JESS & MITCH’S

GUIDE TO

KOH SAMUI

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 is required, but you will need a Thailand Digital Arrival Card – make sure to submit this a few days before you fly. We will send a reminder a couple weeks before. 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.

    • Don’t drink the tap water. (But the ice seems fine!)

    • Most restaurants cater for dietary requirements.

    • 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.

    • You will not need a jacket - it’s hot!!

    • Learn how to say hello: “Sa-wa-dee-ka“ (if you are a woman) or “Sa-wa-dee-krap“ (for men).

    • How to say thank you: “kop-koon-ka” (women) or “kop-koon-krap” (men).

    But don’t worry too much, almost everyone speaks English!

    • Vaping in public (vapes and e-cigarettes are banned).

    • Overpaying for taxis and market items.

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

    • Stay out of the midday sun to avoid heat stroke.

  • 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

    Scuba Diving in Koh Tao

  • A little adventure

    Waterfalls

    ATV tour

    Ziplining

    Elephant sanctuary & cafe

    Muay Thai class

    Magic Garden

  • Eat, drink & relax

    Thai Cooking Class

    Massages & Spa Treatments

    Tamarind Springs Spa

    Beach Clubs

    Viewpoint Restaurants

  • For the night owls

    Night markets

    Professional Muay Thai fight

    Live music at the Secret Garden

    Coco Tam’s Fire Show

    Rock Reggae Bar

    Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan

Where to eat & drink

  • LAMAI

    No.11 Cafe 

    Rock bar 

    1st Restaurant

    Pink Orchard 

    KohKaew Restaurant

    Lamai Night market

  • BO PHUT / FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE

    Thai Tapas

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

    Fisherman’s Village Night Market

    Emerald Irish Pub

  • BANGRAK

    Noi Friendly

    Cafe KOB by the Sea

    Secret Garden (live music restaurant) 

    The Sunset

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

  • CHOENG MON BEACH

    Pi Bar 

    Sea Dance Restaurant (part of a hotel)

    Cocoon Bar 

    The View

  • CHAWENG

    The Jungle Club

    Chaweng Night Market

    ARK Bar Beach Club

    Elephant Beach Club

OUR TOP TIP

•

OUR TOP TIP •

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

Want to stay a little longer?

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

Choeng Mon Beach

Beautiful, relaxed beach

Bo Phut / Fisherman’s Village

Beautiful, exciting area but busy

Chaweng

Party town with gorgeous beach

Mae nam

Relaxed traveller vibes

Bangrak

Chill area with great sunsets