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Koh Samui, Thailand 🇹🇭
#391
,
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Samui is a tropical island located in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its palm-fringed beaches and lush rainforests. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 66,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with fiber-optic connections available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Thai Baht (THB) ≈ 0.030 USD. ATMs and international banks are readily available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and digital banks like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include villas, guesthouses, hotels, and serviced apartments through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer a variety of short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels like 'Coconut Hostel' and guesthouses like 'The Wave' provide budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Chaweng beach area is popular for its nightlife and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bophut is favored by digital nomads for its laid-back vibe, coworking spaces, and local amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space in Koh Samui located in Chaweng offers a productive atmosphere and good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee House in Chaweng provides a cozy environment with good internet and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups organized by 'Koh Samui Digital Nomads' group on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly social gatherings at places like 'Fisherman's Village' in Bophut. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab app is widely used for convenient ride-hailing in Koh Samui. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental shops are plentiful; rates average around 200-300 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Chaweng Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways operates frequent flights connecting Koh Samui to Bangkok and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways provides international flights to and from Koh Samui. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections are available; access to the island is primarily through ferries and flights. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Koh Samui does not have a train service; travel is predominantly via minivans or taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local songthaews (shared taxis) can be used for cheap travel around the island. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, with buses reaching Surat Thani. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bangkok Samui Hospital is a well-rated facility for general and emergency care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Samahita Retreat offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Koh Samui gym offers various classes and equipment for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many hotels provide laundry services; local laundromats are also available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Massaman Curry, a rich and aromatic dish available at many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kind Kitchen in Bophut offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Del Sol is known for delicious desserts and great coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Fisherman's Village walking street offers local food markets and budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and local online marketplaces cater to various shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets like Big C and Tesco Lotus offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Chaweng is known for its vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs such as Ark Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Koh Samui Brewery offers craft beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Connection in Chaweng has a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Chaweng Beach offer a variety of local street foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Italian cuisine like Pizzeria Da Battista are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai is a key attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Samui Institute of Thai Culture showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Wat Plai Laem, a colorful temple complex, is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Khunaram houses the mummified monk, offering cultural insights. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Samui Regatta, held every May, attracts sailing enthusiasts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Fisherman's Village offers a mix of shops, dining, and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Samui Performing Arts School hosts cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The night market at Bophut on Fridays features local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various bars, especially in Chaweng. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists have left their mark in murals around Fisherman's Village. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Samui Institute of Thai Culture offers cooking lessons for authentic Thai cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 100 offers a showcase of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Secret Buddha Garden is a hidden gem featuring sculptures in a lush setting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Koh Samui's heritage is reflected in its mix of traditional Thai culture and modern tourism. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ang Thong National Marine Park offers stunning island and snorkeling experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Samui is adjacent to several protected marine areas, perfect for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various scenic routes along the coast and inland areas are great for hiking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Laem Sor Pagoda offers panoramic sea views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The island's lush areas and wetlands are great for spotting local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Silver Beach are popular for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local shipping services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Chaweng offer phone and gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local bars and community centers have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Thai language classes are offered at various schools and institutes across the island. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cafes and coworking spaces provide comfortable study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bophut community center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Koh Samui has several gaming cafes catering to local and tourist gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos on the island; however, nearby provinces offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 90,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 2,700,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 70,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 2,100,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 80,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,800,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,600,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 75,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 6,000,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,400,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents, with a maximum of 35%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard 7% Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign-owned entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the rental value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A registration fee of 2% and a specific business tax may apply. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives are available for businesses operating in special economic zones. |