Where to buy & living here
What everyday life on Koh Samui is really like for expats, families and retirees: where people live, schools, healthcare, visas, getting around, the seasons, costs and the practical admin of settling in.
In short
- Koh Samui has a large, year-round international community, with international schools, private hospitals and daily flights to Bangkok.
- Most families live in Bophut and the north-east; Lamai, Maenam and the west coast suit quieter lifestyles.
- Owning property doesn’t give you a visa. Choose a visa that fits your age, income and plans.
- The heaviest rain usually falls between October and December; the rest of the year is mostly sunny.
- Rent first for a season if you can. It’s the best way to choose the right area to buy in.
Koh Samui is more than a holiday island. Thousands of people from around the world live here all year: families with children in international schools, remote workers, retirees, business owners and people who simply fell in love with the island. Life is outdoors and relaxed, but the essentials are close at hand. This guide gives an honest picture of everyday life, to help you decide whether Samui is right for you, and where on the island to look. Start with our guide to Koh Samui’s areas.
General information only. Visa, immigration and tax rules change. Check current requirements with the Thai embassy, an immigration adviser or a tax adviser.
Where people live
| Area | Lifestyle | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bophut & Fisherman’s Village | Restaurants, a weekly walking street, close to the airport | Families, convenience |
| Plai Laem & Choeng Mon | Quiet bays, upmarket villas | Families, luxury living |
| Chaweng | The island’s centre: shopping, hospitals, nightlife | Convenience, short-term living |
| Lamai | A real town with a long beach and a strong community | Value, active lifestyles |
| Maenam & Bang Por | Long, quiet beaches and Thai village life | Space, retirees, remote workers |
| Lipa Noi & the west coast | Sunsets, nature, near Nathon | Peace and quiet |
Schools and education
Samui has several international schools, mostly in the north and north-east around Bophut, Ban Tai and Maenam. They follow British, international and bilingual curricula, from nursery to secondary. Places can be limited in popular year groups.
- Visit schools before choosing where to live. The school run shapes daily life on an island with one ring road.
- Ask about curriculum, class sizes, fees, transport and the age range covered.
- For older students, some families combine Samui schooling with boarding or schools on the mainland.
Healthcare
- Private hospitals in and around Chaweng handle most needs, with English-speaking doctors and emergency departments.
- Clinics and pharmacies are in every main area.
- Serious or specialist cases may be transferred to Bangkok or Surat Thani.
- Dental and cosmetic care is widely available.
Good international health insurance is essential, especially for retirees. Check the policy covers medical evacuation.
Visas: living here legally
Owning property doesn’t give you a right to live in Thailand. The main routes for long-stay residents include:
| Visa | Who it’s for | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement visa | Age 50 and over | Funds in a Thai bank or a monthly income requirement; renewed yearly |
| Long-Term Resident (LTR) | Wealthy individuals, retirees, remote workers and professionals who qualify | Up to 10 years; strict income or asset criteria |
| Thailand Privilege (formerly Elite) | Anyone who pays the membership fee | 5–20 years, depending on the package |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | Remote workers and people on long courses, such as Muay Thai | Multi-year, with limited stays per entry |
| Marriage visa | Spouses of Thai nationals | Financial requirement; renewed yearly |
| Business visa + work permit | People working for a Thai company | Tied to the employer |
Most long-stay visas require 90-day address reporting to Immigration. Requirements change, so check the current rules before you plan your move.
Getting there and getting around
- By air: Samui Airport has frequent flights to Bangkok and some regional destinations. Flights can be more expensive than to the mainland, so some residents fly via Surat Thani and take the ferry.
- By sea: car and passenger ferries run to the mainland in Surat Thani province, and boats run to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
- On the island: most residents drive a car or scooter. The ring road circles Samui in about an hour. Taxis and ride-hailing are available but more expensive than on the mainland.
- Driving: you’ll need a Thai driving licence once you’re resident, and good insurance. Roads can be busy and hilly.
If you need a car while you settle in or view property, we can help arrange car rental in Koh Samui, from a few days to monthly hire.
Weather and seasons
- January to April: usually dry and sunny, the peak holiday season.
- May to September: warm, mostly sunny, with occasional showers. Samui is often drier than the Andaman coast in this period.
- October to December: the main rainy season, with heavy downpours and some rough seas.
Plan building work, moves and major repairs outside the main rainy season.
Everyday life
- Shopping: large supermarkets and international groceries in Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai, plus local markets.
- Food: street food, Thai restaurants and a wide range of international dining.
- Activities: beaches, diving, sailing, yoga, fitness, Muay Thai, golf and boat trips to the Ang Thong marine park.
- Community: active expat groups, sports clubs, volunteering and business networks.
- Working remotely: fibre internet is widely available, with co-working spaces in the main areas. Check the connection at any specific property.
For days out on the water, we can arrange private boat charters to Ang Thong, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the southern islands.
Cost of living
Costs depend almost entirely on lifestyle. Local food and markets are inexpensive; imported goods, international schools, private healthcare and electricity for air conditioning are the main costs. A villa with a pool and constant air conditioning costs much more to run than a condo. See villa ownership and running costs.
Banking, admin and paperwork
- Bank account: most banks require a long-stay visa, and some ask for a work permit or proof of address.
- Yellow house book and pink ID card: foreign homeowners can apply for a foreign house registration (Tor Ror 13) and an ID card, which help with banking, utilities and buying a car.
- Tax residency: spending 180 days or more in Thailand in a year makes you a Thai tax resident, which can affect how money you bring in is taxed. Take advice. See property taxes and transfer fees.
- TM30: your landlord or accommodation must report your address to Immigration.
Utilities and home services
- Electricity from the Provincial Electricity Authority, metered monthly. Air conditioning is the main cost.
- Water from mains supply in some areas, or wells and delivered water in others. Dry-season supply is worth checking before you rent or buy.
- Internet: fibre in most populated areas, with mobile data as a backup.
- Housekeepers, gardeners and pool services are widely available and affordable compared with Europe or Australia.
Pets
Dogs and cats are common in expat homes. Bringing a pet into Thailand requires an import permit, vaccinations and health certificates, and there are vets in the main areas. Many condos restrict pets, so check the house rules.
Safety
Samui is generally a safe place to live. The biggest everyday risk is the roads: wear a helmet, avoid driving after dark on unfamiliar hillsides, and insure properly. Take normal precautions with valuables, and use reputable companies for boat trips and activities.
Rent first, then buy
Many people rent for a season or a year before buying. It lets you try different areas, test the school run and get to know the island before committing. See long-term rentals in Koh Samui. When you’re ready, read our guide to buying property in Koh Samui.
Frequently asked questions
For many people, yes: a relaxed island lifestyle with international schools, private hospitals, a large international community and daily flights to Bangkok.
Owning property doesn’t give you a visa. You need a visa that suits your circumstances, such as a retirement, LTR, Privilege or DTV visa.
Mostly in Bophut and the north-east, close to the international schools.
There are private hospitals with English-speaking doctors in and around Chaweng. Serious cases may be transferred to Bangkok. Health insurance is essential.
The heaviest rain usually falls between October and December.
Only with the right visa and a work permit, or remotely for an overseas employer on a visa that allows it, such as the DTV.
Thinking of moving to Koh Samui?
We’ll tell you honestly about life in each area, and help you rent or buy.
General information only, not immigration, tax or legal advice.