Solo travel · Koh Samui · Thailand
Solo travel in Koh Samui
How to enjoy Koh Samui at your own pace.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gunther Dihlmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Solo travellers on Samui tend to base themselves in Lamai or Chaweng for hostels and bars, or use the island as a stepping stone to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which have bigger backpacker scenes. Many solo travellers base themselves in Lamai.
Key facts
- Base
- Lamai
- Getting around
- Bus
- Emergency number
- Police 191, ambulance 1669, Tourist Police 1155
- Language
- Thai
Solo travel tips
- Lamai has a good mix of affordable stays, bars and Muay Thai gyms.
- Join group snorkelling or Ang Thong tours to meet other travellers.
- Muay Thai and yoga classes are an easy way to build a routine and meet people.
- Factor in transport costs; taxis are expensive for one person.
- Head to Koh Tao for diving courses with a sociable atmosphere.
Where to stay
$$ · Best for budget, couples, beach and nightlife
Lamai
South of Chaweng, Lamai has a long beach with clear water and rocky headlands, a compact centre of bars and Muay Thai venues, and good-value accommodation. Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are at the southern end, and the Na Muang waterfalls are about 20 minutes away.
- Good
- Good value compared with Chaweng; Attractive beach; Some nightlife without the crush
- Watch out
- Rougher sea in the rainy season; Town centre a little scruffy
- Nearby
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Lamai night market, Na Muang Waterfalls
Great on your own
Religious site · Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach)
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Go at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light; cover shoulders and knees, and wraps are available at the entrance.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Photo spot
- Views
Religious site · Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach)
Wat Plai Laem
Combine it with the Big Buddha; children enjoy feeding the fish from the walkways.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Kids
- Photo spot
Garden · Hills
Secret Buddha Garden
Go with a 4x4 tour or an experienced driver; the access road is too steep for most scooters.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Views
Religious site · Lamai
Wat Khunaram
Dress respectfully and make a small offering if you wish; combine it with the Na Muang Waterfalls nearby.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Off the beaten path
Viewpoint · Chaweng
Lad Koh Viewpoint
Stop here at sunrise when driving between Chaweng and Lamai.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
Religious site · South coast
Laem Sor Pagoda
Combine it with lunch in one of the south-coast seafood restaurants and a boat to Koh Tan.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
- Views
Meeting people
- Friday walking street — Graze on grilled seafood, satay, roti and coconut ice cream at the Fisherman's Village market in Bophut.
- Local market breakfast — Try khao yam, coffee and Thai sweets at an early-morning market in Nathon or Lamai, away from the resort buffets.
- Chaweng — Clubs and bars around Soi Green Mango and beach parties at Ark Bar, busy until late.
- Lamai — A compact bar scene with live music and Muay Thai nights.
Sensible precautions
Scooter accidents are the most common cause of injury among visitors, so wear a helmet and avoid riding after drinking. Rip currents can be strong on east-coast beaches in the monsoon season; obey red flags. Jellyfish occasionally appear in the water, and some beaches have vinegar stations.
- Emergency number
- Police 191, ambulance 1669, Tourist Police 1155
- Staying connected
- Tourist SIMs are sold at the airport and convenience stores; 4G and 5G coverage is good around the main beaches.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Koh Samui good for solo travellers?
Solo travellers on Samui tend to base themselves in Lamai or Chaweng for hostels and bars, or use the island as a stepping stone to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which have bigger backpacker scenes.
+Where should solo travellers stay in Koh Samui?
Lamai: Second-largest beach town, more relaxed than Chaweng.