Among Thailand’s many stunning islands, Koh Samui is an extraordinary option for couples seeking a dreamy honeymoon or romantic getaway. Whether you’re just starting to plan your trip or looking for inspiration, this comprehensive guide to honeymoons and holidays on Koh Samui will give you all the necessary information to plan the perfect escape on one of Thailand’s most captivating islands.
With its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush jungles, and luxurious accommodations, Koh Samui has all the ingredients for a romantic getaway. It’s easily accessible, with just an 80-minute flight from Bangkok. So you can enjoy a slice of paradise without losing time on travel. Koh Samui will fulfil all your holiday hopes and dreams, whether you are planning your honeymoon or simply seeking a romantic escape.
Is Koh Samui good for a honeymoon?
Koh Samui is an excellent choice for a honeymoon or couple’s getaway destination. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and quintessential coconut trees, the island offers couples a picturesque and romantic setting.
Whether you prefer the tranquillity of remote areas or the vibrant atmosphere of resort towns, Koh Samui has something for every couple. It is widely regarded as one of the most romantic places in the world, perfect for creating unforgettable memories and enjoying intimate moments together. Soak up the island vibes, escape from the outside world, and indulge in the romance of a Koh Samui honeymoon.
Related: The Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Itinerary
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.
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.
Let’s look at some of Koh Samui’s best beaches for couples:
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, located on Koh Samui’s east coast, is a stunning stretch of coastline that spans approximately 5 kilometres. While it may attract fewer visitors than its nearby neighbour, Chaweng, Lamai still offers many hotels, restaurants, attractions, and nightlife.
Lamai Beach was a popular destination for backpackers, but it has grown and now features luxurious five-star resorts and cheaper bungalows. Despite these changes, or perhaps because of them, Lamai provides some great options for honeymooners and couples while maintaining its more laid-back atmosphere that once attracted backpackers.
The beach is long, clean, and relatively peaceful, with different sections catering to various preferences. The northern end of Lamai Beach is known for its budget-friendly accommodations and beachside bars. In contrast, the central part offers excellent swimming conditions and beautiful rock pools at the southernmost point.
Lamai Beach strikes a balance between the convenience of Chaweng and a more tranquil environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and tourist amenities on Koh Samui.
Silver Beach
Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Bay, is considered one of the best beaches on Koh Samui. Its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water make it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. The beach is surrounded by beautiful rocks and private sandy areas, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Crystal Bay Yacht Club restaurant/bar on the beachfront has an all-day menu and accommodation in cottages and pool villas.
Silver Beach is between Lamai and Chaweng and offers a relaxing and secluded experience. With its soft sand, natural shade, and a restaurant nearby, it has everything you need for a perfect day at the beach. It’s a true gem among the other beaches on the island.
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, located on the north coast of Koh Samui, is renowned for its Fisherman’s Village and its charming, classic Thai/Chinese atmosphere. Unlike the more developed areas of Chaweng and Lamai, Bophut has retained its peaceful and tranquil ambience.
The beach offers clean water and a serene environment, perfect for relaxation. But Bophut Fisherman’s Village is a highlight, with its historic walking street, myriad cafes, restaurants, and market. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the night market on Mondays and Fridays.
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.
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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.
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!
