Discover the Best of Koh Samui
The insider guide for expats, long-stay travellers and property seekers in Koh Samui.
- Written by a residentLiving on Koh Samui since 2022
- Trusted by 2,400+ expatsPlanning their move to Samui
- Direct agency partnershipsMonthly readers on Koh Samui
- All recommendations testedOn the island, in real conditions
Top Things to Do in Koh Samui
Day trips, snorkelling, beaches and island hopping: the insider way to experience the Gulf of Thailand.
Day tripAng Thong Marine Park
The unmissable day trip from Koh Samui: kayaking, viewpoints and snorkelling across 42 islands.
ActivitySnorkelling & Diving
Best spots around Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
NightlifeFull Moon Party
Dates, ferries from Samui and where to stay.
GuideBest Beaches, Ranked
Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and the quiet ones.
FoodThai Food & Cooking Classes
Ten dishes to try and where to learn to cook them.
Beyond Samui: our other island guides
Combining Samui with another island? These guides follow the same approach: practical, tested and kept up to date.
Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand, next island northFull Moon Party nights, quiet northern bays, jungle waterfalls and the ferries from Samui.
Read the Koh Phangan guide
Koh Phi Phi
Andaman Sea, west coastMaya Bay, the viewpoint hike, snorkelling trips and the best beaches to stay on.
Read the Koh Phi Phi guide
Living & Moving to Koh Samui
Everything you need to settle, work and live on the island: visas, health insurance, banking and the real cost of living.
Health Insurance
Compare the best expat health insurance plans for Thailand, tested at Bangkok Hospital Samui.
- Best health insurance in Thailand
- Cigna Global: full review
- Pacific Cross review
- Is SafetyWing enough for Thailand?
Visas & Immigration
Every long-stay visa option for Thailand: LTR, retirement, Thailand Privilege Card and Digital Nomad (DTV).
- Thailand LTR visa
- Thailand Privilege Card: worth it?
- Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)
- How to retire in Thailand
Banking & Money
Bank accounts, transfers and cards for foreign residents, with Wise, Revolut and OFX tested in Thailand.
- Best bank account for foreigners
- Wise vs Revolut in Thailand
- How to avoid ATM fees
- Tax rules for expats
Budgeting a move? Read our cost of living in Koh Samui guide.
Buy, Rent Long-Term or Invest
in Koh Samui Property
Direct partnerships with the best local agencies on the island. Long-term villa rentals, buying property as a foreigner, Airbnb investment ROI — all covered with honest, independent advice.
Best Places to Stay in Koh Samui
Hand-picked accommodation for every budget, from private pool villas to beachfront resorts and smart budget stays.
- Splurge
Luxury Villas
Wake up to your own infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Hand-picked villas from intimate hideaways to full family estates.
- Sleeps 2 to 12
- Private pool
- Beachfront
Beach Resorts
Step straight from your room onto white sand. We tested the best beachfront resorts so you don't waste a night in the wrong place.
- Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam
- On the sand
- Best value
Budget Hotels
Koh Samui doesn't have to break the bank. The best-value stays: clean, safe and within walking distance of the beach.
- Under $50 a night
- Near the beach
Getting to & Around Koh Samui
Flights, ferries and car or scooter rental: every way to arrive and explore the island.
Ferries & Island Hopping
Ferry schedules from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the mainland, with tickets bookable through 12Go Asia.
View the ferry guideCar & Scooter Rental
Compare prices, insurance options and pickup locations in one place. Best deals on Toyota, SUV and more.
Compare rentalsPowered by Discover CarsFlights & Transfers
Getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok, Phuket and international destinations, including airport transfers.
Bangkok to Koh Samui guide