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Thailand·Gulf of Thailand, South Thailand
Koh Samui
Gulf coast coconut island
BeachesWellnessNightlife
OverviewAt a glance
On Thailand’s Gulf coast, Koh Samui pairs swaying coconut groves with palm-backed coves and glossy wellness retreats. A springboard to Angthong Marine Park and the full-moon parties of neighboring Koh Phangan.
- Best season
- December – April
- Getting there
- Samui Airport (USM) — direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore & Hong Kong
- Known for
- Palm coves & full-moon parties
Signature beachesShores
Chaweng
The liveliest white-sand strip, lined with restaurants and bars
Lamai
A quieter resort bay
Silver Beach
A clear cove between two headlands
Things to doTo do
Angthong Marine Park
Island-hop emerald lagoons and limestone stacks
Full-moon party
Hop to neighbouring Koh Phangan for the all-night beach party
Wellness retreat
Thai massage and yoga in a coconut-grove spa
Good to knowTips
- 1Full Moon Party nights get tense — watch bags and traffic
- 2Oct–Dec is the rainy season, the opposite of the Andaman
- 3Songthaew pickups are the main way around the island
Next island
Maldives