Travel tips · Koh Samui · Thailand
Koh Samui travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Before tourism, Samui's economy rested on coconuts, and older islanders still farm plantations inland. The population is mostly Buddhist with Chinese-Thai and Muslim communities, especially in Nathon and the fishing villages. Away from Chaweng's nightlife, island life is conservative and family-centred.
Key facts
- Language
- Thai
- Currency
- THB
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water are cheap and widely…
- Emergency
- Police 191, ambulance 1669, Tourist Police 1155
Things to know
- Wear a cover-up away from the beach; swimwear is not appropriate in shops, restaurants or temples.
- Topless sunbathing is frowned upon on Thai beaches.
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes, and cover shoulders and knees.
- Respect the monarchy; criticism of the royal family is a criminal offence in Thailand.
- Keep calm in disputes; raising your voice causes loss of face.
- Book Samui Elephant Sanctuary ahead: Programmes are small and sell out; book a few days ahead, especially in high season.
- Flying to Surat Thani and taking the bus-and-ferry combination is usually much cheaper than flying direct to Samui.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected, but leaving loose change or rounding up is common. Tip spa therapists, boat crews and drivers for good service; check for a service charge in resort restaurants.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawasdee krub / ka | Hello |
| Khop khun krub / ka | Thank you |
| Tao rai? | How much? |
| Mai phet | Not spicy |
| Mai ao | I don't want it |
What to wear
Beachwear on the sand only; lightweight clothes elsewhere, with shoulders and knees covered for temples. Reef shoes are useful for rocky beaches.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water are cheap and widely available.
- Emergency number
- Police 191, ambulance 1669, Tourist Police 1155
- Phone and internet
- Tourist SIMs are sold at the airport and convenience stores; 4G and 5G coverage is good around the main beaches.
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
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.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Thailand's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Koh Samui?
Tipping is not expected, but leaving loose change or rounding up is common. Tip spa therapists, boat crews and drivers for good service; check for a service charge in resort restaurants.
+Can you drink the tap water in Koh Samui?
Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water are cheap and widely available.
+What plugs are used in Koh Samui?
Type A, B, C and O sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Koh Samui?
Thai.