The truth is, there are only a few very basic and shallow dive sites on Koh Samui itself, but don’t let that deter you – Some exceptional, world class dive sites are a short speedboat ride away. Let’s explore together why Koh Samui remains an extremely popular destination for travelers seeking luxurious experiences as well as breathtaking underwater adventures.
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Choosing between Koh Samui and Koh Tao
Being able to enjoy the best of both worlds—luxury island life coupled with convenient access to some of the most well-known dive locations in the Gulf of Thailand—is one of the biggest benefits of visiting Koh Samui.
World-class diving sites like Sail Rock and Koh Tao are just a short, picturesque speedboat trip from Samui. Sail Rock is well-known for its enormous underwater pinnacle and amazing marine fauna, which includes regular sightings of whale sharks. It is frequently recognized as one of Thailand’s best diving sites and is located mid-way between Samui and Koh Tao . This diving site offers you the excitement of exploring magnificent underwater landscapes without sacrificing comfort or convenience, and it’s only 50 minutes away by speedboat from Koh Samui.
And there’s Koh Tao, a diving paradise renowned for its glistening clean seas and plethora of marine life. However, Koh Tao tends to draw a younger, more frugal clientele, particularly backpackers and tourists seeking reasonably priced dive instruction and modest lodging. Although the island is charming in and of itself, individuals looking for a more relaxed and rustic experience are the target audience.
You may get the best of both worlds by choosing to stay in Koh Samui. After a day of diving in Koh Tao’s crystal-clear seas, you may retreat to the plush surroundings of a bigger, more established island. You may return to Koh Samui in about 1.5 hours by speedboat and take advantage of its renowned upscale resorts, exciting nightlife, and fine restaurants.
If you decide to base yourself in Koh Samui, you will still have easy access to some of the best dive sites in Southeast Asia, as well as premium accommodations and the island’s cultural offers. For divers looking for an exciting underwater experience combined with luxury on land, Koh Samui is the ideal choice.
Getting to Koh Samui
One of the key advantages of Koh Samui is its accessibility. As one of Thailand’s most popular islands, Koh Samui is serviced by an international airport, offering direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and other major Asian cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. This makes getting to Koh Samui quick and convenient, whether you’re coming from within Thailand or abroad. Upon your arrival, the island’s infrastructure is well-developed, offering a diverse array of transportation options, including private transfers, taxis, and vehicle rentals, to facilitate your exploration.
Conversely, the journey to Koh Tao is somewhat more adventurous. There is no airport on Koh Tao; therefore, the sole method of transportation to the island is by ferry. Initially, travelers must travel to either Koh Samui or Surat Thani on the mainland. Subsequently, you will require a ferry ride, which may require 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your starting point. Lomprayah fast ferries is the biggest ferry operator in the region and you can book directly on their website.
Staying on Koh Samui will provide you with the convenience of direct flights and the comfort of arriving at a well-developed island. It is effortless to board a watercraft from Koh Samui and access nearby dive sites, such as Koh Tao, without the need to navigate the additional logistics of ferry transfers. Koh Samui provides an ideal combination of accessibility and adventure for those who desire a seamless travel experience that includes the opportunity to investigate multiple islands.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
The best time to visit Koh Samui is between December and April, when the weather is at its most pleasant with warm, sunny days and little rainfall. This period is perfect for beach activities, diving, and exploring the island. As this is the most popular time of year to visit, the volume of visitors on the island is high, meaning higher hotel costs with more crowded restaurants and activities.
July to October time is another popular time of year due to school summer holidays. August is the busiest so booking early in advance is recommended to secure your place on the boat. This is also the best time of year to spot a Whaleshark at many of the dive sites around Koh Samui.
While Koh Samui experiences a tropical climate year-round, the monsoon season typically occurs from October to mid-December, bringing heavy rain and rough seas. If you prefer fewer crowds and slightly lower prices, consider visiting in the shoulder months of May and June, when the island is still beautiful but less busy.
How to get around Koh Samui?
Getting around Koh Samui is relatively easy, with several options available to suit different preferences. Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Bolt are widely used on the island, offering convenient and affordable rides to most destinations. There are taxis available across the island but they can be expensive so best to check your options before venturing out.
While renting scooters, motorbikes, or cars is popular among tourists, it’s important to be cautious. The roads can be steep and winding, with frequent accidents involving inexperienced riders. Traffic rules may not always be strictly followed, and many roads lack proper lighting, especially at night. If you do choose to rent, make sure to wear protective gear and check that your insurance covers potential accidents.
How much is Koh Samui diving?
Diving from Koh Samui tends to be slightly more expensive compared to other nearby islands, like Koh Tao. This is mainly due to the logistics involved. Since the dive sites are not located directly off the shores of Koh Samui, operators use speedboats to take divers to nearby dive sites like Sail Rock and Koh Tao. The additional costs for fuel, boat maintenance and insurance provided on Koh Samui contribute to the higher price.
A two dive day trip to Sail Rock with Silent Divers will cost ฿4,650 ($140 USD). This includes transportation to and from your resort, scuba equipment, dive insurance, unlimited soft drinks and a delicious Thai lunch. We also provide free Nitrox for those that are certified.
What to eat after a day diving?
Koh Samui’s dining scene is as diverse as the island itself, offering everything from delicious local street food to upscale dining experiences. If you’re craving authentic Thai cuisine, start by exploring the many local markets and food stalls scattered across the island. The Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is a great spot to sample Thai street food favorites like pad thai, grilled seafood, and som tam (papaya salad), all while enjoying the charming beachfront atmosphere.
For a more refined dining experience, Koh Samui is home to a number of high-end restaurants that blend local flavors with international culinary techniques. Dining by the sea is a must, and you’ll find plenty of beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and Thai fusion dishes. In Chaweng, you can explore a range of restaurants that cater to all tastes, from Italian and Mediterranean to Japanese and Indian cuisine. For a romantic setting, Dining on the Rocks at Six Senses Samui offers a fine dining experience with stunning ocean views.
Don’t miss out on Koh Samui’s beach clubs and resorts, where you can enjoy laid-back meals with a view. Places like The Jungle Club and Coco Tam’s serve up delicious food in relaxed, picturesque settings, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring or diving.
Best places for sunset cocktails?
Koh Samui offers some stunning spots to enjoy a sunset cocktail while soaking in the island’s breathtaking views. One of the most popular places is Coco Tam’s in Fisherman’s Village, Bophut. This beachfront bar is known for its relaxed vibe, beanbag seating, and creative cocktails, all with a perfect view of the sun setting over the ocean.
For a more elevated experience, head to The Jungle Club perched high in the hills above Chaweng. This hidden gem offers panoramic views of the island and is the perfect spot for a sunset drink in a tranquil, jungle setting. Their terrace provides an intimate atmosphere to watch the sunset while sipping on tropical cocktails.
Another top choice is Air Bar at the Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort. Located on a cliffside at the west side of Samui, this luxurious bar offers an unparalleled view of the horizon, with the sunset reflecting off the calm waters below. It’s a fantastic spot for both classic and innovative cocktails while enjoying the refined ambiance.
For something a bit livelier, Woo Bar at the W Koh Samui serves up sunset cocktails in a chic, modern setting with incredible views of the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its stylish décor and signature drinks, it’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail with a trendy crowd.
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