Struggling to choose where to stay or how to plan your days in Koh Samui?
Our Koh Samui map shows the island layout, the main areas to stay, the must-see spots, and the easiest day trips.
Keep reading, and it'll all start to make sense.
Koh Samui Location Map: Where is it in Thailand?
Koh Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand, part of Surat Thani Province. You can fly directly from Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi in about 1 hour, or take a 1.5-hour ferry from Donsak Pier, Surat Thani.
Koh Samui Attraction Map: Top Things to Do
Use this map to see how Koh Samui's main attractions are grouped—and how easy they are to combine.
- Lad Koh Viewpoint—panoramic sea and mountain views
- Chaweng Beach—the island's longest beach, best for water sports, dining, and nightlife.
- Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)—iconic golden statue by the sea
- Wat Plai Laem—18-armed Guanyin statue and lake with fish feeding
- Fisherman's Village—beachfront dining, shopping, and night market
- Choeng Mon Beach—a calm, swimmable beach, popular with couples and families
- Maenam Beach—a long, uncrowded beach with views toward Koh Phangan. Ideal for swimming
- Lamai Beach—a wide sandy beach, calmer than Chaweng, good for swimming
- Silver Beach—a small cove with clear water, light snorkeling, and a quieter vibe
- Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks)—natural rock formations, quick photo stop
- Na Muang Waterfalls: Two jungle waterfalls (Na Muang 1 & 2) for natural pools and jungle walks
- Secret Buddha Garden—a hidden garden with sculptures and a waterfall
- Ethical elephant experiences—Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Samui Elephant Haven, Samui Elephant Home, and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui.
Koh Samui Hotel Map: Where to Stay
Hotels in Koh Samui mostly line the beaches. On the map, you'll see key beach features at a glance.
1. Convenience & Social/Nightlife Seekers
- Chaweng Beach—No. 1 choice for first-timers. The island's busiest and most famous, best sandy beach, lots of hotels (many adult-only). A center for nightlife, shopping, and easy day trips.
2. Balanced/Mixed Vibe – Moderate Activity
- Bo Phut Beach—Quiet boutique area, coarser sand, atmospheric restaurants, stunning sunsets.
- Lamai Beach—Slightly calmer than Chaweng, with moderate sand.
- Maenam Beach—Long golden sand, calm waters, fewer tourists. Great for private, peaceful beach days.
3. Serene & Relaxation Seekers / Privacy Lovers
- Choeng Mon Beach—Small, intimate, fine sand, clear water, high-end resorts. Perfect for quiet, luxury-focused stays.
- Taling Ngam—Secluded, few hotels, dramatic sunsets. Best for solitude and undisturbed views.
4. Budget-Friendly / Practical Travelers
- Lipa Noi—Close to the ferry pier, easy for arrivals and departures. Sand and water are poor, but cheap seafood makes it practical.
Koh Samui Transportation Map: How to Get to and Around
Flying into Koh Samui? You'll land at Samui International Airport (USM). From there, it's only 10–15 minutes by car to popular spots like Chaweng or Bophut Beach.
Getting to Koh Samui from Abroad
There are a few international flights to Koh Samui. Singapore and Hong Kong are the main choices.
Getting to Koh Samui from Other Thai Cities
Check the map to see travel times from major Thai cities. You can reach it from popular cities in 1 to 2 hours.
Bangkok and Phuket are your most reliable options with flights all year round. Quick tip: Tickets can sell out fast, so try booking 2–3 months ahead.
If you're taking the ferry, Donsak Pier in Surat Thani is your only gateway.
How to Get Around Koh Samui
Koh Samui is small—you can circle the island in about three hours. Despite its size, public transport is limited.
No official bus service. Just Songthaews (shared taxis) run along the ring road and main towns like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Nathon.
You can hop on or off almost anywhere along the route, but at quieter times or on side streets, the wait can be longer than you'd like.
If comfort and flexibility matter to you (especially with family or luggage), renting a car or booking a driver just makes life easier.
Koh Samui Itinerary Map: How Long to Spend
Most travelers stay over 3 nights in Koh Samui. Beyond the chill time on the beach, you can also explore the surrounding islands like Koh Nangyuan and Koh Tao.
Popular Day Trips in Koh Samui
Island Hopping Map from Koh Samui1. Koh Tao + Koh Nangyuan—the best all-rounder day trip
Activities: Snorkeling at multiple reefs, beach time, a short viewpoint hike, and iconic sandbar photos.
2. Ang Thong National Marine Park—more active, longer day
Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking & dramatic scenery
3. Koh Phangan—best for romantic sunset
Activities: Snorkeling, relaxing on quiet beaches, and a sunset sail
4. Koh Tan + Koh Mudsum—best for light days
Activities: quiet snorkeling, relaxed beaches & fun stop to feed pigs
Tip: Most of our guests spend 1–2 days island-hopping (mainly Koh Tao or Ang Thong National Marine Park) and 1–2 days relaxing on the resort's beaches or at a spa. If time allows, they also allocate 1 day to the island's culture and experiences, from temples and cooking classes to ethical elephant encounters.
From Map to Itinerary: Planning Koh Samui and Beyond
Now that Koh Samui makes more sense, the next step is deciding when to go and how to connect it with other destinations in Thailand.
Our guides on Koh Samui tours, the best time to visit, and trip planning help you turn this map into a smooth, well-paced trip. Or contact us to tailor your trip to Koh Samui directly.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Highlights Travel, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
