Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and is a popular resort within the Gulf of Thailand. It retains much of the simple charm of its fishing village origins, with wide palm- fringed beaches, dense mountainous forests and charming villages. Koh Samui is also home to luxury resorts and family hotels dotted along the extensive coastline. The nightlife starts with a lazy dinner on the beach and for the night owls the clubs and bars offer entertainment into the early hours.
Why visit Koh Samui in 2023
- Regarded as the little sister to Phuket, Koh Samui resorts are popular with those wanting a slightly more restful holiday with the option of a vibrant nightlife.
- Many Koh Samui hotels and resorts are situated right on the beach
- Family-friendly resorts with facilities for kids
- Intimate resorts for romantic bliss
- Relaxed shopping areas for boutiques to craft shops and trendy cafes and restaurants.
- Excellent Thai and international cuisine at hotels and nearby restaurants
Koh Samui has everything you could want in a holiday to Thailand, but with fewer crowds! Expect semi-private beaches just steps from your hotel room, excellent shopping, delicious cuisine and many water activities including snorkelling and diving.
Things to do in Koh Samui
- Book an island tour that includes the Big Buddha – an impressive 12 meter high golden Buddha statue which inspires simplicity and serenity.
- Visit the historic Fisherman's Village at Bophut with a street market on Fridays.
- Experience one of the best dive locations in Thailand at Koh Yao or Turtle Island. The crystal-clear waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, colourful fish and of course turtles.
- Learn more about Thai cuisine at a local cooking school and the importance of the balance of flavours– it is simpler than you think, and you get to taste your efforts afterwards.
- Hone your kiteboarding and kitesurfing skills at a local school.
- Learn to play Frisbee Golf – the new sporting sensation. Equally unusual is football golf. Or you can play a round of ordinary golf on a challenging course.
- Samui Canopy Adventures provides exhilarating fun with a birds-eye view of the lush rainforest.
- Take the kids to the Pink Elephant Samui Water Park for a day of fun on the slides while the adults relax in the Jacuzzi.
- The Hin Lad Waterfall Temple restores peace and calm to all who visit this temple where you can hike along the shaded river.
- Take in a cabaret show at Chaweng Beach after dinner
Koh Samui packages are designed for couples and families alike, and the team at Thompsons Holidays will offer expert advice on the most affordable resort for your holiday. There are so many to choose from and if this is your first holiday in Thailand you will wonder why you did not get there sooner.
When is the best time to visit?
- Thailand is an all-year-round destination. However, there are factors to consider when planning your holidays, such as seasonal weather and prices of flights and accommodation.
- Thailand has a tropical climate throughout the country, which means it is hot and humid year-round. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 38°C.
- March to May: High humidity and temperatures.
- November to February: Dry, cool temperatures and low humidity, but December does see a rainy season in Koh Samui specifically.
- May to October: Rainy season, general sunny with quick showers in the late afternoon and evening.
Do I need a visa?Â
- South African passport holders do not require a visa for Thailand for a stay of up to 30 days.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after travel to Thailand.
- Make sure your passport has at least 2 unused pages for any required entry/exit stamps.
- On arrival in Thailand, you will have to present a return ticket or onward travel arrangements.
Getting there Â
- Flight duration from South Africa to Koh Samui via Singapore: 14 hours, 20 minutes.
What time is it? Â
- Time zone – Koh Samui is 5 hours ahead of South Africa.
Money matters Â
- Currency: Thai Baht.
- Accepted currencies: US Dollars are the most common, although UK Pounds and Euro are also accepted.
- ATMs are found all over the country.
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Tip taxi drivers, waiters, guides and porters at your discretion.
- Bartering is expected.
Language & phrases Â
- Thai is the country’s official language.
- English is fairly widely spoken in the popular tourist areas.
Culture & religion Â
- Theravada Buddhism is Thailand’s main religion and a strong element of its culture. It is practised by 95% of the population.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
Health information Â
- Drinking water is not safe. It is preferable to drink bottled water in Thailand.
- No vaccinations are currently required. Please check with your doctor before you travel.
- Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warmer layers for winter.
- Lightweight rain jacket.
- Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor. Power outlets in Thailand generally feature flat, two-pronged plugs, though some feature holes for round plug ends. Few outlets feature three holes (grounded outlets) so it is often necessary to have a three-to-two-prong adapter. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
- Support local artisans.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
