When I found out that the Thailand edition of HBO’s “The White Lotus” was going to be shot in Koh Samui, I wasn’t entirely surprised. Samui, though far from my favorite Thai island, does balance natural beauty and accessibility with perhaps Thailand’s highest concentration of high-end accommodations.
Plus, it fundamentally lacks the sleazy of destinations like Phuket and Pattaya. (Which is good, since certain characters on the show brought plenty of their own sleaze.)
Even if you’re reading this so far in the future that “The White Lotus” has faded from the cultural memory, my Koh Samui travel guide will inform and inspire an unforgettable. Give me a few minutes of your time—I’ll help you build an amazing Koh Samui itinerary.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
It might or might not surprise you to know that one of the most famous Koh Samui hotels doubled as the namesake resort of “The White Lotus.” I’m speaking, of course, about Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, whose great reputation is deserved. Other luxury properties on the island include Six Senses Samui and The Library, which is famous for its red pool.
Thankfully, if you’re not as made of money as Victoria Ratliff, you can stay on Koh Samui more affordably than this. Options include beachfront hotels like Casa de Mar, located on convenient Chaweng Beach. You can also choose a bungalow-style accommodation, such as Coco Palm Beach Resort in Mae Nam on the island’s north shore, or Promtsuk Buri on Lamai Beach.
How to Structure Your Koh Samui Itinerary
Hit the beach in Chaweng and Lamai
Samui’s beaches aren’t going to change your life (go to the Similan Islands or Trang for ones that will), but ones like Chaweng and Lamai are perfectly satisfying. They’re of the cleanest among Thailand’s long, white-sand beaches; they offer a nice balance between the forlorn shores of the islands above, and the filthy chaos of Phuket or Pattaya.
Say a prayer at the Big Buddha(s)
Another must-visit on your Koh Samui itinerary is the Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai. Note, however, that this isn’t the only such statue on the island. Rather, you’ll also want to visit the more avant-garden Wat Plai Laem. While you’re up north at both these destinations, you may also explore Samui’s northern shore, including Mae Nam Beach and the Bo Phut Fisherman’s Village.
Explore Koh Samui’s underrated interior
Koh Samui is almost perfectly round, which (if you remember any high school geometry, anyway) should tell you that its interior is absolutely massive. While it’s also very mountainous—which means that, pound for pound, there aren’t as many attractions as there are along the coasts—you’ve still got a lot of options. Some of my favorites include Na Mueang Waterfall, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and the Coconut Museum.
Don’t forget about Samui’s “Wild West” Coast
If you have a motorbike or don’t mind hiring a private driver for a few days, to be sure, your locus of things to do in Koh Samui can shift westward—dramatically, in some cases. As a general rule, for instance, the area around Nathon on the west coast tends to feel a lot less developed than anywhere in the east. Laem Sor Pagoda in the southwest (and the beaches around it) also have a much more castaway feel.
Continue to Koh Tao or Koh Pha Ngan
Samui is often travelers’ introduction to the Gulf of Thailand, but the region doesn’t end there. Some will take a short cross-water ferry to Koh Pha Ngan, the home of Thailand’s infamous “Full Moon Party.” Koh Tao is slightly farther away, and has a questionable reputation for reasons I won’t explain here. But it’s a top SCUBA destination, and is also where you find some of the best beaches in the Gulf.
TIP: If you want to visit another island while in Samui but don’t want someplace commercial or built-up, consider an excursion to Ang Thong Marine Park instead.
How Many Days Do You Need in Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is a bigger island than it appears to be on the map. On the other hand, for all but the most adventurous travelers, the majority of attractions are concentrated in a pretty specific area. As a result, I’d say that the “average” traveler needs about 2-3 nights in Koh Samui. I’d recommending adding a night for each day you want to spend lounging on the beach or by the pool, in addition to general sightseeing.
Another wild card, when it comes to how many days in Koh Samui? You will likely spend some time in the archipelago, but not on Koh Samui’s main island. As detailed above, some travelers will continue onward to Koh Tao or Koh Pha Ngan. Others will make an excursion to Ang Thong Marine Park, be that as a day trip, or staying overnight in one of the simple accommodations there.
Other FAQ About Your Koh Samui Itinerary
Is Koh Samui still worth visiting?
Koh Samui isn’t my favorite island in Thailand, but it definitely merits a visit if you’ve never been. Chaweng and Lamai are two excellent, accessible beaches; Wat Phra Yai is one of of the most striking “Big Buddha” statues anywhere in Thailand. No number of crowds inspired by “The White Lotus” can makes these statements untrue.
Is 5 nights enough in Koh Samui?
For most travelers, I’d say that 5 nights in Koh Samui is excessive, if anything. You really only need one or two full days for all of the island’s main sightseeing. If you plan to stay five nights, know that this leaves a lot of downtime for chilling by the pool or on the beach, or for exploring off the island’s beaten path, such as near Nathon on the west coast.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
Like most of the rest of Thailand, Koh Samui has a rainy season. However, unlike destinations like Phuket and Krabi, Koh Samui’s most intense monsoon lasts between about October and December. By contrast, Koh Samui tends to be dying during the northern summer, when most of the rest of Thailand is inundated.
The Bottom Line
I hope my Koh Samui travel guide has helped you plan the perfect trip, whether or not you’re a fan of “The White Lotus” (and, indeed, even if that show is no longer as relevant as it is now). Although Koh Samui isn’t my favorite Thai island, the Koh Samui itinerary I’ve presented here allows you to experience the very best parts of it, whether you sun yourself on Chaweng or Lamai beaches, stand in awe at the Wat Phra Yai Big Buddha or embark on a unique adventure, such as visiting a coconut farm. Need personalized help putting your Thailand adventure together? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
