Thailand offers one of the widest ranges of any destination in our collection — from the cliffside resorts and turquoise waters of Koh Samui to jungle canopy stays and floating lake camps further inland. It’s a country that does genuine luxury exceptionally well, wrapped in some of the warmest hospitality anywhere in the world, and there’s a real reason it remains one of Southeast Asia’s most-loved destinations.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Koh Samui's most recognisable landmark — a 12-metre golden Buddha statue set on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway. It's a quick, worthwhile stop, particularly around sunset, and gives a genuine glimpse of Thai Buddhist culture alongside the island's beach resorts.
Ang Thong Marine Park Boat Trip
A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the highlights of a Koh Samui stay — dramatic limestone islands, hidden lagoons, and some of the clearest water in the Gulf of Thailand, best explored by boat with stops for kayaking and snorkelling along the way.
Fisherman's Village, Bophut
A charming, low-key alternative to Koh Samui's busier resort strips, Fisherman's Village pairs old wooden shophouses with excellent restaurants and a lovely evening atmosphere, particularly during its weekly Friday night walking street market.
Namuang Waterfall
One of Koh Samui's most beautiful natural spots, Namuang is a two-tier waterfall set inland from the coast, reachable by a short, scenic drive or a more adventurous ATV ride. A refreshing contrast to a day spent by the resort pool.
Cooking Class & Island Viewpoint
A half-day Thai cooking class is a genuinely lovely way to bring a bit of the destination home with you, and pairs well with a stop at one of Koh Samui's hillside viewpoints for a proper look back across the island and coastline.
December to April offers the driest, sunniest weather, making it peak season. Uniquely, Koh Samui's rainy season runs slightly differently to the rest of Thailand (roughly October-November), so it's worth checking specific dates when planning.
No — UK passport holders can currently enter Thailand visa-free for tourism purposes for a set period (worth confirming current allowances at time of booking, as rules can change), making it straightforward to plan.
Most visitors fly directly into Koh Samui's own airport, which has connections from Bangkok and other regional hubs — a much quicker option than the ferry route from the mainland if your time is limited.
Very much so — Thailand pairs naturally with a jungle or cultural stay (such as Khao Sok National Park) combined with beach time on Koh Samui, and this kind of multi-centre itinerary is one of our specialities.
Excellent, and genuinely varied — from beachfront seafood grills to the island's many high-end resort restaurants, Koh Samui offers some of the best dining in Thailand, alongside more traditional local Thai cooking in areas like Fisherman's Village.
The Grab app covers Koh Samui too, offering an easy, budget-friendly way to get between your resort and the island's beaches and villages — worth setting up an eSim before you leave the UK so you're connected the moment you land.
Very easily — Koh Samui pairs beautifully with a stay in Bangkok for culture and city energy, or with Chiang Mai further north for mountains and temples. It also sits close to Khao Sok National Park, for a genuine change of scenery without a long transfer.
Where to stay
From hillside pool villas to a former coconut plantation, here are four of Koh Samui's finest resorts.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Widely regarded as one of the very best resorts in Thailand, Four Seasons Koh Samui sits on a dramatic hillside above Laem Yai Bay — sixty detached pool villas, each with its own infinity-edge pool overlooking the Gulf, and a genuine sense of privacy that's hard to match elsewhere on the island.
Conrad Koh Samui
Set across 25 acres of tropical hillside on the island's secluded west coast, Conrad Koh Samui has been named among the top luxury honeymoon hotels in Southeast Asia — its 81 private pool villas, each with a striking infinity pool seemingly suspended above the ocean, make for some of the most memorable views in Thailand.
Six Senses Samui
Perched on Koh Samui's rugged northeastern headland, Six Senses brings the brand's signature blend of wellness, sustainability, and understated luxury — pool villas built into the rocky hillside, and a spa consistently ranked among the finest in Asia.
Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui
Built on a former coconut plantation spanning 58 acres directly on Choeng Mon Beach, Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui pairs genuinely stunning ocean views from every villa with the brand's characteristically polished, attentive service.
