A Ultimate 3-Day Travel Guide to Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most well-known island destinations, yet it often divides opinion. Some travellers describe it as overly developed, while others consider it one of the most accessible and enjoyable islands in the country. After spending three days on Koh Samui, I can confidently say that my experience fell firmly into the latter category.
This comprehensive Koh Samui travel guide is based on my personal visit and is designed to help first-time visitors understand exactly what the island is like, what makes it special, and how to make the most of a short stay. From flights and airport arrival to island tours, accommodation, transport and practical travel tips, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Koh Samui, Thailand.
Where Is Koh Samui and Why Is It So Popular?
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast of southern Thailand. It is the country’s second-largest island after Phuket and is known for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, lively nightlife areas, and easy accessibility.
Unlike many Thai islands that require long ferry journeys, Koh Samui has its own airport, making it a popular choice for travellers who want a tropical island experience without complicated logistics. This accessibility has contributed to the island’s development, but it has also made Koh Samui one of the easiest islands in Thailand to explore, especially for first-time visitors.
Flying to Koh Samui: My Experience with Bangkok Airways
One of the defining features of travelling to Koh Samui is flying with Bangkok Airways. The airline owns and operates Koh Samui Airport, meaning most flights to the island are with them. What I did not expect was the level of service they provide, particularly for what many would consider a short domestic route.
Bangkok Airways Lounge Access
Upon arriving at Bangkok’s airport, Bangkok Airways passengers are granted complimentary access to the airline’s lounge. This is available to all passengers, not just premium or business-class travellers. The lounge offers comfortable seating, free snacks, tea, coffee, cold drinks, and even popcorn. For a one-hour domestic flight, this felt unusually generous and immediately set a positive tone for the journey.
In-Flight Service and Meals
Despite the short flight time, Bangkok Airways provides a full meal service. On my flight to Koh Samui, I was served an omelette, fruit, a cupcake, bottled water, and hot drinks. On the return journey, the meal consisted of rice with chicken, chocolate cake, water, and tea or coffee. The cabin crew were attentive and professional, and the overall experience exceeded what most travellers expect from a regional airline.
For anyone researching how to get to Koh Samui, it is worth knowing that Bangkok Airways consistently ranks highly for service and reliability, and the higher ticket price is reflected in the experience.
Koh Samui Airport: A Unique Open-Air Arrival
Koh Samui Airport is often described as one of the most unique airports in the world, and after arriving there, it is easy to see why. Instead of enclosed terminals and jet bridges, the airport is largely open-air, with tropical landscaping, wooden structures, and outdoor walkways.
The arrival and departure areas feel more like a resort complex or outdoor shopping street than an airport. While the heat and humidity are noticeable, especially during peak hours, large fans are positioned throughout the airport to keep passengers comfortable. This open design creates a relaxed first impression and sets the tone for the island experience from the moment you land.
First Impressions of Koh Samui Island
Before visiting, I expected Koh Samui to feel less developed and more rural. In reality, it is far more built-up than many travellers anticipate. That said, it is not overwhelming. Koh Samui sits in a middle ground between smaller islands like Koh Tao and highly urbanised destinations such as Phuket or Bangkok.
The island immediately gave off what I can only describe as “Hawaii-style” vibes, with long coastal roads lined by palm trees, scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea, and a strong sense of island living. While I have never been to Hawaii myself, Koh Samui matched the cinematic image often portrayed in films.
The presence of many international visitors, particularly British tourists, contributed to a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and the island caters well to international travellers without losing its Thai identity.
Exploring Koh Samui: Why Tours Made All the Difference
One of the most important takeaways from my time on Koh Samui is that booking tours can completely change your experience of the island. Koh Samui is larger than it appears on a map, and many of its best spots are not easily accessible without transport.
I booked multiple excursions with Happy Samui Tours, and these ended up being the highlight of my trip.
Pig Island Tour
The Pig Island tour was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire Thailand trip. The island itself is small and relaxed, with pigs freely roaming along the beach. It is quirky, unexpected, and unlike anything else I experienced in Thailand. The tour was well organised, stress-free, and offered excellent value for money.
Below is the exact tour I took to get to Pig Island, which made the experience easy and well organised.
Koh Samui Island Tour
I also joined a tour that explored Koh Samui itself, visiting beaches, viewpoints, and attractions that I would not have been able to reach on my own. This provided a much deeper understanding of the island beyond the main tourist areas and helped me appreciate its diversity, from cultural landmarks to quieter coastal locations.
For travellers without a scooter or those visiting for only a few days, guided tours are one of the best ways to see Koh Samui properly.
Below is the exact island tour I took in Koh Samui. It was one of the most enjoyable days of my trip and something I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the island.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui: My Hotel Experience Near Chaweng Beach
I stayed at a hotel called The Stay, located near Chaweng Beach, approximately ten minutes from Koh Samui Airport. Chaweng is one of the most popular areas on the island, known for its beach, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping.
At £58 per night including breakfast, the hotel offered good value for money. The room was clean, the facilities were adequate, and the location was convenient for both the airport and nearby attractions.
However, I did experience an issue at checkout. After I had already checked out and entered my taxi, the hotel contacted the driver claiming I owed an additional 250 baht for a dinner I supposedly had on a Friday. The problem was that I was not even on the island on that day due to a delayed arrival. While this may have been a mistake, it is worth mentioning as a reminder to always review hotel charges carefully before leaving.
Getting Around Koh Samui
Transportation is an important factor when planning a Koh Samui trip. The island is not particularly walkable, and public transport options are limited.
Most visitors rely on taxis, private transfers, songthaews, or scooter rentals. While renting a scooter offers flexibility, it is not suitable for everyone, particularly inexperienced riders. Taxis can be expensive compared to other parts of Thailand, which is why tours can be a cost-effective and practical option for short stays.
Food and Dining in Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers a wide range of dining experiences, from local Thai street food to international restaurants and upscale beachfront dining. Areas such as Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Fisherman’s Village in Bophut are particularly popular for food and nightlife.
Visitors can expect to find classic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, green curry, fresh seafood, tropical fruit smoothies, and mango sticky rice readily available across the island. Koh Samui also has a strong café culture, making it easy to find good coffee and breakfast options.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Koh Samui
From my experience, there are a few practical things worth knowing before visiting Koh Samui:
Koh Samui is more developed and spread out than many travellers expect, so planning transportation in advance is important.
Hotels may add unexpected charges, so reviewing bills carefully before checkout is essential.
Booking tours can significantly enhance your experience, particularly if you are short on time.
The open-air airport means travellers should dress for warm weather and keep documents secure.
Koh Samui is a popular international destination, so expect a lively but friendly tourist atmosphere.
Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts
After spending three days on Koh Samui, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations. The island offers a balance of natural beauty, accessibility, comfort, and memorable experiences. While it is more developed than some Thai islands, this development also makes it easier to explore and enjoy, especially for first-time visitors.
Between the exceptional service from Bangkok Airways, the unique airport experience, the unforgettable island tours, and the overall island atmosphere, Koh Samui left a lasting impression. It is a destination I would happily return to and one I would recommend to travellers looking for a well-rounded tropical island experience in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Samui
The best time to visit Koh Samui is typically between January and April, when the weather is hot, dry, and ideal for beach activities and island tours. Sea conditions are calmer, making this a good time for snorkelling and boat excursions.
The period many travellers avoid is October and November, which is the island’s main rainy season. During these months, heavy rainfall and rough seas can disrupt outdoor plans and boat trips. While accommodation prices may be lower, weather-related disruptions can impact short stays.
Koh Samui is famous for offering a balance of tropical scenery and modern convenience. It is one of the few Thai islands with its own airport, making it highly accessible compared to islands that require long ferry journeys.
The island is also known for its palm-lined beaches, luxury resorts, wellness retreats, nightlife in areas such as Chaweng, and easy access to nearby attractions like Pig Island and Ang Thong National Marine Park. This versatility has helped Koh Samui appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Koh Samui is generally more expensive than smaller islands such as Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, particularly when it comes to accommodation and transport. Taxis and private transfers can be costly, and beachfront restaurants often charge higher prices.
That said, Koh Samui still offers good value overall. Budget hotels, local Thai restaurants, and affordable tours are widely available, allowing travellers to tailor their spending depending on their travel style.
Koh Samui is not exclusively a party island, but it does have a vibrant nightlife scene in certain areas. Chaweng Beach is the main nightlife hub, with bars, clubs, and beach parties that run late into the night.
Outside of Chaweng, the island is far more relaxed. Areas such as Bophut, Maenam, and Lamai cater to couples, families, and travellers seeking a quieter stay. Compared to Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party scene, Koh Samui offers a more balanced mix of nightlife and tranquillity.
A stay of three to five days is ideal for first-time visitors. This allows enough time to explore the main beaches, join at least one island tour, and experience different areas of the island without feeling rushed.
Travellers who want a slower pace or plan to include wellness retreats, spa days, or nearby islands may prefer staying for a week or longer.
Yes, Koh Samui is very suitable for first-time visitors to Thailand. The island is easy to navigate, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and the infrastructure is well developed.
Its international airport, variety of accommodation options, and organised tours make it an accessible and low-stress introduction to Thailand, particularly for those unfamiliar with Southeast Asia.
Koh Samui is generally considered safe for solo travellers, including solo female travellers. Tourist areas are well-lit, busy, and accustomed to international visitors.
As with any destination, basic precautions should be taken, such as safeguarding valuables and being cautious when riding scooters. Many solo travellers choose Koh Samui specifically because of its safety and ease of travel.
The best area to stay depends on your travel style. Chaweng is ideal for nightlife, shopping, and dining. Bophut, particularly Fisherman’s Village, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with boutique hotels and beachfront restaurants. Lamai provides a quieter alternative while still offering amenities.
Maenam and Choeng Mon are popular with travellers seeking a peaceful beach-focused stay away from busy nightlife areas.
While many visitors rent scooters, it is not essential. Koh Samui is larger than it appears, and scooter accidents are common among inexperienced riders.
Alternatives include taxis, songthaews, private drivers, and guided tours. For short stays, organised tours are often the easiest and safest way to explore the island.
Yes, Koh Samui is a family-friendly destination. The island offers family resorts, calm beaches, kid-friendly restaurants, and activities such as boat trips, wildlife attractions, and cultural sites.
Areas away from Chaweng’s nightlife are particularly well suited to families travelling with children.
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, and larger restaurants, but cash is still essential for taxis, street food, local shops, and smaller businesses.
ATMs are widely available across the island.
Koh Samui offers a different experience compared to Phuket or Krabi. Phuket is larger and more urban, while Krabi is known for dramatic limestone cliffs and mainland-based excursions.
Koh Samui stands out for its island atmosphere combined with convenience. Travellers looking for a tropical island feel without sacrificing comfort and accessibility often prefer Koh Samui.
Yes, Koh Samui can be visited on a budget, although it requires more planning than some other Thai destinations. Staying in budget hotels, eating at local restaurants, limiting taxi use, and booking group tours can significantly reduce costs.
While luxury options are prominent, budget-conscious travellers can still enjoy Koh Samui without overspending.
