Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, luxurious getaway or a more active vacation, Koh Samui has something to offer you. This tropical island is home to beautiful beaches, dense mountainous rainforests, posh spas, luxury resorts, and much more.
Best time to visit
Among the most important factors to consider when deciding on the best time to visit Koh Samui is its weather. The island is trendy and has a tropical climate. It offers a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of water-based activities. It’s a great alternative to the oppressive heat of summer.
The best time to visit Koh Samui depends on your preferences and budget. You can enjoy the beach at any time of the year. However, there are two periods of the year characterized by good weather and low prices.
During the dry season, the island is free of rain, and humidity is manageable. During the monsoon season, the showers tend to fall in short bursts, making it ideal for yoga, spa massages, reading, and lounging.
During the rainy season, the weather can be stormy. But the rains usually pass over the next few months, leaving you with sunny days.
The dry season is also an excellent time to visit Koh Samui. The island is awash with tourists, but this is less of a problem than in the rainy months. The average temperature remains around 28 degrees Celsius, making it a great time to enjoy beach life.
The best time to visit Koh Sa Mai is in July and November when the temperatures are mild. This is also the best time to enjoy water sports. The sea is calm and ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Koh Samui is a popular destination for college students on Spring Break. This is also when the Chinese New Year is celebrated, meaning the island will be slightly more crowded. However, it’s a great time to enjoy the beach, as the sea is warm.
The weather throughout the year
Generally speaking, Koh Samui weather is quite pleasant throughout the year. However, sometimes, you might find yourself dealing with a bit of rain or humidity. Luckily, you can still put your vacation plans on hold.
Koh Samui has a tropical climate, which means you can enjoy a lot of sunshine all year round. The weather is hot in April and June, and the sun shines most of the time in March. The average temperature in Koh Samui is around 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature drops only slightly at night.
There are three main seasons: a rainy season, a dry season, and a hot season. The cold season begins at the end of November and lasts through January. The rainy season, on the other hand, begins in mid-September and lasts until mid-December.
The drier season lasts from December 18 until April 30. This is a good time for water sports, boat tours, and other activities. However, it’s also a busy season.
The rainy season is usually intense in the late afternoon. You might even see a torrential downpour. However, most of the time, these showers last for only a few minutes. They are more of a photographic opportunity than anything else.
The dry season is the best time to enjoy the scenery without dealing with a crowd of tourists. It is also the best time to find great deals. This is why most visitors prefer to visit this time of the year.
The rainy season is short but can be pretty intense. The average rainfall during this time is 12% of the average for November.
Activities to do
Whether you are a honeymooner or a family on a Koh Samui vacation, plenty of activities keep you busy. From shopping to snorkeling to kayaking, there are plenty of things to do.
There are plenty of activities to do on Koh Samui vacation, but one of the most popular is paragliding. The views of the island from the sky are incredible. If you don’t dare to go for it, plenty of organized tours will take you to the island and explain other activities to do on the island.
You can also visit the Chinese shrine in Thailand, which is becoming increasingly popular over the years. This shrine is located in Nathon Town and dates back to 1862.
Another great activity is cooking classes. Cooking together is a great way to improve your coordination as a couple. Taking a cooking class is also a great way to learn new dishes.
Koh Samui has several waterfalls to explore. One of the most famous waterfalls is the Namuang Waterfalls. The water here is excellent and fresh. The falls are a great place to hike, and the scenery is stunning.
Another great waterfall to visit is the Hin Lad Waterfall. This waterfall is also located in Nathon Town. Another waterfall on Koh Samui is the Khao Yai Waterfall.
The Secret Buddha Garden is also a great place to visit. This place was created by a local fruit farmer named Nim Thongsuk. The garden features dozens of Buddha statues. It is also called the Magic Garden.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a great place to go kayaking. It is a short boat ride from Koh Samui. There are several beaches to explore along the way. You can also hike to the top of Mae Koh for amazing views.
Places to see
During a Koh Samui vacation, you can choose from various activities. You can visit cultural temples, experience water sports, or sunbathe on private beaches. You can also visit national parks and take in the beauty of the landscape.
Koh Samui offers several waterfalls. Some of the best are at the Namuang Waterfalls. These are located in a scenic area of Samui and are great for families and couples.
The Guan Yu shrine is dedicated to the Chinese god of war. This shrine is one of the unique places to visit in Koh Samui.
Another place you should visit is the Secret Buddha Garden. This garden features dozens of Buddha statues. You can spend about 45 minutes or so here. The invisible throne, hidden Buddha statues, and carved fish are this place’s highlights.
If you are looking for a way to experience the wild side of Koh Samui, you can opt for an ATV tour. These tours will take you to hidden spots you would never see if you weren’t on a motorbike. These tours are led by local guides and take about 2 hours. They also offer stunning viewpoints.
You can also visit the Nathon Hainan Shrine, located in the town of Nathon. This shrine dates back to 1862. The best time to visit is in the evening. You will see locals shopping at the market and catch a glimpse of everyday Thai life.
Another place to visit is the Big Buddha Temple. This temple is on a small island off the northeastern coast of Samui. You can see the temple free of charge. You can also shop at the market or enjoy lunch in the temple’s courtyard.
Cost of a trip
Whether you’re looking to visit Koh Samui for the first time, or the hundredth time, there are several ways to save money on your vacation. If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, be sure to shop around for the best deals.
Flights to Thailand can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling from the US. You can save up to 81% on flights by booking ahead. Consider the train or ferry from Surat Thani to Bangkok, which costs about the same as flying.
The cheapest airfare to Koh Samui will set you back $112 one-way, though you’ll have to pay a little extra for standby tickets. You can get better deals if you plan your trip two to three months in advance.
The best deals on flights and accommodation will vary according to the time of year you’re traveling. If you’re planning a holiday during the busy season, it’s wise to book well in advance. You’ll also want to consider the cost of imports. For example, imported alcohol is 126% more expensive in Thailand than in the United Kingdom.
There’s also a lot to see and do in Koh Samui, so you’ll want to budget for the most activities you enjoy. You can spend as little as a few dollars on street food or stock up on local produce for a picnic. You can also visit one of the many SPAs, which are among the best in Southeast Asia.
For the best of both worlds, try a dedicated yoga retreat. One of the most unique and affordable options is Vikasa. You can spend a week at a luxury retreat with a private pool, including meals and accommodation.
