IS KOH SAMUI OVERHYPED?
We wondered the same thing and the majority of feedback we had heard from fellow travellers was to skip it and go elsewhere.
Many people had said Koh Samui was over-crowded with tourists, over-priced and over-done. What was once considered off the beaten path, Koh Samui is now a crazy popular destination. If you need convincing, look no further because I have you covered!
We found ourselves in a situation where we were between places. What we had originally planned was to head north of Thailand, move into Laos and continue around Southeast Asia, ending back in the south of Thailand. But my parents were going to be in Krabi as we were in the north and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to spend some time with them. So we detoured and decided to fly from Chiang Mai to the south and travel the opposite direction. We didn’t know where to start, we had about 2 weeks to kill before Krabi and there are so many islands to choose from! We considered them all, but Koh Samui ended up being easier and cheaper to get to and was more convenient in terms of location to Krabi.
HOW TO GET FROM CHIANG MAI TO KOH SAMUI?
From Chiang Mai we flew to Bangkok, spent one night there for a layover and then flew to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani we caught a bus to the pier and then finally caught a ferry to Koh Samui. Once we arrived, it was about a 45 minute van ride from the pier to Chaweng.
IS IT EXPENSIVE?
In comparison to other destinations, it is more expensive. The accomodation was one of our most expensive to date and food and drink is not as cheap as it once was. But as we enter a new world post-covid, I find more and more destinations are becoming increasingly expensive. Bali, Thailand, Vietnam – they are ALL not what they once were but you can absolutely still travel cheap. We travelled multiple places in South Thailand including Koh Tao, Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samui and we find they are all relatively similar in terms of pricing.
It’s all about what you make of it, theres always ways to budget and save some pennies. We found ourselves at local night markets where the food and drink is substantially cheaper and even buying some groceries to get you through some meals is a great alternative. We went to a supermarket the first day and purchased some staples like milk, coffee, oats and yoghurt. 7-Eleven also offer some great budget friendly meal and drink options .
Finding yourself constantly eating out at cafes and restaurants will always result in your money being crunched quickly. However, if you have a bit of a broader budget, you won’t be disappointed by the endless options.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND?
Koh Samui is a large island which makes it difficult to walk and transport is also fairly expensive. While Grab is available, the cost is up there, especially if you’re going from place to place. We opted to rent a scooter for $10 a day and this made things a lot easier. The island is completely rideable by scooter and if you manage to get out of the popular areas, it’s relatively easy to drive if you’re not the most confident. You can ride the island in a day and we found this was the best part of our trip. There’s nothing quite like moving to the beat of your own drum and ending up wherever the wind takes you. The views are spectacular and you will find so many hidden gems along you’re way.
WHAT AREA TO TO STAY IN KOH SAMUI?
There are a number of areas to choose from in Koh Samui.
CHAWENG: This is your backpacker haven. It is in a central location, close to an abundance of bars, restaurants, markets and a large shopping mall. It is well-known for its party-scene and rich nightlife.
LAMAI BEACH: If you’re looking for something a little more chilled and family friendly, Lamai Beach is a great option. Offering an amazing beach and close access to many cafes and restaurants, Lamai is a great option for those on a relaxing vacation.
FISHERMANS VILLAGE: Home to the famous Fisherman’s Village Markets, this place offers a great option for those looking for a luxury holiday experience. Fishermans Village is lined with incredible restaurants, live entertainment and many boutique shops. It boasts a number of high-end hotels and luxury resorts, the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
IS KOH SAMUI WORTH VISITING?
I think a lot of the negative feedback around Koh Samui comes from the lack of exploring off the beaten path. Most tourists tend to get stuck in the central locations like Chaweng and Lamai Beach. While these areas are definitely beautiful and easily accessible to bars, restaurants and the beach, they are so over-crowded and lack the true beauty and peacefulness of the island.
Once we hired a scooter and took off to explore outside of the city centres, we were enraptured. We started in a hotel in Chaweng and ended up changing locations after a few days to a Condominium complex a little out of town but close to Fisherman’s Village. It was much quieter and easier for us to ride in and out with our scooter.
We spent most days hunting for hidden beaches and we found so many hidden gems that we had to ourselves. Crystal clear water, shady palms and just a big ol’ bottle of sunscreen. We spent hours sunbathing on beaches and swimming in the quiet ocean, reading books and capturing amazing photos.
It ultimately comes down to the kind of experience you want to have. If you thrive off busy, backpacker, party scenes, stick to Chaweng. If you want a relaxed, family vacation vibe but still be close to bars and restaurants, Lamai Beach is perfect. On a couples vacation and want a little more luxury and high-end, you’ll find some great resorts in Fisherman’s Village.
So would I recommend visiting Koh Samui? Definitely! I would consider it a must-visit destination! There is something for everyone and you can’t complain about the endless views and exquisite beaches.
