KOH SAMUI TRAVEL TIPS

General Travel Tips

1 Best Time to Visit

• December – April: Best weather, little rain, ideal for beach activities.
• May – September: Hotter, occasional showers, fewer crowds.
• October – November: Rainy season, but still warm with occasional sunny days.

💡 Tip: If you prefer lower prices and fewer tourists, visit during the shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October).

2 Visa & Entry Requirements

• Most travelers from Europe, the US, Australia, and ASEAN countries can enter visa-free for 30 days.
• If you need more time, apply for a 60-day tourist visa in advance.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.

💡 Tip: You may be asked for proof of onward travel when entering Thailand, so have a return ticket ready.

3 Local Language & Communication

• Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Basic Thai phrases to know:
  • Hello: Sawasdee krap/ka (male/female)
  • Thank you: Khop khun krap/ka
  • How much? Tao rai?
  • Yes / No: Chai / Mai chai

💡 Tip: Download Google Translate or a Thai phrasebook app to help with communication.

Transportation & Getting Around

1 How to Get to Koh Samui

• Fly to Koh Samui International Airport (USM) – The fastest way to arrive.
• Take a ferry from Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao – A budget-friendly option.

2 Getting Around Koh Samui

• Scooter Rental – Popular but requires experience due to hilly roads.
• Songthaews (Shared Taxi Trucks) – Cheap and convenient for getting around.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Bolt) – More expensive but safer for long distances.
• Car Rental – A great option for families or groups, but drive carefully.

💡 Tip: Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter, as police often check for violations.

Budgeting & Money Tips

1 Daily Travel Budget

• Budget Travelers: ฿800-1,500/day (street food, hostels, local transport).
• Mid-Range Travelers: ฿2,000-5,000/day (hotels, restaurants, activities).
• Luxury Travelers: ฿6,000+/day (resorts, fine dining, private tours).

2 Currency & Money Exchange

• Exchange money at local currency exchange booths for the best rates.
• ATMs charge a withdrawal fee of ฿220, so withdraw larger amounts at once.
• Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but smaller shops prefer cash.

💡 Tip: Always carry small cash (฿20, ฿50, ฿100 notes) for taxis and markets.

Health & Safety Tips

1 Travel Insurance

• Essential for medical emergencies, lost luggage, or accidents.
• Ensure it covers motorbike accidents, hospital stays, and adventure activities.

💡 Tip: Many travelers rent scooters without a proper license, which can void insurance claims – check your policy!

2 Food & Water Safety

• Drink only bottled or filtered water – Avoid tap water.
• Street food is safe but choose stalls with high turnover (fresh food).
• Be cautious with spicy food if you’re not used to it.

💡 Tip: Avoid ice cubes in drinks at small roadside stalls – they may be made from unfiltered water.

3 Sun Protection & Hydration

• Use sunscreen (SPF 50+), as the sun is very strong.
• Stay hydrated, especially when doing outdoor activities.
• Wear light clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid heat exhaustion.
  
  

Local Customs & Cultural Etiquette

1 Respect for Thai Culture

• Greet with a “Wai” (hands together in prayer position) instead of a handshake.
• Remove shoes before entering temples and homes.
• Never touch someone’s head – it’s considered sacred.
• Avoid pointing your feet at Buddha statues or people.

💡 Tip: Dress modestly when visiting temples – shoulders and knees should be covered.

2 Tipping Etiquette

• Restaurants: 5-10% if service charge isn’t included.
• Taxis & Songthaews: Not required, but rounding up the fare is common.
• Massage & Spas: ฿50-100 for good service.
  
  

Must-Know Local Laws & Regulations

1 Smoking & Drinking Rules

• Smoking on beaches is illegal – fines apply.
• Drinking alcohol in public places (except bars/restaurants) is restricted.
• Legal drinking age is 20 years old.

💡 Tip: Some Buddhist holidays prohibit alcohol sales – check before planning nights out.

2 Motorbike & Car Rules

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to legally ride a scooter.
• Wear a helmet at all times – police fines are common.
• Drive on the LEFT side of the road in Thailand.

💡 Tip: Rent a motorbike only if you have experience, as accidents are common.

Connectivity & SIM Cards

SIM Cards & Internet

• Local SIM cards (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove) offer affordable data plans.
• Available at the airport, convenience stores, and mobile shops.
• Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafés.

💡 Tip: Get a prepaid tourist SIM with unlimited data for the best connection.

Nightlife & Party Safety

Staying Safe at Night

• Stick to well-lit and busy areas in Chaweng & Lamai.
• Watch your drinks to avoid drink-spiking incidents.
• Don’t swim at night – strong currents can be dangerous.

💡 Tip: Full Moon Party? Arrange return transport before you go, as taxis charge high late-night fees.

Final Travel Tips for Koh Samui

✔️ Book accommodation in advance during peak season (December-April).
✔️ Respect local culture and temple etiquette.
✔️ Always negotiate prices for taxis and market shopping.
✔️ Try local Thai dishes but be cautious with spice levels.
✔️ Use sunscreen and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke.
✔️ Have a backup plan for transportation if renting a scooter isn’t an option.

Koh Samui is a safe, beautiful, and exciting destination, and with these travel tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an amazing island experience!

Find more essential travel info on Samui Map Info, and enjoy your trip to Koh Samui!