How to make the most of your time on Koh Samui

Have you been dreaming of a beach holiday to Thailand? What about Koh Samui? It is a sublime beach destination with lots of amenities and natural beauty. The holiday vibe is strong in this beach town. In this article, we talk about the best time to visit Koh Samui and how to have a great time there.

When is the best time for a trip to Koh Samui?

Weather should be a deciding factor in a beach holiday if you wish to spend lots of time outdoors. The perfect weather for lots of swimming, excursions and beach time in Koh Samui is between December and April. The only downside to this period is that if you wish to book a Koh Samui family resort, you need to be prepared for high prices. But you could check with resorts like the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort to see if they offer early bird discounts. Even the period between May to September is blessed with sunshine. But expect showers from time to time. The period between October to November is rainy.

Image via Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

What to pack for your Koh Samui holiday?

Koh Samui is all about lounging on the beach, getting pampered and soaking up the sun. Hence, you need to pack for tropical weather. Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat and comfortable sandals are all you need to saunter around the beach. Try to pack linen clothing. Apart from your bikinis and swimwear, bring t-shirts and long beach pants or even shorts. A pashmina or shawl always comes in handy. You can pack a face hydrator and some aloe vera to apply to your skin later.

How to handle documents and visas to Koh Samui?

The Royal Thai Embassy handles visas within a week or so.  Thai Baht is the current one you can use in Koh Samui.  If you’re carrying cash into the country, take US dollars. You’ll find that there are plenty of ATMs and Forex booths across the island. There is a greater concentration of these around Chaweng and Lamai beaches. A lot of boutiques and restaurants accept credit cards but expect an additional fee.

How to get to Koh Samui?

Koh Samui has its own airport, and you can fly there from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. You can fly to nearby Surat Thani to spend less on-air ticket fees and reach the resort from there within about half an hour. You can easily take the ferry from Surat Thani. If you fly to Koh Samui airport though, your hotel will most likely offer pickup services.

Local transport in Koh Samui

You can get around like the locals in Songthaew pick-up trucks. Taxi rentals can be expensive in Koh Samui. Most travellers choose to rent a car or bike to get around. You would need your international driving license. Try to handle vehicle rental through your hotel.

What to do in Koh Samui?

Go to the Angthong National Marine Park to snorkel and dive to your heart’s content. Explore some of the natural wonders like the Secret Buddha Garden and the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. If you love natural waterways, the Namuang Waterfall will enthral you. You can visit some of the picturesque temples to get your dose of cultural excursions. Visiting a water park or an entertainment hub for a few hours can add variety to your beach holiday. The night markets in Koh Samui offer a delectable mix of Thai food.  The Fishermen’s Village puts on a fabulous Walking Street on Fridays. The Lamai Walking Street takes place on Sundays.