Koh Samui has long been a favourite beach destination for travellers seeking a serene beach escape at the end of a Thailand holiday. Now, as the backdrop for the much-anticipated 2025 season of White Lotus, the island is capturing the world’s attention.
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, Koh Samui offers something for every traveller. The island’s mild, tropical weather, allows for year-round exploration.
Wellness enthusiasts can indulge in spa treatments and holistic retreats while adventure-seekers will enjoy exploring neighbouring Ang Thong National Park. Cultural landmarks, a thriving culinary scene and vibrant markets further add to the island’s allure.
Koh Samui also offers an incredible range of accommodations, from backpacker hostels to ultra-luxury resorts, such as the iconic Four Seasons Resort where the renowned series was filmed.
Whether a fan of the White Lotus series or simply drawn to idyllic beaches, Koh Samui promises an unforgettable escape.
Read on to learn more about the island and what it has to offer.
Koh Samui Highlights:
- Beaches: The island boasts powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Chaweng and Lamai, on the eastern coast, are Koh Samui’s most famous beaches but there are plenty of other lesser known, less busy beaches for those seeking a more low-key experience.
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Home to 42 islands, spectacular limestone karsts and emerald lagoons, the marine park is perfect for kayaking, snorkelling and boat trips.
- Fisherman’s Village: Located in the Bophut district, this historic neighbourhood is filled with traditional wooden shophouses and laneways. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings the area transforms into a vibrant night market with food stalls, souvenir vendors and more.
- Spa & Wellness: Koh Samui is renowned for its range of holistic experiences, from indulgent spa and massage treatments to multi-day wellness getaways, detoxification programmes to an impressive number of healthy dining restaurants.
Koh Samui experiences
The Local Life Samui: Step off the beaches of Koh Samui to get a taste of local island life. Take a stroll through a daily fresh market and a fisherman village, seeing scenes of daily life at every turn. Then visit a rum distillery and coconut plantation to discover the island’s traditional industries.
Kayaking & Snorkelling at Ang Thong National Park: Explore the fairy tale landscapes of Angthong National Marine Park from Koh Samui. Spend a day aboard a speedboat cruising along clear waters and passing stunning tropical islands. Take a hike to a scenic elevated viewpoint, relax under swaying palm trees and plunge underwater to see colourful fish.
Organic Thai Cooking Class: Grab an apron and start cooking! Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine with a fun, hands-on culinary adventure. Under the watchful eye of a local chef, use traditional techniques and family recipes to prepare tasty dishes such as green curry and coconut soup.
Where to stay:
Koh Samui boasts a wide range of accommodation and EXO Travel can recommend properties to match personal travel styles and budgets. Here are a few of our preferred hotels:
Four Seasons Koh Samui Serving as the stunning backdrop for the third season of White Lotus, this luxury resort is perched on a hillside, offering sweeping views of a pristine beach and turquoise waters. Each villa and residence features a private infinity pool and interiors that fuse relaxed island vibes with modern comforts.
Anantara Lawana Samui: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, featured in the latest season of White Lotus, exudes beachfront luxury with Sino-Thai elegance. Set along Chaweng Beach, it offers private pool villas, treetop dining, and tranquil spa experiences, creating an idyllic retreat on Koh Samui.
Kimpton Kitalay Samui: This beachfront oasis, inspired by Fisherman Village, offers 138 luxurious rooms, suites and villas. The resort boasts 1,500 sqm of pool space, including an Olympic-sized infinity pool. It is also renowned for its wellness spa and its culinary offerings, including a Michelin Guide-selected restaurant.
New Star Beach Resort A serene escape for couples seeking tranquility and personalised service. Nestled within a tropical garden and boasting a 200-meter beachfront, the resort provides a range of accommodations, from cosy rooms to luxurious villas, all designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation.
Planning a trip:
When to go: Koh Samui has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The best months to visit are July and August when the weather is sunny and dry. The rainiest months (November and December) are marked by brief but intense downpours while May to September offers warm weather and mostly blue skies. As the island is popular year-round, we recommend booking early to secure preferred hotels
Getting there: Koh Samui boasts its own airport, offering regular direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai and regional hubs such as Singapore. For those seeking an alternative route, ferry services connect Koh Samui to the mainland at Surat Thani, where travelers can seamlessly continue their journey to Bangkok by air or train.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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