Koh Samui Travel Guide - Mark My Adventure

Koh Samui is a tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. On my second trip to Thailand, I planned to visit Koh Samui & a full moon party during my 8 days trip. However, I planned haphazardly. To save some cost, I booked a bus from Bangkok to Noi Beach & from there, the ferry took us to Koh Samui. More about the journey below. I stayed in Koh Samui for approx 4 days & here is a complete Koh Samui Solo Travel Guide by an Indian.

Koh Samui is a destination for "ReThaierd" people. (People who enjoy retired life in Thailand). The calmness & the laid-back life of the place will be relaxing for many. Many old age people stay alone in Koh Samui & enjoy this beautiful island.

How To Reach Koh Samui:

While there is an airport in Samui with convenient flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, I decided to opt for a more budget-friendly option and booked a bus from Bangkok. Little did I know that the night journey would prove to be exhausting and sleepless, lasting a daunting 15-16 hours. Lesson learned: saving on costs sometimes comes at the expense of comfort and valuable time. There is an option of booking all the travel or events via 12Go.com.

In retrospect, I highly recommend booking flight tickets to Koh Samui to avoid the grueling road trip. Trust me, the convenience and time saved are worth every penny. After all, who wants to waste a precious day out of their 8-day trip on tiring travel? Not me, that's for sure!.

Once I reached Samui, the ferry ride from the mainland dropped me off at the picturesque Pralarn Pier. From there, a convenient bus service awaits, ready to whisk you away to any place on Koh Samui for just 150 Baht.

Things To Do in Koh Samui:

1. Koh Samui Beaches

Chaweng Beach is famous for its soft, powdery white sands that invite you to lay back, soak up the sun, and indulge in ultimate relaxation. The beachfront of Chaweng is lined with an array of beach bars, restaurants, and clubs, offering a lively and energetic atmosphere. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail, savor delicious local cuisine, and dance the night away to live music or DJ beats.

Lamai Beach presents a tranquil setting, with its peaceful ambiance and scenic beauty. Unwind on the golden sands, surrounded by lush palm trees and swaying coconut groves.One of the best beaches to dip in water.

Maenam Beach boasts a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking relaxation away from the crowds. Sink your toes into the soft sands and let the gentle sea breeze wash over you.

Choengmon Beach: Nestled in a picturesque bay, Choengmon Beach offers a serene and idyllic setting. With its soft sands and gentle waves, it's a perfect beach for unwinding and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere. Choengmon Beach is also an ideal spot for family outings. The shallow waters and gentle slopes make it safe for children to splash around and build sandcastles.

Bang Por Beach offers a serene and less crowded alternative to the more popular beaches on the island. With its pristine white sands, swaying palm trees, and calm turquoise waters, it's the perfect spot for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. This secluded beach is a haven for privacy and solitude. Whether you're strolling along the shore, finding a peaceful spot to sunbathe, or enjoying a quiet swim, you'll feel a sense of tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Bang Por Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky becomes painted with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a magical ambiance that is truly unforgettable. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas.

2. Mua Thai

Koh Samui offers an incredible opportunity to learn Muay Thai, the ancient martial art of Thailand. Renowned training camps provide a unique and immersive experience for beginners and experienced fighters alike. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you can learn the art of striking, clinching, and powerful techniques while improving your fitness and discipline. Embrace the challenge, unleash your inner warrior, and embark on a transformative journey in the birthplace of Muay Thai.

3. Day Trips from Koh Samui:

Koh Samui, with its central location in the Gulf of Thailand, offers a multitude of exciting day tour options. Here are some of the top day tours you can embark on from Koh Samui:

Ang Thong Marine Park: Embark on a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park, an archipelago consisting of 42 islands adorned with towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. Explore the marine park by kayaking, snorkeling, or taking a boat tour. Witness the breathtaking viewpoints, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning natural beauty that inspired the novel "The Beach."

Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: Take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Enjoy snorkeling in the turquoise waters, discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and relax on the pristine white sand beaches. Don't miss the opportunity to hike to the famous viewpoint at Koh Nang Yuan for a spectacular panoramic view of the islands.

Koh Phangan: Hop on a speedboat or ferry and venture to the neighboring island of Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Party. However, there is more to Koh Phangan than just the party scene. Explore its lush jungles, visit serene waterfalls like Phaeng Waterfall, and discover its quieter beaches for a more tranquil experience.

Five Islands Sunset Tour: Embark on a unique Five Islands Sunset Tour, where you'll cruise along the coast of Koh Samui, passing by five small islands. Witness the breathtaking sunset as you enjoy a delicious dinner on board, and if you're lucky, you might spot the elusive green flash phenomenon as the sun dips below the horizon.

4. Waterfalls:

Koh Samui is not only known for its stunning beaches but also for its captivating waterfalls. Explore the island's natural beauty by visiting the enchanting Na Muang Waterfall, where you can admire the cascading waters and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. Hin Lad Waterfall offers a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers and hikers. Don't miss the hidden gem of Wang Sao Thong Waterfall, a serene oasis tucked away in the island's interior, where you can relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance. Discover these hidden treasures and let the soothing sounds of nature rejuvenate your spirit.

Is It Worth Traveling To Koh Samui:

Koh Samui is a pleasant island with many calm beaches. The island is the hub for retired people who like to enjoy the sunshine. If you are looking for a peaceful environment with a good place to hang out. Apart from the Chewang area rest of the island is calm & laid back. Chewang is the place where one will find lots of bars & pubs. Read about it in a detailed way at this place. Is Koh Samui Worth It?

How To Do Koh Samui In Budget:

Koh Samui is a touristic destination so doing it in budget can be tough. Considering there are no value for money hostels in the city. However, renting a motorbike is a go to activity. The rental starts from 200 Baht per day. Further, the food is constant through out the city. Finding street food can be challenging if you are a vegetarian. The snacks usually starts from 80 Baht & per day cost for everything will work out around 1000-1200 Baht.

Best Time To Visit Koh Samui:

If you're planning a trip to the stunning island of Koh Samui, you may be wondering when the best time to visit is. The island enjoys a warm and humid climate throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to February. During these months, you can expect plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, and pleasant temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. This makes it the perfect time for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island's natural wonders. However, if you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November when there are fewer tourists, lower hotel rates, and occasional rain showers. Regardless of when you visit Koh Samui, you're bound to be enchanted by its beauty and find your own slice of paradise.

A trip is incomplete without the pics.Buy an iphone to click some breath taking pics. Apart from a phone camera, I use GoPro an adventure camera to shoot video & click high definition photos. The product is pretty handy & captures mind blogging videos. GoPro is easy & handy to use, which makes it a must buy. So, these are my trip essentials.

Handy Resources:

Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.

Amazon: I am a member of Amazon affiliate programme. Amazon is probably the biggest market place there is. Buy your trip essential from this link

Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.

Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.

Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.

Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.

Couchsurfing: Best place to find free accommodation. It is as easy as filtering people & messaging. If you will get lucky you will find free accommodation in local resident house.

Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.