Koh Samui: how to get there and which beach to choose

Koh Samui is known as a quiet island with good beaches and lower prices than Phuket. But it is harder to reach: tickets to the island are almost always more expensive than to Bangkok or Surat Thani. Below are the ways to get there and a review of the beaches so you can pick the right one.

How to get to Samui

1. By plane via Bangkok. Samui airport (USM) is owned by Bangkok Airways, so domestic flights from Bangkok cost more than usual. The flight takes about an hour. This is the most convenient option if you want to reach the island in one day.

2. By plane to Surat Thani, then a ferry. Cheaper and a little longer. From Bangkok you fly to Surat Thani (URT), then take a bus or minivan to Don Sak pier and a ferry. Ferries run several times a day and the crossing takes about an hour and a half. The whole journey with transfers takes roughly 5 hours.

3. By night train or bus. The most budget-friendly way. From Bangkok you travel south and change to a ferry in the morning. Suits people for whom price matters more than time.

Compare the cost of a flight to Bangkok with a ticket to the island and with the Surat Thani option, and check the prices in the HotTrip flight search.

Samui beaches

Chaweng. The best-known beach: white sand, clear water, lots of bars, shops and cafes. It is the noisiest and the most crowded. Suits anyone who wants nightlife and entertainment.

Lamai. Calmer than Chaweng, with cafes and a little nightlife. Nearby are the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, which locals call "Grandfather and Grandmother".

Bophut. A calm northeast shore. Nearby is Fisherman's Village: a street with cafes and an evening market that turns into a pedestrian zone on Fridays. Not far from the beach is the Big Buddha statue.

Maenam. A long beach in the north, quiet and inexpensive. Good for a calm week, but there is little entertainment nearby.

Choeng Mon. A small bay with cozy hotels. Excellent for families with children: shallow entry into the water and a calm atmosphere.

Lipa Noi. The west of the island, with beautiful sunsets and very few tourists. For anyone who wants quiet.

Which beach to choose

• For nightlife: Chaweng.
• For families: Choeng Mon, Bophut, Maenam.
• For a calm holiday with views: Lamai, Lipa Noi.

What to know in advance

The island is small, but getting between beaches takes longer than it seems. The main transport is taxi apps, songthaews (pickup minibuses) and rented scooters. For a scooter you need a license of category A and a helmet, otherwise insurance is not valid.

The best time for the trip is described in when to go to Koh Samui. If you want to combine the island with a city, see where to stay in Bangkok and Bangkok in 3 days. For comparison with another island: Phuket beaches and areas.

Frequently asked questions

Are there direct international flights to Samui?

Most travelers arrive with a connection, usually via Bangkok.

How much is the flight from Bangkok to Samui?

The ticket is usually noticeably more expensive than on other domestic routes, because the airport belongs to one company. Compare with the option via Surat Thani and a ferry.

How long does it take from Surat Thani to Samui?

With the bus and ferry about 4-5 hours. The ferry takes about an hour and a half.

Which beach is best for children?

Choeng Mon, Bophut and Maenam: shallow entry and calmer than Chaweng.

How many days do I need on the island?

5-7 days is enough. If you want to visit the neighboring islands, add 2-3 more days.

Cover: photo by Elina Sazonova on Pexels