Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
9.7Superb · 158 Reviews
219 Moo 5 Angthong Koh Samui Surat Thani | Koh Samui, 84140, TH
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About Koh Samui
Koh Samui pairs palm-lined beaches and beachfront stays with boat trips across the Gulf of Thailand. Swim at Chaweng or Lamai, or head offshore to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and nearby islands.
Koh Samui is the largest island in an archipelago of more than 80 islands, with beaches for swimming and sunbathing and boat trips into the Gulf. Chaweng and Lamai are two beach highlights, while the island’s sights include the Big Buddha, waterfalls and natural rock formations. From Samui, you can take trips to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao. This guide covers beaches and island excursions, where to stay, transport, seasonal weather and practical points for your trip.
Where to stay
Hotels in Koh Samui
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AMAYA Resort
9.5Superb · 112 Reviews
16/3 Me 6 Tambon Maret Amphor 84310 Suratthani | Koh Samui, 84310, TH
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Riviera Beach Hotel
9.4Superb · 357 Reviews
6/1 M.1 Bophut Fisherman's Village Surat Thani | Koh Samui, 84320, TH
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Centara Reserve Samui
9.4Superb · 326 Reviews
38/2 Moo 3 Bo Phut Chaweng Beach Koh Samui | Koh Samui, 84320, TH
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Samui Le Reve
9.5Superb · 119 Reviews
75/3 Moo 3 T.namuang Koh Saumui Suratthani | Koh Samui, 84140, TH
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Sea Valley Resort
9.1Superb · 399 Reviews
123/3 Moo 2 Lipa Noi Koh Samui Suratthani | Koh Samui, 84140, TH
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Places to stay by type in Koh Samui
Places to stay in Koh Samui
Koh Samui at a glance
Local currency
THB
(THB)
Local time
(GMT+7)
Suggested area to stay
Chaweng, Lamai, Lipa Noi
History, culture and food in Koh Samui
When to visit Koh Samui
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: February, March and August
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Jan49
Very busy; book early
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Feb63
Chinese New Year (14 Feb-1 Mar 2026)
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Mar63
Beach weather (sea 29°C)
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Apr52
Songkran
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May32
Rainy (150 mm)
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Jun55
Beach weather (sea 30°C)
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Jul54
Beach weather (sea 30°C)
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Aug60
Beach weather (sea 30°C)
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Sep28
Rainy (190 mm)
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Oct0
Often avoided: Heavy rain and rough seas can affect beaches, roads and boat excursions.
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Nov0
Often avoided: Heavy rain and rough seas can affect beaches, roads and boat excursions.
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Dec41
Rainy (150 mm)
Things to do in Koh Samui
12 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
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12 places
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is a Koh Samui highlight. Hat Chaweng is a beach for sunbathing and swimming all day.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is a Koh Samui highlight. Hat Lamai is a beach for sunbathing and swimming all day.
Big Buddha
This golden Buddha statue is 12 metres high and stands in the north of Samui.
Namuang Waterfalls
The two waterfalls are 12 kilometres inland southeast of Nathon Bay.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
Hua Thanon
These two natural rock formations are close to each other near Hua Thanon.
Bo Phut
Bo Phut is known for converted old Chinese shophouses.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
This marine park comprises 42 islands around 20 kilometres west of Samui. One-day speedboat tours depart from Bo Phut Pier and Na Thon Pier; the park closes to tourism from 1 to 30 November each year.
Ko Wua Ta Lap
A 400-metre walking path leads to a scenic viewpoint on the mountaintop.
Thale Nai
Ko Mae Ko
Also called Mountain Lake, Thale Nai is on Ko Mae Ko. It is 250 metres wide, 350 metres long and 7 metres deep, and covers approximately 30 rai.
Ko Pha-ngan
Ko Pha-ngan is around 20 kilometres north of Samui, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Lomprayah’s trip takes 30 minutes; the Raja Ferry trip to Thong Sala Pier takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hat Rin
Hat Rin is in southeast Ko Pha-ngan, around 12 kilometres from the District Office. The Full Moon Party takes place there.
Ko Tao
Ko Tao is 64 kilometres from Samui and has diving schools where new divers learn basic skills. The Lomprayah trip from Samui takes 3 hours.
Koh Samui itineraries, day by day
Nature
Koh Samui in 4 Days: Beaches and Viewpoints
Four days leave room for north-coast beach time, island viewpoints, west-coast stops and a temple visit.
This four-day visit suits travellers who want beach time without packing every hour, with room to group the days by coast and leave time at each stop. 4 days in Koh Samui brings together north-coast beaches, island viewpoints, west-coast shoreline and a waterfall-and-temple finish. Pick your beach base first, then arrange a scooter or driver for the days that cross the island. A single base works well for this slower rhythm, while each route still reaches a different part of the island.
Nature
Koh Samui in Seven Days: Beaches, Temples and Views
A full island week balances active outings with beach pauses and room to adapt to weather and ferry plans.
Koh Samui itinerary 7 days suits travellers who want a full week on the island without packing every day with excursions. The rhythm moves between beach time, a waterfall, temples, viewpoints and a Koh Phangan outing, with slower pauses between active days. For 7 days in Koh Samui, decide first whether to rent a vehicle or arrange drivers, then check ferry plans before committing to island crossings. A 1 week in Koh Samui stay works well with flexibility for weather; compare Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut when choosing where to sleep.
Nature
Koh Samui in One Day: Island Stops by Road
A one-day route linking a red temple, a viewpoint, an inland waterfall and Bophut.
This Koh Samui road trip suits visitors with one day who want a broad look at the island beyond a single beach area. Begin with a temple and nearby viewpoint, continue inland to a waterfall, then finish among Bophut's old shophouses. The pace relies on road transfers, with a short walk between the first pair. Arrange a driver or rental in advance, and check access and conditions before heading inland; that is the key preparation. Finish your day in the village area, then choose a place to stay that fits the rest of your trip.
Nature
Ang Thong Marine Park: Full Day on the Water
A boat-led day from Nathon Pier, with an island viewpoint climb and a stop at Thale Nai.
Made for travellers who want a full day on the water among Ang Thong’s island scenery, an Ang Thong Marine Park day trip starts at Nathon Pier and continues to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint and Thale Nai. Expect the day to alternate between time afloat and visits ashore, including a climb to the viewpoint. Arrange the boat tour first: confirm its departure point, inclusions and weather policy with the operator. Then choose a Koh Samui base that suits your route to the confirmed pier.
Nature
A One-Day Koh Phangan Route from Koh Samui
Pair a ferry crossing with a waterfall, a beach and an evening stop, with room for island transfers.
Made for travellers adding a second island to a Koh Samui stay, this full day combines a ferry crossing with a waterfall, an east-coast beach and an evening stop. The rhythm is road-heavy after arrival, so keep the island visits focused and leave slack for transfers rather than trying to see more. For Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, settle the return sailing before picking your stops or deciding how long to spend at each. Choose your ferry window with enough time to reach the pier after the island road legs.
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Food and drink
A Relaxed Day Around Bophut's North Coast
A gentle Bophut day links converted shophouses, a beach walk and an evening waterfront stop.
This one-day Bophut itinerary suits visitors who want a relaxed north-coast outing rather than a packed schedule. Start among Fisherman's Village's converted shophouses, walk to Bophut Beach, then finish with an evening waterfront stroll near Bang Rak Pier. Check local opening days before you go, especially if you are timing the visit around the walking street. Arrange your return ride before staying out late; that is the key detail to settle first. Bophut Beach is a practical area to consider for your stay, with Mae Nam and Choeng Mon as other beach-area options.
Food and drink
Koh Samui Market Evenings: Two Days of Food
Two market-focused evenings, with a Koh Phangan crossing to check before the second night.
These two evenings suit travellers who prefer market browsing and casual food to a packed sightseeing schedule. Day 1 centres on Central Samui in Chaweng. Day 2 goes to Thong Sala Night Market on Koh Phangan, so it depends on an island crossing. First, check that the market operates on your date and confirm a return crossing; also arrange a ride back to your accommodation. Keep each evening unhurried, with one main stop. The Koh Samui food itinerary suits travellers after two market visits rather than a full day of sightseeing.
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Culture and history
Koh Samui Temples and Northeast Viewpoint in One Day
A temple-first route linking Big Buddha, Bophut’s old shophouses and a pagoda viewpoint.
For travellers drawn to Samui’s temple sights and a short northeast outing, this one-day route starts at the golden Big Buddha, continues to the converted shophouses of Bophut and ends at Khao Hua Jook Pagoda and Viewpoint. The pace leaves room for a temple visit, a village wander and a final lookout stop without trying to cover the island. Arrange a taxi or ride-hailing car for the road transfers before you set out, then check availability in your preferred area for the night. The Koh Samui Big Buddha Tour suits you if you want a compact day with respectful temple visits and straightforward rides.
With the family
A Two-Day Koh Samui Itinerary for Families
Pair an animal-focused day with an aquarium visit and an evening walk through Bophut.
Koh Samui for families can suit travellers who want animal stops, a temple visit and indoor time without packing every hour. This two-day itinerary keeps Day 1 in the south, with Samui Butterfly Garden followed by Wat Khunaram, then pairs an aquarium visit with an evening in Bophut on Day 2. Plan for relaxed visits and arrange transport between stops in advance. First, check age guidance and opening arrangements for each activity, then confirm how your family will travel around the island.
Couples
Koh Samui in 3 Days: Spa, Beaches and Views
Three unhurried days pair a forest spa, south-coast pauses and easy beach time.
For couples who want time to slow down, this Koh Samui honeymoon itinerary pairs a spa appointment with coastal pauses and scenic stops. Day one centres on treatment time before a hilltop restaurant; day two heads south for a beach, a nearby viewpoint and a temple; the final day leaves room for Silver Beach and Central Samui. Book spa treatments ahead, then choose a base to match the beach atmosphere you want, comparing Taling Ngam, Lipa Noi and Bophut. Check availability once you have settled on an area.
Budget
Koh Samui in 2 Days: Temple, Beach and Falls
A two-day Samui route pairs a temple and beach with a waterfall, plus practical transport tips.
Koh Samui on a budget suits travelers who want a short mix of temple, beach and forest time without stacking several stops into each day. Day one moves from Wat Ratchathammaram (Red Temple) to Mae Nam Beach, with a long road transfer to account for; day two centers on Hin Lad Waterfall. Arrange transport first, compare your options, and check market opening times before adding a market visit or building the day around one.
Nightlife
Koh Samui in 2 Days: Indoor and Evening Plans
Pair a town stop and an inland garden with two evening choices, keeping the schedule open to weather.
For travellers who want indoor fallbacks and flexible evenings, Koh Samui rainy season days work well with a sheltered start and outdoor choices kept adjustable. Begin at Central Samui, then judge the weather and road conditions before heading inland to Secret Buddha Garden. Day two moves from Fisherman's Village to Haad Rin on Ko Pha-ngan, so arrange the island crossing and onward boat connection first. Check opening details before travelling, and book any fixed-time entertainment in advance. The schedule leaves room to change course when showers arrive.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Koh Samui
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Sunset Luxury Boat Party with Floating Bar Trip from Koh Samui
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Standard tour
Luxury Floating Bar and Snorkeling at Koh Madsum
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Unstructured tour
Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport
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Activity tour
Elephant Nature Care, the largest elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui
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Standard tour
koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan by Speed Boat from Koh Samui
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Standard tour
Private Half-Day Blue Dragon Yacht for Snorkeling Koh Tan & Visit Pig Island
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Unstructured tour
Private Beach Picnic in Koh Samui
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Unstructured tour
Wellness Tour in Koh Samui
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Before you go to Koh Samui
- Islands in the archipelago
- 80+
- Height of the Big Buddha
- 12 m
- Islands in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
- 42
- Approximate distance to Mu Ko Ang Thong
- 20 km
- Donsak–Samui ferry crossing
- 1h 30
- Tourist Police hotline
- 1155
How do you get to Koh Samui?
Fly directly from Bangkok or take a ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui.
- Direct flight: Bangkok Airways operates direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Samui Airport (USM), which is on Koh Samui at Boput.
- Raja Ferry: Raja Ferry runs hourly Donsak–Koh Samui departures from 05:00 through 19:00. The crossing to Samui International Port at Lipa Noi takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and the service carries passengers and cars.
- Seatran Ferry: Seatran Ferry runs its Donsak–Koh Samui service every hour from 05:00 to 19:00 daily. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
How do you get around Koh Samui and its neighbouring islands?
Use ferry and catamaran services for trips between Samui and nearby islands.
- Island links: Lomprayah high-speed catamarans link Koh Samui with Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao. The Samui–Ko Pha-ngan trip takes 30 minutes, while the Samui–Ko Tao trip takes 3 hours.
- Ko Pha-ngan ferry: The Raja Ferry trip from Samui to Ko Pha-ngan’s Thong Sala Pier takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Thong Sala is a passenger-pier location for services to Surat Thani, Samui and Ko Tao.
- Mu Ko Ang Thong trips: One-day speedboat tours to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park depart from Bo Phut Pier and Na Thon Pier on Samui.
Which Koh Samui area suits you for a beachfront stay?
Choose Chaweng or Lamai for beaches for sunbathing and swimming, or consider Lipa Noi or Bo Phut.
- The areas with the most hotels, in order, are Chaweng, Lamai, Lipa Noi and Bo Phut. Chaweng and Lamai have beaches, Lipa Noi has a ferry port, and Bo Phut has converted old Chinese shophouses.
- Chaweng: Chaweng is a beach-focused choice, with Chaweng Beach a Koh Samui highlight. Hat Chaweng is suitable for sunbathing and swimming all day.
- Lamai: Lamai suits a beach-focused stay, with Lamai Beach a Koh Samui highlight. Hat Lamai is suitable for sunbathing and swimming all day.
- Lipa Noi: Lipa Noi is the location of Samui International Port for Raja Ferry services from Donsak. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Bophut: Bo Phut has converted old Chinese shophouses.
Which beaches and sights should you visit on Koh Samui?
Chaweng and Lamai are the island’s beach highlights for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
- Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are two of Koh Samui’s best-known beach stops. Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are suitable for sunbathing and swimming throughout the day, making either a straightforward choice for beach time.
- Away from the shore, the Big Buddha stands in the north of the island, while the two Namuang Waterfalls lie inland southeast of Nathon Bay. Near Hua Thanon, Hin Ta and Hin Yai are natural rock formations close together.
- Plan beach time at Chaweng or Lamai if sunbathing and swimming are your priority.
Which island excursions can you take from Koh Samui?
Boat trips from Koh Samui reach Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao.
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park lies around 20 kilometres west of Samui and comprises 42 islands. One-day speedboat tours depart from Bo Phut Pier and Na Thon Pier. On Ko Wua Ta Lap, a 400-metre walking path leads to a mountaintop viewpoint; on Ko Mae Ko, Thale Nai is also known as Mountain Lake.
- Ko Pha-ngan is around 20 kilometres north of Samui, with a trip of about 30 minutes. Ko Tao is 64 kilometres away and has diving schools where beginners can learn basic skills. Lomprayah’s high-speed catamarans link Samui with both islands. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park closes to tourism from 1 to 30 November each year, when monsoon conditions can make travel unsafe.
- Avoid planning a Mu Ko Ang Thong visit during its annual 1–30 November tourism closure.
- Take brought-in waste back out of marine parks and avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC or butylparaben.
When is a good time to visit Koh Samui?
Plan around the island’s monthly rain and sea temperatures, bearing in mind that November is particularly wet on the Gulf’s southern east coast.
- Thailand’s hot season runs from mid-February to mid-May, the rainy season from mid-May to mid-October, and winter from mid-October to mid-February. The southwest monsoon brings widespread cloud and rain from mid-May to mid-October; the northeast monsoon prevails from around mid-October to mid-February, and the start and end of both can vary. On the Gulf’s southern east coast, November receives the most rain. Samui’s monthly averages range from highs of about 29–32°C and sea temperatures of about 28–30°C; rain ranges from about 30 mm in February to about 450 mm in November. The sea is about 28°C in January, February and December, about 29°C in March and September to November, and about 30°C from April to August.
- Loi Krathong (November): Loi Krathong is celebrated nationwide on the full-moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, normally in November.
Arrival card
Non-Thai nationals entering Thailand must submit a Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before entry.
- Submit it within 3 days before arrival, including the arrival date. It applies to land, air and sea entry and is valid for one use on the expected arrival date.
- A transit passenger who does not pass through immigration does not need one; leaving the airport requires one.
VAT refund
The general VAT rate is 7%, and eligible purchases must total at least 2,000 baht including VAT per day per store.
- Buy from a shop displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign and take the goods out of Thailand within 60 days.
- For purchases totalling 20,000 baht or more, present the goods, P.P.10 form and original tax invoices to Customs before check-in. Make the refund request on your departure date, trip by trip.
Refund claim
Claim at a VAT Refund for Tourists counter at an international airport or mail the documents to the Revenue Department.
- The refund request is made on the departure date, trip by trip.
Temple clothing
Dress appropriately for visits to religious sites and avoid clothing such as sleeveless tops and short pants.
- Prohibited clothing includes sleeveless shirts, vests, short tops, see-through tops, short pants, torn or tight pants, bike pants, mini skirts, pants skirts and sleeping suits.
Power plugs
Thailand’s electrical supply is 220 volts at 50 cycles per second.
- Outlets generally take flat, two-pronged plugs; some have holes for round plug ends, and few have three holes for grounded plugs.
Emergency help
Call the Tourist Police hotline on 1155.
Alcohol rules
The legal drinking age is 20, and alcohol sales may be restricted on major religious days or other official periods.
- Alcoholic beverages may generally be sold from 11:00 to 24:00. Alcohol is not allowed in Thailand’s national parks.
Park protection
Do not take single-use plastic packaging or foam containers into national parks.
- In marine parks, avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC or butylparaben. Do not leave rubbish in the sea or on beaches; take brought-in waste back out.
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Near Koh Samui
Straight-line distance from the centre of Koh Samui.
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Getaways from Koh Samui
Places people from Koh Samui travel to, from our own travel research.
Frequently asked questions about Koh Samui
How do I get from Samui Airport to the centre?
Samui Airport is on Koh Samui, at Boput. Bangkok Airways operates direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samui Airport.
How do you get around Koh Samui?
Ferry and catamaran services connect Koh Samui with nearby islands. Lomprayah links Samui with Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao.
Can I take a day trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong from Samui?
One-day speedboat tours to Mu Ko Ang Thong depart from Bo Phut Pier and Na Thon Pier. The park comprises 42 islands and lies around 20 kilometres west of Samui.
What should I see on a Koh Samui beach trip?
Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are Koh Samui highlights, and both are suitable for sunbathing and swimming all day.
Where should I stay for nightlife on Koh Samui?
Hat Rin, where the Full Moon Party takes place, is in southeast Ko Pha-ngan, not Koh Samui. Ko Pha-ngan is around 20 kilometres north of Samui.
Where can I find budget accommodation on Koh Samui?
Chaweng, Lamai, Lipa Noi and Bophut are areas to consider for a stay. Chaweng and Lamai have beach highlights, while Lipa Noi is the location of Samui International Port.
Is Koh Samui suitable for families?
Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are beaches for sunbathing and swimming all day.
What can I do on a trip to Ko Tao?
Ko Tao has diving schools where new divers can learn basic skills. The Lomprayah trip from Samui takes 3 hours.
How long is the ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui?
The Donsak–Samui crossing takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on both Raja Ferry and Seatran Ferry. Both services run hourly from 05:00 to 19:00.
When is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park closed?
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park closes for tourism annually from 1 to 30 November. The seasonal closure is due to southwest monsoon conditions that bring heavy rain and strong seas.
What should I wear when visiting temples?
Dress appropriately and avoid sleeveless shirts, short tops, see-through tops and short pants. Other prohibited clothing includes torn or tight pants, bike pants, mini skirts and sleeping suits.
When is the rainy season in Koh Samui?
Thailand’s rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October, though monsoon timings can vary. The Gulf’s southern east coast receives its most rain in November.
What is the weather like on Koh Samui in November?
November averages about 29°C for the high, about 450 mm of rain and a sea temperature of about 29°C. November is also the month when Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park closes for tourism.
What festival is celebrated in November?
Loi Krathong is celebrated nationwide on the full-moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, normally in November.
How does the VAT refund work in Thailand?
Eligible purchases must total at least 2,000 baht including VAT per day per store, and the shop must display the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign. Take goods out of Thailand within 60 days and request the refund on your departure date.