Koh Samui

Air Quality

Source: IQAir 2025 annual city ranking and IQAir's Ko Samui live page.

Getting Around

• Scooter200–350 THB (about USD 6.13 to 10.72, £4.55 to 7.96, and €5.26 to 9.21)/day. The only practical way to explore. Roads improve, take care at night.
• Songthaew (Ring Road)30–50 THB (about USD 0.92 to 1.53, £0.68 to 1.14, and €0.79 to 1.32) per leg. Follows Highway 4169 around the island. Slow but cheap.
• GrabImproving coverage. Best used for airport or ferry terminal transfers.
• Car rental700–1,200 THB (about USD 21.45 to 36.77, £15.93 to 27.3, and €18.43 to 31.59)/day. Worth considering for families.

Where to Live

• Bophut / Fisherman's VillageBest for an easy, polished base with restaurants and a little more life at night.
• MaenamQuieter and more relaxed. Good if you want space and fewer tourists.
• LamaiUseful middle ground with a bit of activity and a bit less chaos than Chaweng.
• Lipa Noi / Taling NgamBest if you want the calm side of the island and do not mind being further out.

Where to Shop

• Central SamuiThe main mall for everything you forgot you needed.
• Fisherman's VillageGood for boutiques, dinner and a walk without leaving the north side.
• LamaiPractical for south-island errands and day-to-day shopping.
• Big C / MakroUseful if you are actually living on the island, not just holidaying.

Where to Work

• Fisherman's Village (Bo Phut)Several cafes with reliable wifi along the village strip.
• The Hive SamuiDedicated coworking space near Chaweng. Best option for a proper desk.
• Villa / apartment wifiMost long-stay accommodation now has fibre. Many expats work from home.

Coworking options are limited compared to Phuket or Chiang Mai. Plan around your accommodation's internet quality.

Eat & Drink

• Fisherman's Village (Bo Phut)Best restaurant strip on the island. Good for an evening out — varied, not overpriced.
• Bangrak pier areaLocal eats near the ferry terminal. Cheap, not touristy.
• LamaiMore local than Chaweng. Good street food night market.
• ChawengMost choice but most touristy. Useful for variety, not for value.

Night Markets

• Fisherman's Village Walking StreetBest one if you want food, browsing and a proper evening out.
• Lamai Night MarketGood for street food and a more local feel.
• Chaweng stallsLess charming, but useful if you are staying in the tourist core.

Stay Healthy

• Bangkok Hospital SamuiMain private hospital. Chaweng area. Best on the island for most things.
• Samui International HospitalSecond private option. Central Chaweng, English-speaking.
• For emergenciesSerious cases go to Bangkok via Samui Airport (15 min flight) or Surat Thani (ferry + 1h). Plan ahead.

Immigration Offices

• Samui Immigration OfficeMaenam area. The island's main immigration office.

Day Trips

• Ang Thong Marine ParkThe obvious boat day when you want the island version of a reset.
• Koh TaoEasy ferry hop if you want diving or a change of scene.
• Koh PhanganClose enough for a simple island bounce if you are based in Samui.
• Na Muang waterfallsGood when you want something inland and simple.

Beaches

• Bo Phut (north)Calm, good for swimming, village feel. One of the quieter main beaches.
• LamaiLong stretch, slightly quieter than Chaweng, better for actual swimming.
• ChawengLongest beach. Busy, developed, jet skis. The obvious choice, not always the best one.
• Silver Beach (Taling Ngam)West coast, sheltered bay, far fewer people. Worth finding.

Schools

• International School of SamuiOne of the better-known options for expat families.
• Panyadee Bilingual SchoolAnother established choice on the island.
• Choice is limitedStill smaller than Phuket or Bangkok, so families should plan early.