Koh Samui Starter Pack

Fly into Samui Airport (USM), a privately owned airport on the island

Flights from Bangkok (Bangkok Airways), Singapore, Hong Kong, and other hubs

Alternative: Fly to Surat Thani (URT), then ferry (2.5 hours total)

Hotel shuttle: Many hotels arrange airport pickup. Confirm in advance.

Taxi: Available at airport. Fixed rates by zone.

Car rental: Available at airport and around the island.

Tip: Samui Airport is expensive (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Budget airlines fly to Surat Thani.

Visa exemption: Many nationalities get 30-60 days on arrival.

Tourist Visa: 60 days, obtainable at Thai embassy before travel.

Visa extensions: Extend 30 days at Immigration for 1,900 THB (~$55).

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: For wealthy individuals, professionals, retirees.

Thailand Elite Visa: 5-20 year visa with benefits. Expensive but convenient.

Retirement visa: For 50+ with income/savings requirements.

Visa runs: Border runs to Malaysia or nearby countries to reset visa.

Dry season (Dec-April): Best weather, sunny, calm seas. Peak tourist season.

Hot season (April-June): Very hot and humid before monsoon.

Monsoon season (Oct-Dec): Heavy rains, rough seas, some flooding. Gulf coast pattern.

Different from Phuket: Samui's monsoon is October-December (Phuket's is May-October).

Temperature: 80-95°F year-round. Humidity is the variable.

Best time: December-February for ideal beach weather.

Tip: Samui's weather pattern differs from the Andaman coast. Check before planning!

Emergency Services

Tourist Police

Police

Bangkok Hospital Samui (private)

Samui International Hospital

Thai International Hospital

Save these numbers to your phone before you need them!

Scooter/motorbike: The main way to get around. Rent ~$150-200/month.

Songthaew: Shared pickup trucks that run the ring road. Cheap but set routes.

Taxi: Available but expensive. Negotiate price first.

Grab: Works on Samui. Car and motorbike options.

Car rental: Useful for families or those uncomfortable on scooters.

Ring road: Main road circles the island. Most areas are accessible from it.

Interior roads: Can be steep and hilly. Be careful on a scooter!

Tip: Get a scooter! The island is manageable but too big to walk.

SIM cards: AIS, DTAC, True Move. Buy at airport, 7-Eleven, or phone shops.

Tourist SIM: Easy packages at airport, ready to use.

Data is cheap: ~$15-30/month for generous data plans.

Home internet: 3BB, True, AIS Fibre. Good coverage in popular areas.

Coworking: Limited compared to other Thailand destinations.

Cafe WiFi: Many cafes have WiFi, though quality varies.

Tip: Samui has less coworking infrastructure than Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

Currency: Thai Baht (THB). $1 ≈ 35 THB (check current rate).

ATMs: Abundant throughout the island. Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, SCB.

ATM fees: ~200 THB ($6) per withdrawal for foreign cards.

Cards: Widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops.

Cash: Needed for markets, street food, small shops, and scooter rental.

Opening a bank account: Possible with proper documentation (may need work permit).

Wise/TransferWise: Popular for getting money to Thailand.

Money changers: SuperRich and banks offer good rates.

Chaweng: Main tourist beach. Nightlife, shopping, can be loud and touristy.

Lamai: Second-largest beach. More laid back than Chaweng, still has amenities.

Bophut/Fisherman's Village: Charming area with restaurants, quieter vibe.

Maenam: Quieter beach in the north. More local, affordable.

Bang Po: Very quiet, local, off the beaten path. North coast.

Choeng Mon: Upscale, beautiful beach, luxury resorts.

Lipa Noi: West coast, quiet, great sunsets, fewer tourists.

Rental prices: $500-1500/month depending on area and amenities.

Thai food: Amazing variety - pad thai, green curry, tom yum, and more.

Fisherman's Village: Great restaurant scene in Bophut. Friday walking street market.

Lamai night market: Authentic Thai street food at local prices.

Seafood: Fresh and delicious. Many beachfront seafood restaurants.

International options: Good variety - Italian, Indian, Japanese, burgers.

Healthy/vegan: Growing scene, especially in Bophut and health-focused cafes.

Groceries: Makro, Big C, Tesco Lotus for groceries. Villa Market for imports.

Tip: Eat at local markets and small shops for the best value.

Chaweng Beach: Long white sand beach. Developed, beach clubs, water sports.

Lamai Beach: Good swimming, less developed than Chaweng.

Silver Beach (Crystal Bay): Small, beautiful, good snorkeling.

Maenam Beach: Long stretch, calm water, more local vibe.

Choeng Mon: Upscale, beautiful, calm swimming water.

Lipa Noi: West coast, quiet, amazing sunsets.

Tip: The best beaches are scattered around the island. Explore by scooter!

Island hopping: Day trips to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Ang Thong Marine Park.

Big Buddha: Iconic temple on a small island connected by causeway.

Snorkeling and diving: Koh Tao is famous, but local spots are good too.

Waterfalls: Na Muang and Hin Lat waterfalls in the interior.

Muay Thai: Training camps and classes available.

Yoga: Studios and retreats around the island.

Nightlife: Chaweng has the main scene. Full moon prep parties before the main event.

Cooking classes: Learn to make Thai food. Many options available.

Snorkeling/Diving: Good spots around the island and day trips to Koh Tao.

Muay Thai: Several training camps for all levels.

Yoga: Studios in Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut.

Gyms: Several gyms around the island, including hotel fitness centers.

Kiteboarding: Good conditions at certain beaches, lessons available.

Golf: Santiburi Samui Golf Course, 18 holes with mountain views.

Running: Beach runs and interior trails.

Jet skiing and water sports: Available at main beaches.

Flights are expensive: Bangkok Airways has monopoly. Consider Surat Thani + ferry.

Full Moon Party: On Koh Phangan, not Samui. Easy ferry trip.

Monsoon is Oct-Dec: Different from the Andaman coast (Phuket). Plan accordingly.

Scooter safety: Roads can be hilly and slippery. Be careful!

Water: Tap water is not potable. Use bottled or filtered.

Temple etiquette: Dress modestly at temples. Cover shoulders and knees.

Thai: Learn basics! "Khob khun (krab/ka)" means thank you.

Respect the King: Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws.