For my next trip this summer, I researched where to go in Thailand in August to enjoy beautiful beaches without having rain or monsoon.
I was told especially not Thailand in August but by getting a little better information, I nevertheless found ideal destinations in Thailand to enjoy the beaches and the sun in the middle of summer.
Indeed, the islands of the Gulf of Thailand like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and many others on the east coast are perfect destinations to go to in Thailand in August.
This is what I will explain to you below telling you why to choose Koh Samui in Thailand for a trip in August.
You will also find practical information to organize this trip to Koh Samui, discover the most beautiful beaches, tourist sites and the most beautiful islands to visit all around.
Where to go in Thailand in August?
The climate in Thailand has two main seasons: the rainy season, also called the monsoon, and the dry season. However, in summer, it is the rainy season on almost all of Thailand.
Except for the islands of the Gulf of Thailand where the rainy period does not begin until October.
Or Kok Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand as are the islands of Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao, Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tan, Koh Rap, Koh Madsum, Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Lan, Ko Mak, Ko Phai, Ko Phayam, Ko Samet, Ko Sichang, Koh Koun, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem…
For all these islands in the Gulf of Thailand, the summer months such as August is a favorable period for a tourist stay.
Going to Koh Samui in Thailand in August?
Yes, I chose to go to Koh Samui because it is the best place to go in Thailand in August.
Indeed, the climate in August in Koh Samui and on the other islands all around is recommended to enjoy the sun and the beaches.
However, you should know that the temperatures in August in Kok Samui as in the majority of the other islands of the Gulf of Thailand are very high (from 27 to 32°C).
Moreover, even if in August, it is not the monsoon period in Koh Samui, there can be some showers at the end of the day or at night.
Thailand in August – Choosing the island of Koh Samui
Difficult to choose between all the beautiful islands of the Gulf of Thailand for a stay in August.
Here is why I chose the island of Koh Samui for my 2 week vacation in Thailand:
Choose Koh Samui in Thailand because it's easy to get there
Koh Samui is easily and quickly accessible from Bangkok ou Phuket, with daily flights (1 hour and a half flight only). See details in the paragraph below: how to get to Koh Samui?
Choose Koh Samui in Thailand for its dream beaches
Koh Samui has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand like Chaweng Beach, Lamai, Bophut Beach or the secluded Lipa Noi Beach. These beaches offer crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and a wide range of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. With its dream beaches with turquoise waters, Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful paradise islands of thailand !
Choose Koh Samui for the islands of the Gulf of Thailand
Koh Samui is a great base from which to explore other beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand in August: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Tan, Koh Rap or Koh Madsum. These islands are only a short boat ride from Koh Samui, making it easy to visit them in 1 day.
Choose Koh Samui for its natural treasures
Koh Samui in August is also perfect for enjoying nature. Indeed, there are many beautiful waterfalls, such as Na Muang and Hin Lad. These waterfalls are located in the middle of dense jungle and are perfect for hiking and trekking. The island also has many national parks, such as the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which includes 42 islands and islets.
Choose Koh Samui for its entertainment
I also chose Koh Samui for my trip to Thailand in August because it's a bustling island. There are many bars and good restaurants by the sea where you can have a drink or a meal while admiring the sunset. In addition, the hotel offer is sufficiently developed to find what suits me and at the best price.
Choose Koh Samui for its cultural heritage
Finally, Koh Samui is also a perfect destination to discover Thai culture. The island has many Buddhist temples, such as the Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem. These temples are perfect for exploring and learning about local culture and traditions.
How to get to Koh Samui?
To get to Koh Samui from France, you can take a direct flight to Bangkok and then a domestic flight to Koh Samui with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or Air Asia.
But the ideal is to take a single ticket (Paris or another city – Munich – Bangkok – Kok Samui) with Lufthansa. Indeed, Lufthansa has agreements with Bangkok Airways, and suddenly, you can have a ticket from start to finish. So you don't have to collect your luggage in Bangkok to re-check in for the flight to Koh Samui.
If you are in Phuket, you can take a direct flight to Koh Samui, which takes around 2 hours. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a ferry from Surat Thani, which is about a three-hour drive from Phuket. The ferry trip takes between 3 to XNUMX hours depending on the type of ferry chosen.
If you are in Bangkok, you can fly direct to Koh Samui in 1 hours with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or Air Asia.
And if you want to go to Koh Samui by ferry, you have to go to Donsak Pier harbor to take the ferry that takes you to Koh Samui in 45 minutes.
Where to stay in Ko Samui for the most beautiful beaches?
Once I chose the destination of Ko Samui for my August vacation in Thailand, I wondered where to stay to enjoy the most beautiful beaches?
See also my article: Which coast to choose in Koh Samui?
Indeed, I wanted to be able to enjoy the best white sand beaches and turquoise waters:
But like beautiful beaches on all the coasts of the island, I did a 2 week circuit around the island of Koh Samui.
Indeed, I chose to book my hotels all around the island for stays of 2 to 3 nights in hotels located on the most beautiful beaches of Koh Samui:
- 3 first nights at the Hotel Samui Natien Resort on the splendid and lively beach of Chaweng Beach;
- 2 nights at the hotel Crystal Bay Beach Resort on one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Samui: Lamay Beach;
- 2 nights at the hotel Royal Beach Boutique Resort near Silver Beach also known as Crystal Bay or Thong Takian Beach;
- 1 night at My Living Place in Nathon to be close to the Ferry to take the next day towards Koh Tao;
- 3 nights at the hotel Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort on the most beautiful beach on the island of Koh Tao;
- 3 nights at the hotel Pico Samui on the splendid beach of Bophut Beach 15 minutes walk from the fishing village Fisherman's village.
Map Koh Samui
Here is the map of this circuit around the most beautiful beaches of Ko Samui:
Thailand in August – What to visit in Koh Samui?
Apart from the beaches, Koh Samui is home to fascinating cultural sites, such as the Big Buddha Temple. This impressive Buddha statue is 12 meters tall and sits atop a hill, offering stunning views of the island.
Another must-visit spot is Wat Plai Laem, a colorful Buddhist temple that houses a giant statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. For those who like adventure, Koh Samui also offers many possibilities.
Another popular attraction are Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, also known as Grandfather's and Grandmother's rocks. These unusual rock formations, which are said to resemble the genitals of a man and a woman, are a must-see for anyone visiting the island.
You can explore the island's lush rainforest by hiking through the jungle or ziplining through the treetops.
You can also take a boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, where you can snorkel, kayak and take in the stunning scenery.