Travel guides › Koh Samui & Koh Phangan

Koh Samui in 3 days, 2 nights: should you spend your time at temples or along the southern coast?

Choose A for temple visits, a stroll through a coastal village, and the Friday Walking Street; choose B for the southern rocky coast and a sea tour. Koh Samui’s rainiest period is generally October to December.

How do you get from the airport to your Koh Samui accommodation, and on to Koh Phangan?

Samui Airport (USM) is about 2–5 km from Chaweng, around 10–15 minutes by car. The airport’s official shuttle to Chaweng or Bophut costs 140 baht per person one way, or 380 baht per vehicle for 1–4 people one way. These fares apply from September 10, 2026.

Take a ferry from Samui to Koh Phangan. The one-way fare from Mae Nam (Pralan) to Thong Sala on Lomprayah is 250 baht and takes about 30 minutes. The Bangrak–Thong Sala ferry on Seatran Discovery starts at 300 baht and takes about 20–30 minutes. The Bangrak–Haad Rin ferry on Haad Rin Queen takes about 50 minutes.

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

3 days, 2 nights A | Northeastern temples and a stroll through Bophut

On day one, head from the airport to two northeastern temples, then stay in Bophut. Spend day two strolling along the coast at Fisherman’s Village and visiting the Friday Walking Street. On the last day, take it easy in Chaweng before returning to the airport.

Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26

Day 1 | From the airport to the northeastern temples and Bophut

  1. Samui Airport → Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · พระใหญ่ เกาะสมุย (วัดพระใหญ่)

    Take a taxi or ride-hailing car from the airport to the northeastern tip of Koh Phangan. It’s about 10 minutes by car from Bophut. Temple admission is free; donations are welcome. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before climbing the Buddha’s platform.

  2. Big Buddha → Wat Plai Laem · Wat Plai Laem · วัดปลายแหลม

    Take a taxi or ride-hailing car around the northeastern area to see the statue of Guanyin on the lake and the temple arcades. Open daily, 06:00–18:00; free admission, with donations welcome. Remove your shoes inside buildings and wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

  3. Wat Plai Laem → Bophut accommodation and dinner

    Take a taxi or songthaew to the beachfront in Bophut. For dinner, try Kawin’s Kitchen or Spice Bophut near Fisherman’s Village.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Kawin’s Kitchen Fisherman villageFood · Spices Bophut

Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · Thailand Voyager: Where to Stay in Koh Samui 2026-10-26

Day 2 | Fisherman’s Village and the Friday Walking Street

  1. Bophut accommodation → Fisherman’s Village

    If you’re staying in Bophut, you can walk to explore the old wooden shophouses and waterfront promenade. Try Kawin’s Kitchen or Omsin Restaurant for lunch.

  2. Fisherman’s Village → Friday Walking Street

    On Fridays, the road generally becomes a pedestrian market from 17:00–23:00, with free entry. Arrive in the early evening to browse street food and handicrafts, then grab dinner around the market. If it’s not Friday, explore the waterfront restaurants and shops.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Kawin’s Kitchen Fisherman villageFood · Omsin Restaurant

Source: 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · Fisherman’s Village, Bophut — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26

Day 3 | From Chaweng Beach to the airport

  1. Bophut → Chaweng Beach

    Take a taxi or songthaew to Chaweng Beach. It’s free to visit and open at all times. Try Prego Samui or Thai Kick Prapao in Chaweng for lunch.

  2. Chaweng Beach → Samui Airport

    Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to the airport. It’s about 2–5 km from central Chaweng, around 10–15 minutes by car. The airport shared shuttle costs 140 baht per person one way, or 380 baht per vehicle for 1–4 people one way.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Prego SamuiFood · Tai Kik Pla Pao

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26

3 days, 2 nights A: confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)

Total for confirmed items: airport shared shuttle 140 baht + Big Buddha free + Wat Plai Laem free + Fisherman’s Village free + Chaweng Beach free = 140 baht total. If you take the shared shuttle to and from the airport, 140 baht × 2 rides = 280 baht total.

Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26

3 days, 2 nights B | Southern coast and the waters of Ang Thong

Explore Lamai, Hin Ta Hin Yai, and Na Muang Waterfalls in the south, and spend a day on a tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Choose this itinerary if you want to focus on the sea and island scenery.

Source: Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · TAT: Vacay invites you to discover the beauty of Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26

Day 1 | From the airport to Lamai and southern sights

  1. Samui Airport → Lamai accommodation

    You can take the official airport shuttle. The shared shuttle to the central Lamai area costs 200 baht per person one way, or 760 baht per vehicle for 1–4 people one way.

  2. Lamai accommodation → Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) · Hin Ta Hin Yai · หินตาหินยาย

    Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to the southern coast of Lamai. Viewing the rocks is free; daytime visits are recommended. Enjoy the coastal views and rock formations, and look for kalamae, a local snack, at the stalls by the entrance. For dinner, try Nana Tam or Pink Orchid Restaurant in Lamai.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Nana TamFood · Pink Orchid Restaurant

Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · TAT: Vacay invites you to discover the beauty of Koh Samui 2026-10-26

Day 2 | Na Muang Waterfalls and Lamai

  1. Lamai → Na Muang Waterfalls · Na Muang Waterfalls · น้ำตกหน้าเมือง

    Take a taxi or Grab to the waterfalls in the southern interior. Na Muang 1 has a natural pool, while Na Muang 2 is farther inland. Admission is free. Rocks and trails can be slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.

  2. Na Muang Waterfalls → Lamai Beach

    Return to Lamai by car for a beach walk or a relaxing break. The beach is free and open at all times. For dinner, eat at Nana Tam or enjoy the beachfront atmosphere at Crystal Bay Beach Club.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Nana TamLive music · Crystal Bay Beach Club

Source: 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui Taxi Prices 2026: Fair Fare Checker 2026-10-26 · Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26

Day 3 | Ang Thong Marine Park tour, then the airport

  1. Samui accommodation → Ang Thong National Marine Park · Ang Thong National Marine Park

    Join a boat tour with a licensed operator. The park is open 08:00–17:00. One confirmed speedboat tour example costs 1,890 baht per adult; the park entrance fee for foreign adults is an additional 300 baht. Check whether hotel pickup and return are included, then enjoy the lagoon scenery and any kayaking or snorkeling included in the itinerary. Tours are listed as unavailable from November through mid-December.

  2. Ang Thong tour return point → Samui Airport

    After returning from the tour, take a taxi or shuttle to the airport. The airport shared shuttle from the central Lamai area costs 200 baht per person one way. Choose a transfer that fits your departure time.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapCafés · Wild Tribe Café

Source: Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26

3 days, 2 nights B: confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)

Total for confirmed items: one-way Lamai airport shared shuttle 200 baht + Hin Ta Hin Yai free + Na Muang Waterfalls free + Lamai Beach free + Ang Thong speedboat tour 1,890 baht + park entrance fee 300 baht = 2,390 baht total. If you take the shared shuttle to and from the airport, 200 baht × 2 rides + 1,890 baht + 300 baht = 2,590 baht total.

Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 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 · Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26

FAQ

Which itinerary suits you better for 3 days and 2 nights in Koh Samui, A or B?

Choose A for northeastern temples, a stroll along the Bophut waterfront, and the Friday market. Choose B for the southern coast, waterfalls, and an Ang Thong sea tour.

Can I visit Fisherman’s Village on a day other than Friday?

Yes. You can explore the old shophouses and waterfront promenade. The Friday Walking Street generally runs on Fridays from 17:00–23:00.

Can I visit Ang Thong Marine Park all year round?

It depends on the weather and operating schedule. The listed speedboat tour does not operate from November through mid-December, so check whether it’s running on your travel dates.

Official sources & check dates

Site updated: 2026-10-26