the yoga community globally. However, Koh Phangan is known for a hippy vibe where party and health-consciousness collide. Yes, the famous monthly Full Moon Party.
Both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands welcome with dense jungle, hidden waterfalls, scenic roads, remote beaches, small local markets, as well as cozy beach bars and restaurants cooking local delicacies.
Koh Samui or Koh Tao
Koh Samui is an indisputable choice for the modern island-lifestyle, as it is about ten times the size of Koh Tao and more developed. However, if you’re an active type, both Koh Samui and Koh Tao will greet you with many hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, and hidden waterfalls.
Koh Tao’s dominance is clearly in its waters – it is a famed diving mecca. Koh Tao and surrounding islands promise the world-class diving spots, where you can enjoy a considerable diversity of marine life and even swim with majestic whale sharks. You can reach the same diving sites from Koh Samui, although not that quick.
And while Koh Samui is an exclusive island offering something for everyone’s taste, the life on Koh Tao is as simple, serene, and gentle as it can be. But if diving and snorkeling off the beaches is your thing, then Koh Tao is a clear winner.
