View Southeast Asia on the mapLively beach towns such as Chaweng and Lamai coexist with quiet, fishing-village-like areas in the south. Resorts have been layered onto a former coconut-growing island, and prices range very widely, from luxury villas to backpacker lodgings.

Ko Samui

Ko Samui · Thailand · 9.54, 99.94

A resort island in the Gulf of Thailand, the country's third-largest by area, with palm groves and continuous white-sand beaches. Without a deep-water berth, cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers go ashore by tender.

Port highlights

A resort island of about 70,000

Population

A tropical monsoon climate that is hot year-round. Unlike Thailand's west coast, the rainy season arrives later: October to December is wettest, while February to April is dry with continued sunny weather.

Climate

Thai (English is understood in tourist areas)

Language

Thai baht (THB). Cash is required at food stalls and markets.

Currency

February to April (dry season with calm seas). October to December is the rainy season, with a risk of cancelled sailings

Best time to visit

Local food

Southern-style curry made with coconut, tom yum goong, grilled seafood, and island coconut juice

Sights

Golden Buddha at Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)Chaweng Beach and night marketNa Muang WaterfallDay boat trip to Ang Thong Marine National ParkWeekend market at Fisherman's Village

Monthly average high / low temperatures

29°

24°Jan

29°

25°Feb

31°

25°Mar

32°

26°Apr

33°

26°May

33°

25°Jun

32°

25°Jul

32°

25°Aug

32°

25°Sep

31°

24°Oct

30°

24°Nov

29°

24°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: KO SAMUI · about 14.8 km from port · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Cheaper than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)63 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, water, coffee, meals and beer are somewhat cheaper; a Big Mac is somewhat more expensive.

THB 12.50

Water 500 ml

THB 80.00

Coffee

THB 100.00

Inexpensive meal

THB 85.00

Local beer

THB 135.00

Big Mac

Prices in Ko Samui. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 (partly estimated) · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)