Travel guides › Koh Samui & Koh Phangan
Where should you stay in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan?
For easy walks to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, stay in Chaweng; for a quieter beach holiday, choose Lamai. Bophut is a good fit if evening strolls and dining are priorities, while Choeng Mon suits travelers looking for a peaceful bay and a family-friendly feel. If you plan to explore Koh Phangan’s wellness scene and beaches, consider adding 1–2 days on the island. Koh Samui Airport (USM) is about a 1 hour 10–20 minute flight from Bangkok, with direct flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
What kind of trip are Koh Samui and Koh Phangan best for?
Koh Samui is a good choice if you want to relax while visiting beaches, restaurants, temples, and viewpoints from one base. Choose Chaweng for a lively beach scene, Lamai for a calmer atmosphere, or Bophut for evening walks by the beach.
Koh Phangan suits travelers who want to take their time enjoying beaches, wellness, and village cafés. The ferry from Koh Samui takes about 30–60 minutes, so if you have a short trip, consider adding 1–2 days to stay on the island instead of making a day trip.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26 · Thailand Voyager: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Where to Stay 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui (Bangrak) to Haad Rin (Koh Phangan) Ferry 2026-10-26
Where should you stay?
Source: Koh Samui Pointer: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Thailand Voyager: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Where to Stay 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26
Chaweng · Chaweng
A central choice for first-time visitors who want to walk to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. Chaweng Beach and the island’s main entertainment area are close by, making it convenient if you want to minimize travel. If you prefer a quiet break over a lively scene, consider another beach area.
The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM), about 10–15 minutes away by car. There are no rail stations such as the BTS or MRT on the island, so get around by taxi, songthaew, or an available ride-hailing service.
Source: Koh Samui Pointer: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26
Bophut · Bophut
A good fit for couples and families who value dining and evening strolls around Fisherman’s Village. On Friday evenings, the village streets become a walking street where you can browse street food and handicrafts. Roads may be closed to vehicles during market hours, so it’s convenient to get dropped off on the main road and walk in.
The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM). If you stay in Bophut, you can explore Fisherman’s Village on foot, and use taxis or songthaews to get around the island.
Source: Thailand Voyager: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · Fisherman’s Village, Bophut — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26
Lamai · Lamai
A good choice for travelers who want a calmer beach holiday than Chaweng while still having access to dinner spots and basic amenities. Lamai Beach and Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) are easy to visit together. The road between Chaweng and Lamai can get busy around sunset, so allow extra time for the trip.
The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM). The official airport shuttle fare to central Lamai is 200 baht per person for a shared shuttle, or 760 baht for a vehicle carrying 1–4 people, one way.
Source: Koh Samui Pointer: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26
Choeng Mon · Choeng Mon
Consider Choeng Mon if you’re looking for accommodation by a relatively quiet bay that suits a family trip. It’s away from the busy beach streets, so plan to use a taxi or songthaew when heading out.
The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM). There are no nearby rail stations; taxis, songthaews, and available ride-hailing services are the main ways to get around the island.
Source: Koh Samui Pointer: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26
Thong Sala · Thong Sala
Thong Sala is convenient if you need a base near Koh Phangan’s pier and markets, or are staying on the island for a short time. At Phantip Night Market near the pier, you can try local dishes and snacks. There are no public buses on Koh Phangan, so take a songthaew or taxi to reach other beaches.
The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM), followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan. The night market is within walking distance of Thong Sala Pier.
Source: Koh Phangan: Where to Stay 2026-10-26 · Phantip Night Food Market, Thong Sala: Daily on Koh Phangan 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26
Srithanu · Srithanu
A base on Koh Phangan’s west coast for travelers looking for yoga studios and a wellness atmosphere. Since it’s away from other parts of the island, plan local transport or songthaew trips around your itinerary.
The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM). There are no public buses on Koh Phangan; once you arrive on the island, get around by local vehicle or songthaew.
Source: Koh Phangan: Where to Stay 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26
How do you get from the airport to your Koh Samui hotel, and on to Koh Phangan?
Koh Samui Airport (USM) is about 2–5 km from Chaweng, around 10–15 minutes by car. A direct flight from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Koh Samui takes about 1 hour 10–20 minutes. The official airport shuttle fare schedule is stated to take effect on September 10, 2026.
To reach Koh Phangan, take a ferry from a pier on Koh Samui. Thong Sala is the main arrival point, and some services go directly to Haad Rin. Check the operator’s timetable for your travel date.
| Route | How to get there | Time · fare |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) → Koh Samui Airport (USM) | Bangkok Airways direct flight | Flight: about 1 hour 10–20 minutes |
| Koh Samui Airport → Chaweng | Official taxi or shared shuttle | 380 baht one way per vehicle for 1–4 people, or 140 baht one way per person on the shared shuttle; about 10–15 minutes by car |
| Koh Samui Airport → Bophut · Choeng Mon | Official taxi or shared shuttle | 380 baht one way per vehicle for 1–4 people, or 140 baht one way per person on the shared shuttle |
| Koh Samui Airport → central Lamai | Official taxi or shared shuttle | 760 baht one way per vehicle for 1–4 people, or 200 baht one way per person on the shared shuttle |
| Koh Samui Mae Nam (Pralan) → Koh Phangan Thong Sala | Lomprayah ferry | 250 baht one way; about 30 minutes sailing time |
| Koh Samui Bangrak → Koh Phangan Thong Sala | Seatran Discovery ferry | From 300 baht one way; about 20–30 minutes sailing time |
| Koh Samui Bangrak → Koh Phangan Haad Rin | Haad Rin Queen ferry or speedboat | About 50 minutes by ferry or 25 minutes by speedboat |
Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry: times, prices, piers (2026) 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui (Bangrak) to Haad Rin (Koh Phangan) Ferry 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry guide 2026-10-26
How do you get around Koh Samui and Koh Phangan?
On Koh Samui, songthaews run as shared vehicles along set routes; short trips cost about 30–60 baht per person. Taxi fares are often negotiated rather than metered; a sample fare from Chaweng to Lamai is about 250–400 baht per vehicle.
Grab is available on Koh Samui, though vehicles may be limited. Koh Phangan has no public buses, so songthaews, taxis, and scooters are the main ways to get around. To ride a scooter, you need a valid license and an international driving permit recognized in Thailand; make sure it covers motorcycles too.
| Transport | How to use it and sample fares |
|---|---|
| Songthaew | Short trips on Koh Samui cost about 30–60 baht per person; fares may vary by route and time of day. |
| Taxi | Fares are usually negotiated; a sample fare from Chaweng to Lamai is about 250–400 baht per vehicle. |
| Grab | Available on Koh Samui, though vehicles may be limited. |
| Koh Phangan songthaew | A shared songthaew from Thong Sala to Haad Rin is listed at about 100–150 baht per person. |
| Ferry | Ferries run between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Check the operator’s timetable for sailing times and piers on your travel date. |
Source: Koh Samui Getting Around: Songthaew, Grab, Taxi & Scooter 2026 2026-10-26 · Explore Samui: Getting Around Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26 · Thailand Public Relations Department: Eligibility for foreigners driving in Thailand 2026-10-26 · Thailand.go.th: Temporary driver's licence requirements for foreign tourists 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Haad Rin Queen: Schedule 2026-10-26
Plan your days around the sights you want to see
Day 1 | Northeastern temples and an evening stroll in Bophut
On your first day, visit Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) Koh Samui · พระใหญ่ เกาะสมุย (วัดพระใหญ่) and Wat Plai Laem · Wat Plai Laem · วัดปลายแหลม in the northeast. The drive from Chaweng to the two temples takes about 15–20 minutes. End the day with an evening stroll at Fisherman’s Village Bophut and Friday Walking Street · Fisherman's Village Bophut and Friday Walking Street · หมู่บ้านชาวประมงบ่อผุด / ถนนคนเดินบ่อผุด. The walking street takes place on Friday evenings.
Source: Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · TAT: Vacay invites you to discover the beauty of Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · Fisherman’s Village, Bophut — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26
Day 2 | Lamai Beach and the southern interior
In the south, stroll along Lamai Beach · Lamai Beach · หาดละไม, then take in the rock formations and sea views at Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) · Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) · หินตาหินยาย. From there, continue inland to Na Muang Waterfalls · Na Muang Waterfalls · น้ำตกหน้าเมือง. Rocks and mountain paths can be slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26 · Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26
Day 3 | Ang Thong Marine National Park boat tour
Ang Thong Marine National Park comprises 42 islands and can be visited by boat tour with an authorized operator from Koh Samui. Depending on the itinerary, you can enjoy lagoon views, kayaking, and snorkeling. The park entrance fee for foreign adults is 300 baht and may be separate from the tour price. Depending on rainy-season weather, the park may close from November 1 to December 15.
Source: Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26 · Angthong Marine Park: Information and Guide 2026-10-26 · Angthong Marine Park: Fees and Permits 2026-10-26
If you have more time | 1–2 days on Koh Phangan
Take the ferry from Koh Samui and spend 1–2 extra days on Koh Phangan, exploring Thong Sala Night Market · Thong Sala Night Market / Phantip Night Food Market · ตลาดพันทิพย์ and the island’s beaches. Use Thong Sala as your base and visit the market; on another day, explore Bottle Beach in the north, Than Sadet in the east, or Srithanu in the west. These places are spread out, so it’s best not to squeeze them all into one day. Choose cafés, viewpoints, and sunset bars or pubs to suit your travel plans.
Source: Phantip Night Food Market, Thong Sala: Daily on Koh Phangan 2026-10-26 · Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat): Location and Access 2026-10-26 · Bottle Beach: Koh Phangan 2026-10-26
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is generally drier from February to July, with the rainiest period around October to December. Rain and rough seas can be more frequent from October to December, so if you’ve planned a boat trip, check schedules and weather closer to your travel date.
Ang Thong Marine National Park may close from November 1 to December 15 depending on rainy-season weather; dates can vary from year to year.
Source: Siam Travel: Rainy season in Thailand 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26
What should you prepare before entering Thailand?
Before entering Thailand, complete the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) and check the official Thai entry information for submission steps and guidance for your travel date. If you plan to ride a scooter, bring a valid driving license recognized in Thailand and an International Driving Permit (IDP), with a motorcycle license for the type of scooter you’ll ride.
Ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan can vary by operator and pier, so check the official timetable for your travel date.
Source: 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Haad Rin Queen: Schedule 2026-10-26 · Thailand Public Relations Department: Eligibility for foreigners driving in Thailand 2026-10-26 · Thailand.go.th: Temporary driver's licence requirements for foreign tourists 2026-10-26
Pick an itinerary by trip length
- 3 daysKoh Samui in 3 days, 2 nights: should you spend your time at temples or along the southern coast?
For 3 days and 2 nights in Koh Samui, itinerary A explores the northeastern temples and Bophut, while B takes in Lamai and Ang Thong Marine Park.
- 4 daysKoh Samui and Koh Phangan in 3 nights and 4 days: Which should you choose, temples or island tours?
Two 3-night, 4-day itineraries link temples in northeastern Koh Samui and the southern coast with either Ang Thong Marine Park or the markets and beaches of Koh Phangan.
- 5 daysKoh Samui and Koh Phangan in 4 nights and 5 days: temples or island scenery?
A 4-night, 5-day itinerary to explore Koh Samui’s northeastern temples and Bophut, southern waterfalls, Ang Thong Marine Park, and Koh Phangan to suit your interests.
FAQ
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
A direct flight from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Koh Samui Airport (USM) takes about 1 hour 10–20 minutes.
How long does it take to get from Koh Samui Airport to Chaweng?
About 10–15 minutes by car. The official taxi fare is 380 baht one way per vehicle for 1–4 people, and the shared shuttle is 140 baht one way per person.
How long is the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
It depends on the route. Lomprayah from Mae Nam to Thong Sala takes about 30 minutes, while Seatran Discovery from Bangrak to Thong Sala is listed at about 20–30 minutes.
When is the rainy season on Koh Samui?
Generally, October to December, when rain and rough seas may be more frequent.
Can you take the BTS or MRT on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan?
There are no BTS or MRT services on either island. On Koh Samui, use taxis, songthaews, and Grab where available; on Koh Phangan, get around by songthaew, taxi, or scooter.
Official sources & check dates
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui · 2026-10-26
- Thailand Voyager: Where to Stay in Koh Samui · 2026-10-26
- Koh Phangan: Where to Stay · 2026-10-26
- 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 · 2026-10-26
- Koh Samui (Bangrak) to Haad Rin (Koh Phangan) Ferry · 2026-10-26
- Koh Samui Pointer: Where to Stay in Koh Samui · 2026-10-26
- 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 · 2026-10-26
- Lamai Beach: How to Get To · 2026-10-26
- Koh Phangan: Getting Around · 2026-10-26
- Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 · 2026-10-26
- Fisherman’s Village, Bophut — Things to Do & How to Visit · 2026-10-26
- SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 · 2026-10-26
- Phantip Night Food Market, Thong Sala: Daily on Koh Phangan · 2026-10-26
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) · 2026-10-26
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry: times, prices, piers (2026) · 2026-10-26
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry guide · 2026-10-26
- Koh Samui Getting Around: Songthaew, Grab, Taxi & Scooter 2026 · 2026-10-26
- Explore Samui: Getting Around Koh Samui · 2026-10-26
- Thailand Public Relations Department: Eligibility for foreigners driving in Thailand · 2026-10-26
- Thailand.go.th: Temporary driver's licence requirements for foreign tourists · 2026-10-26
- Haad Rin Queen: Schedule · 2026-10-26
- Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit · 2026-10-26
- TAT: Vacay invites you to discover the beauty of Koh Samui · 2026-10-26
- Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem · 2026-10-26
- Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks — Things to Do & How to Visit · 2026-10-26
- 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall · 2026-10-26
- Na Muang Waterfall · 2026-10-26
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information · 2026-10-26
- Angthong Marine Park: Information and Guide · 2026-10-26
- Angthong Marine Park: Fees and Permits · 2026-10-26
- Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat): Location and Access · 2026-10-26
- Bottle Beach: Koh Phangan · 2026-10-26
- Siam Travel: Rainy season in Thailand · 2026-10-26
Site updated: 2026-10-26