Cruise port · Thailand · Southeast & East Asia
Ko Samui cruise port guide
Ko Samui is a palm-covered island in the Gulf of Thailand and a tender stop, with ships anchoring offshore. It’s a relaxed beach day for most cruisers: the golden Big Buddha, the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, waterfalls in the hills, and boat trips to the limestone islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park.
- Beaches
- Temples
- Kayaking
- Island scenery
- Relaxing
Photo: Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Thailand
- Region
- Southeast & East Asia
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Thai. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿). Cards are accepted at resorts and bigger restaurants; carry cash for songthaews, temples and small vendors.
- Best time to visit
- January–December
- Average highs
- 82–87°F through the year
About Ko Samui
Samui was once known mainly for coconuts, and coconut palms still cover much of the island, though today it’s a well-developed resort destination with boutique hotels, beach clubs and good restaurants. A ring road circles the island, so most sights are within an hour of wherever you land.
A typical port day mixes temples, viewpoints and beach time: the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem in the northeast, a swim at Chaweng or Lamai, and perhaps a stop at the quirky Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks or Na Muang waterfall. Snorkelers and kayakers often prefer a boat trip to Ang Thong’s scattered islands, though it takes most of the day.
Ko Samui is ideal for travelers who want an easy, warm-weather beach day. Note that it’s a tender port, and the island’s rainiest months are roughly October through December, when seas can be choppy.
Where cruise ships dock in Ko Samui
Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to a pier on the island, most often at Nathon on the west coast; the exact landing depends on the ship and conditions. From Nathon, Chaweng and the Big Buddha are about 30 to 45 minutes by road and Lamai around 30 minutes. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and taxis wait near the pier; agree on the fare first. Ang Thong trips leave from various piers and take most of a day. Allow extra time for the return tender.
Best things to do in Ko Samui on a cruise
- 1
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
culture
A large golden seated Buddha sits on a small islet linked to the northeast coast by a causeway. Climb the steps for views of the sea and nearby islands. Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at the top.
- 2
Wat Plai Laem
culture
Close to the Big Buddha, this colorful temple stands on a lake, with a striking 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and a large laughing Buddha. It’s photogenic and less visited than its neighbor.
- 3
Chaweng Beach
beach
Samui’s longest and liveliest beach, a broad strip of pale sand with resorts, restaurants and water sports. The northern end tends to be quieter. It’s a good choice if you want food and facilities close to the sand.
- 4
Lamai Beach and Hin Ta Hin Yai
beach
Lamai is a slightly calmer alternative to Chaweng. At its southern end, the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, the “Grandfather and Grandmother” rocks, are a famously cheeky natural formation and a popular quick stop.
- 5
Ang Thong National Marine Park
nature
An archipelago of more than 40 limestone islands with lagoons, caves and beaches. Tours include kayaking, snorkeling and a steep climb to a viewpoint over the park or to the inland Emerald Lake. It’s a long boat ride, so it takes most of a port day.
- 6
Na Muang waterfalls
nature
Two waterfalls in the island’s green interior, with a pool for a refreshing dip at the lower falls. The upper falls involve a sweaty hike. Combine with Wat Khunaram, where a revered monk’s mummified body sits on display, famously wearing sunglasses.
Ko Samui weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 8228 | 8328 | 8429 | 8730 | 8731 | 8630 | 8530 | 8530 | 8429 | 8429 | 8329 | 8328 |
| Low °F (°C) | 8027 | 8027 | 8228 | 8329 | 8429 | 8328 | 8228 | 8228 | 8228 | 8228 | 8228 | 8127 |
| Rain in (mm) | 6.0152 | 2.667 | 1.845 | 4.1105 | 7.3186 | 6.7169 | 7.5191 | 6.7170 | 7.9201 | 10.1256 | 17.6447 | 14.7373 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
What to eat and drink in Ko Samui
Samui’s food is southern Thai, so expect bold, spicy curries such as gaeng som, a sour curry, and dishes rich in coconut. Fresh seafood is everywhere: grilled fish, prawns and squid at beach restaurants. Try khao yam, a southern rice salad with herbs, and drink fresh coconut straight from the shell. Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village has restaurants in old wooden shophouses facing the sea.
Tips for your port day
- Agree on a price with songthaew or taxi drivers before setting off; fares on Samui are relatively high.
- Consider hiring a driver for a few hours to loop the main sights efficiently, especially for a group.
- Dress modestly at temples: cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering.
- Avoid tours that use monkeys to pick coconuts or animal shows; they raise welfare concerns.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water; the sun is intense even when it’s cloudy.
Cruise lines that visit Ko Samui
Often on the same itinerary
Ko Samui cruise FAQs
Is Ko Samui a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to a pier, usually at Nathon on the west coast. Rough seas can occasionally delay or cancel tendering.
What is the best beach on Ko Samui for cruise passengers?
Chaweng is the most popular for its long sandy beach and facilities. Lamai is a little quieter, and both are about 30 to 45 minutes from Nathon.
Can you visit Ang Thong Marine Park on a cruise stop?
Yes, on a long enough call. Boat trips take most of the day, so book through the ship or a reputable operator with a firm return time.
When is the rainy season on Ko Samui?
Roughly October through December. Unlike Phuket on the other coast, Samui is relatively dry during the summer months.
How do you get around Ko Samui?
By taxi, songthaew shared pickups or a hired driver. Agree on prices first, and avoid renting scooters unless you’re an experienced rider.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.