A tropical paradise off the coast of Thailand: Our Koh Samui travel guide
31 October 2022
Villas for rent in Koh Samui
The perfect stay
in Koh Samui, Thailand
Capturing the spirit and natural beauty of Thailand, yet with a characterful identity all of its own, Koh Samui is a charming hideaway in the Gulf of Thailand. Cloaked in pristine rainforests which sweep down to tranquil beaches, the island thrums with rich culture and mythical beauty. From beachfront boltholes to havens in the heart of the jungle, our luxury villas in Koh Samui offer the perfect refuge for adventurous travellers.
Koh Samui is astonishingly pretty. Set in a turquoise ocean and with lush, green forests, it’s no surprise that the natural wonder of the island influences everything from the cuisine to the patterns and designs used in the island’s textiles. Nobody is really sure what the name ‘Samui’ means, although it could be a variation of the Chinese word ‘saboey’, which means ‘safe haven’, being an apt description of our collection of Koh Samui villas.
Koh Samui is astonishingly pretty. Set in a turquoise ocean and with lush, green forests, it’s no surprise that the natural wonder of the island influences everything from the cuisine to the patterns and designs used in the island’s textiles. Nobody is really sure what the name ‘Samui’ means, although it could be a variation of the Chinese word ‘saboey’, which means ‘safe haven’, being an apt description of our collection of Koh Samui villas.
Koh Samui is naturally wonderous, and the best place to see the flora and fauna of this tropical island is the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Cultural icons include Wat Phra Yai temple, or the gloriously colourful Wat Plai Laem temple, which you’ll find tucked away behind the languid beauty of Bang Rak beach. From its delicious cuisine to the warmth of the welcome visitors receive from the locals, it’s a characterful destination that gives you a glimpse into Thai culture.
Things
you can’t miss in Koh Samui
- Visit the Angthong National Marine Park and experience the thrill of snorkelling and diving through marine wonders.
- Get a dose of culture by visiting the island’s beautiful temples; Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plae Laem must not be missed.
- Book an authentic Thai massage, one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences you can have.
Our insider tips for Koh Samui
Popular destinations in Koh Samui
Chaweng, beach perfection in Koh Samui
The largest of Koh Samui’s beaches, Chaweng is a sweeping expanse of golden sand that is made up of four distinct beaches. At over 7km long, there is always plenty of room for everyone on Chaweng beach. The scent of BBQs fills the air and you can always find lots of street vendors and beach sellers offering tasty Thai snacks, such as satay sticks with more-ish peanut sauce. The beach is easy to get to and a main road runs parallel from south to north. For a quieter experience, the far ends of the beach are more tranquil than the bustling middle section.
Choeng Mon, tranquillity in abundance
Away from the busier areas of Koh Samui, Choeng Mon is a tranquil oasis made up of a series of bays and inlets. White sandy beaches are lined by coconut trees and the water here is clear and safe for paddling. This is a more upmarket part of the island and there are very few developments apart from opulent and secluded private villas. The beaches are practically deserted and are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Try kayaking to the islet of Ko Fan Noi, or wait until low tide and walk across the causeway.
Lipa Noi, fishermen and fabulous sunsets
Lipa Noi is one of those places where time can seem to stand still. Watching the fishermen cast their nets from the traditional boats as the sun sets behind the hills makes you forget that you’re only an hour from Koh Samui's airport and the hustle and bustle of the main city. This serene beach is lined with sugar-soft white sand and the water here is calm and safe for younger swimmers to splash about. Beach vendors sell fresh fruit, drinks and hot snacks. This is a place to come to relax, escape the pressures of modern life, and revive your soul.
Mae Nam Beach, the local’s beach
If you want to break free from the usual tourist beaches, Mae Nam is the place to be. This 7km beach is huge, pristine, and practically empty, making it the perfect spot to spread out a beach towel, settle down for the day with a good book, and simply relax. The water is warm, shallow and clean, and the beach is the ideal spot for a sunset stroll with a loved one as the sun sets and the breeze rustles the coconut palms. Apart from a handful of temples nearby, the beach is the main feature. Mae Nam is how you always imagined a beach holiday should be.
Koh Samui villas you will love
Our Koh Samui villas
Samujana Villa 27
8 PEOPLE -
4 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Villa Avasara
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
5 Bathrooms
Villa Spice
16 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
Villa Samujana 1
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
Samujana Villa 30
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Villa Samujana 8
8 PEOPLE -
4 Bedrooms -
5 Bathrooms
“Basking in the breeze under the miles of swaying palms, hiking through the lush jungle forests and diving into the sparkling crystal waters… Koh Samui is home to a rich wealth of natural beauty. Pair this with the island’s vibrant atmosphere and balmy weather and you have the perfect holiday spot.”
Jack Bower
Why stay with us?
Curated and inspected homes, villas & chalets
Luxury linen and toiletries
Round the clock support
Complimentary weekly clean
Dedicated concierge
Earn & redeem Accor ALL loyalty Reward points
Personal Meet & Greet
Complimentary medical support in partnership with AXA
Enhance your Koh Samui stay
Your luxury onefinestay rental villa in Koh Samui comes with a host of additional services, including wellness activities, sports and equipment hire, dinner reservations, a personal chef, childcare, car hire, entertainment, and celebratory decorations. Just ask your dedicated concierge for more details.
Essential Koh Samui information
When to visit Koh Samui
JAN
78F
FEB
80F
MAR
84F
APR
86F
MAY
84F
JUN
84F
JUL
84F
AUG
84F
SEP
84F
OCT
80F
NOV
80F
DEC
80F
Please note: these are the average temperatures reported but can vary greatly due to weather conditions, such as heat waves etc. We kindly invite you to contact us for more information, including confirmation that your chosen villa has air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Best time to go
During spring: from February to May, you’ll find the beaches, restaurants and shops are quieter and the cooler weather makes it ideal for exploring the island’s jungle interior. April and May tend to be the hottest months of the year at around 33°C (91°F) on average, with very little rainfall except for an occasional brief shower.
During summer: from July to September, much of the region is subject to monsoon rainfall. However, Koh Samui tends to be less affected as it’s tucked away on the east coast and protected from storms. Temperatures tend to be around the mid-30s°C (around 88°F) with relatively high humidity, but a fresh breeze keeps things cooler and much more comfortable on the beaches.
During autumn: if you prefer things more tranquil, October and November are good times to visit. You may need to take a light raincoat as there will be an occasional shower in the afternoon or evening. However, these are over relatively quickly and the sun comes out again.
During winter: as December rolls around, the temperature starts to climb and the rainy season fades away. This is one of the most popular times for holidays to Koh Samui, particularly around Christmas and the New Year. Temperatures are in the high-20s°C (around 80°F) and the water is warm for swimming and snorkelling.
How to get there
Make the journey as memorable as the arrival. Your dedicated concierge can arrange transportation from the closest airport or train station to your Koi Samui villa.
By plane
Koh Samui Airport is a private airport with regular flights from Bangkok and daily flights from Phuket. Mini-buses transport travellers to the main resorts and towns. Taxis are plentiful. Alternative airports for private flights and some charter planes are Surat Airport and Chumphon Airport on the mainland. These link up with ferry connections to Koh Samui.
By boat
A high-speed catamaran service runs from Chumphon, which also links to a high-speed bus service from Bangkok, making it easy to land on the mainland and then go on to Koh Samui across the country. It’s a fascinating way to see a part of Thailand you may otherwise miss, and a chance to approach the island from the water. A second ferry service runs from Surat Thani and takes around 60 to 90 minutes to reach the island.
By car
There are plenty of car hire options on the island. Driving is easy and relaxed, due to the lack of traffic on the narrow roads. It allows you to reach into the heart of the island and explore the interior as well as the small beaches, coves and fishing villages along the coast.
Local tips
- Visit Koh Samui from January until October for the best weather.
- Exchange your money into Thai Baht before coming to Koh Samui, as there are limited opportunities for changing currency on the island.
- Make sure you get the chance to sample Pad Thai - this delicious signature dish can be found almost anywhere on the island.
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