Koh Samui has no deep-water cruise pier — all ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Nathon Pier on the island's west coast.
💡 Pro move: Allow 1 hour to return to the pier before All Aboard. Tendering delays can stack in the afternoon rush.
All cruise ships use tenders to Nathon Pier — no dedicated cruise terminal exists yet.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (mainstream & premium) | Nathon Pier, west coast📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition & small ships | Nathon Pier or Maenam anchorage (weather-dependent)📍 | Tendered |
From sacred hilltop temples to snorkeling among 42 uninhabited islands, Koh Samui packs an outsized range of shore-day options into one island call.
Speed-boat day trip to a 42-island archipelago of limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and pristine reefs. Snorkel, kayak through sea caves, and climb to the panoramic viewpoint above the hidden Emerald Lake. Best for long calls (8+ hours).
Find Ang Thong tours →Visit the iconic 12-meter golden Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) on its rocky causeway island, then walk to nearby Wat Plai Laem — a vivid modern temple featuring an 18-armed Guanyin over a fish-filled lake. Both are free to enter.
Find temple tour options →An award-winning ethical sanctuary where rescued elephants roam freely — no riding. Watch elephants bathe, forage, and socialize in a natural forest setting. Book well in advance; limited daily capacity.
Find elephant sanctuary tours →Koh Samui's two flagship beaches. Chaweng offers powdery white sand, turquoise shallows, beach clubs, and water sports. Lamai is slightly quieter with deeper water ideal for swimming. Both have loungers, massage huts, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Find beach transfer options →Speed-boat to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan — two of the Gulf's top dive destinations. Snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, and coral at sites like Mango Bay. Only viable for 10+ hour port calls.
Find Koh Tao snorkel tours →Combine a visit to the quirky Hin Ta & Hin Yai natural rock formations (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks), Na Muang Waterfall, and the Secret Buddha Garden — a hillside folk-art sanctuary of statues built by a local farmer in 1976. Requires a 4WD or guided tour for the garden.
Find island highlights tours →Nathon town itself is easily walkable from the pier; the island's famous beaches and temples require a taxi or songthaew.
From the pier, walk north along the main street past souvenir stalls, local cafes, and 7-Elevens. Continue to the covered market area for fresh fruit, Thai snacks, and local goods. Good for passengers who want to stretch their legs without hiring transport.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Taxi 30 min north to Bophut Beach, then walk the charming lane of preserved wooden Chinese shop-houses filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. End with lunch at a beachfront restaurant before heading to the pier.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 16 | 6:40 AM | 6:17 PM |
| Feb | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 11 | 6:39 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Mar | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 10 | 6:26 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Apr | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 14 | 6:09 AM | 6:29 PM |
| May | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 20 | 5:59 AM | 6:32 PM |
| Jun | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:00 AM | 6:40 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 17 | 6:07 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 17 | 6:11 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 20 | 6:09 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 6:08 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 6:13 AM | 5:54 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 20 | 6:27 AM | 6:01 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.