A Digital Nomad Guide to Koh Samui

Koh Samui Visa

In stark contrast to most Asian countries, I found it very easy to get a visa for Thailand. Before flying to the kingdom, you can always apply for a visa on the official immigration website. 

Most digital nomads opt for a regular tourist visa that entitles them to a stay of up to two months in the kingdom. You will be asked to provide copies of your air tickets, passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, and other travel documents. It’s also recommended to have at least THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family in your bank account prior to traveling to Thailand. While most immigration officers do not ask for proof of funds, some may, and it’s always best to be prepared. 

For longer stays, you can always go on a cheap visa run to one of the neighbouring countries or apply for a visa extension before your tourist visa expires. Additionally, you may also wish to check out the Smart Visa, a relatively recent concept that makes it easier for digital nomads to both live and work in the country. It should be noted that this particular visa is mainly granted to investors, start-up companies, as well as entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business anywhere in Thailand. The good thing about this visa is that you will be able to stay in the kingdom for up to four years. 

Travelers who wish to spend a few years in the country can check out the Thailand Elite Visa. Now, fair warning though: while this visa comes with a plethora of advantages, it’s also shockingly expensive at around THB 600,000. On the flip side, it does grant you five years and multiple entries into the Kingdom. If you can afford it, you can also upgrade to the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa which costs a million Thai Bahts and offers additional perks in the likes of immigration concierge.

Culture and Food in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is well-known for its abundant seafood and coconut-based dishes, more often than not served with plenty of spices and a hefty side of carbs. I did notice that the food on the island vary according to region. For example, major tourist hotspots such as Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach have plenty of international restaurants offering classic Western dishes. 

On the other hand, Southern Koh Samui is particularly reputed for its super-spicy fares with Indian, Malay, and Indonesian influences. Items such as salted eggs, Massaman curries, boiled Jasmine rice, and rambutan are pretty much staples all across the island. 

Personally, I just couldn’t get enough of the following dishes during my stay in Koh Samui: 

Local seafood

In typical island style, seafood is easily available and quite inexpensive on Koh Samui. Indeed, you’ll find squid, king mackerel, lobster, and king prawns in virtually every restaurant across the island. Seafood dishes in Koh Samui are usually packed full of quintessential Thai flavours with fragrant basil, coconut, ginger, lemon, and tamarind notes. 

Kalamae

I’ve never had much of a sweet tooth, and I must admit that I wasn’t exactly eager to try Kalamae when I was told that it was the local equivalent of French caramel. But after giving my first Kalamae a (very) reluctant nibble, I was instantly hooked. 

This delightfully sticky dessert is made of coconut cream, palm sugar, and glutinous rice flour, all wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf. While it’s said to have originated from the Hin Yai and Hin Taa markets, you’ll find this delicacy in virtually every market and food stall across Koh Samui. 

Massaman Curry

An Arabic-inspired dish, the Thai Massaman Curry may look like classic Indian curry, but the flavour profile is completely different. It’s generally made with chicken or beef, but in some areas of Koh Samui, it’s also possible to get a pork-based Massaman curry. Additional ingredients usually consist of nutmeg, cinnamon, bay leaves, star anise, carrots, potatoes, and an assortment of other spices.

While some might say that this dish is a little bit too hearty for the humid Thai climate, I think it’s perfect when washed down with an ice-cold beer to counteract the warming effects of the spices. Massaman curry is usually served alongside a heaping bowl of steamed rice. 

Som Tam

I was told by a restaurant owner that this fragrant salad originated from Laos, but local twists have been added to it. It usually includes refreshing ingredients such as green mangoes and papayas, all mixed with thin strips of barbecued chicken and cold sticky rice. The dressing normally combines sour lime juice, fish sauce, hot chilli, and palm sugar, all stirred together in a traditional granite mortar. 

Other variations of the Som Tam also include roasted peanuts, green beans, crab, dried river shrimps, and raw or fried eggplant. At restaurants, it’s often served family-style in a huge bowl and shared in groups. 

Khao Phad

Okay, when I found out that Kaho Phad basically referred to Thai fried rice, I wasn’t expecting much from it. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that this was quite unlike any other fried rice that I’ve had before. For starters, most variations include lobster or crab, and all the ingredients are stir-fried with oyster sauce, jasmine rice, sugar, egg, garlic, and sometimes, liquid smoke. It’s served alongside a small salad that consists of fresh tomato slices, parsley, coriander, chopped up onions and lime juice. 

Given that Koh Samui’s population combines Buddhists, Muslims, and Sea Gypsies, you will be able to attend plenty of cultural festivals during your stay on the island. In November, for example, the island celebrates Loy Krthong which loosely translates as ‘the festival of light’. Locals spend several days crafting and decorating small floats and on the night of the festival, they set their floats adrift in the sea, under the glow of the full moon. Some locals also place candles or scented incense on brightly painted banana leaves before offering them to the ocean. 

Wan Awk Phansa is another popular festival in Koh Samui since it basically signifies the end of the Buddhist Lent period during which believers abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian produce. On Wan Awk Phansa, locals begin their day with an early-morning prayer session at the temples followed by offerings to the monks. During the day, you may even see processions with locals walking around temples while carrying incense sticks, lotus buds, and candles. In the south, locals commonly hold boat races during the day, followed by boat processions at sunset. 

In September, digital nomads will be treated to the annual Koh Samui Anniversary Festival which is usually held in Chaweng as well as the port city of Nathon. During this time, the entire island bursts into life, offering plenty of cultural exhibitions, craft fairs, concerts, and complimentary buffets set up on several beaches.

Koh Samui Nightlife

If, like me, you normally spend all day typing away at your laptop with hardly any time for lunch, you’ll be glad to learn that there’s always plenty to keep you entertained after work hours. There are nightclubs in just about every neighbourhood – including residential ones- and most tend to stay open until 4:00-5:00. You’ll also find plenty of night markets, spas, as well as boutiques that remain open until quite late on Friday nights. 

Here are some of my favourite nightspots in Koh Samui: 

Soi Green Mango

Colloquially known as Koh Samui’s party central, Soi Green Mango in Chaweng is one of the island’s wildest nightlife areas. You’ll find plenty of pubs, Go-Go bars, and clubs such as Green Mango Club Samui.

A firm favourite among foreigners, the Mango Club offers live EDM, house, and R’n’B music. While the official opening hours are from 21:00 to 2:00, this club usually commonly stays open until 5:00, especially during high season. 

Other popular clubs in the Soi Green Mango area include Sound Pub, Bar Solo, Mint Bar, Sweet Soul Cafe, and Hush Bar.

Coco Tams

I personally adored this club, because it places you right on the beach. Located adjacent to The Wharf Samui in Bophut, Coco Tams has oversized cushions and beanbags scattered on the sand so you can enjoy an aromatic cocktail right by the water’s edge.

Fairy lights strung across coconut trees, swing sets at the bar, and live music only serve to enhance this image of tropical perfection. Admittedly, Coco Tams’ soirees aren’t as wild as other clubs in Koh Samui, but the drinks are very reasonably priced. On some nights, you will even be treated to a live fire show performance on the beach. Coco Tams is open daily from 13:00 to 1:00. 

Nikki Beach Club

Self-proclaimed as “the sexiest place on earth”, this resort beach club is found in Lipa Noi. Like virtually everything in Lipa Noi, Nikki Beach Club is known for its expensive prices but if you ask me, it’s totally worth the splurge. Because it’s found on the west coast, this is also the perfect spot to soak up Koh Samui’s legendary sunsets while sipping on a glass of Singha- the local craft beer. 

With cabanas, sun loungers, and sofas that you can rent (prices vary according to the season), Nikki Beach Club is particularly reputed for its extravagant, champagne-fuelled parties with international and local DJs alike. There’s even a swimming pool so you can expect quite a few ‘foam and pool’ parties that usually go on until the early hours of the morning. 

Choeng Mon Night Market

Located in Bo Put, Choeng Mon Night Market is an enchanting venue that the whole family can head to after dinner. What I liked the most about this market is that it incorporates both regular and floating stalls that you can explore by hopping on one of the boats. There’s also live music and plenty of street food being freshly prepared right in front of you. If street food isn’t really your thing, you can always check out one of the many restaurants dotted alongside the Choeng Mon Night Market. While the majority of them feature classic Thai dishes on the menu, you’ll also find a few Western fares. 

Choeng Mon Night Market is found just a few steps from Muang Samui Hotel. It is only open on Wednesdays, from 17:00 to 23:00.

Things to do in Koh Samui

Given that Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, you can be sure that you’ll never run out of things to do on the island. Best of all, Koh Samui has plenty of free and budget-friendly attractions that you can explore during your spare time. 

The one thing that I would recommend is that you try to make as many reservations as possible in advance. Koh Samui may be the second largest island in Thailand, but it’s still on the smaller side and can get quite packed in high season so it’s never a bad idea to plan ahead. 

While Koh Samui was definitely far more tolerable than other Thai provinces in terms of touts – definitely keep an eye out for scams and overpriced packages. The rule of thumb is this: if a package seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Digital nomads who want to go jet skiing should judiciously read their contract before signing it. Some companies may rent a faulty jet ski and then charge you a hefty compensation fee for “damages”. As such, you may also wish to take pictures of your jet ski prior to signing the contact. 

Now that we’ve gotten these tedious warnings out of the way, here are some of the best attractions in Koh Samui:

• Explore Koh Phangan

  From Koh Samui, it’s quite easy (and inexpensive!) to hop on a boat shuttle that will take you to Koh Phangan’s idyllic shores in just a few minutes. Extremely popular for day trips, this island is known for its towering mountain ranges, thick jungles, and massive granite rocks perched on the silky shores. The lagoons are – if possible – even clearer than Koh Samui’s, perfect for snorkelling and deep-sea diving. You’ll also find plenty of family-owned eateries on the shore so you can savour local snacks while digging your toes in the sand. If you want to spend the night on Koh Phangan, rest assured that the island does come with plenty of budget-friendly accommodation, especially along the west and south coasts. Boat shuttle prices usually run from THB 190 to THB 350 for a one-way trip.

• Take a Jungle Safari Tour

  If you ask me, there’s no better way to explore Koh Samui’s famously gorgeous jungles than to book a Jungle Safari Tour, preferably by 4WD. I personally opted for a half-day tour for THB 4,000. The package included a licensed guide, pickup from my accommodation, and an absolutely scenic trip through the glorious Koh Samui Jungle. A quick word of advice though: this may not be the right adventure for you if you’re prone to motion sickness, since there are plenty of bumps and humps along the way. Most Jungle Safari Tours also include a visit to the Mummified Monk Statue as well as the famous Grandfather and Grandmother rocks located just steps from Lamai Beach. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit the island’s largest waterfalls, most of which have calm pools at the bottom where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. One of the highlights of the Jungle Safari Tour – at least for me – was zip lining through the jungle and soaking up a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

• Relax on the beach

  Like virtually all Thai islands, Koh Samui is blessed with an abundance of pristine beaches that seem to stretch on for miles. I should point out that owing to their spectacular vistas, major beaches can get quite crowded in high season. I personally spent quite a lot of time on Lamai Beach, mainly because it’s one of the best-kept secrets on the island and as such, you won’t need to battle the crowds. While it’s perfect for sunbathing, the lagoon surrounding Lamai Beach is quite rough and not exactly suitable for swimming. Alternatively, you can always check out Chaweng Beach on the eastern coast. Hailed as one of the longest beaches on Koh Samui, Chaweng has plenty of food vendors offering ice cream, smoothies, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as fried snacks. I was even surprised to see vendors walking around with portable barbecues so you can even buy a barbecued feast right off the grill. Surprisingly enough, while Chaweng Beach is a major tourist hotspot, I did notice that the vendors were far less pushy than elsewhere in Thailand. Another one of my personal favourite beaches on Koh Samui is Bang Po Beach on the North-western coast. This beach is reputed for its remarkable sunsets which you can appreciate while sipping on an ice-cold beer from one of the many beach shacks. This is also the ideal spot for enjoying nautical sports such as kayaking, parasailing, and glass-bottom boats.

• Visit Pig Island

  Okay, you just can’t visit Koh Samui without checking out Pig Island. I’ll admit that it’s not as large or as exhilarating as the Bahamas’ piggy counterpart, but if you ask me, it’s still well-worth a visit. Colloquially referred to as Koh Madsum, this islet lies just off the southern coast of Koh Samui. While touring the islet, you may be lucky enough to come across Mr. Kit, one of the most hilarious locals that I encountered in Thailand. In fact, rumour has it that Mr. Kit was the one who initially introduced rescues pigs to the islet. To support Pig Island’s sustainability, you can always book a private tour through Mr. Kit’s agency, Pig Island Koh Samui Tours which includes a speedboat or long tail fishing boat transfer, feeding the pigs and even enjoying a refreshing swim with them.

• Tour Ang Thong National Marine Park

  Even though it’s one of the most coveted attractions in Koh Samui, it’s extremely easy to book a tour of the popular Ang Thong National Marine Park for an entry fee of THB 300 per adult and THB 150 for children. Boat shuttles usually cost between THB 1,000 and THB 2,000 for a two-way trip. The Marine Park actually regroups over 12 islets, and if you ask me, one day isn’t enough to cover everything. Luckily enough, the Marine Park does provide a small cluster of bungalows that you can choose from according to your budget. Just a heads-up though: landing a last-minute room during high season is next to impossible, so be sure to have your reservations well in advance if you’d like to stay in the Marine Park overnight. Most tours additionally include a hike up Ko Mae Ko island’s limestone karst slopes. From the summit, you will be treated to a glorious view of Emerald Lake. True to its name, this magnificent lake is acclaimed for its deep, emerald-tinted water which is fed by underground marine tunnels.

Best Time to Visit Koh Samui

Like virtually everywhere in Thailand, Koh Samui has a warm and sunny disposition practically all year long. While the Asian continent is often prone to violent typhoons, the island’s geographical location means that there’s a very low risk of being directly hit by a tropical storm. However, it does have a monsoon period with two seasons and multiple climatic zones. 

The hottest months in Koh Samui usually range from April to May. If you visit between September and October, you will most likely be hit by monsoon rains. While there are still some occasional sunny spells during the monsoon, several local businesses shut down to avoid water or wind damage. Most nautical activities are also cancelled. On a more positive note, low season is when you’ll be able to snap up the very best deals in terms of accommodation. Best of all, you’ll have Koh Samui’s famously gorgeous beaches all to yourself. 

If you ask me, the best time to visit Koh Samui is from December to February. The weather is hot, but there’s less humidity and rain so you won’t need to worry about the occasional downpour. During this time, you can expect highs of up to 33 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, the weather’s cooler with lows of 23-25 degrees. 

Digital nomads who are traveling to Koh Samui during high season should preferably book their hotels and/or Airbnbs in advance. To avoid heatstroke, it’s also a good idea to wear loose linen or cotton clothing and stay well hydrated.

Koh Samui for Families

While it has a reputation for being Thailand’s main party island, most areas of Koh Samui are ideal for families. The one thing that may not be entirely suitable to families with small children are the coastal roads that aren’t well paved or stroller friendly. 

However, there are plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies that sell children-friendly products such as diapers, formula, baby bottles, and the likes. Additionally, Koh Samui has an excellent rate in terms of safety with most crimes limited to the occasional purse snatching. 

As far as schooling is concerned, digital nomads traveling with children will be glad to learn that there are five main international schools on the island: Greenacre International School, Oonrak Koh Samui Bilingual School, Lamai International School (LIS), PanyaDee, the British International School of Samui, and the International School of Samui. 

Most of these schools employ native English teachers and follow the Cambridge curriculum. There’s plenty of emphasis on sports, drama, and other extra-curriculum activities.

Additionally, families will find that there’s always plenty to keep their kids entertained. For example, Canopy Adventure Samui in Surat Thani is extremely popular among locals and foreigners alike. Perfect for kids who are seven and older, this activity basically consists of zip lining from one tree to the other while soaking up a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. Some zip lines even take you over waterfalls and there are plenty of viewing platforms where you can rest and relax while connecting with nature. Canopy Adventure Samui is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. 

Another excellent activity which the whole family can indulge in is the Escape Break Adventure which is found in the Beach Republic Resort. During this adventure, you will be asked to choose from two ‘prison’ rooms: Shanghaied and Cuban Crisis. Families are locked in one of the prisons, and they’ll be forced to work together to figure out an escape plan within an hour or less. The Escape Break Adventure additionally features puzzle solving and hunting for clues while exploring different scenarios. It should be noted that this activity is suited to kids aged nine and older. The price is THB 1,000 per adult. 

Now if you happen to be an adrenaline junkie but don’t want to compromise the safety of your kids, you can always check out EasyFly Indoor Skydiving designed to simulate an actual sky diving experience indoors and under full supervision. Open from 10:00 to 19:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this experience consists of a vertical wind tunnel with gusts of up to 200km/h that will propel you high in the air under the watchful eye of your supervisor. Helmets and other protective gear are provided. Kids do need to weight 20kgs or more to be eligible for this activity. Tickets costs around THB 1,400.

Living in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Transportation

There are no public buses or even Tuk Tuks on Koh Samui, but rest assured that it’s still very easy to get around, thanks to the modes of transportation below: 

Songthaews

This is undoubtedly the most popular way of getting around on Koh Samui. Pronounced ‘Song-Tao’, this vehicle can best be described as a pickup truck with two long benches that can seat up to 10 persons. Thinks converted golf carts, only much bigger. If you ask me, riding a Songthaew is a cultural experience on its own! It’s quite common to see these vehicles packed to the brim with locals and foreigners alike with someone practically hanging off the back bumper when the Songthaew is at full capacity. 

While Songthaews have no set routes, they run through every major road and beach towns, with the exception of Choeng Mon. To flag them down, you simply need to stand by the side of the road and wave to the driver. The price normally ranges between THB 30 and THB 50, depending on the distance covered. 

Vehicle Rentals

While it’s fairly inexpensive to rent your own car or motorcycle in Koh Samui – at least compared to other Thai provinces such as Bangkok – it does come with its own set of risks. For starters, the roads aren’t exactly in good condition. Additionally, there are quite a few scams around where you will be given a hefty fee upon returning the vehicles for ‘damages caused’. Be sure to only rent from reputed agencies and take videos of the vehicle prior to signing the contract. 

Most digital nomads prefer scooters, mostly because they’re cheaper and quite easy to refuel. In fact, you’ll find vendors selling bottled gas alongside the road virtually everywhere you go. You do need an international license to drive a vehicle in Thailand but to be honest, most agencies don’t bother checking for documentation. Scooter rentals may set you back THB 3,500/month during low season, but the price can go up to THB 5,000 in high season. 

Taxis (Motorbike and Car)

If you don’t want to rent your own scooter, you can always hop on the back of a motorbike taxi. Personally, this was my favourite way of getting around in Koh Samui. Not only are they cheap, efficient, and readily available, but the drivers know all the best shortcuts that will get you to your destination in no time at all. It’s also possible to negotiate on the price, so don’t be afraid to haggle. Some drivers actually expect it. In my experience, short trips cost between THB 50 and THB 100 while longer routes may set you back THB 200 – THB 400. You can easily recognize a motorbike taxi by the fluorescent vests that the drivers wear. They’re usually parked near popular tourist spots. 

You’ll also find plenty of regular auto taxis on Koh Samui, but I did notice that most drivers refuse to turn on the meter which means that they’ll be allowed to charge any rate they want. On those rare instances when the driver did agree to turn on the meter, it started at THB 50 or even THB 100 instead of zero. As such, I would strongly suggest that you negotiate and agree on a price even before getting into the taxi. 

Ride Hailing

While Uber is not available in Koh Samui, you’ll find other ride hailing options on the island with Grab being the most popular. I do have to admit that drivers weren’t always available, and rides were often cancelled so this may not be your best bet when it comes to late-night pickups.

Another ride hailing app that’s commonly used by the locals is NaviGo which tends to have cheaper fares than Grab. There is a THB 100 booking fee, and the rate usually hovers at around THB 25 per kilometre. Unlike Grab, I found it easier to book a ride through NaviGo, including late night trips and airport pickups.

Fitness and Health

The people in Koh Samui are very health conscious, so you’ll often see locals indulging in early morning walks or afternoon jogs on the beach. Thai dishes usually feature plenty of fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits so getting your five a day won’t exactly be difficult. 

The island is also known for its Wellness Retreats such as Absolute Sanctuary where you can pick from various yoga, fitness, and detox programs. While you’ll find plenty of gyms and fitness centres in various areas of Koh Samui, most of them are based in residential zones such as Surat Thani. 

Popular examples include  FitKoh in Surat Thani, Star Gym in Chaweng, Elite Gym in Surat Thani, and AirGym.Family, also in Surat Thani. Most gym memberships usually cost between THB 2,500 – THB 3,500 per month but some also offer daily passes for around THB 300 – THB 500 per day. You’ll also be able to pick from various classes, including spinning, yoga, aerobics, Zumba, and more. 

If gyms aren’t exactly your thing, you can also look into Muay Thai classes – the Thai sport by excellence. Muay Thai centres such as Jun Muay Thai, Superpro, and Jackie Muay Thai offer classes aimed at beginners and children. 

Digital nomads who would like to completely immerse themselves in this cultural sport may wish to book a Muay Thai retreat such as Lion Heart Samui which offers weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly packages that range from THB 12,500 – THB 40,000. These retreats usually offer on-site accommodation as well as restaurants that feature nutritious meals crafted by food specialists.

Koh Samui People

Even though Koh Samui was the last leg of my journey across Thailand, it was on this island that I truly understood why the Kingdom is so commonly referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’. As a digital nomad, I have explored various countries and provinces, but very few places made me feel as welcome as the lovely people of Koh Samui. 

Locals are fiercely proud of their island, and as such, they genuinely do want you to have an excellent time. Thai people are also known for their ability to maintain their cool in just about any situation: in fact, there’s a popular saying in Koh Samui that states ‘Jai Yen Yen’, which translates to ‘Cool your heart’. Therefore, you’ll rarely see locals engaging in public arguments – not even in the rowdiest of pubs. 

While Thai culture is quite conservative, I was surprised to realize that the majority of locals – including the older generation – can be quite liberal in their approach. Given that Koh Samui draws tourists from all over the world, there’s no dress code, and it’s perfectly acceptable to walk around in shorts and crop tops even in the centre of the island. 

The one thing that you do need to be mindful of is that elders are highly respected – almost to the point of being revered – in Koh Samui. In restaurants, for example, it’s not uncommon to see the staff waiting on and serving elderly patrons first, even if they came after you. Similarly, you’ll find that most locals live in an extended family unit since taking care of the grandparents or elderly parents is considered an immense privilege. Grandparents often stay at home during the day to watch the children while wives take care of the housework or help their husbands run the family business. 

When interacting with an elderly local, it’s considered poor form to address them by their names. Instead, you can call them ‘Uncle’/ ‘Aunty’. If you want to address them in their local language, you can say ‘Yāy’ for grandma and ‘Khuṇ pū̀’ for grandpa. It’s also considered respectful to join your hands together and give a slight bow of the neck when greeting elderly people. Men and women don’t usually shake hands in Koh Samui so if you’re greeting a member of the opposite sex, avoid extending your hand until they do so first. When eating out with someone older than you, it’s considered poor form to allow the older person to foot the bill, even if they insist on doing so. According to the unofficial rule, you’re supposed to insist even more emphatically until they finally relent. 

Mai bpen rai is another sentence that you’ll hear quite commonly in Koh Samui. This phase loosely translates as ‘No worries’, another saying that locals firmly abide by. Indeed, you’ll very quickly notice that there’s a very laidback pace of life on the island. I wasn’t initially fond of how slow everything was, but I quickly got used to it. Unfortunately, this may also equal to slower service in bars and restaurants so be sure to allocate yourself some extra time if you’re going to eat out. 

Koh Samui Insurance and Medical Care

Digital nomads who are planning on working in Thailand are required by law to have health insurance. Unfortunately, Koh Samui’s public hospitals aren’t exactly up to the same standards as elsewhere in Thailand.

In fact, state-owned establishments such as Koh Samui Hospital are notorious for their lack of proper facilities and never-ending lines, even in the emergency room. I also noticed that the staff working in public hospitals aren’t always fluent in English, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a translator. State-owned ambulances usually take a long time to arrive and sometimes, the operators don’t even pick up the call. 

For this reason, expats and digital nomads opt for private establishments – not only do these provide better infrastructure and facilities, but most of their staff are also fluent in English. Some of the best private hospitals in Koh Samui are: Bandon Hospital Koh Samui in Bophut, Samui International Hospital in Chaweng, Bangkok Hospital Koh Samui, also in Chaweng, and Thai International Hospital in Surat Thani. 

Serious cases are normally transferred to Bangkok or neighbouring countries such as Singapore. 

Pharmacies are readily available throughout the island and most of the time, you won’t even be asked for a prescription. The prices are affordable, but most pharmacies carry generic brands. A friend of mine did have some trouble tracking down his blood pressure medication, so it’s always best to pack as many meds as you can before flying out. Just a quick heads-up though: you’ll find plenty of unlicensed stores masquerading as pharmacies on the island and buying medication from these establishments can be something of a gamble.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Koh Samui

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that while finding a job in mainland Thailand can be something of a challenge, it’s definitely not impossible. However, given Koh Samui’s small size, do remember that it’s even harder to land a job on the island. 

In fact, your best bet would be to look into the tourism and hospitality sector first, especially if you happen to be bilingual. The island relies heavily on the tourism industry so there’ll be plenty of hotels, nightclubs, and even golf courses that may be willing to employ native English speakers. If you have the required qualifications, you can also look into hairdressing or beauty treatments. 

As in most South Asian countries, it’s always easier to find a job as an ESL teacher. English teachers in Thailand usually make between THB 30,000 and THB 40,000 per month and some schools may even be willing to provide shared accommodation with another teacher. Like I mentioned before, however, there are just five international schools in Koh Samui, so you may wish to consider giving private tuitions on the side. 

Given the island’s pristine coastline, many expats and digital nomads choose to invest in a speedboat or Longtail fishing boat so they can offer Island tours and other marine adventures. Alternatively, if you have the proper certification, you can even become a Scuba diving instructor. Owing to the island’s heavy concentration of tourists, Scuba instructors can make up to THB 60,000 per month. 

What’s important to remember is that you absolutely need a work permit to integrate the local job market. According to the Kingdom’s Alien Employment Act, foreigners are not allowed to work in certain industries, namely agriculture, stonework, bricklaying, hairdressing, and wood carving.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.