Koh Samui

เกาะสมุย

A well-developed island paradise with soft beaches, coconut groves, and a mix of luxury resorts and budget accommodations suitable for all travelers. It's known for water sports, diving, spa treatments, and the iconic Big Buddha temple overlooking the island.

Things to do

• Big Buddha Temple Visit — Explore the 12-meter golden statue of Buddha overlooking the island from Khao Hua Jook hill, accessible by steep steps and offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
• Chaweng Beach Swimming & Sunbathing — Relax on Koh Samui's most popular and well-developed beach with soft sand, clear waters, and numerous beachfront bars and restaurants lining the shore.
• Scuba Diving at Ang Thong Marine Park — Dive among coral reefs and tropical fish in this protected marine national park just north of Koh Samui, known for excellent visibility and diverse marine life.
• Traditional Thai Massage — Experience authentic Thai massage at one of the island's numerous spas ranging from luxury resorts to affordable local shops specializing in pressure-point and stretching techniques.
• Coconut Farm Tour — Visit a working coconut plantation to learn how coconuts are harvested, processed into oil and milk, and sample fresh coconut products directly from the source.
• Snorkeling at Koh Tan — Take a short boat trip to this nearby uninhabited island to snorkel in shallow waters teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral gardens.
• Lamai Beach Night Market — Browse Lamai's evening street market for fresh seafood, local crafts, and street food while experiencing authentic island commerce away from the main tourist areas.

Food to try

• Som Tam — A spicy green papaya salad made with lime juice, fish sauce, bird's eye chilies, and crushed peanuts, representing Thai northeast cuisine at its most vibrant and refreshing.
• Fresh Grilled Fish with Nam Pla — Whole local fish seasoned simply with salt and grilled over charcoal, served with nam pla (fish sauce with lime and chilies) for dipping at beachfront restaurants.
• Tom Yum Goong — A hot and sour soup made with fresh shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, reflecting the bold flavors of Thai coastal cooking.
• Satay Chicken Skewers — Marinated chicken grilled on bamboo skewers and served with peanut sauce, a popular beach snack and street food found throughout the island.
• Fresh Mango Sticky Rice — Sweet sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices and drizzled with coconut cream, best enjoyed with locally-grown Nam Doc Mai mangoes during peak season.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Royal Family and Buddhism — Always show reverence when seeing images of the Thai King and never disrespect Buddhist symbols or monks; avoid stepping on currency which bears the King's image.
• Remove Shoes Before Entering Homes and Temples — It is customary to remove footwear when entering someone's home, temples, or sacred spaces as a sign of respect and cleanliness in Thai culture.
• Practice Modest Beach Attire — While Koh Samui is tourist-friendly, avoid wearing swimwear away from the beach; cover up when visiting temples, local shops, or dining at traditional establishments.
• Learn Basic Thai Greetings — Locals appreciate when visitors use 'Sawasdee krap/ka' (hello) and 'Khob khun krap/ka' (thank you), with small effort in the local language earning genuine smiles and goodwill.