Island in Surat Thani, Thailand
Koh Samui
Comfortable resort island with an airport, villas, wellness retreats and good hospitals. Suits couples and slow, comfortable stays more than budget solo trips: it is spread out and taxis are expensive.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,490–2,380Comfortable, one person · ฿50,000–80,000Details
- Value for money45/100Better value than 44% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–Apr, Jul–AugWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet299 MbpsFixed broadband, Thailand medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland tap water comes from wells and reservoirs; drink bottled or refill-machine water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–89Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts, malls and many restaurants; cash for songthaews, taxis, markets and scooter rentals.Details
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Chaweng | Nightlife, busiest beach, most hotels |
| Lamai | Cheaper, relaxed, Muay Thai and fitness gyms |
| Bophut (Fisherman's Village) | Couples and long stays; walking street |
| Maenam | Quiet, cheaper long stays, ferry to Koh Phangan |
Apps that work in Koh Samui
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Works, but few drivers and prices near taxi fares |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- 12Go: Buses, trains and ferries between towns
- IQAir AirVisual: Checking smoke levels in burning season
- Taxis: Taxis and songthaews set the prices; agree fares first. Hotels can book drivers for the airport and ferries.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Thailand.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts, malls and many restaurants; cash for songthaews, taxis, markets and scooter rentals.
- Currency: Baht (THB). US$1 ≈ ฿33.56 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Thai ATMs charge foreign cards about 220 THB per withdrawal; limits usually 20,000–30,000 THB, so withdraw larger amounts.
- Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 20–100 THB for good service. Upmarket restaurants add 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; Thai QR (PromptPay) works with some linked Asian bank apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; paid look-alike sites are scams.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds (20,000 THB per person); rarely checked, but enforced at times.
- In May 2026 the cabinet approved shortening visa-free stays; check the current permitted length before booking a long trip.
Emergency numbers
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155
Plugs
Type A, B, C, O · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
AIS, True and dtac airport counters sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs, roughly 300–600 THB for 8–15 days; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Thailand
Going to Koh Samui solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Koh Samui meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Bangkok Hospital Samui
- Lomprayah ferries
- Seatran Discovery ferries
- Raja Ferry
- Grab Thailand service areas
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.