Coming back at ya with another post from the islands! This one’s hailing from Koh Samui, the second stop we made on our Thailand trip. I received so many recommendations for Koh Samui from fellow bloggers, I knew I had to add at least 2 days to our itinerary for a visit.
After all of the incredible adventures we previously just had in Phi Phi, we were absolutely exhausted by the time we arrived to Koh Samui. Because of that, we didn’t do as much exploring as we’re used to but I still grasped the gist of what the island had to offer.
Here’s a Short Stay on Koh Samui: Travel Diary + Tips:
Getting to Koh Samui
Most people who come to Koh Samui fly into Bangkok and then either take a short plane ride to the island or a bus and ferry.
Since we were coming from Phi Phi on the other side of Thailand’s archipelago, we had to travel by both land and sea (twice) in one day to get to Koh Samui. Those transfer tickets were purchased as a combined ferry, bus and high speed catamaran trip through Get Your Guide for $30 a piece. Super cheap for 8 hours of travel!
We departed from Phi Phi at 9 AM, taking a ferry to the port in Krabi, hopping on a 3 hour bus ride to another port and then a high speed ferry to the Chaweng pier on Koh Samui.
Read More: Spending 3 Days on the Phi Phi Islands
Tips for Visiting Koh Samui:
When to Visit
The normal rainy season for Koh Samui is October-December and the dry season is March-April. The best months to visit are March-September but remember it is a tropical location. It rained every day we were here so when in doubt, expect rain!
Transportation
Koh Samui is BIG, like really big, so transportation will probably cost you an arm and a leg if you plan on going around to different places using taxis. I definitely recommend utilizing the Navigo Thailand app on your phone, even if it’s just for negotiating purposes.
Where to Stay
This depends on what you’re looking for out of your vacation to Koh Samui. Different areas are known for different things: Chaweng near the airport is very touristy and is considered a big party area; Lamai Beach, where we stayed, is also touristy and known for parties but it does have its quiet parts too; Bophut and Fisherman’s Village are more cultural, quieter areas, just like Mae Nam; head to the south side of the island for that more remote, jungle feel.
Food
Food is pretty reasonable on the island but to save more money, avoid eating at your resort or hotel. If you’re going to Koh Samui’s airport, don’t eat at any of the restaurants near there as the food is very expensive for small portions.
Sightseeing
The Chaweng district has a lot of tourist attractions like Big Buddha and other temples. Near the same area of the island is an elephant sanctuary and near Lipa Noi is the Na Mueang Wildlife and Safari Park where the popular waterfalls can be visited. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo near Ban Harn Beach is another popular thing to do.
Clothing
The island definitely caters to its tourists as you really don’t have to worry about if you’re wearing too little of clothing here. That is unless you plan on going into the temples where you’ll be required to cover your shoulders and legs.
Transportation on Koh Samui Island
Before leaving for Thailand, I found an app called Navigo Thailand, the island’s equivalent of Uber. Right before we docked at Chaweng, I pull up the app and go through the ordering process to get an estimated price. As soon as we step off the pier and on to the street, taxi drivers approach us asking for our destination. I use the price on the app as my negotiating tool with the taxi driver. He doesn’t seem very thrilled by my tactics but nonetheless, I barter our transport to the hotel down from 1200 Baht ($36) to 600 Baht ($18).
Renting a scooter is another option for transport in Koh Samui. If it’s your first time renting one, I wouldn’t recommend doing it here. Koh Samui is quite large, mountainous, very heavily trafficked and drivers don’t pay much attention to the laws of the road.
First Night’s Accommodation
For the first out of our two nights on Koh Samui, we lodged on the northeast side of the island in Lamai Beach. Am Samui Palace was our host for the night, costing us $60, a price that also included breakfast.
With bright and clean rooms decorated with traditional Thai decor, the outdoor seating patio with views of the garden was my favorite feature. The hotel itself was beautifully built and included almost everything you would need. Equipped with a large eating area and a swim-up bar, the two gorgeous infinity pools were the real show stoppers.
The hotel features multiple outdoor seating areas for relaxing. In the lobby area is a a library-style reading nook with an outdoor terrace, all surrounded by the lush jungle atmosphere.
The First Night in Koh Samui
Sun Down at the Beach
Koh Samui was the only destination on our trip where I planned absolutely nothing. This felt extremely out of place because we’re so used to being on the go when we travel. Our whole idea for Koh Samui was to take it slow and relax. After stopping at the 7-Eleven for some beers to go, we head on down to the sand-strewn Lamai Beach.
The sunset was definitely underwhelming compared to what I thought it would be like. I’ve since come to learn the best viewpoints for sunsets on Koh Samui are on the south side of the island. Nonetheless, watching night take hold with the massive thunder clouds over the sea was still a sight to see.
Dinner at Asador
Lamai’s area is full of bars and restaurants within close proximity the hotels so we had so many places to choose from for dinner. Because of the 2-for-1 specials advertised at nearby Asador, we choose to dine with them. I definitely enjoy the atmosphere sitting next to the street so I can people watch while I eat.
Ordering sweet and sour meals, one with chicken and one vegetarian, the highlight of the meal was our over-poured Mai Tais. We could walk away from dinner feeling satisfied, only spending 450 Baht ($14) for the whole meal.
Lamai Night Market
Thailand’s well-known for the night markets that pop up every evening around various villages. Selling everything from spices and herbs to hand-carved figurines, they’re such a fun place to explore. Lamai’s Night Market has the biggest variety of products compared to any other I’ve been to. Browsing around each booth and seeing what the locals are capable of creating, it’s an exciting cultural experience. You may even find something worthy to take home for a souvenir!
Drinks at the Bar
I’m not sure what the name of this bar is near our hotel but it’s such a chill atmosphere, I probably would’ve came back had we stayed another night. Snagging a couple of beers at the bar and starting a tab, the waitress actually racks the balls up for our pool game. After losing A LOT of rounds, chilling, drinking and listening to music, we pay our tab and head back to the hotel.
A Nightcap at the Pool
Asking the receptionist if we could use the pool, she says it closes at 9 but gave a little wink for the go-ahead. No arguments here! That Thailand heat was holding on through the night so we dress in our suits and head down to the water. The perfect way to cap off our night!
Day 2
Breakfast
Resting up from all those drinks the night before, I awake and mosey down to our complimentary breakfast. Completely decked out in as many different culture’s options as possible, it’s literally a smorgasbord. A chef is making eggs to order, there’s an entire table of pastries, every type of breakfast meat imaginable and side dishes I had never even heard of. Fresh squeezed juice and Thai coffee is all I need though to get me back to feeling refreshed!
Strolling Lamai Beach
Since we have until 11 AM to check out, we slab on some sunscreen and stroll down to Lamai Beach. Lamai’s sand is so incredibly soft and the beach is very clean, especially in comparison to those on the Phi Phi Islands.
Grandpa & Grandma Rocks
About a mile south of our hotel are the infamous Grandma and Grandpa. Known for their unspoken anatomical shapes, they attract visitors from all over.
Pool Time
With another hour until check out, we soak up the sun lounging around the pool in the tropical vibes.
Transport to Mae Nam
Since we have a ferry the next morning, staying close to the departure pier sounds like the best plan. We use the Navigo Thailand app for our transport to the north side of the island, costing 600 Baht ($18).
Mae Nam is a very quiet district off the beaten path in Koh Samui. There are some restaurants, shops and bars around but the entire village is basically locals only.
Accommodation in Mae Nam
Coco Palm Beach Resort acts as our host for our second and final night in Koh Samui. Because it only costs $19 a night, we were a little hesitant of what we’d be walking in to. Pleasantly surprised by the outcome, the resort is built on lush forested acreage on the edge of the sea. We stayed in our own private villa near the entrance. At check in, they provide you with fresh fruit juice and cleansing towels to freshen up.
Exploring the Grounds of Coco Palm Beach Resort
While this resort isn’t the nicest in the area, I think it’s definitely worth the amount it cost to stay. The grounds around the villas are surrounded by tall-arched bamboo limbs, lush greenery and tropical flowers. A full restaurant and walk-up bar is located down by the pool where private beach access and spa services are.
Couples Massage on the Beach
Given a spa package menu at check in, the temptation worked because we end up booking a couples massage. Since we are in a remote area of Koh Samui, we figure it’s a good way to relax and kill some time. At our appointment time, we stroll down by the pool and onto the beach, entering the gondola for our massages.
Booking 90 minute Thai Massages, the total cost was 1200 Baht ($36) for the both of us. I seriously couldn’t believe the price! I’ve paid $200 for a comparable massage in a tiny room listening to artificial nature noises through a speaker. This massage was right on the beach with the sounds of waves crashing and birds chirping, an incredible experience.
Drinks on the Beach
Feeling relaxed after our massages, we grab some drinks and chill on the beach watching the waves roll in. Unfortunately there isn’t a sunset on this side of the island since it faces the east. The stray dogs running and playing with each other was a good trade off for entertainment.
Dinner at The Pirates Burger
Just down the street from the resort are a few restaurants to choose from. Coming to dinner was when we realize how much quieter this side of the island is. Walking past multiple empty restaurants, we were the only people eating at the Pirates Burger for dinner too.
Browsing the outdoor menu and checking out the environment, we walk in and take a seat in the outdoor atmosphere. The Pirates Burger definitely seems like a place popular with tourists. A massive wall-turned-chalkboard is covered in messages from visitors all around the world. Ordering a Samsong and Cola and a cod sandwich, the food was totally yum but I really loved the presentation. Look at those heart plates!
Ferry to Koh Tao
Because we have an 8 AM ferry to Koh Tao the next morning, we settle on getting an early sleep. Booking the transfer through Ferry Samui with the Lomprayah company, the roundtrip cost for the two of us was $74.
Waking up and checking out at the lobby, a security guy chauffeurs us via golf cart down to the pier. Once we check in at the ferry desk, we snag some coffee and a croissant and board the 1.5 hour catamaran to Koh Tao.
Read More: Basking in the Paradise of Koh Tao – A Travel Diary
Like This Post? Pin It!
| This post contains affiliate links which means that, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase one of these products I may receive a small commission. This helps me maintain my blog as a free space to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.
