Planning a honeymoon in Koh Samui? Thailand’s most romantic island offers more than just stunning beaches and five-star resorts. Think hidden waterfalls, sunset yacht cruises, sacred temples, and chic boutique stays designed for two. In this ultimate honeymoon guide, we reveal the best places to stay, top romantic experiences, and how to make your Koh Samui honeymoon unforgettable.
With its powder-soft beaches, jungle-covered hills and a mix of secluded hideaways and five-star resorts, Koh Samui is made for romance. Just an 80-minute flight from Bangkok, it’s easy to reach yet feels worlds away. Whether you’re planning your dream honeymoon or simply craving a tropical escape with the one you love, this island paradise offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and unforgettable experiences.
Is Koh Samui good for a honeymoon?
Koh Samui is an excellent choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, offering the perfect mix of seclusion and vibrant island life. If ever a honeymoon destination effortlessly blended barefoot luxury with natural beauty, it’s Samui. From hidden coves and private pool villas to lively beachfront resorts, the island caters to every kind of couple. Whether you’re looking for uninterrupted tranquillity or a touch of adventure, there’s a place—and a pace—that feels just right.
Spend your days lounging by the sea, exploring waterfalls tucked into the jungle, or hopping between nearby islands by longtail boat. Evenings are made for lingering over seafood dinners on the sand, sipping cocktails under swaying palms, and soaking up the easy romance that seems to come naturally here.
Where is Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town. It is the largest island in the Chumphon Archipelago, which includes over 80 islands, including the Ang Thong National Marine Park, and the third largest island in Thailand.
How do I get to Koh Samui?
If you’re planning a holiday or honeymoon to Koh Samui, several options are available for reaching this island paradise, depending on your preferences and budget. The quickest and most convenient way is to take a direct flight from Bangkok or Singapore to Koh Samui (cheaper options are to fly to Surat Thani and catch a ferry over to Samui).
For international travellers, you can fly to Bangkok and then catch a connecting flight to Koh Samui. Another option is to fly to Singapore and then book a flight to Koh Samui. The flight from Bangkok typically takes around 80 minutes, while the flight from Singapore is slightly over two hours.
You have a few options if you’re on a budget or have plenty of time to travel to Koh Samui. You can take the overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani Town, saving you a night’s accommodation. After that, you can take a ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui and select one of the piers on the island to disembark at, such as Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, Maenam Pier, or Bangrak Pier.
Related: The Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Itinerary
What to do on Koh Samui on your holiday or honeymoon
For couples visiting Koh Samui, there are plenty of options to make your honeymoon or holiday memorable. From exploring the island’s beautiful beaches to indulging in some of the island’s great restaurants and bars to immersing yourself in the local culture and trying out adventurous activities, Koh Samui offers a diverse range of experiences for honeymooners looking to create lasting memories.
The Best Beaches in Koh Samui for Couples
Koh Samui’s coastline is as diverse as it is beautiful. Some beaches are lively, dotted with bars and restaurants where you can dine with your toes in the sand, while others offer quiet, sheltered waters perfect for a leisurely swim. Whether you’re after seclusion, a social scene, or a mix of both, every stretch of sand comes with its own charm. Here are some of the best beaches to add to your Samui itinerary.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach, located on the east coast of Koh Samui, is the most popular beach on the island. Despite its popularity, the beach remains clean thanks to the hotels situated directly on the beach.
At Chaweng Beach’s northern end, you can find the famous Ark Bar, which hosts a beach party every night with cocktails, fire shows, and live DJs. In the south, there is a public beach access near Chaweng Walking Street, or you can access the beach through one of the resorts along Chaweng Beach Road.
As the sun sets, you’ll see many Thai people at the beach’s southern end enjoying delicious street food such as spicy Papaya Salad, meat skewers, and fish.
The water at Chaweng Beach is perfect for swimming, with no stones and fine white sand both on the beach and in the water.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach, on Koh Samui’s east coast, stretches for five kilometres and has long been a favourite—mine included, for more than two decades. While it’s quieter than its bustling neighbour Chaweng, it still offers plenty of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a great option for couples who want a bit of everything.
Once a backpacker haven, Lamai has evolved to include five-star resorts alongside budget-friendly bungalows, all while keeping its laid-back charm. The beach itself is clean and spacious, with different sections catering to different moods. The northern end has casual beach bars and affordable stays, while the central stretch offers calm waters for swimming and natural rock pools at its southern tip.
Striking a balance between convenience and tranquillity, Lamai Beach is ideal for couples looking for a mix of natural beauty and easy access to Koh Samui’s best amenities.
Silver Beach
Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Bay, is one of Koh Samui’s most picturesque stretches of sand. Tucked between Lamai and Chaweng, this small, sheltered cove is known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and natural rock formations that create a peaceful, secluded feel. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling, with gentle waves and plenty of shade.
The beachfront Crystal Bay Yacht Club has an all-day menu, making it easy to settle in for a leisurely afternoon with food and drinks just steps from the sand. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery, Silver Beach is a true hidden gem on the island—ideal for couples looking for a more relaxed beach escape.
Lipa Noi Beach
Located on the west coast of Koh Samui, Lipa Noi Beach is a more remote treasure known for its breathtaking sunsets. While it may not be the most popular beach on the island, it offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
The beach features a gradual slope into the ocean, making it ideal for swimming. The firm white sand is perfect for a leisurely beach walk, although some debris may be scattered. Accessing Lipa Noi Beach is convenient thanks to the well-maintained main road that loops around Samui. Try to time your visit for late afternoon – the sunset is worth the effort!
Bophut Beach
Bophut Beach, on Koh Samui’s north coast, offers a quieter, more character-filled alternative to the island’s busier stretches of sand. Its calm waters and laid-back feel make it an inviting spot to spend the day, but the real draw is Fisherman’s Village, a historic enclave where old wooden shophouses have been transformed into stylish boutiques, beachfront cafés and open-air restaurants.
Unlike the high-energy buzz of Chaweng, Bophut has retained its charm, blending Thai-Chinese heritage with a relaxed, seaside atmosphere. On Mondays and Fridays, the night market brings the walking street to life with food stalls, live music, and locally made crafts—perfect for an evening wander after a day by the water or boat trip to one of the islands (many leave from here).
Taling Ngam Beach
Taling Ngam is situated on the southwestern coast of Koh Samui and is a beautiful and peaceful area that has not been heavily impacted by tourism development. It is a delightful former fishing village where you can still observe local fishermen carrying out their daily routines, contributing to the genuine appeal of the region.
The beach in Taling Ngam boasts soft sand and calm, clear waters, and you’ll find a couple of bars and restaurants here. Unlike other beaches on the island, Taling Ngam is predominantly lined with lush jungles rather than resorts, although there are a few high-end resorts in the area.
Taling Ngam is also known as the beach of five isles due to its proximity to the Ang Thong National Marine Park and five neighbouring tiny islands.
Maenam Beach
Maenam Beach is renowned for its stunning beauty. With its long stretch of golden sand, abundant palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is considered one of the best beaches on the island.
Despite its growing popularity, Maenam Beach maintains a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for couples seeking a peaceful and laid-back beach holiday or honeymoon in Thailand.
Choeng Mon Beach
Choeng Mon Beach is a stunning bay located in northeast Koh Samui. It stretches for one kilometre and features soft white sand. Despite the opening of several hotels in recent years, the beach remains relatively peaceful.
It is a popular destination for couples seeking tranquillity, thanks to the bay’s sheltered environment, resulting in calm and gentle waters that are shallow and warm, making it perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. As the bay gradually deepens, the water becomes pleasantly warm.
Across from the southern part of Choeng Mon Beach are two small islands, Koh Fan Yai and Koh Fan Noi. During low tide, it is possible to walk to these islands, but it is advisable to wear water shoes due to the presence of rocks in the sea.
Koh Samui’s Best Honeymoon Hotels:
Choosing the right honeymoon hotel is about more than lavish suites and infinity pools—it’s about finding a place that reflects your rhythm as a couple. Do you envision sunrise swims in a private pool perched above the sea, or barefoot dinners with waves lapping at your feet? Perhaps you crave a mix of both—the seclusion of a hidden retreat combined with the energy of a livelier coastal hub.
Koh Samui makes it easy to tailor your honeymoon to your style, with a diverse mix of tranquil, tucked-away resorts and buzzing beachfront enclaves. Whether you choose to settle into one perfect hideaway or split your time between two distinct experiences, we’ve handpicked the island’s most romantic hotels for an unforgettable start to married life.
Silavadee Resort
Set on a secluded peninsula, Silavadee Resort is designed for couples seeking privacy without sacrificing luxury. While all accommodations are elegantly appointed, when it comes to a honeymoon or romantic getaway, the private pool villas are the true standout—offering infinity pools that seem to spill into the sea, sun-drenched decks, and uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Thailand. Whether floating in your own pool or unwinding in a deep soaking tub, romance feels effortless here.
Beyond the villas, the world feels miles away. A secluded beach cove, nearly impossible for outsiders to reach, invites long, lazy afternoons, while infinity pools and shaded daybeds ensure relaxation comes easy. Mornings start with slow swims, afternoons stretch under the sun, and evenings unfold over candlelit dinners beneath the stars.
Dining is equally memorable, with two open-air restaurants serving fresh seafood and thoughtful wine pairings—without the hefty price tag. A small, unpretentious spa delivers deep-tissue Thai massages, easing away the last traces of travel tension. Lamai Beach is just a short ride away for those craving a taste of local life—but most guests find themselves lingering, completely charmed by Silavadee’s serene embrace.
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Few beaches in Koh Samui are as perfect as Tongsai Bay’s private crescent of golden sand. Accessible only to guests, it ensures a level of tranquillity and privacy that is rare on the island.
But Garrya Tongsai Bay is so much more than it’s stunning beach. This eco-luxe resort is one of Samui’s most enduring five-star hideaways and has long been a favourite for couples seeking understated luxury. The suites, cottages and villas, recently refreshed with calming earth tones and high ceilings, feature open-air bathtubs inviting slow evenings soaking under the stars.
The spa, a cluster of thatched pavilions, offers deeply restorative treatments with the soothing sound of waves in the background. At Fish Tales, the resort’s beachside restaurant, the seafood is as fresh as it gets, while RHOY RHOY serves up one of the island’s best breakfasts and authentic Thai cuisine from 6 pm onwards.
Whether it’s an indulgent spa day, a moonlit swim in your private pool, or a dance under the stars, W Koh Samui delivers a honeymoon that’s as lively or as laid-back as you want it to be.
Centara Reserve Samui
Blending contemporary elegance with a touch of colonial charm, Centara Reserve Samui redefines beachfront luxury in Koh Samui. Set at the quieter end of Chaweng Beach, this refined retreat is designed for couples seeking personalised service, indulgent comforts, and a seamless connection to the island’s vibrant energy.
The resort’s accommodation options range from ocean-facing villas with private pools to lavish suites attended by ‘Reserve Hosts,’ Centara’s unique take on personalised butler service. Each space is crafted for tranquillity, where plush interiors meet breathtaking sea views.
Beyond the sanctuary of your suite, couples can indulge in holistic spa rituals, unwind in the expansive gardens shaded by towering palms, or dine at one of the resort’s celebrated restaurants, where innovative menus elevate traditional Thai flavours. By day, lounge by the infinity pool or take a leisurely stroll along the pristine 260-metre beachfront. As evening falls, sip craft cocktails at the beachside bar before slipping into the island’s laid-back nightlife.
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Must-see attractions for couples visiting Samui
Go Chasing Waterfalls:
Among all the waterfalls on the island, Na Muang I and II are the most beautiful. They are natural steps formed by rocks entwined with tree roots that ascend to the first cascade, along with a large natural pool at its foot. Also, the second cascade, arguably more visually stunning, is just a few minutes’ stroll up the mountain.
Get a glimpse into the island’s past:
Baan Hua Thanon, a Muslim enclave in Samui, is known for its traditional wooden storefronts that offer an insight into the island’s fishing heritage. On the southwest coast, Tong Krut fishing village offers rustic snapshots of the past. Meanwhile, Wat Na Pra Lan, located just west of Mae Nam village, is a peaceful Buddhist temple that embodies the spiritual heart of Samui.
Experience a utopic paradise:
The Ang Thong Marine Park, made famous by the novel The Beach, is a stunning archipelago consisting of 42 islands. While the movie adaptation was filmed elsewhere, the beauty of this marine park has attracted travellers from all over the world, thanks in no small part to the global fame brought about by the movie. Visitors can enjoy a day trip to the park to dive, snorkel, or relax on the sandy beaches. It is worth the journey to experience the utopic paradise depicted in the novel.
Take a hike:
If you want to enjoy a bit of exercise and breathtaking views, visit the Khao Hua Jook Chedi, a hilltop temple in Koh Samui. While there is no public transportation directly to the temple, you can easily drive or take a taxi to reach this attraction.
Situated on Chom Daow Mountain, the temple complex features a stunning golden pagoda and various statues and Buddhist artworks. Remember to bring your camera, as the viewing platform offers a magnificent view of Chaweng Lake. The temple is located in Bophut and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best part? Admission is free, so you can enjoy the beauty of this hilltop temple without breaking the bank.
Indulge in Koh Samui’s vibrant food and drink scene:
Koh Samui is a beautiful island AND a food lover’s paradise. With a thriving food scene that rivals popular destinations like Phuket and Pattaya, Koh Samui offers a diverse range of culinary experiences.
From high-end fine dining establishments to humble roadside shacks, the island’s restaurants showcase a deep-rooted dedication to local flavours. The island’s chefs collaborate, creating a harmonious foodscape of international gourmet delicacies and irresistible grilled seafood.
Check out this one-of-a-kind attraction that you won’t find anywhere else!:
Located near Lamai Beach on Koh Samui, Grandfather and Grandmother Rock, also known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai, are famous granite rock formations that have gained popularity due to their resemblance to male and female genitalia.
The legend associated with these rocks tells a sad tale of an elderly couple’s ill-fated journey to find a suitable wife for their son. Despite facing dangers such as sharks and rough seas, the couple’s boat was eventually lost at sea, leading to their untimely demise. The story of Hin Ta and Hin Yai has become synonymous with Koh Samui and adds to the allure of these unique rock formations.
When visiting Samui, they are a must-see attraction due to their unique qualities, even if they are a little peculiar!
As you can see, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore on Samui for honeymooners and couples, but let’s be honest: sometimes it’s just nice to unwind and relax at a luxurious honeymoon hotel! And, if you did choose to check in to one of the island’s upscale resorts and forgo sightseeing to spend quality time together, sipping cocktails and indulging in a good book, no one would judge or think any less of you. It’s your honeymoon or romantic getaway, after all!
The best time to visit Koh Samui
The best time to visit Koh Samui in terms of weather is during the dry season, which lasts from December to August. During this time, the weather is sunny and hot, with average temperatures around 30 °C. October to December may have some rain, but it is also a time when you can find great deals (outside of the busy Christmas/New Year period). The weather is even hotter from April to June, but if you can handle the heat, it’s a great time to enjoy the beach without the crowds.
We’ve been visiting Koh Samui for nearly 30 years, starting as one of those backpackers all those decades ago in search of a tropical Utopia (we found it, along with neighbouring Koh Phangan, which has also matured into an excellent destination for couples!). Although Koh Samui has changed a lot since those days, and five-star resorts are more common than the $5 bungalows we stayed in back then, it is still one of our favourite islands in the whole world, and we try to return every year.
We hope we’ve inspired you to plan the ultimate couples’ holiday or honeymoon to Koh Samui. Looking for a dreamy place to stay while there? Check out our library of divine hotels and resorts in Thailand just perfect for two!
