Koh Samui Travel Guide

Koh Samui Travel Guide: 14 hotspots and style tips for this tropical island

6 Januari 2019

Discover Koh Samui with these tips for the perfect beach holiday

When you think of Thailand, you probably, like me, immediately think of the beautiful islands in the south. Glorious white beaches, azure seas, and the sun on your skin. From Bangkok, you can fly to Koh Samui in less than an hour. It's the perfect base if you want to travel to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan. Prefer not to spend too much time island hopping and prefer to relax and unwind? Then stick around Koh Samui, because with the tips from this Koh Samui Travel Guide, you'll have a wonderful time!

jungle club koh samui

The jungle club

Koh Samui pack list

Welcome to paradise if you're going to Koh Samui! They sometimes call Koh Samui the Ibiza of Thailand, and for good reason. So pack your bohemian beachwear and let your hair down! My favorite outfit for beachy holidays, like the one to Koh Samui, is currently a white lace dress with sandals or flip-flops! I can guarantee you won't be wearing much else but flip-flops in Koh Samui (and the rest of Thailand, for that matter). I only wore my sneakers on the plane!

What else shouldn't you leave at home? A beach hat, pareo, a glamorous bikini (for a day at Nikkie Beach, more on that later), and of course, plenty of different sunglasses to mix and match. Whenever I go to a beach destination, I always wear anklets, which give every outfit that finishing touch.

Koh Samui Travel Guide

Brunch, pool parties and jet setting

I've said it before: Koh Samui is a bit like the Ibiza of Thailand. Lots of expats fly in for the weekend, and on Sundays they can be found at Nikkie Beach. That's when they hold their infamous Sunday brunch. And let's be honest... you'll want to experience it at least once. Be sure to bring your credit card, because chances are you'll spend as much in one day as you normally would in a few days in Thailand ;-). Brunch at Nikkie Beach is served buffet-style, and you can eat as much as you like between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You'll receive a welcome cocktail upon arrival!

nikkie beach koh samui

Reserve a poolside lounger after brunch (3000 baht with a bottle of wine) and stick around until the party really gets going. And trust me… it will, because the DJ is pretty awesome!

koh samui Anne toffel

Or simply lie back on your lounge bed and enjoy the view of the palm trees. We bet you'll experience that ultimate holiday feeling in no time!

cool palm tree nikkie beach

Fun things to do on Koh Samui

Of course, you go to Koh Samui to relax and unwind. Laze on the beach or in a hammock. Completely unwind! If you feel like doing something fun after a few days, Koh Samui is a great place to spend some time. For example, I went snorkeling for a day. You can do that on a day trip to Koh Tao, but also on a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, where no fewer than 42 islands are nestled close together in the sea. A day full of lagoons and tranquil beaches. Definitely do it!

Want to explore the island? Renting a car or scooter for a day is highly recommended. Visit deserted beaches and stunning viewpoints high in the mountains!

koh samui anne 3

Staying on Koh Samui

There are several beautiful hotels on Koh Samui. Most luxury chains have a resort there, such as the W Hotel, Sala Samui and the Conrad HotelIf you want to be in a quiet part of the island, Avani+ Samui Resort also recommended. A more budget-friendly hotel is Jungle ClubDon't expect super-luxurious rooms, but you can rent a cabin here for around €50 a night. And believe me, the view is so stunning you'll likely never want to leave! The view from this hotel is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen on an island. Even if you're not staying at Jungle Club, you can enjoy this stunning view from the restaurant. Be sure to book a table in advance for the best view!

VIEW ALL HOTELS ON KOH SAMUI HERE >>

jungle club koh samui 1

The jungle club

The best restaurants on Koh Samui

There's no shortage of good restaurants on the island. If you've traveled through Thailand before heading to Koh Samui, you'll likely find the prices expensive. But believe me, the food on Koh Samui is truly delicious! Must-see restaurants include: Barracuda, The cliff, Tree Tops, 9 gems en JahnThis last one is a restaurant owned by a chef who previously owned a Michelin-starred restaurant! Local chefs have told me that the culinary scene on Koh Samui has grown considerably in recent years, and if you, like me, enjoy good food, you'll definitely be happy at these restaurants. The influences are often Japanese, Italian, or French. If you're dining in Fisherman's Village, Fisherman's Housen and Art of Life are great spots.

barracuda koh samui

Barracuda

You'll also find restaurants on almost every beach, serving delicious local food at the smaller resorts. For less than €7,50, you can enjoy delicious local dishes like curries, pad Thai, and various stir-fries. Grab a Singha beer and relax on that beanbag chair!

Tip: Are you going to Thailand soon like me? Then be sure to check out our Bangkok City Guide with the nicest hotspots in Bangkok.

Have fun with the tips from this guide!

Koh Samui Travel Tips

Want to relax on the beaches of Koh Samui? Here are some tips on how to get there and some great places to stay!

Looking for a nice (boutique) hotel on Koh Samui? I've been to the island several times now and have listed some of my favorite hotels for you:
⋗ The jungle club 
Chaweng regent beach resort
Banyan tree samui 
⋗ Avani+ Resort Samui 
⋗ The Conrad Samui 
Six Senses Koh Samui 
⋗ W Hotel Koh Samui 
Paradise Beach Resort 
Sala Samui 
Nikki Beach Resort 
⋗ Once Cafe & Hostel 
⋗ Anantara Lawana Koh Samui 

Don't feel like putting together a trip yourself and are you going to Koh Samui for a beach holiday? Then you can also book an affordable package holiday. This is often (much) cheaper than buying individual tickets and hotels. I've listed a few deals for you with great hotels on Koh Samui:
Anantara Bo Phut, 9 days including flights from €1414
Mercure Samui, 9 days including flight from € 1057,-
Le Meridien, 10 days including flight from € 2031
Boutique hotel The Kala, 9 days including flight from € 1172,-

⫸ Want to take a tour and visit Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan? Book a 14-day tour including flights through FOX starting from €1299, including flights with KLM or Qatar Airways. View the deal here >>

You can fly direct from Bangkok to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways. We flew with this airline and I'm very satisfied. In the lead-up to the trip, I had to call their call center several times, and I've rarely received such good service.

Prefer the ferry? From Bangkok, you can also take the train to Surat Thani and then continue your journey by ferry to Koh Samui. Click here for more information about the ferry.

koh samui anne 1

More hotel tips

More in Amsterdam

Bangkok travel tips

> HOW TO GET THERE: Several airlines fly to Bangkok. Easily check here what the cheapest tickets are >>
TIP: Order an Uber from the airport to your hotel. Easy and reliable!
> TOURS: Always fun to do when you're traveling are, for example, a bike tour or a (street) food tour or cooking course. Tiqets, Viator of Get Your Guide you can reliably book tickets for the best tours, attractions and excursions.
> STAY: You can make your stay in Bangkok as crazy as you like. If you're staying in the city longer, it's a good idea to book hotels or hostels in different neighborhoods. This way, you'll see the most of the city!
> TOURS: Would you like to take a tour through Thailand, but you don't really know where to start? Thailandtravel.nl can put together a tailor-made individual tour for you.
> AFFORDABLE PACKAGE TRIPS: The word package tour might not sound very adventurous to you, but especially if you are looking for cheap trips to Thailand, I can really recommend that you look into it. For example, you can fly to Bangkok via Tui for 9 days including a hotel from €648 >> 

bangkok travel tips design hotels

Have a bit more to spend? Then check out these hotels:

Metropolitan by Como // shanghai mansion // Sala Rattanakosin // Pullman Bangkok Hotel G // Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok // At Hotel Bangkok // Cabochon Hotel & Residence // The Peninsula Bangkok // Riva Suyra // Dream Hotel Bangkok

bangkok travel tips budget hotels

Do you prefer budget hotels? Then check out one of these accommodations:

Thanabumi // Aster 9 House // Been Hostel Ratchathewi // The Printing House Poshtel // Home Mali Hostel // Barn & Bed Hostel // Plubpla Hostel // Villa Mungkala // Focal Local Bed & Breakfast // Suk18 Hostel //  Vivit Hostel Bangkok // Inspire Bangkok // Goodfellas Thong Io Hostel

Have fun in Bangkok and Thailand!

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 🫕 Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue! I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️). 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: 📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East) Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included! 📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Centre) Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match. 📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre) Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻: 📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East) Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged. 📍 @fromagerielamuse (South) Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first? 📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre) Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in. On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam. Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends. #cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
Do you still have a permanent job? This TRAVEL TIP is for everyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job. Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie! And then ask for time off as soon as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-). Happy travels 😘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗱𝗮𝗴 & 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: March 30 - April 2 & April 7 - 10 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free period: March 28 - April 12 (16 days) Holidays & Vacation ⟶ Take vacation days: April 28 - May 1, May 4 & May 6 - 8 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days ツ Total free: April 25 - May 10 (16 days) Holidays ⟶ Take vacation days: December 21 - 24 & December 28 - 31 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free: December 21 - January 3, 2027 (16 days) **Vacation Schedule & Holidays** ⟶ Take vacation days: Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2 ⟶ Vacation days needed: 4 - Total free: March 28 - April 6 (10 days) **Vacation Schedule** ⟶ Take vacation days: May 15 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 14-17 (4 days) 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 22-25 or May 23-26 (4 days) Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips. And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #vakantiedagen2026 #traveltips
Market agenda and prices are rising steadily 👀 The market agenda may now be a little different Quieter, but luckily there’s still plenty planned for January & February, including a new gem (I predict)! Don’t miss these weekend markets: • 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee. • @sundaymarket • Museum Market • @rotterdamseoogst • @themakermarket The complete guide on Your Little Black Book lists 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates & locations for January & February. Send these tips to your market-wandering bestie! Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #weekendmarkets #netherlandstips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

YourLBB's latest lists

PSSSST... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!

Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!

WITH LOVE,

ANNE

 

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