Koh Samui
Koh Samui · Surat Thani, Thailand
A luxurious island shaded by coconut palms: a paradise for honeymooners and divers
Know before you go
- Don't touch coral or feed the fish
- don't wear swimwear at temples
- at low tide watch out for sea urchins on the rocks.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Thailand's third-largest island, where coconuts were once the economic lifeline and top resorts now line Chaweng and Lamai beaches. The golden Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai guards a headland, and the Friday night market at Fisherman's Village smells of grilled seafood; the emerald lake of Ang Thong National Marine Park and the dive schools of Koh Tao are an adventurer's playground. It's quieter and more 'upmarket' than Phuket.
Local customs
- Resort etiquette is the same as in Phuket
- dress modestly at temples
- dive only with certification and follow your instructor.
Religion & beliefs
- Theravada Buddhism
- worship etiquette at Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) is the same as at temples throughout Thailand.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't touch coral or feed the fish
- don't wear swimwear at temples
- at low tide watch out for sea urchins on the rocks.
Locals appreciate DO
- Islanders appreciate visitors who holiday quietly and respect the ocean
- trying coconut chicken and going out on a snorkelling trip are classic experiences.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | July–September and December–February are best (avoid the October–November rainy season) |
|---|
Travel tips
- July–September and December–February are best (avoid the October–November rainy season). An Open Water dive certification on Koh Tao costs about THB 11,000
- book Ang Thong day trips in advance
- if renting a vehicle on the island, remember Thailand drives on the left.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Seafood barbecue
- Tom yum
- Massaman curry
Seafood barbecue, tom yum goong, massaman curry, coconut dishes (Samui's coconuts are famous), papaya salad with grilled chicken
| Where to eat | The restaurant street on Chaweng Beach, the Friday night market at Fisherman's Village (Bophut), food stalls on Maenam Beach |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Don't go into town restaurants or temples in a bikini from the beach (cover up with a sarong or shawl) |
| Typical price per person | THB 350–700 ≈ CNY 70–140 |
| Tips | The Fisherman's Village night market is Fridays only; agree the price of seafood by weight first. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Vee Satayamas · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
Sonia Selivonchik · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Tourism Authority of Thailand guides to the islands
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