JESS & MITCH’S

GUIDE TO

KOH SAMUI

map!

We’ve done the research (very selflessly), so here are our favourite places, things to do and a few useful things to know before you arrive.

Consider this your unofficial guide to island life.

  • No visa required but you will need a Thailand Digital Arrival Card [link] – submit this a few days before you fly. We will send a reminder a couple weeks before. Please beware of scam websites!

    August is high season so we recommend booking flights, hotels and tours in advance.

    • Cash is king. Not all places take card.

    • Download Grab for taxis.

    • Barter at the markets – start at half the price they ask.

    • Electric fans recommended.

    • Bug spray is a must – buy this brand from 7/11 when you arrive (it’s cheap!).

    • Drink plenty of water to avoid heat stroke. Don’t drink the tap water. (But the ice seems fine!)

    • No jackets required, it’s hot!!

  • Learn how to say thank you: “kop-koon krap” (men), “kop-koon ka” (women)... But don’t stress as everyone speaks English.

    Also, restaurants are generally really good for dietary requirements.

    • Overpaying for taxis and market items.

    • Walking in the sun in the middle of the day unless you want heat stroke.

    • Chaweng & Lamai high streets at night unless you want the ‘Lady bars’ and party nightlife.

  • Watch White Lotus season 3 to get in the mood – it was all filmed in Koh Samui.

Things to do

  • On the water

    Ang Thong National Park

    Pig Island

    Coral Cove Beach

  • A little adventure

    Waterfalls

    ATV tour

    Ziplining

    Elephant sanctuary & cafe

    Muay Thai class

    Magic Garden

  • Eat, drink & relax

    Cooking class

    Massages

    Tamarind Springs Spa

    Beach clubs

  • For the night owls

    Full moon party

    Night markets

    Muay Thai professional fight

    Live music at Secret Garden

    Coco Tam’s Fire Show

    Rock Reggae Bar

Where to eat & drink

  • LAMAI

    No.11 Cafe 

    Rock bar 

    1st Restaurant

    Pink Orchard 

    KohKaew Restaurant

    Night markets

  • BO PHUT / FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE

    Thai Tapas

    Night markets

    Coco Tams (the Fire Show here is a must see!)

  • BANGRAK

    Noi Friendly

    Cafe KOB by the Sea

    Secret Garden (live music restaurant) 

    You can get the ferry from here to Koh Phangan (full moon party island) and Koh Tao

  • CHONG MON BEACH

    Pi Bar 

    Sea Dance Restaurant (part of a hotel)

    Cocoon Bar 

    The View

  • CHA WENG

    Jungle Club

    Night Markets

    ARK Bar Beach Club

    Elephant Beach Club

OUR TOP TIP

•

OUR TOP TIP •

Eat at restaurants with plastic chairs for good cheap authentic Thai food experience

Want to stay a little longer?

Here’s some other great spots to stay on the Island:

Chong Mon

beautiful, relaxed beach

Bo Phut / Fisherman’s Village

beautiful but busy

Chaweng

party town

Mae nam

relaxed traveller vibes

Bangrak

 more chill, less busy area