Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

Koh Samui is definitely one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and just beautiful tropical views. 

It’s one of the three “bay islands” in the Gulf of Thailand, sitting right next to Koh Phangan (which I’m sure you’ve heard of for its Full Moon Party) and Koh Tao, which is much smaller but totally amazing for diving and snorkeling.

After I’ve been to Thailand many times now, I’ve finally decided to sit down and talk about Koh Samui and why I love it so much. 

I get asked all the time: is Koh Samui worth visiting? So, I’m going to answer that by talking strictly from my own experience. I’ll be 100% honest about what I loved, the things I didn’t like so much, and I’ll give you some tips on what there is to do based on how I spent my time there.

Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

I’ve been to Thailand quite a few times over the past eight years, but I just got back from a family vacation where we spent two full weeks on Koh Samui and honestly, I had an incredible time!

But here’s the thing: just because I loved it doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. If you’re asking me, “Is Koh Samui worth visiting?” my answer is: It depends on what kind of trip you’re after.

The first thing you have to realize is that Koh Samui is huge. There were times during my stay when I actually forgot I was even on an island! It doesn’t have that “small island” feel where you can walk everywhere. 

Because of that, your experience depends entirely on where you stay and how you stay there.

Here is my personal take after three visits:

• Go to Koh Samui if: You want a luxury resort experience or a stress-free family vacation. In my opinion, Samui does resorts better than anywhere else in Thailand. I personally love staying in the more secluded resorts (especially around Lamai Beach) where you can just full-on relax for a few days.
  
• Skip Koh Samui if: You’re looking for an authentic backpacker or cast away type experience. For that, I’d honestly tell you to head to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan instead.

So, is it worth it? Yes I do think it’s worth visiting. I stayed with my whole family in a few different resorts and boutique hotels during my two weeks in Koh Samui and it was perfect. But I’m a traveller and backpacker at heart and I also appreciate places like Chiang Mai, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, so it really depends on what you’re after.

What I Loved About Koh Samui

Stunning Beaches

I know this is pretty obvious, but Koh Samui has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. The sand was just so white and the water was incredibly clear. I’m a huge beach person, so I usually spend my entire vacation snorkeling, sunbathing, or renting a jet ski or SUP and for all of that, Koh Samui was perfect. 

My absolute favorite was Lamai Beach in the south. It’s a little more chill and laid-back than the super famous spots like Chaweng Beach, which I really appreciated.

Amazing Resorts

I’m not always a huge resort person. I’ve been backpacking for years and have stayed in loads of hostels and budget hotels throughout my travels, but I have to say, the resorts in Koh Samui are on another level. We stayed at a few different places with my family, but my two favorites were definitely:

• Explorar Koh Samui: This place was just “wow.”. I’m usually not the biggest resort type person but the pool and the beach area here were insane! (Note: This is an adults-only spot, which made it so peaceful!)
  
• Moorea Boutique Resort Samui: A total gem if you want something that feels a bit more intimate and boutique.

Incredible Food & Restaurants

Because the island is so big, there is a huge range of food. I honestly had so much amazing food there, mostly Thai, of course, because when in Rome, right? 

When it comes to local Thai food, I actually don’t care about “nice” restaurants; I love the local spots with plastic chairs. But I also went to some beautiful dinner places, like a restaurant called Nahm. I had amazing cocktails and salmon there, and the vibe was just stunning.

Accessibility

I’ve been around Thailand a lot now, and getting to certain islands (like Koh Tao, Phi Phi, or Krabi) usually involves a mission of bus journeys, ferry rides, and more buses. 

One thing I definitely appreciated about Samui is how easy it is. I actually took the ferry in, but I was able to fly straight out of Koh Samui Airport to Bangkok. It made the end of the trip so much smoother not having to lug my bags through multiple transfers!

What I Didn’t Like About Koh Samui

The “City” Feel

I’ve touched on this already, but Koh Samui is a pretty big island, and in some parts, it’s really built up. 

Honestly, there were times when it was easy to forget I was even on an island! Some areas, especially around Chaweng Beach and the airport, are so packed with buildings (and let’s be real, they aren’t always the prettiest to look at).

It’s definitely not a deal-breaker, but I personally live for that “island vibe”, you know, the small dirt roads, stunning palm trees, and hidden corners. Koh Tao feels much more like that, and I think I prefer that raw island energy a lot more than the paved-over “city” feel of Samui’s busy hubs.

Prices and Rising Costs

From my personal experience, and comparing it to my visits throughout the past eight years, I definitely have to say that Thailand has become more expensive. I know everywhere is getting pricier, and more and more tourists are visiting (including me!), but Koh Samui is definitely not the “cheap vacation” it used to be.

Especially in 2026, Samui feels like one of the more expensive spots in the country. Between the higher resort prices and the cost of getting around, I really had to budget for it. It’s still amazing value for what you get, but don’t come here expecting the $20-a-day backpacker life you might find in other parts of Southeast Asia!

Things to Do in Koh Samui

1. Watch a fire show

I didn’t know before I came here how amazing a fire show could actually be, but I was so impressed! One night, my whole family and I went to a place called Coco Tam’s, which is a super cool beachfront bar in Bophut with beanbags right in the sand. Every night at 7:15 PM and 9:00 PM, they do a fire show there.

I was blown away, they had about 10 guys doing all sorts of acrobatics and stunts with the fire, it was incredible!

2. Enjoy the Ocean & Beach

Since the water is so calm and beautiful, I spent a lot of my time snorkeling, renting SUPs (stand-up paddleboards), or even taking out a jet ski. Koh Samui is perfect for that. Honestly, with all the amazing beachfront bars and restaurants, I could easily just spend days by the water without needing any other “actual” activities planned.

3. Visit the Night Markets

I personally love a good night market for so many reasons. I feel like wherever I go in Thailand, I’m trying to visit the local market. It’s usually where you find the best food, the best souvenirs, and it’s a great way to go for a wander after sunset, which is key because when I was there, it was super hot and humid during the day!

Make sure to check out the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street if you’re there on a Friday (it’s the biggest one!), or the Lamai Night Market if you want something a bit more local.

4. Check out the Viewpoints

Koh Samui has tons of amazing viewpoints in the center of the island where it gets a bit hillier.

 From my own experience, I wouldn’t just go to “any” of them, often they can be a little cringy and cheesy with weird heart or praying-hand sculptures to take pictures in (very 2010 in my opinion, haha).

Instead, I usually head to a bar or restaurant if I want nice views because the atmosphere is just so much better. I think The Jungle Club near Chaweng Beach is the absolute best for that. You get great cocktails and panoramic views of the bay without the “cheesy” photo ops.

FAQs About Is Koh Samui Worth It?

Is Koh Samui Expensive? 

Honestly, I would say yes, it is, at least compared to what it used to be like and compared to other places in Thailand. Don’t get me wrong, I had some of the most incredible stays in amazing resorts while I was there, but I wouldn’t necessarily say they were cheap. 

Especially in 2026, you can really feel that the prices have jumped, so it’s definitely not the “budget” destination it was 8 years ago.

How to get to Koh Samui? 

I flew into Surat Thani myself and then took the ferry over to the island, which is a great way to save a bit of money. 

But, if you’re short on time, you can also fly straight into Koh Samui Airport from Bangkok. Just a heads-up: it’s often a little more expensive because the airport is actually owned by Bangkok Airways, so they basically set the prices!

Should I visit Koh Samui with my family? 

Absolutely. Out of all the places I’ve been in Thailand, I think Koh Samui is one of the best for a family vacation. I mean, I just did a family trip there myself and it was amazing. We didn’t have any little kids with us this time, but seeing how the resorts are set up, I’m sure kids would love it here too.

Koh Samui or Phuket, Which is better? 

That’s a tough one! I don’t think I can give a simple “this one is better” answer because both islands are huge and both have areas that are really nice and areas that… well, aren’t so nice. 

I’ve been to both and I’ve had both bad and good experiences in each place. It really just depends on the specific beach or resort you pick!

Final Thoughts on Should I Go to Koh Samui

All in all, I think Koh Samui is an amazing destination. I just spent a whole family vacation there with my parents and siblings, and we had the best time. We stayed in beautiful resorts, ate amazing food, wandered through the night markets, and just really enjoyed the island vibe.

But I do want to be real with you: after traveling all over Thailand, I think a chill resort vacation is what Koh Samui does best. I wouldn’t come here if I were looking for super rich Thai culture or a “castaway” type island experience, for that, I’d definitely go somewhere else. 

I’d actually compare the vibe of a Koh Samui vacation to somewhere like Cancun, Mexico. It’s about the resorts, the comfort, and the relaxation.

I hope my little guide on whether Koh Samui is worth visiting gives you a good idea of what the island is actually about and if it’s the right fit for your next trip!

Check Out My Other Koh Samui Guides

Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How to Get to Koh Samui: The Easiest Ways to get there

Best Time to Visit Koh Samui: When I Would Come Again

Koh Tao vs Koh Samui: Which One Do I Like Better