The island is small — nothing is more than an hour away — but having a way to get around makes life much easier (and way more fun). Here's what you need to know:

Grab App (Thailand’s Uber)

• The easiest and most reliable option.

• Works just like Uber — order a car, track it, pay in cash or card.

• Great for getting to restaurants, beach clubs, or back to your hotel after a market crawl.

Scooter Rental (200–300 THB/day)

• A fun and affordable way to explore, but only if you're confident on two wheels.

• Helmets are a must — not just for safety, but there are regular police checks.

• Avoid renting in flip-flops and don’t forget to take photos of the scooter before riding off.

• You will need to bring a valid license and a copy of your passport!

If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, Koh Samui might not be the place to start.

Car Rental

• A good choice for families or groups who want to explore the island comfortably.

• Available at the airport and most towns.

• Automatic cars are common, and driving is on the left-hand side (same as UK & Australia).

Taxis & Tuk-Tuks

• Easy to find in busy areas, but always agree on a price beforehand — meters are rare.

• Great for short hops, markets, or if you don’t want to wait for Grab.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

If you only do one day trip, make it this.
A protected archipelago of 42 jungle-clad islands with emerald lagoons, kayaking, snorkelling, and postcard-worthy views. You'll recognise it from The Beach — and it’s often the highlight of a trip​.

Pig Island (Koh Madsum)

A half-day boat trip with friendly pigs roaming the beach. Combine it with snorkelling and swimming in crystal waters. Quirky, relaxing, and fun for all ages.

Beaches Worth a Visit

• Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) - Quiet, turquoise water, perfect for swimming.

• Lamai - Great balance of chill and buzz.

• Choeng Mon - Smaller and family-friendly, with calm water and mellow energy.

• Fisherman’s Village - Beachfront cocktails, beanbags, and evening fire shows.

Cultural Highlights

• Big Buddha – Iconic 12m golden statue with serene views. Best early morning or late afternoon.

• Wat Plai Laem – Stunning lake temple with colourful statues. Bring 10 baht coins to feed the fish​.

• Wat Khao Hua Jook – Hilltop temple with sweeping views of the airport and coastline — perfect at sunset​.

Treat Yourself

• Thai Massage & Spas – Available beachside or in beautiful luxury resorts.

• Cooking Classes – Learn to make Thai classics like green curry and mango sticky rice.

• Yoga at Vikasa – Cliffside views and gentle flow sessions.

🌟 Mid-Range Must-Tries

Great food, casual vibes, and totally worth a visit:

• Phensiri Thai Restaurant – Authentic Thai with warm service

• 2Fishes – Italian fare with local ingredients in Fisherman’s Village

• Cafe 69 – Creative, modern Thai with a twist

• The Cliff Bar and Grill – Mediterranean with a killer ocean view

• The Jungle Club – Clifftop views, solid food, and a rustic, breezy vibe

• Vikasa Life Café – Healthy brunches and smoothies with yoga studio views

• Cocoon – Chic setting for brunch or lunch in the treetops

• The View – Beachside dining with, well... an epic view

• Nahm – Sophisticated Thai in a gorgeous setting

• Ran Khun Nong – Super local, no-frills spot serving authentic Thai dishes at budget-friendly prices. Perfect for a tasty lunch off the tourist trail.
  
  

🍽️ A Little Bit Fancy

For something special — perfect for a splurge night:

• Long Dtai at Cape Fahn Hotel – Southern Thai seafood by acclaimed chef David Thompson

• Za’atar at Four Seasons – Modern Middle Eastern flavours with a luxe backdrop

• Tree Tops at Anantara – Romantic, private canopy dining

• Dining on the Rocks (Six Senses) – Fine dining with an eco-luxe edge and panoramic views
  
  

🍹 Good Vibes, Lunches & Drinks

Casual eats, cocktails, and a spot to chill:

• Coco Tams – Fire shows, beanbags in the sand, and beachfront cocktails in Fisherman’s Village

• Seen Beach Club – Poolside lounging by day, DJs and dancing by night

• The Deck Beach Club – Stylish beachfront setting with good food, cocktails, and chilled-out music

• Pi Samui – Beach club & bar with a laid-back vibe and great tunes
  
  

🛍️ Night Markets

For local flavour, easy eats, and a lively atmosphere:

• Fisherman’s Village Night Market (Bophut) – Food, crafts, souvenirs — our top pick

• Chaweng Night Markets – Great for pad Thai, grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and more

• Nathon Night Market – A little quieter but very local and authentic

🙏 Thank you

• Khob Khun Krab (ขอบคุณครับ) – for men
  Pronounced: "Khop Koon Krup" (soft ‘r’, short ‘u’)

• Khob Khun Kha (ขอบคุณค่ะ) – for women
  Pronounced: "Khop Koon Kah"

😋 Delicious

• Aroy (อร่อย)
  Pronounced: "Ah-roy"
  (You can also say "Aroy Mak" = very delicious)
  
  

🌶️ Not Spicy

• Mai Phet (ไม่เผ็ด)
  Pronounced: "My Pet"
  (Mai = not, Phet = spicy)
  
  

🍻 Very Drunk

• Mao Mak (เมามาก)
  Pronounced: "Mao Mark"
  (Mao = drunk, Mak = very)

• Internet/Phone:For connectivity on the island, the best local sim cards with data packages are airalo (esim) or AIS/True Move (physical sim, available at most airports including Samui or at 7/11 
  
  

• Currency: Thai Baht (cash is useful in small shops and markets).
  
  

• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated – rounding up is common.
  
  

• Water: Stick to bottled.
  
  

• Mosquitoes: They're around, so pack repellent.
  
  

• Power: Thailand uses 220V plugs
  
  

• Temples: Shoulders and knees covered – bring a scarf or sarong.
  
  

• Scooters: Fun but risky unless you're confident – helmets are a must.
  
  

• Language: You’ll hear "Sawadee ka/krub" (hello) and "Aroi!" (delicious).
  
  

• Smile: It’s Thailand’s secret language – it goes a long way.

We want to be upfront — we don’t actively promote elephant tourism.

Many places that advertise themselves as sanctuaries aren’t truly ethical, and animal welfare is something we care deeply about.

That said, if seeing elephants is something you really want to do while in Thailand, there are a couple of sanctuaries on the island that have made strong moves towards genuine, welfare-first experiences:

More Ethical Options:

• Samui Elephant Sanctuary (Bophut & Chaweng Noi)

• Samui Elephant Haven

Both of these sanctuaries are part of the Asian Elephant Alliance and operate under a no riding, no bathing, no performances policy. Visits are quiet, educational, and respectful — allowing the elephants to just be elephants.

❌ Please avoid any elephant experiences that offer riding, tricks, selfies, or close interaction.

✅ A good rule: if it feels like a zoo or a circus, it probably is.