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When people think of Thailand, they often picture white sandy beaches, lush coconut palms and crystal-clear water. Koh Samui fits this image perfectly – whilst offering far more than just a picture-postcard idyll. In this travel guide, we’ll show you the most beautiful beaches and sights, give you tips on getting there and getting around, and share our personal restaurant recommendations as well as some special places to visit.
19.08.2026
Miryana
Photo: Koh Samui Airport: a tropical atmosphere right next to the runway.
There are no direct flights to Koh Samui from Switzerland. The most convenient way to travel is via Bangkok or Singapore. There are direct flights from Zurich to Bangkok, from where you can take a short connecting flight on to Samui International Airport (USM). Koh Samui is also easily accessible via Singapore with one stopover.
An often cheaper alternative is to travel via Surat Thani on the Thai mainland. From Bangkok, various domestic airlines fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT). Directly from the airport, you can book a combined ticket for a coach or minivan and a ferry. The transfer first takes you to Donsak Pier, from where the ferry continues on to Koh Samui. Depending on the connection, you should allow approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the entire journey from Surat Thani Airport to the island. You can compare the various routes and departure times via booking platforms such as 12Go and make a direct booking. The advantage is that the bus or minivan transfer and the ferry are already coordinated, so you don’t have to worry about booking individual tickets.
Samui International Airport is situated in the north-east of the island. From there, you can easily reach the main holiday resorts by hotel transfer, taxi or minivan.
Koh Samui offers an amazing variety of beaches: from lively holiday resorts with restaurants and beach bars to small, hidden coves and almost deserted stretches of coastline. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, a family holiday, snorkelling or simply some peace and quiet, you’ll find the perfect beach on the island.
As well as stunning beaches, Koh Samui also has plenty to offer in terms of culture and scenery. Temples, waterfalls and special vantage points can easily be combined on a tour of the island.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai): The golden Buddha statue, standing around 12 metres tall in the north-east, is one of Koh Samui’s most famous landmarks. The temple complex also offers a beautiful view across the coast.
Wat Plai Laem: Just a few minutes’ drive from the Big Buddha, this colourful temple complex delights visitors with an impressive statue of the multi-armed Guanyin and several pavilions set on the water.
Na Muang Waterfalls: The two Na Muang waterfalls are situated in the heart of the island’s lush interior. Especially after the rainy season, the tropical landscape here is at its most spectacular.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai: The unusually shaped rocks south of Lamai are among the island’s best-known natural attractions and also offer a beautiful view of the sea.
Secret Buddha Garden: Tucked away in the hills of the island’s interior, this small sculpture garden lies amongst dense tropical vegetation – a peaceful contrast to the bustling coastal resorts.
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut: Historic wooden houses, small boutiques, restaurants and cafés make this former fishing village one of Koh Samui’s most charming spots, particularly in the evening.
Overlap Stone: High above Lamai lies this unusual granite formation, offering an impressive panoramic view across Koh Samui’s east coast. The viewpoint is around three kilometres from Lamai Beach.
Samui International Muay Thai Stadium: Anyone wishing to experience Thailand’s national sport live should plan an evening at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium in Chaweng. Here, Thai and international fighters compete against each other in a series of Muay Thai bouts. Fight Nights currently take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 9 pm; tickets are available from 1,500 THB.
Some of the most beautiful island groups in the Gulf of Thailand lie around Koh Samui. Trips to the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park and to the smaller islands of Koh Madsum and Koh Tan, south of Koh Samui, are particularly worthwhile.
The Ang Thong Marine National Park consists of more than 40 limestone islands with hidden coves, vantage points and turquoise waters. If your budget allows, we recommend a private speedboat tour. This allows for more flexibility when it comes to snorkelling stops, kayaking and visiting Emerald Lake. Private tours cost around 30,000 to 40,000 THB per day, depending on the operator and boat, whilst semi-private tours are considerably cheaper.
Koh Madsum and Koh Tan are ideal for a shorter excursion. On Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, pigs roam freely along the beach, whilst Koh Tan is particularly popular for snorkelling. Both islands can be easily combined as part of a half-day or full-day tour on a private longtail boat.
Video: Wild Child Organic Kitchen.
From simple beachfront restaurants to spectacular venues with stunning views and fine dining, Koh Samui has plenty to offer when it comes to food. Particularly exciting is the mix of authentic southern Thai cuisine, fresh seafood and restaurants where the setting is almost as impressive as the food.
Our personal recommendations:
Wild Child Organic Kitchen: A special gem set amidst tropical scenery: the restaurant combines Thai cuisine with Mediterranean influences and focuses on fresh, partly organically grown ingredients. Its location within the Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary is particularly exceptional – from the terrace, you can look out over the lush surroundings and the rescued elephants living there. If you’d like to stay longer, you can book a room directly at the adjoining Wild Cottages Sanctuary.
Sora Sierra – Sky Above Samui: A hilltop café above Nathon serving coffee, brunch, Thai dishes, cocktails and offering a magnificent panoramic view – particularly beautiful at sunset.
The Island View Restaurant: Situated right on Taling Ngam Beach and ideal for a relaxed meal with views of the Five Islands offshore. The menu features Thai cuisine and seafood, amongst other dishes.
KOH Thai Kitchen & Bar: The restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui combines fine southern Thai cuisine with an impressive view of the sea from the hilltop.
Dining on the Rocks: For a special evening, we recommend this restaurant at Six Senses Samui. Guests dine on several wooden and bamboo terraces high above the sea – ideal for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Baan Suan Lung Khai: A recommendation from the MICHELIN Guide in Taling Ngam. Set amidst a coconut plantation, it serves southern Thai menus featuring seafood and seasonal ingredients. A reservation is required.
Jun Hom: Also featured in the MICHELIN Guide, but much more laid-back: this small open-air restaurant right on the beach is an excellent choice for authentic southern Thai cuisine and seafood.
Those who prefer to sample a variety of small dishes should also visit one of the island’s night markets. Particularly around Fisherman’s Village, an evening can be wonderfully combined with street food and a stroll by the sea.
Since the third series of The White Lotus, Koh Samui has gained even greater recognition. Numerous scenes from the HBO series were filmed directly on the island – most notably at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which served as one of the main backdrops for the fictional White Lotus Resort.
The Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and parts of Fisherman’s Village also feature in the series. Another filming location is Wat Phu Khao Thong near Mae Nam. The temple served as the setting for the Buddhist monastery and meditation centre in the series – making it particularly worth a visit for fans of the third series.
So, anyone who has watched the series can discover several well-known filming locations for themselves on Koh Samui and experience the atmosphere of *The White Lotus* first-hand.
Photo: A curious monkey strolls along the edge of an infinity pool.
Koh Samui can generally be visited all year round, although the climate differs slightly from that on the Andaman coast around Phuket or Krabi. The months of January to April are considered particularly pleasant, as they are usually sunny and comparatively dry. July and August are also popular times to visit Koh Samui and are ideal for beach holidays.
The rainiest period is usually in October and November. During this time, heavy showers and rougher seas can occur. However, tropical downpours are also possible outside this period and are usually short-lived.
Koh Samui combines stunning beaches, cultural highlights and a laid-back island atmosphere in a compact setting. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an active adventure or a honeymoon, the island offers the perfect experience for almost every type of traveller. Anyone who has ever witnessed the sunset on the west coast or marvelled at the golden silhouette of the Big Buddha will quickly understand why Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.
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