Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย) in Surat Thani Province — renowned for Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) & Wat Plai Laem and authentic Southern Gulf Coast & Islands street food.
Why Visit Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย · Surat Thani)
Koh Samui is a historic thai district & cultural hub in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands (located at 9.5120°N, 100.0136°E, elevation 14 m). Renowned for Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) & Wat Plai Laem, Ang Thong Marine Park Kayaking & Emerald Lake (Talay Nai), Bophut Fisherman's Village Walking Street, Koh Samui rewards travelers over 2–4 days with walkable historic squares, regional markets, and easy rail links via Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (97 km).
Best Neighborhoods & Quarters in Koh Samui
Chaweng & Bophut
Vibrant local quarter, markets, and accommodation hub in Koh Samui (Surat Thani).
Lamai, Choeng Mon & Nathon Pier
Vibrant local quarter, markets, and accommodation hub in Koh Samui (Surat Thani).
Top Sights & Things to Do in Koh Samui
- Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) & Wat Plai Laem — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Koh Samui.
- Ang Thong Marine Park Kayaking & Emerald Lake (Talay Nai) — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Koh Samui.
- Bophut Fisherman's Village Walking Street — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Koh Samui.
Local Food & Where to Eat in Koh Samui
In Koh Samui (Southern Gulf Coast & Islands), everyday dining revolves around morning Talad Sod fresh markets, made-to-order Tam Sang wok stalls, and evening night markets serving authentic Southern Gulf Coast & Islands flavors. Expect made-to-order street dishes for ฿50–฿120 and sit-down regional mains for ฿120–฿280; say 'Phed Noi' for mild spice or 'Mai Sai Phong Churot' for no MSG.
Signature Local & Regional Dishes to Try
- Gaeng Som Pla — Southern Sour Turmeric Fish Curry (แกงส้มใต้ / แกงเหลือง) (฿150–฿280): Bright golden fresh-turmeric, tamarind, and bird's-eye chili broth cooked with Gulf sea bass and crisp bamboo shoots.
- Khao Yam Pak Tai — Southern Herb Rice Salad (ข้าวยำปักษ์ใต้) (฿60–฿110): Butterfly-pea blue jasmine rice tossed with toasted coconut, lemongrass, pomelo, kaffir lime leaves, and sweet fermented fish dressing (Nam Budu).
- Khua Kling Moo & Surat Thani Blue Swimming Crab (คั่วกลิ้งหมู / หอยนางรมสุราษฎร์) (฿120–฿240): Dry-wok Southern turmeric-and-black-pepper minced pork alongside steamed Bandon Bay blue swimming crab with crispy shallots and chili paste.
- Kalamae Koh Samui — Coconut Caramel Toffee (กะละแมเกาะสมุย) (฿60–฿120): Chewy Samui island coconut cream and palm sugar confection slow-stirred in brass woks.
Recommended Dining Quarters, Markets & Night Markets & Street Food Stalls in Koh Samui
Koh Samui Talad Sod (Morning Market) & Night Market
Local open-air stalls and shophouses in central Koh Samui serving made-to-order Southern Gulf Coast & Islands dishes (฿50–฿140).
Koh Samui Khao Gaeng (Curry-Over-Rice) & Noodle Shophouses
Family-run lunch and dinner kitchens offering wok-fried basil dishes, noodle soups, Cha Yen iced tea, and seasonal tropical fruit.
Food markets & dining streets: Bophut Fisherman's Village Night Market (Koh Samui), Pantip Food Market (Thong Sala, Koh Phangan), Surat Thani San Chao Night Market & Nakhon Si Thammarat Khanom Jeen Alley · Regional drinks: Fresh Samui Young Coconut (฿40–฿70), Southern Cha Chak Pulled Tea & Butterfly-Pea Lime Cooler (Nam Anchan Manaw)
Getting to Koh Samui & Local Transit
By Train & Coach: Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (97 km). Check our SRT Sleeper Train vs. Domestic Flight Calculator (฿ THB) and Bangkok BTS, MRT & Chao Phraya Boat Calculator to compare rail and transit fares. By Air: Surat Thani Airport (URT) & Samui Airport (USM).
Closest Neighboring Towns to Koh Samui
Combine Koh Samui with these nearby Thai towns calculated by direct geographic distance:
- Ko Na Thian (7 km away)
- Ko Fan (8 km away)
- Ko Phueng (10 km away)
- Ko Fan Yai (11 km away)
- Ko Mat Daeng (21 km away)
More Cities & Towns in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands
Explore other destinations across Southern Gulf Coast & Islands:
Hat Yai · Nakhon Si Thammarat · Surat Thani · Ko Samui · Ko Pha-ngan · Koh Phangan · Khao Sok · Ko Tao · Koh Tao · Songkhla · Yala · Thung Song