Koh Samui Mini Guide (2027 edition)

The easy island hop after Bangkok.

An 8-page interactive guide to Koh Samui from my own trip: the best way to get there from Bangkok, which beach suits you, my honest hotel verdict, what to do and a 3-5 day plan - with Google Maps links throughout.

Koh Samui divides opinion, but it won me over: more developed than I expected, yet not overwhelming, with real Hawaii-style vibes. After Bangkok's buzz, it's the gentlest landing in the Thai islands - calmer than Phuket, easy to get around and social enough to meet people.

This mini-guide compares the four ways to get there from Bangkok and helps you pick a beach - Chaweng for nightlife, Fisherman's Village for calm evenings, Lamai for balance, Maenam for slow mornings. It includes my hotel shortlist and an honest 3/5 review of where I stayed. Then follow the 3-5 day plan: island tours, Big Buddha, waterfalls and sunsets.

One thing most guides miss: Samui's rainy season (October to November) runs on a different calendar to Bangkok's. This guide tells you when to go.

What's inside

• Why Samui, quick facts and a month-by-month season strip
• Bangkok to Samui four ways - flight, flight and ferry, bus and ferry, train and ferry - compared on speed and cost
• Pick your beach: 4 areas rated for nightlife and calm
• My hotel shortlist and an honest review of The Stay Chaweng Beach Resort
• 10 things to do, including Ang Thong Marine Park and Pig Island, with a tick-off bucket list
• A 3-5 day plan with a map link for every stop, plus space for your notes
• Scooter, safety and cost advice from my real trip, and an island packing checklist
• QR codes to my full Samui posts

Perfect for first-time island visitors, solo travellers wanting a social but relaxed island, and anyone adding a few beach days after Bangkok.

Going to Bangkok first? The Complete Bundle includes this guide plus the full Bangkok web app and Companion PDF for £19.99.

Instant download · Updated for 2027 · Written by Tom, a solo traveller across 20+ countries since 2019

For the purchaser's personal use only. Prices and ferry times change - check before you travel.