Koh Samui, Thailand 🇹🇭
#391
9.501394, 99.995619
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island, known for its palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 168,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.030 USD; ATMs are widely available, and major cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove all offer good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Siam Commercial Bank, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank are popular options. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachfront resorts, villas, and guesthouses ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer various options, from rooms to entire homes. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Samui Sunset and Lub d Koh Samui. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Koh Samui offers great facilities and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Amazon and The Coffee Club are popular work-friendly cafes. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital Nomads Koh Samui hosts regular meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Koh Samui Expats Club organizes various social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many local shops offer scooter rentals; prices around 150-300 THB/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lamai Beach is one of the closest and most popular options for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways operates flights to and from Koh Samui. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways offers international flights to Koh Samui. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 4169 connecting to the mainland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | N/A, as Koh Samui does not have a train service; travel is by boat or plane. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit system; local songthaews (shared taxis) are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Koh Samui with the mainland and nearby islands like Koh Phangan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Samui International Hospital, offering various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Retreats Koh Samui is popular for classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Tiger Muay Thai offer gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are widely available for around 30-60 THB per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Massaman Curry and Som Tum (papaya salad) are must-try dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Cafe offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Factory is known for its delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Fisherman's Village has food markets and street vendors. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shopping online via Tesco Lotus or Big C is available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Chaweng Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Koh Samui Brewery is a local producer of craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Society offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found throughout Chaweng and Lamai beaches. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Barracuda Restaurant & Bar offers great international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Art Samui Museum features contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lad Koh View Point offers historical insights into the island's past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit Wat Khunaram, home to the mummified monk. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Samui Regatta held in May and various local festivals throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Fisherman’s Village showcases traditional Thai architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Chaweng Theater often has local performances and plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Fisherman's Village night market is held every Friday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various bars in Chaweng. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals in Fisherman's Village; local artists contribute regularly. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts holds informative classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Samui Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Nathon Town is home to several historic Thai buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Coconut plantations and traditional fishing villages represent local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ang Thong National Marine Park offers stunning natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Samui has lush tropical rainforest and protected areas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along Chaweng and Lamai beaches are ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of Samui offers breathtaking views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Koh Taen and Koh Madsum are renowned for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check with local rules. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Thailand Post offer reliable services for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around Chaweng offer phone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Town Club at Chaweng has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Chaweng offer Thai language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries can be found in selected area; many cafes are quiet for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers in Nathon offer activities and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On! in Chaweng has gaming consoles and PCs available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino atmosphere can be found at the Central Festival shopping mall. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 50,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,000,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 35,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,400,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 55,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 40,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,400,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,800,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 45,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,600,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residential income basis; taxation applies to worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Thailand has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on the appraised value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% transfer fee and 1% stamp duty. |