Destination Report: Koh Samui (Thailand): What to do, see, eat and avoid

In 2022, we returned to Thailand to spend quality time with some of our nomadic friends in Chiang Mai (Read: Our Destination Guide about Chiang Mai to learn more about the city). To make the most of this second trip, we extended our visa to three months and decided to explore the picturesque island of Koh Samui for the latter half of our stay. Despite hearing glowing reviews of Koh Samui, it was a place we had yet to experience. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our personal account of the sights, activities, and food that we encountered during our stay. We’ll also provide some advice on what to steer clear of if you plan on visiting. 

Our rating for Koh Samui was 3.3 out of 5 stars based on our rating legend (outlined below). The accommodation we stayed in was modern, clean, and comfortable, complete with an outdoor kitchen. The location in Lamai was ideal, striking a balance between convenience and tranquility. We had access to a large grocery store and local shops, which was sufficient for our monthly food needs, though there could have been more variety as the island relies heavily on imported food. Lamai offered numerous dining options, particularly with a scooter, which is crucial to rent/drive while on the island (Read: Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a Thai Motorcycle License in Thailand if you would like to get a local driving license like we did). Public transportation is scarce, and taxis are expensive. Community wise, while we had the opportunity to meet Flora and Note, a Youtube couple who reside on the island, we did not encounter many other expats, which may be a drawback for those considering long-term stays.

Our five stars rating system:

• 1 star: We hated this place and definitely do not plan to come back.
• 2 stars: We did not like this place and do not plan to come back.
• 3 stars: We liked this place but do not plan to come back.
• 4 stars: We really liked this place & we might consider coming back.
• 5 stars: We loved this place and are actually considering coming back. This is a place we could call home someday. 

With that being said, let’s look into what we liked the most and what we recommend doing in Penang! 

Where We Traveled Koh Samui, Thailand

Number of Days 29 days (from Feb 6, 2023, to March 7, 2023)

Type of Travel Married Couple, Slow Travel/Nomadic, Price Conscious

Note: Unless specified otherwise, prices are in USD and were converted from the local currency (THB or Thai Bath) to USD with the following exchange rate: 35 THB = 1 USD. 

Introduction

Koh Samui is an island in the south of Thailand. It is one of the most convenient in Thailand from our own perspective and it is also quite comfortable. It is close to two smaller islands: Koh Tao  (Read: Our ultimate weekend getaway guide  to Koh Tao) and Koh PhaNgan.

What did we do, see and eat?

Let’s dig into our favorite places to eat, shop, and get entertained. To help you, we’ve included all the places that we call out below in the following Google Map. 

Our Favorite Sights/Activities

The main sights and activities on Koh Samui for us where hanging out at the beach. Here are some of our favorite beach on the island:

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chaweng Beach – This was our favorite beach. It was popular but the water was calm and great to swim.

• ⭐️⭐️ Sand Sea – Small and beautiful beach with white sand and a peaceful atmosphere.
• ⭐️ Silver Beach – Secluded cove with soft white sand, turquoise water, and a quiet atmosphere. Unfortunately the authorities don’t care much about the cleaning of the beach.

Besides the beaches on the island, here are the sights we recommend to check outside of Koh Samui for a day or more:

1 – Koh Tao

Whether you are into scuba diving, snorkeling or chilling at the beach, Koh Tao is a wonderful island, 2 hours boat ride from Koh Samui that you must want to check out. We wrote an extensive guide of our multi-day itinerary that go your cover (Read: Island Paradise: Discovering the Best of Koh Tao in Just Three Days)

2 – Ang Thong Islands National Park

This National Park is perfect for a day tour. Leave from Koh Samui in the morning and return before sunset. You get to hike to some amazing view point, snorkel to enjoy the marine life, chill by the beach, enjoy good food and even some Kayaking in the Ocean if you feel adventurous! We recommend the following company to get you on a tour: 

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui – This would be your budget version of this tour that will charter a larger boat and will include all the major stops. They will also arrange pick up and drop off from your Airbnb/Hotel. Tours include tea/coffee + light breakfast snack + lunch + another light snack in the afternoon. Stops are the Ang Thong Marine Park where you can climb a pretty steep hill to get some amazing view of the 42 islands, followed by some snorkeling and time by the beach. You then got back to the boat for lunch and explore the other on the sea before getting dropped to another spot (blue lagoon) that has a natural sea lake which is stunning. From there you can enjoy more beachtime or sign-up for an optional ocean kayak tour which is quite fun (though a bit short). Then time to get back on the boat and head back to Koh Samui. We left our hotel by 7:30am and were back home by 6pm so this is a pretty full day. 
  Cost: 1577 THB (incl. marine park fee of 300 THB)
• Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour by Tours Koh Samui – We have not used these guys but they were our alternative option for a more VIP / intimate version of this tour. If you do try them let us know if they are worth the splurge 😉 

Our Favorite Restaurants

Here are our top recommendations:

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ban Suan Lung Khai – [GREAT PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT] We were introduced to this hidden gem by Flora and Note, whose youtube channel we follow. Despite some concerns raised by a review about potential language barriers, our lunch experience at this restaurant was flawless. Located in a stunning garden setting, the restaurant attracts a primarily local clientele. The menu boasts three enticing set options, and the cuisine is simply exceptional, showcasing fresh, flavorful, and locally-sourced ingredients that are beautifully presented.
  Cost: 500 Baht per person for their smallest set  

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Nature Samui – [GREAT PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT] This place is simply amazing! Although it’s not easily accessible, it’s worth knowing about. Tucked away amidst lush greenery, this cozy restaurant boasts a serene ambiance with lotus flowers all around. The must-try specialties are made using lotus leaves and edible lotus flowers, which make for a unique and delightful culinary experience. The dishes are exquisite and the peaceful surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding. We wholeheartedly recommend visiting this place – it’s a true gem!
  Cost: 200-250 Baht per dish

• ⭐️⭐⭐️ Pena Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant – This is a great vegan restaurant on the side of the road. The food was beautifully presented and pretty good.
  Cost: 125-150 Baht per dish

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Fufe Cafe – This place serves simple Thai food at a very affordable price.
  Cost: 60-80 Baht per dish  

• ⭐️⭐️ Moonlight – With an expansive menu featuring both Western and Thai cuisine, this sizable restaurant certainly has plenty of options to choose from. While our initial visit was pleasant, our subsequent experience ordering the same dishes left something to be desired, leading us to assign a two-star rating.
  Cost: 75 Bath for a thai dish

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pure Vegan Heaven – This restaurant serves delicious vegan food made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of Thai and international dishes, and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the ambiance is peaceful and relaxing.
  Cost: 150-250 Baht per dish

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beef Noodle Shop – Focusing on a single standout dish, this cozy restaurant excels at preparing beef noodle soup to perfection. Bursting with rich, robust flavor, the soup is a true standout. Additionally, the service is both prompt and amiable, rounding out the overall dining experience.
  Cost: 65 Bath per person

Our Favorite Sweets Spots

Here are our top recommendations:

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Coconut Ice Cream Lamai – The best coconut ice cream in Lamai. Period, so go get some. The presentation speaks for itself 🙂 
  Cost: 35 – 90 Baht for a scoop of ice cream (cost vary based on the flavor you pick)

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️La Fabrique French Bakery – This bakery is the epitome of French perfection on the island (seriously!). Their success lies in their use of imported butter from abroad, ensuring an authentic taste. As a French individual, I can attest to its authenticity.
  Cost: 40 Baht for a croissant
• ⭐️⭐️French bakery – While this other French bakery may offer cheaper prices, their pastries are not as delicious as those found at “La Fabrique”. If you are on a budget, it may be a viable option, but otherwise, it can be skipped. It’s unfortunate to note that even though the owner is French as well.
  Cost: 35 Baht for a croissant

Our Favorite Grocery Stores/Markets

Here are our top recommendations:

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️Lamai Fresh Food market – The major local market in Lamai. The market offers a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Additionally, there are numerous food stalls available, making it a convenient location for a quick bite.
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️Samui Health Shop – If you are looking for high-quality organic produce on the island, this is an excellent choice. The store offers a diverse range of items including beans, cereals, personal care products, gluten-free bread, and more.
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️Lotus Supermarket – For anything else, we liked to go to Lotus Supermarket. A pretty large supermarket that has a wide range of food options

What to avoid

While it’s great to call out what to check out, we think it is as important to also include what NOT to do. These are things/activities/places we stayed away from. Of course, the taste is personal and so your preference might vary.

• Driving without a license: Renting a scooter or a car is a popular way to get around the island, but driving without a license can lead to trouble with the authorities. Make sure you have the proper documentation before renting a vehicle.  (Read: Our ultimate Guide to Obtaining a Thai Motorcycle License in Thailand if you plan to stay here long-term or if you want a local thai license valid for 2 years)
• Disrespecting the environment: Koh Samui’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions, and visitors should do their part to keep the island clean. Avoid littering and dispose of your trash properly 🙂 

Our Slow Travelers Tips

Slow travel is part of our philosophy. It gives us the opportunity to really connect with a place by not having to experience FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and getting unnecessarily stressed for being on a schedule. With slow travel, we can see all the iconic sights and have time to spare to find the more offbeat spots that most tourists miss. Most of the time, those are the absolute gems. And as this blog post explains, we spend much less by leveraging “local” pricing and being able to get long stay discounts.

Here are some tips to maximize a nice and enjoyable stay in Koh Samui:

• Relax at the beach – Ultimately, Koh Samui is an island, and what better way to unwind than by listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore? Remember to pack sunscreen and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Enjoy! 
• Plan a date lunch/night – Koh Samui has some great restaurant options that we highlight that are perfect for a date lunch/night (if you travel as a couple). Don’t miss out! 
• Rent a scooter – Pretty essential in our opinion if you want to have the freedom to explore the entire island.
• Dig into Thai cuisine. Thai food is exceptional and rich in flavors. Make sure to eat at local restaurants and if you are adventurous explore further by taking a cooking class, this is a great way to experience the local cuisine and you don’t want to miss out on it. 
• Don’t be afraid of the markets. While not all stalls are equal, you don’t want to miss out on trying out some of the local produce, especially the fruits: dragon fruits, papaya, rambutan, bananas…  

What about the cost? 

To make our destination reports more manageable, we’ve split them into two parts. In part one (this post), we covered what to do, see, eat, and avoid. In part two (Read: Destination Report: Koh Samui (Thailand) – Part Two: Cost of Nomad Living), we are delving into the costs and reveal all the juicy details about our budget and how much we spent during our stay. If the post isn’t linked yet at the bottom of this article, be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can receive our cost of living post (and any future ones) as soon as they’re published. In the meantime, if you’re interested in numbers, feel free to check out our past destination reports.

Would you be interested in going to Koh Samui? Do you like island life? Feel free to share your experience and ask questions by leaving a comment below.