5 Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui

The second largest of Thailand’s islands, Koh Samui’s natural beauty is a draw for travellers seeking peaceful getaways or adventurous breaks. Walk or cycle the island’s many trails through the hills and jungle. Swim beneath waterfalls and dive coral reefs. Dine on incredible seafood and party the night away in Chaweng.

Our hotels and resorts in Koh Samui offer luxurious and comfortable escapes. Take part in locally inspired activities and experiences for guests of all ages at Minor Hotels. Pamper the body and soul with spa treatments or simply unwind by the beach or pool.

Reachable only by boat or by plane, Koh Samui is served by its international airport located in the northeast of the island. Many visitors opt to take one of the regular ferry services, some of which also carry vehicles, to and from the mainland. The ferry can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the operator. Koh Samui has a shared taxi service, called ‘songtaew’, that run on different routes around the island. For longer stays, many visitors rent scooters, motorbikes or cars.

Koh Samui’s tropical climate sees average temperatures of 28-32°C year-round. It has two seasons, a long warm season with great weather, and a short rainy season. The rainy season is from October to December, while the driest months are January to April. The Songkran Festival, which takes place in April, is only celebrated for one day on Koh Samui.

The local cuisine is southern; however, Chinese and Thai influences have softened the usually fiery flavours of the region. A dish that draws on Samui’s heritage is Wai Khua, a thick coconut curry with octopus. Crab curry with betel leaves is another popular southern dish. On Koh Samui they use fish paste instead of the traditional shrimp paste.

Visit the northern Bophut area to browse the many shop fronts and boutiques along the historical Fisherman’s Village. The Big Buddha is a 12-metre-tall golden statue, accessed by a giant staircase flanked by two colourful nagas. Please be mindful when visiting places of worship to dress modestly.

Chaweng is where the majority of the hotels and resorts on Koh Samui are located. The five-kilometre stretch of powdery sand is often busy with visitors and hawkers. Koh Samui’s only mall is in the midst of Chaweng, the area around it often draws large afternoon and night markets. During the day, Chaweng Beach Road is empty, its bars and restaurants only opening in the late afternoon. This area is where nightlife converges, with large clubs, entertainment venues, and cabaret shows.

Take dip beneath the sparkling Na Mueang waterfall after visiting the Secret Buddha Garden in the hilly interior of Koh Samui. Taling Ngam’s pristine beaches are bordered by jungle, have some of the most stunning sunsets and views of the Ang Thong National Marine Park. The Marine Park’s archipelago of 42 islands can be explored with a day trip full of snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking. Swim with the pigs that call the nearby island of Koh Madsum home.

Koh Samui is often a stop off point on the way to or from the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is world-famous for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach that happens every full moon. Koh Tao is a hotspot for scuba diving and snorkelling, where visitors often spot whale sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

The area of Lamai has a long stretch of beach and some of the famous Muay Thai gyms. The Overlap Stone is a panoramic viewpoint with an 8-metre tall, precariously perched boulder. Lamai has two other popular rock formations, Hin Ta and Hin Yai, with somewhat questionable likenesses.