Koh Samui in 3 days

Thailand's palm-fringed gulf island: coconut beaches, jungle waterfalls, temples and sunset bars for every budget. Best time to visit: December-April. Average daily budget: $60 to $150 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Chaweng, The long main beach with the most nightlife, dining and hotels.

Morning: Ang Thong Marine Park. Kayak and snorkel among 42 limestone islands and emerald lagoons.

Afternoon: Explore Chaweng, The long main beach with the most nightlife, dining and hotels.

Evening: Fisherman's Village walking street. Eat and shop the Friday night market in old Bophut.

Eat: Southern Thai curries, gaeng som and khua kling, at local khao rad gaeng shops

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Lamai, The laid-back second beach with a relaxed village feel.

Morning: Big Buddha & Wat Plai Laem. See the island's landmark temples on the northeast point.

Afternoon: Explore Lamai, The laid-back second beach with a relaxed village feel.

Evening: Na Muang waterfalls. Swim in purple-rock pools deep in the island's jungle interior.

Eat: Fresh seafood barbecued on the beach at Lamai

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Bophut & Fisherman's Village, The charming old shophouse strip with Friday walking street.

Morning: The Secret Buddha Garden's mossy statues in the island's high hills.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Bophut & Fisherman's Village, The charming old shophouse strip with Friday walking street.

Evening: Silver Beach, a tiny perfect cove between Chaweng and Lamai.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Coconut everything, this was Thailand's coconut capital

Hidden gems

The Secret Buddha Garden's mossy statues in the island's high hills.
Silver Beach, a tiny perfect cove between Chaweng and Lamai.
Over-water temple Wat Ratchathammaram and the quiet south coast.
Day trips to Koh Phangan's bottle beaches beyond the Full Moon crowds.

Getting around

Koh Samui has its own airport with direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore and Hong Kong; the budget route is a flight or train to Surat Thani plus bus and ferry, about 4 to 6 hours total. On the island, songthaews circle the ring road, Grab operates, and most visitors rent scooters, though traffic accidents are the island's biggest tourist risk.

Safety

Koh Samui is generally safe with low violent crime; the real dangers are scooter accidents on hilly, sandy roads, so wear a helmet, carry a valid licence and check your insurance. Swim within flagged areas as rip currents occur in monsoon swells, watch for jellyfish warnings, and use ATMs and hotel safes sensibly as petty theft happens in busy areas.

Koh Samui in 5 days | Koh Samui in 7 days | Full Koh Samui guide