Liveliest
Chaweng
East coast
- BeachOver 6 km
- Airport2-5 km
- MoodBusy
Spot your stop
How to get around Koh Samui, and which side of the island to stay on
Look at 30 stops
Koh Samui on the map: arrival, the island ring, the interior and its history
Tap a route first, then a pin or stop, for its note and Google Maps.
Chaweng is one of the bustling beach areas, in TAT's words, alongside Lamai.
Google MapsLamai is the other bustling beach area; the Grandpa and Grandma Rocks and the mummified monk lie just south and west of it.
Google MapsBophut is one of the more peaceful and laidback beach areas, with Mae Nam and Choeng Mon.
Google MapsChoeng Mon, on the north-east tip, is counted by TAT among the peaceful beaches.
Google MapsNathon Pier is on the west coast; the Ang Thong archipelago is a one-hour speedboat trip from here.
Google MapsSamui Airport is where Bangkok Airways flies in from Bangkok multiple times a day.
Google MapsThe Big Buddha, Wat Phra Yai, stands on Ko Fan and is reached by a causeway; the statue is 12 metres high.
Google MapsBan Hua Thanon is where the Samui Hainan Museum displays the story of the island's Chinese settlers.
Google Maps
Samui Airport is where Bangkok Airways flies in from Bangkok multiple times a day.
Google MapsNathon Pier is on the west coast; the Ang Thong archipelago is a one-hour speedboat trip from here.
Google MapsBangrak Pier, on the north coast near the Big Buddha, is one of the island's ferry piers.
Google MapsA mainland ferry pier at Donsak, in Surat Thani province, for car and passenger ferries to Samui.
Google MapsA second Donsak pier on the mainland, used by another ferry operator.
Google MapsThe railway station of Surat Thani, on the mainland, from where buses and ferries continue to Samui.
Google MapsSurat Thani airport is on the mainland; from it a bus and a ferry lead on to Samui.
Google Maps
Wat Theepangkorn is built on the highest point of the island, with views over Lamai and Chaweng.
Google MapsThe Secret Buddha Garden, also called the Tarnim Magic Garden, is a private park of statues.
Google MapsNa Muang has two cascades named for the purple shade of their rock faces, about 12 km from Nathon Bay.
Google MapsHin Lat Waterfall is just over 3 km from Nathon Town, next to a small forest monastery.
Google MapsWat Khunaram holds the mummified monk, about 6 km west of Lamai Beach.
Google MapsWat Sila Ngu is an atypical temple nicknamed the red temple.
Google MapsThe Grandpa and Grandma Rocks, Hin-Ta Hin-Yai, sit south of Lamai Beach.
Google Maps
The Big Buddha, Wat Phra Yai, stands on Ko Fan and is reached by a causeway; the statue is 12 metres high.
Google MapsWat Plai Laem is a temple near Bophut with a large Guanyin statue, and a stop on the half-day temple tours.
Google MapsThe Grandpa and Grandma Rocks, Hin-Ta Hin-Yai, sit south of Lamai Beach.
Google MapsWat Khunaram holds the mummified monk, about 6 km west of Lamai Beach.
Google MapsA Chinese shrine with a Guan Yu statue, a stop on the half-day around-island tour.
Google MapsWat Sila Ngu is an atypical temple nicknamed the red temple.
Google MapsBan Hua Thanon is where the Samui Hainan Museum displays the story of the island's Chinese settlers.
Google MapsNathon Pier is on the west coast; the Ang Thong archipelago is a one-hour speedboat trip from here.
Google Maps
Maps © OpenStreetMap contributors
Samui is small enough to cross in a couple of hours, yet its beaches feel like different islands. This guide covers the transport you can use, the rules for hiring wheels, and which coast suits a jeep-safari holiday.
Editorial team, kohsamuijeepsafari.quest · Updated November 12, 2026 · Quick read: 6 min
In brief
- SizeAbout 236 square km, crossed in a couple of hours by car or motorbike.1
- Without drivingUse ride-hailing like Grab, a taxi, a songthaew or a rental car.2
- Livelier sideChaweng is the longest beach at over 6 km and the busiest.3
- Quieter sideLipa Noi on the west is about 26 km from Chaweng and less crowded.4
- RulesHelmets are mandatory for motorbike riders and passengers.5
The size of the island and what it means for travel
Samui is not big. Thailand’s tourism authority puts it at roughly 25 km from top to bottom and a little under the same at its widest point, and an airline guide gives its area as approximately 236 square kilometers, which can be crossed in a couple of hours by motorbike or car.6,1 The authority adds that this size means it is not far from place to place.7 That is good news for anyone based on one coast who wants to see the other.
The catch is that the distances behave differently on the map and on the road. Beaches that sit about 11 km apart, as Chaweng and Lamai do, are far enough that a night out means arranging a ride home.8 The west coast is further: Lipa Noi lies about 26 km from the Chaweng strip.4 Plan transport the way you plan a base, once, before you arrive, rather than every evening.
Our map pins the main beaches and areas, with the airport and the piers, so you can see how they sit relative to each other. As a rule, the island’s settlements follow its edge and its interior is hills, plantations and jungle, which is the part the jeep safari covers. The sections below take the ways to move, and the places to choose, one at a time.
Areas at a glance
Samui coasts by feel and distance
| Area | Coast | Feel | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | East | Lively, busiest | Airport 2-5 km |
| Lamai | Southeast | Second most popular | 11 km from Chaweng |
| Bophut | Northeast | Fisherman’s Village | Airport 20 minutes |
| Maenam | North | Long calm shoreline | 5 km of beach |
| Choeng Mon | Northeast | Secluded, peaceful | 700 m of beach |
| Lipa Noi | West | Relaxed, less crowded | 26 km from Chaweng |
Distances and descriptions from the airline guide; the airport range is from its flight page.9,3,8,13,14,15,4
Taxis, songthaews, ride-hailing and the airport run
Visitors piece their own transport together. An airline guide lists the choices to move around Samui as a ride-sharing service like Grab, a rental car, a taxi, a songthaew or a scooter.2 A songthaew is the pickup truck with benches that works as a shared taxi. The same guide says the ride from the airport to Bophut by rental car or songthaew takes approximately 20 minutes.11
For the arrival run the numbers are clear. Arrivals have two private options: a run within the island from $15 and a meet-and-greet transfer from $43. The first charges 50 baht per 15 minutes of waiting once the free period is over, so tell the driver your flight number rather than leaving the pickup to chance. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are the alternatives from the terminal.10
If you only need the island’s highlights, a tour can double as transport. A half-day city tour with hotel pickup runs 5 hours from $24, though the shared option leaves out pickup for hotels in Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam, Butterfly, Huathanon, Nathon, Bangpor and Baantai. For stops of your choosing, a private car with a driver, not a guide, starts from $67.
Hiring a car or a scooter: the rules and the risks
Renting your own wheels is the freest way to move and the riskiest. Foreign drivers need papers: a Thai licence, an International Driving Permit or an ASEAN licence, says the tourism authority.19 The Royal Thai Embassy in London states the requirement as a legal one, with the permit shown alongside passport and home licence.20 Traffic drives on the left side of the road.21
To rent a car or motorbike you must show a valid driving licence or IDP, and without proper documentation insurance coverage may be void in case of accidents.22 Motorbike riders and passengers must wear helmets.5 The UK government notes that hire scooters in tourist areas are often unregistered and cannot legally use public roads, and cautions against leaving your passport as a deposit.18,23 Australia’s advice records that road accidents are common in resort areas, naming Koh Samui.24
The inland roads are the hardest. On the stretch from the top viewpoint to the Overlap Stone the authority sees bumpy dirt as the territory of 4x4 vehicles and skilled scooter riders alone.25 If something goes wrong, call 1669 for medical help and 191 for the police.26 The tourist police number is 1155.27 For most visitors the sensible route is taxis and tours on the road, and a jeep for the hills.
Your base
Match the coast to the traveler
Say what you want from the evenings and see where to sleep.
If Nightlife and the airport close by
Chaweng
The longest, liveliest beach, and the airport is 2-5 km away.3,9
If A calmer stay near the airport
Bophut or Maenam
The tourism authority calls them more peaceful and laidback.16
If A secluded beach
Choeng Mon
A 700-meter beach, more secluded than Chaweng and Lamai.15
If The quietest side
Lipa Noi or Taling Ngam
Lipa Noi is peaceful and Taling Ngam tranquil and secluded.4,17
If I will not hire a scooter
Taxis and tours
Helmets and licences are required, and hire bikes are often unregistered.5,18
Three bases
Pick a coast to stay on
Village feel
Bophut
Northeast
- Known forWooden shophouses
- MoodEasy
- Airport20 minutes
Quietest
Lipa Noi
West coast
- Distance26 km from Chaweng
- Beach4.5 km
- MoodPeaceful
Which side of Koh Samui is best for you
Each coast has a character, and the choice should follow your plans. Chaweng, on the east coast, is the longest beach at over 6 kilometers and the liveliest and busiest, with beach sports, hotels, restaurants and bars.3 Lamai is the second most popular beach, about 11 km from Chaweng.8 The tourism authority groups them as the bustling pair, and Bophut, Mae Nam and Choeng Mon as the more peaceful and laidback ones.16
On the northeast, Bophut Beach has the Fisherman’s Village, a row of well-preserved wooden Chinese commercial houses along the shore.13 Maenam, close by, has 5 km of ivory-white shoreline.14 Choeng Mon is a 700-meter beach on the northeastern coast, more secluded and peaceful than Chaweng and Lamai.15 These three suit travelers who want calm evenings and easy reach of the airport.
If your priority is the jungle safari, any coast works, because the jeeps collect from many areas, but check that your hotel is reachable. A rival jeep day warns that guests on steep or hard-to-reach roads are met at a nearby point. If you ask which side of Koh Samui is best, the practical answer is the side whose character you like: lively east, quiet north and west, with the south for the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, a couple of kilometres south of Lamai.31
Arrival day in order
From the runway to your first evening
Landing
Samui Airport
The airport is about 2-5 km from Chaweng.9
Outside
Taxi, van or app
The airport offers taxis, shuttle vans and ride-hailing apps.10
To the hotel
Cross the island
Bophut is about 20 minutes away by rental car or songthaew.11
Evening
Confirm the safari
The operator emails the pickup time after you book.
Next morning
Jeep pickup
The safari starts with a jeep leg of 1 hour.
The quiet west and north: why Koh Samui can feel so quiet
Many visitors ask why Koh Samui is so quiet in places. The answer is geography. Lipa Noi, on the west side, is about 26 km from Chaweng and is a 4.5-kilometer beach with a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.4 Taling Ngam, also on the west side, offers a tranquil and secluded atmosphere with less touristy surroundings.17 Bang Po, in the northernmost part, is approximately 17 km from the downtown area of Chaweng.12
The tourism authority points to what lies beyond the resorts: it says Samui has a rural life and a plethora of hidden gems beyond its tourist attractions.44 Those quiet corners are exactly where fewer taxis cruise and the best views can be found. The cost is that you rely more on pre-booked rides, because the distances between the quiet coasts and the busy strip are long.
Quiet is also seasonal. Samui’s monsoon season of October-November brings the heaviest rain, and an airline guide names December to February as the dry season, though the station data on our weather page shows rain every month.45,46 If a calm base appeals, think of the west and north in the dry months and of any coast with a covered terrace in the wet ones. In either case, tell the jeep operator your hotel when you book, so the pickup is confirmed by email.
Video
Things to know before visiting Koh Samui
Bangkok Jack on YouTube · The video stays unloaded until you press play.
to move around Samui, you can use a ride-sharing service like Grab, a rental car, taxi, songthaew, or scooter.
Getting around
Before you hire wheels or book a ride
Rules3
- An International Driving Permit or a recognised licence
- A helmet for every rider, passengers included
- Drive on the left side of the road
Rides3
- A pre-booked airport transfer with your flight number
- Small baht notes for songthaews and waiting charges
- A late-evening ride arranged for the west coast
Safety2
- The emergency numbers for medical help and police saved
- Insurance that covers the vehicle you rent
A simple plan for a jeep-safari holiday
Put the pieces together. Arrive by air, take a pre-booked transfer from the airport, and settle into a base that matches your pace. If you want nightlife and the airport on your doorstep, Chaweng suits you, and the airline puts the airport 2-5 km from it.9 If you prefer calm evenings and a village feel, Bophut or Maenam. For silence and sunsets, the west.
On the safari day, expect pickup from your hotel and a drive of 1 hour before the first stop. By around 5:00 PM you are back at the hotel, which leaves the evening for a meal near your base. On other days, choose one outing at a time: a beach day near your base, a boat day from a pier and a half-day highlights tour that visits the temples and rocks.
One last tip. Keep a few small baht notes for songthaews and entrance fees, and keep your hotel’s name written in Thai for the driver. With transport and base chosen, the rest of the holiday takes care of itself.
FAQ
Questions answered quickly.
How big is Koh Samui?
About 236 square km.
An airline guide says that is small enough to explore in a couple of hours by motorbike or car.1
Is there a taxi or ride-hailing option on Koh Samui?
Yes, both.
The guide lists Grab, a rental car, taxi, songthaew or scooter.2
Do I need a licence to drive on Samui?
Yes, a valid one.
An International Driving Permit, a Thai licence or an ASEAN licence is accepted.19
Which side of Koh Samui is best?
Why is Koh Samui so quiet in the west?
It is far from the main strip.
Lipa Noi is about 26 km from Chaweng and has a peaceful atmosphere.4
How far is the airport from Chaweng?
About 2-5 km.
The drive takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.9
Is it safe to ride a scooter?
It carries real risks.
Accidents are common on resort-area roads, Koh Samui included.24
Sources
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · Koh Phangan vs. Koh Samui: Which Island is Right for You ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · Koh Samui Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & Attractions ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Driving in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Tourists and Foreigners ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Bangkok Airways · Flight Ticket from Bangkok to Samui - Bangkok Airways ↩
- Bangkok Airways · Flight Ticket from Bangkok to Samui - Bangkok Airways ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · Essential Guide to Fisherman’s Village & Bo Phut Beach 2026 ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits ↩
- GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) · Thailand travel advice: safety and security ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Driving in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Tourists and Foreigners ↩
- Royal Thai Embassy, London · Driving in Thailand ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Driving in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Tourists and Foreigners ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Driving in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Tourists and Foreigners ↩
- GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) · Thailand travel advice: safety and security ↩
- Smartraveller (Australian Government) · Thailand travel advice ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Driving in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Tourists and Foreigners ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Flooding situation in Southern Thailand: travel conditions update ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Samui offers ‘other-than-the-beach’ holiday experience
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Samui offers ‘other-than-the-beach’ holiday experience
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await ↩
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await
- Tourism Authority of Thailand Tourism Library (University of Otago thesis, 2011) · Tourism and History: Change and Adaptation of Locals in the Tourism Period, a study of Koh Samui
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Ko Samui’s fabulous beaches and tropical lifestyle await
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Samui offers ‘other-than-the-beach’ holiday experience
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom) · Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park & Ko Samui’s hidden gems ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · Koh Samui Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & Attractions ↩
- Bangkok Airways (travel blog) · Koh Samui Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & Attractions ↩
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