How to plan a trip to Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand is a famous beach destination. Its turquoise waters, white sand and powdery shores, captivating limestone formations, idyllic towns, and delicious food entice visitors to drop all their plans just to experience Thailand. The country’s beaches are often on lists of most beautiful places to visit. It’s also one of the most visited countries in the world.

One such island that many tourists visit is Koh Samui. It’s a developed island paradise that caters to all types of visitors. You can find many hotels for different budgets, restaurants, bars, shops, spas, and others. Its beaches (simply put) are beautiful. It can get crowded at times, but you can still find a quiet spot. You can spend a few days of your vacation in Koh Samui.

Thailand is 30 days visa-free for Filipinos. 

Getting into Koh Samui

There are no direct flights from Manila to Koh Samui, you’ll have to pass through Bangkok first. There are regular flights to Thailand’s capital from Manila. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Thai Airways, and AirAsia offer regular flights. Book months ahead so that you can get a discounted flight ticket. 

From Bangkok, you have options on how to get to Koh Samui.

By air

The fastest way to get to the island is to book a direct flight. However, this is also the most expensive option. If you have the budget, you can look for flights via Sky Scanner or go directly to the airline’s website.

By land and ferry connection

You can also take the bus or train to Surat Thani first then take a ferry to Koh Samui. I suggest taking the overnight option so that you can save a bit of money on accommodation. Once in Surat Thani, you can arrange your transfers to Koh Samui. You can book and look for schedules for your overnight trip from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then from Surat Thani to Koh Samui here. You can also look for tour operators in Surat Thani for your tickets to Koh Samui.  

Getting around 

Koh Samui is a developed tourist destination which makes it convenient to get around. You can rent a car starting at around THB 700 (depending on the vehicle type), depending on the company and if it already includes fuel and insurance. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or a motorbike starting at around THB 200 depending on the model and company. You should always ask if the price already includes fuel and insurance. You could get a discount if you rent for more days.

You can take public transportation such as the songthaew (looks like a van) to explore the island. The fare starts at around THB 50 then increases depending on the distance. The driver might charge foreigners double or triple the price, so always bring the exact amount and bring small bills. There are available taxis and motorcycle taxis on the island.

Where to stay

You have plenty of options when it comes to beachfront (or at least within walking distance of a beach) accommodation in Koh Samui. The most popular places to stay in are in Chaweng and Lamai. Both places offer a variety of hostels, hotels and resorts depending on your budget. You can stay in a hostel dorm or a good value private room. You can get a room or a bed in a dorm in Chaweng starting at around THB 400. Rooms or a dorm bed in Lamai start at around THB 460. You can check sites such as Booking.com or Agoda for prices and availability. You can also book directly with your chosen accommodation.

Itinerary

Day 1

You might be tired after your overnight trip from Bangkok and your ferry connection from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. You can take it easy on your first day on the island. After checking into your accommodation, you can visit a couple of beaches. Make Chaweng Beach your first stop. This beach is a developed area with plenty of establishments lining it. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or take a long leisurely stroll along the shore. If you get hungry, you can grab a bite at one of the many restaurants nearby. After spending time in Chaweng Beach, you can end your day in Choengmon Beach. 

Day 2

Explore and see the different attractions in Koh Samui on your second day. I recommend booking a joiner tour so that you don’t have to rent your own vehicle. You can book one online or at least a day before your trip. Check out Wat Phra Yai or also referred to as the Big Buddha Temple. Explore the temple complex, meditate, and/or buy Buddhism-related items.

Your tour will also make a stop at Wat Plai Laem, another Buddhist temple. This one is dedicated to Guanyin. Its main draw is the huge statue with multiple arms. You’ll go on a short hike to reach Namunag Waterfalls. This is a break from the two cultural stops during your tour. You’ll also stop at Lamai Beach to see the Hin Ta and the Hin Yai (or also respectively known as the “grandfather” and “grandmother” rocks). After a day of exploring Koh Samui, you can visit Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village. 

Day 3 

After a day of exploring the island, return to relaxing on the beach. You can visit Lamai Beach and Silver Beach. Lamai is the most developed of the two and has more establishments lining its shore. Silver Beach is smaller but just as nice and a bit more secluded. Sink your feet in the powdery sand of either beach or swim in its azure waters. You can also just chill by the beach, eat, and drink. 

Alternatively, you can visit Koh Phangan as a day trip from Koh Samui. You can take the earliest ferry out to the island and return on the latest one to maximize your stay. You can check schedules here.

Day 4

If you have the time, you can buy souvenirs or hang out at your favorite beach before leaving for Surat Thani to catch your overnight bus or train back to Bangkok.

Check the schedule of your connections so that you won’t miss your ferry, train or bus departure. You can check schedules through https://12go.asia/en. You can also find tour operators in Koh Samui for your tickets.

How much will you spend?

A budget of around THB 11,000 or roughly P19,000 per person covers:

• A bed in a hostel dorm or a budget hotel room shared with at least one person.
• Budget meals and the occasional splurge on a nicer place to eat.
• Use of public transportation or renting a motorbike for a day with the occasional taxi.
• Day tour 
• Overnight bus or train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and back. You’ll spend less if you book the cheapest ticket for the overnight train. If you want more comfort, you can book the 2^nd class sleeper AC cabin.
• Transfers to Koh Samui from Surat Thani and back.

This budget doesn’t include round trip flights from Manila to Bangkok and if you decide to book a flight directly to Koh Samui from Bangkok. This budget also doesn’t include your stay in Bangkok. You can spend more depending on your budget. You can find plenty of nice hotels on the island. You can also indulge in spas, massages, watch a movie, go bar hopping and other forms of entertainment during your vacation. You can also go cheaper and stick to the essentials during your trip. – Rappler.com

Joshua Berida is a writer who loves to travel. He blogs at www.thewanderingjuan.net.