Air Quality

Measure PM2.5 What it means
2025 annual average 12.4 Cleaner than Bangkok, still above WHO guidelines
June 2026 live reading 8.0 Good on the day, and one of the better island readings

Source: IQAir 2025 annual city ranking and IQAir's Ko Samui live page.

Getting Around

  • Scooter200–350 THB (about USD 6.13 to 10.72, £4.55 to 7.96, and €5.26 to 9.21)/day. The only practical way to explore. Roads improve, take care at night.
  • Songthaew (Ring Road)30–50 THB (about USD 0.92 to 1.53, £0.68 to 1.14, and €0.79 to 1.32) per leg. Follows Highway 4169 around the island. Slow but cheap.
  • GrabImproving coverage. Best used for airport or ferry terminal transfers.
  • Car rental700–1,200 THB (about USD 21.45 to 36.77, £15.93 to 27.3, and €18.43 to 31.59)/day. Worth considering for families.

Where to Work

  • Fisherman's Village (Bo Phut)Several cafes with reliable wifi along the village strip.
  • The Hive SamuiDedicated coworking space near Chaweng. Best option for a proper desk.
  • Villa / apartment wifiMost long-stay accommodation now has fibre. Many expats work from home.

Coworking options are limited compared to Phuket or Chiang Mai. Plan around your accommodation's internet quality.

Eat & Drink

  • Fisherman's Village (Bo Phut)Best restaurant strip on the island. Good for an evening out — varied, not overpriced.
  • Bangrak pier areaLocal eats near the ferry terminal. Cheap, not touristy.
  • LamaiMore local than Chaweng. Good street food night market.
  • ChawengMost choice but most touristy. Useful for variety, not for value.

Stay Healthy

  • Bangkok Hospital SamuiMain private hospital. Chaweng area. Best on the island for most things.
  • Samui International HospitalSecond private option. Central Chaweng, English-speaking.
  • For emergenciesSerious cases go to Bangkok via Samui Airport (15 min flight) or Surat Thani (ferry + 1h). Plan ahead.

Immigration Offices

  • Samui Immigration OfficeMaenam area. The island's main immigration office.

Beaches

  • Bo Phut (north)Calm, good for swimming, village feel. One of the quieter main beaches.
  • LamaiLong stretch, slightly quieter than Chaweng, better for actual swimming.
  • ChawengLongest beach. Busy, developed, jet skis. The obvious choice, not always the best one.
  • Silver Beach (Taling Ngam)West coast, sheltered bay, far fewer people. Worth finding.