Travel Information

Language: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Local Time: GMT +7 hrs
Flight Time: 14 hrs

When you think of island holidays to Thailand, you probably think of Phuket, but there’s a new face on the scene in the form of Koh Samui, which offers all the delights of a tropical island paradise and more.

Like much of Thailand, Koh Samui is all about the beaches, with miles and miles of perfect soft sand, luxury hotels, but also with a dash of local culture thrown in as well.

Many see Thailand as a destination for gap year backpackers, but the like of Koh Samui are perfect for a romantic getaway, a family break or any kind of holiday where you want to put your feet up and relax!

In fact, Koh Samui is often seen as a more child-friendly alternative to Phuket, with more to do and fewer bars and nightclubs.

As well as the amazing beaches, you’ll enjoy top food and drink in Koh Samui. Alongside all the top restaurants that the island is home to, be sure to try out some of the local delicacies, such as coconut jam, Thai green curry or the ‘No Name’, a type of vegetable fritter snack.

If you do somehow get bored of the beaches, there’s still plenty to do on the island, such as the temples of Wat Khunaram, which is most notable as the home of a mummified monk, and the Big Buddha Temple, which as you can probably guess from the name is home to a huge Buddha statue measuring over 15m tall.

You can also head into the jungle and see the Purple Waterfalls, or visit the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks

When to Go

Koh Samui generally enjoys good weather all year round, but November is probably the month to avoid, as this is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 506.6mm.

In fact, October to December is the island’s monsoon season, so is probably best avoided unless you want to try and grab a bargain and avoid the crowds, although you might not get to spend much time at the beach.

February to March is the sunniest period of the year to visit, with the least rainfall occurring in February and the highest temperatures in April.

Events for Your Diary

Full Moon Parties: Once a month, on the night of the full moon, thousands head to the off-shore island of Ko Pha-ngan for an all-night party on the beach which lasts right through till dawn.

Songkran: Songkran (the Water Festival) is where locals gather to celebrate the new year by throwing water on each other, which they do to symbolise getting rid of bad luck before the year starts. (Just be aware that you might get caught in the crossfire!).

Things to Know About

Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Capital City: Phuket City
Language: Thai
Key Phrase to Learn: Khu? phud p?has¯'a x?ngkvs¯' d?^ h¯?m? (Do you speak English?)
Time Difference: Koh Samui is 7 hours ahead of the UK
Average Flight Time: 14 hrs
International Phone Code: +66
Emergency Services Number: 191
Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Children’s Day (second Saturday of January), Teacher’s Day (January 16), Chinese New Year (February 5), Magha Puja (February 19), Chakri Day (April 6), Songkran Festival (April 13-17), Labour Day (May 1), Coronation Day (May 5), Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bhucha and Khao Phansa (all vary depending on lunar calendar), HM the Queen’s Birthday (August 12), Chulalongkorn Day (October 23), King Rama 9th Birthday (December 5), Constitution Day (December 10), New Year’s Eve (December 31).
Link to FCO Travel Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand