How to Explore Koh Samui in 24 Hours – Discover Thailand’s Island Charm

Sitting next to its two sister islands, Koh Samui is the largest Thai island. Adventure, fun, and relaxation are all in the cards for someone visiting this beautiful island. Among the sister islands, Koh Samui is the only one with an airport, so many travellers arrive here before moving on to other destinations. Koh Samui can get crowded, and there’s a lot to explore. Frankly, one day isn’t enough to explore everything on offer, but with a bit of planning, you can make the most of your time. 

Best Time to Visit 

Before creating an itinerary, you should choose the best time to visit. You have only a day, so you don’t want sudden rain showers to ruin your plans. The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit. The weather is sunny with little to no rainfall. Shoulder seasons from May to June and September to October are also good times to visit – there may be a bit of rain but not enough to ruin your plans. 

Places to Stay 

Choosing the right place to stay is just as important as creating the best itinerary for yourself. Remember that you have only a day, so stay at a resort with easy access to beaches and other attractions. Also, think about the amenities on offer. Koh Samui is among the most visited destinations, so naturally, the island offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to all. If you’re looking to stay at the best family resort in Koh Samui, you’re in luck! The island offers resorts like Avani+ Samui Resort.

Image via Avani+ Samui Resort

Koh Samui Beaches  

Koh Samui is home to some of the most popular beaches in Thailand. You might not be able to visit all of them but make an effort to visit the ones closest to your resort. 

• Chaweng Beach: This is one of the most popular and developed beaches on the island. You can relax, take a swim, and pop into one of the eateries lining the beach for a delicious grub. 
• Chaweng Noi: Another popular beach, Chaweng Noi sits south of Chaweng Beach. Both beaches are quite similar. 
• Laem Setbeach: Located on the southeast corner of the island, Laem Setbeach is less developed and attracts fewer tourists.  It’s peaceful, palm-fringed, and features a coral garden and stunning rock formations. Get here in the evening for a beautiful sunset. 
• Lamai Beach: Grandpa and Grandma rock formation is the main highlight of Lamai Beach; the rocks depict the likeness of a man and a woman. 
• Silver Beach: Head north and you’ll find Silver Beach, a beautiful beach with a peaceful atmosphere. The beach is visited by snorkellers who want to explore the bay. 

Koh Phangan 

Take a boat to Koh Phangan, which is just minutes away from Koh Samui – you can actually see the island from Koh Samui. It happens to be the second largest among the three sister islands. Compared to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is more peaceful and serene. Samui beaches are flat stretches of sand, whereas Koh Phangan's beaches curve into coves with granite rock formations and lush green hills in the backdrop. Salad Beach and Secret Beach are must-visits. 

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Koh Samui is among the 42 islands that form Ang Thong National Marine Park. You’ll find many tour companies that offer one-day tours. Tourist resorts arrange these tours for their guests. These tours typically include a single-boat tour through the beautiful lush islands, but you’ll stop for snorkelling, diving, and sightseeing. 

Explore the Interior of the Island - the Secret Buddha Garden 

This is one of the most beautiful places in Koh Samui. Located a bit out of the way, the Secret Buddha Garden sits atop a tall hill, so getting here involves a bit of a difficult hike. The garden was created by a local farmer, Khun Nim. He spent 14 years perfecting the garden until his death. The garden features various sculptures, little houses, and fountains. Spare two hours of your day to visit this garden. You won’t regret it.