Koh Samui - general information, weather, seasons, time

General information about Koh Samui

Koh Samui (Ko Samui) is the third largest island in Thailand (after Phuket Island and Chang Island) and the second most popular island resort in the country (again after Phuket). The island is located in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand in the south Thailand (the position of Koh Samui on the map of Thailand) 700 kilometers from Bangkok and about 40 kilometers from the east coast of Thailand. The size of the island: 21 by 25 kilometers. There are many small islets around Koh Samui, as well as the large resort islands of Koh Pha Ngan (world-famous for open-air parties Fullmoon Party), Koh Tao (the largest diving center in the world) and Koh Nang Yuan.

Before talking about the island, it's worth figuring out how to pronounce the name of the island correctly: Koh Samui or Koh SamuI. Thais most often pronounce the name of the island as Koh SamUi, emphasizing the letter "u". At the same time, in Russian the name of the island is pronounced Koh Samui. So, pronounce it as you want, but know that for Thais this island is called Koh Samui.

Tourism on the island began to develop only in the late 80s, although the beginning was laid in the 70s by the hippie colonies. Now the tourist infrastructure of the island is well developed. There is absolutely everything for any kind of recreation, but mostly conditions are created for beach holidays. Hotels on the island are represented in the entire range: from inexpensive guest houses with hostel-type accommodation to chic five-star hotels. Many villas and small private houses on the beaches are offered for rent.

Holidays on the island are mostly of a calm beach character, and the main attraction of the island is clean and beautiful beaches. They encircle the island almost around the perimeter, and even at the height of the tourist season, you can find a quiet and deserted corner by the water. The most popular beaches in high season are crowded with vacationers, and popular hotels in Koh Samui do not always have a free place.

But not only relaxing on the beach can be done here. It can be diluted with water activities and sports, there are several cultural, historical and natural attractions on the island - these are temples, Buddha images, waterfalls, jungles, interesting natural formations. The island is also known as a great place for diving and snorkeling. Rather, on Koh Samui itself, the opportunities for diving and snorkeling are weak, but on the neighboring small islands, where they most often go from Koh Samui, the conditions are simply amazing.

Often the island is compared with Phuket Island, which is located just 250 kilometers away, but on the other side of the peninsula, in the Andaman Sea, and one of them is chosen for a beach holiday. The islands are very similar in their beaches, nature, climate, but at the same time very different. First of all, it is better to go to Phuket in winter, and to Koh Samui in summer. Koh Samui is quieter and less developed compared to Phuket. In other words, it can be said that he is less party. On Koh Samui you will find all the same entertainment as in Phuket, including adult night entertainment, but on a smaller scale. The number of tourists, compared to Phuket, is also less here. And even the prices for accommodation and entertainment are lower here. Even in favor of Koh Samui, its location: the island is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is more protected from possible tsunamis. Another important plus for many is Koh Samui - there are fewer of our compatriots here.

There are also a lot of advantages in favor of Phuket: this is also an easier way to get there (there are even direct flights from Moscow and other cities of the Russian Federation); more fun and parties; developed shopping; more developed infrastructure; warmer and cleaner sea.

To understand which is more suitable for you, Koh Samui or Phuket, you can only visit both there and there, and at different times of the year and in different parts of the islands.

Visiting Koh Samui is easy enough on your own. All the necessary information for an independent visit to Koh Samui, even for inexperienced tourists, is collected on our pages: how to get to Koh Samui, moving around Koh Samui, transport; hotels and beaches of Koh Samui; attractions of Koh Samui; map of Koh Samui, etc. You can discuss questions, share information and impressions about Koh Samui on the Koh Samui forum.

Weather on Koh Samui, tourist seasons

You can relax on the island all year round, but it should be noted that the season here is divided into the rainy season and the dry season.

Dry season, aka high tourist season, lasts from January to April. This is the perfect time to visit. There is almost no precipitation, the temperature is very comfortable, not too hot. Prices are rising at this time. But it is worth noting that sometimes tourists go to the island for the New Year holidays, expecting to get the perfect weather. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. The fact is that the first half of January is still a kind of transition period, and the weather is not always good.

Moderate season, or, as it could be described, the intermediate season, lasts from May to September. It seems to be like the rainy season, but in fact you can relax comfortably, besides, prices during this period are lower than in high season. Rains, of course, happen, but they are short-lived and do not interfere with rest at all.

The real rainy season, it's also the low season, lasts from October to December, sometimes affecting the first half of January. At this time, the weather can bring surprises in the form of heavy rains, the wind is constantly blowing, waves are on the sea. Theoretically, at this time it is also possible to visit the island quite comfortably, especially since prices are falling very much.

Seasons on Koh Samui by month, when is the best time to go

Current weather in Koh Samui and forecast for the near future:

Time on Koh Samui

The time difference between Koh Samui and Moscow is +4 hours in winter and summer.

Useful tips about Koh Samui

Tap water. In most hotels on Koh Samui, it is not even recommended to brush your teeth with tap water. It is better to use bottled water for this.

Safety of luggage. If you get to the island by bus, do not leave valuables in your luggage, which you will put in the luggage compartment of the bus. It is not uncommon for valuables to disappear from bags in the luggage compartment right while the bus was moving.

Shopping on Koh Samui. Shopping on the island is not very diverse, but you can buy typical souvenirs, T-shirts and glasses without any problems. Most of the trade takes place at markets and shops in the areas of Chaweng Beach, Lamai and in the city of Nathon. Do not forget to bargain everywhere. There are several large shopping centers on Koh Samui: Big-C and Makro (located between the beaches of Bo Put and Chaweng closer to Bo Put), Lotus's Go Fresh (located between the beaches of Bo Put and Chaweng closer to Chaweng, and one more in the Lamai area). Learn more about shopping and shopping in Koh Samui here.

Train tickets to Koh Samui. Tickets for trains all over Thailand while on the island can be purchased without problems at travel agencies, but with an additional commission. There is an office in Nathon, where you can buy train tickets without commission. This is the office of Phantip company at 11/4 Moo 3, Taveeradpakdee Rd, about 100 meters from Naton Pier, landmark - Bank Krungsri.

Immigration office on Koh Samui. There is an immigration office on Koh Samui where you can extend your visa, visa-free stay and resolve other issues of your stay. It is located in the village of Lipa Noi, a couple of kilometers south of the center of Naton. Address: Thaweeratphakdee Road, Nathon Moo 3, Tambon Angthong (on the map). Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 08:30 to 16:30.

Cashew nuts. On Koh Samui, you can find a cashew nut growing right on the trees. In any case, do not tear them off and taste them. Without special heat treatment, the nutshell juice is very caustic.