Koh Samui Guide: When to Go, Ferries, Beaches

Plan around the rain: Samui is on the Gulf side, where heavy rain lasts until December. Flights on Bangkok Airways are advertised from THB 2,500, while the Raja ferry from Donsak costs THB 200. At Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, a foreign adult pays THB 200.

If you can, skip October to December on Samui, because the heavy rain on the Gulf side lasts until December. Its rain comes with the northeast monsoon, which runs from about mid-October to mid-February, and on the Gulf side it stays heavy until December.

When Samui is wet

Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand, on the east side of the south, with the Andaman Sea on the other coast. The northeast monsoon leaves the south rainy, especially the east side, so Samui gets more of it than the west.

The middle of the year has its own wet spell, the southwest monsoon, from mid-May to mid-October. Check both against Best Thai Islands by Month, and treat the dates as a guide, since either monsoon can start and end off schedule.

Swimming in rough weather

Stick to designated beaches, where lifeguards and a flag system are in place, and obey red flags above all. Strong riptides have drowned people, especially in monsoon season. Jellyfish can come close to shore from May to October, and their stings can be fatal.

Getting to Samui

The quick way is to fly: Bangkok Airways is the sole domestic operator, with near-hourly flights to Bangkok and fares advertised from THB 2,500. The cheaper way is a ferry across from Donsak Pier on the mainland.

Raja sails from a 05:00 departure to a last trip at 19:00. It also takes vehicles: THB 260 for a motorbike up to 250cc with its rider, or THB 640 for a car, jeep, van or pickup. For other operators, see the Samui, Phangan and Tao ferries guide.

Day trips to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

Take the 08:00 Lomprayah catamaran from Pralarn Pier: it reaches Koh Phangan at 08:30 for THB 350, and Koh Tao at 09:30 for THB 700. For a slower start, the 11:00 ferry reaches Koh Tao at 13:30 for THB 550. The ferry back from Koh Phangan leaves at 18:30 for THB 250.

Which area to stay in

Pick the beach before the hotel, and match it to your trip.

Sights and national park fees

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a group 2 park with closures from 1 November to 15 December. A foreign adult pays THB 200 and a child THB 100. Some Ang Thong sites add a special charge, with the amount printed on the e-ticket. Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park is a group 1 park, at THB 100 for an adult and THB 50 for a child; the Koh Phangan guide covers a day trip across.

The child rate covers ages 3 to 14, or anyone no taller than 140 cm. Children under 3, disabled people and monks are exempt.

Getting around and road safety

Songthaews run fixed routes at fixed prices until 18:00. After 18:00 they work as normal taxis, so agree the price before you climb in. Do not count on a taxi meter, since drivers are very reluctant to use them. Grab is available as well.

Think twice about a scooter. Many hire bikes in tourist areas are unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road, and you must wear a helmet, with a fine of up to THB 2,000 if you do not. A visitor who drives a motorcycle in Thailand must hold an international driving licence, and riding without a valid one could invalidate your travel insurance. Never hand over your passport as a guarantee.

Hospitals and emergencies

For hospital care, head to Bangkok Hospital Samui at 57 Moo 3 Thaweerat Phakdee Rd, Amphoe Koh Sa-mui. In a medical emergency, dial 1669. For the Royal Thai Police, call 191, and for the tourist police, 1155. The tourist police guide and the emergency numbers list are worth saving.

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Not confirmed: Samui airport taxi and songthaew fares: no posted tariff is confirmed, so agree the price before you get in. Public hospital contact details are not confirmed. Park rates come from the 2022 schedule, so ask at the ticket booth.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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