Koh Samui is the best island hideaway for anybody desiring a mix of lovely coastlines, falls, Buddhist holy places, and also modern-day features when going to Thailand. In a nutshell, Koh Samui has everything! There are lots of points to do in Koh Samui to accomplish every tourist’s demands.
Situated on the Eastern side of the Thai landmass in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui Island is the second-largest island in the Thai Kingdom (Phuket being the most significant). Koh Samui and also Phuket have actually been contrasted plenty of times in an effort to question which island is the most effective, however to me, it is truly difficult to select a clear champion.
Regardless, you need to check out both islands when taking a trip to Thailand, as a matter of fact, it’s a fantastic suggestion to go island jumping to view as numerous as you can. Nothing can truly contrast to the lovely coastlines of the nation.
Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand
This Koh Samui short article was initially composed by Albert Niekerk,(some images given by him) it has actually been upgraded by Dave and also Deb incorporating our experiences, upgraded trips, and also info for 2021.
See the Big Buddha Temple
One of the leading points to do in Koh Samui is to check out Wat Phra Yai holy place to see the 12 meter high (39 foot high) Big Buddha. It was constructed in 1972 and also has actually sustained at one of Koh Samui’s leading destinations. Even though it isn’t practically situated on Koh Samui, it is Koh Samui’s most popular site. The Big Buddha Temple lies on Koh Faan and also linked to Koh Samui by a lengthy embankment. Plus it is normally the initial point individuals place on their listing to view as it can be seen by air upon arrival. This is a prominent area to commemorate Loy Krathong and also Songkran Festivals.
This half-day bike scenic tour allows you uncover Koh Samui’s most popular views consisting of the Big Buddha, the Bang Rak Market, and also the Choeng Mon Beach as you learn more about the island’s society and also background from a regional overview.
Beach Life at Chaweng Beach
Koh Samui is honored with white sandy coastlines. Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most prominent coastline and also with excellent factor. It is one huge stretch of white sand with unethical hand trees. In reality, it is so big it is gotten into 4 components, North, Central, South, and also Little. (Chaweng Noi). If you intend to remain in the heart of the activity, this is the location to remain.
Do some snorkeling and also sea kayaking or rent out a paddleboard and also do some stand-up paddleboarding in the tranquil waters. When the sunlight decreases, the night life starts on Chaweng Beach at its coastline bars. Head bent on the Green Mango strip for some bar jumping.
Kings Island Resort is a very ranked location to remain on Chaweng Beach. There is no pool however it lies straight on the coastline. The Hyatt Regency is among one of the most extravagant residential or commercial properties on the coastline with an exclusive pool at a mid-range rate.
Visit Grandpa and also Grandma Rocks at Lamai Beach
Koh Samui might be popular for its white sandy coastlines, however the rough coastlines are most definitely a view to keep in mind. Lamai Beach is quieter than Chaweng Beach and also often tends to bring in an extra easygoing group. It goes to Lamai Beach that you will certainly locate the popular Koh Samui destinations of Grandfather and also Grandmother Rocks.
Hin Ta and also Hin Yai (Grandfather and also Grandmother Rocks) are a few of the a lot more one-of-a-kind points to see on Koh Samui. The male and also women genitalia-shaped rocks have actually been a leading draw because our initial browse through to Koh Samui back in 2003.
Hin Ta and also Hin Yai Rocks
Legend has it that an old guy and also lady dove in to a nearby island to ask for the hand of a little girl of a male called Ta Monglai. When their watercraft tipped over, they sank and also became these rocks to verify their real objectives to the family members. It is a unique point to see and also it is likewise a coastline on Koh Samui that uses some higher-end holiday accommodation
Day Trip to Koh Phangan
We stated island-hopping over and also we indicate it. Thailand was created island jumping. From Koh Samui, you can quickly check out Koh Phangan and also Koh Tao on a watercraft journey. Koh Phangan is prominent sufficient to invest time on, however if you merely intend to check out for a day, this Full day Tour takes you to see all the highlights of Koh Phangan.
The island is simply a half an hour watercraft flight from Koh Samui where you will certainly land at Thong Sala pier. You will certainly after that discover the Chinese Temple, Koh Mah coastline for snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters adhered to by standard Thai lunch. Then it is time to check out the beautiful point of view of Koh Raham prior to heading back by speedboat to your resort in Koh Samui.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao to discover calm surprise coastlines, undersea refuges full of sea animals, and also all-night celebrations. Koh Tao is among the most effective areas for snorkelling and also diving in Thailand. Koh Tao is typically described as Turtle Island for both its form and also the eco-friendly and also hawksbill turtles that live in the lovely island. It is likewise among the most effective areas in Thailand to take your PADI accreditation. Read a lot more at Beautiful Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust
Snorkeling
One of the most effective points to do in Koh Samui is to enter the water and also go snorkeling. Each island in Thailand uses its very own one-of-a-kind traits and also personalizeds however I should state, the important things that stood apart one of the most to me concerning Koh Samui was the extraordinary snorkeling and also scuba diving settings it needed to supply.
This exclusive lengthy tail watercraft scenic tour has you boarding among Thailand’s popular longtail watercrafts to Koh Taen, understood for its aquatic life and also reef. Plus you will certainly reach check out Koh Madsum (Pig Island) to see the resident pigs that live there. We did this in the Bahamas and also it is a lot enjoyable to see the pigs running in the sand to greet. Other points you see are, White Rock Cave Island, Red Ant Island, and also Matkhong Island
Scuba Diving
The nearby island of Koh Tao is understood for its diving, however Samui is likewise an exceptional diving location. There are numerous areas providing diving training courses on the island at budget-friendly rates. Plus the cozy, clear, and also welcoming waters make it a suitable area to come to be accredited.
Courses are run straight off Chaweng, Coral Cove, and also various other coastlines with coast diving simple to gain access to. Ang Thong National Marine Park is likewise taken into consideration a fantastic diving location.
Check out the Night Markets
One of our preferred points to do in Thailand is to shop and also example their numerous little food stalls. Chiang Mai is popular for its evening markets, however in Koh Samui, they have magnificent evening markets that revolve places each night. Pick up your Thai keepsakes, example fantastic road food, and also obtain shed in the power and also enjoyment of bartering with the suppliers.
Best evening markets in Koh Samui
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street at Bophut on Fridays. Lamai Night Plaza Night Market in Lamai Centre – Wednesdays, Thursdays, and also Sundays. Chewang Night Market in Bophut- Monday to Thursday and also Saturday.
Swim in the Namuang Waterfalls
Namuang Waterfall is most likely among the leading destinations found in main Koh Samui. Located inland from Nathon Bay, it is quickly obtainable by tuk tuk. Once you get to the car park, Na Muang 1 is simply a brief stroll from the car park. Venture up one more 100 meters to see Na Muang 1.
I should confess, I was really hesitant concerning going to Na Muang since it is an extremely touristy location. But I was informed when I arrive I need to go up beside the falls regarding I could, “to see secret very beautiful waters”.
Secret Waterfalls
Tourists were crowding at the base of the drops, much like I anticipated. I evaded them and also located a little practically disordered walkway on the side of the drops leading up the hill. As I climbed up and also climbed up the high little course I got to plenty of smaller sized however uninterrupted falls, each with its very own little swimming pools.
I climbed up also greater and also ultimately arrived. This was what I wished to see, an absolutely pristine falls with rich forest expanding on either side, I uncovered the “secret very beautiful waters”.
The sight I had of the island boggled the mind and also I couldn’t see or listen to any type of vacationers. It was paradise! I invested practically the entire day taking images, swimming, and also consuming the strange coconut that came drifting down the stream.
I loved my newly found heaven. Two various other Canadian people likewise came across my secret location however I rejoiced to have somebody around that valued it as high as I did.
Mummified Monk – Wat Khunaram
One of the strangest points to see on Koh Samui is the Mummified monk. Located at Wat Khunaram, the mummified remains of monk Luong Pordaeng get on display screen. The buddhist monk passed away in 1973 in a seated introspective placement. Before his fatality, he asked that his body be placed on display screen must it not break down. And currently today, it is prized as an ideas to adhere to a life of Buddhism.
One of the a lot more one-of-a-kind points you can do is to go to a Monk Chat and also reflection session at Dipabhavan Meditation Center, which is open to anybody.
If you are seeking something really one-of-a-kind, watch out for Overlap Stone, a big rock that that relaxes precariously in addition to a big rock
Have a Traditional Thai Massage
Really, despite where you remain in Thailand a typical Thai Massage need to get on your listing. And Koh Samui is no exemption. I like obtaining a Thai massage therapy on the coastline and also this is among the should do points in Koh Samui. Don’t stress over discovering one, they will certainly be strolling the coastline trying to find vacationers to calm their hurting bodies.
But you can likewise stroll along the roads to locate massage therapy palours or publication a fancier massage therapy at one of the greater end resorts. But do on your own a favour, obtain a massage therapy as high as feasible in Thailand. They are so budget-friendly, it behaves to obtain spoiled like nobility often.
OUTRIGHT HAVEN
If you intend to take your wellness vacation to one more degree, make certain to remain at the Absolute Sanctuary. This health health and fitness hotel is snuggled on a hillside neglecting the Gulf of Thailand. Located within a lavish woodland setup, Absolute Sanctuary takes an all natural method looking for to to deal with private health objectives such as a detoxification vacation, indulge me vacation, weight administration or decreasing anxiety. Indulge in yoga exercise or Pilates as you appreciate a purposeful vacation that will certainly bring tranquility to your body and mind.
Go for a Hike
Koh Samui has some fantastic walking and also if the coastline life ends up being a little laborious (I indicate, just how could it ever before truly though?) or you intend to extend your legs, go out to a few of the routes for a walk.
Hike to the Secret Buddha Garden to see Buddha sculptures embeded in a jungle, trek the Nathon Mountain Trail Ridge, or direct to the Maenam Viewpoint for bird’s-eye views of Nathon and also the lovely exotic island scene.
Secret Buddha Garden
Speaking of Secret Buddha Garden, is an extremely intriguing location to check out. Created in 1976 by a regional durian farmer, there are a number of various illustrating various Buddha mythology. You can trek to Secret Buddha Garden or take a 4X4 Jeep Tour. Check out scenic tour choices below.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
A must-do field trip from Koh Samui is to go out to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Like a lot of areas in Southern Thailand, Ang Thong was included in the film The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. Ang Thong National Park is an island chain of 42 islands with the looming sedimentary rock hills that Thailand is popular for. You can swim in shallows, kick back on immaculate coastlines and also spy sea turtles in its crystal clear waters. Both Koh Samui and also Koh Phangan become part of the Ang Thong National Marine Park.. For the utmost in high-end, publication an over night cruise ship on a scrap watercraft to experience the islands secretive.
Chill out after Dark
After you’ve taken in some rays all day, go out to the coastline to appreciate supper and also beverages on a matt on the coastline. Each evening, the lights are lit and also the easy chair appear as you consume on the coastline hareem design setting chillaxing with a Chang or Singha Beer.
Go to an Elephant Sanctuary
Elephants have actually lengthy experienced in Thailand, however many thanks to refuges transforming from elephant trips to moral elephant refuges, you can check out retired tourist elephants and also aid sustain their well being.
Take a 40 min drive with the island of Koh Samui to a haven where you will certainly learn more about the saved elephants, feed them and also aid bathroom them in mud. These elephants have actually been saved and also these refuges are a vital part in allowing them endure their days in loved one tranquility. While they can never ever return in the wild, it is a better life than having vacationers ride on their backs. Find out a lot more concerning the elephant refuge scenic tour below.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
One of the most effective means to submerse in a society is with food. Thai food is our preferred and also we consume it in your home at all times! Visit a regional market and also find out to prepare Thai food. as you find out to prepare dishes that you can earn with you. It’s an enjoyable and also interactive means to invest a night. Book a food preparation course information below.
Wat Plai Laem
Another amazing holy place to see in Koh Samui is Wat Plai Laem. This Buddhist holy place displays Koh Samui’s Chinese heritage with a titan Guanyin sculpture controling the holy place premises. Even though this is a Buddhist holy place, it is really committed to the Chinese Goddess Guanyin that is thought to be the Goddess of genuine love
Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most prominent coastline and also with excellent factor. It is one huge stretch of white sand. In reality, it is so big it is gotten into 4 components, North, Central, South and also Little. (Chaweng Noi). If you intend to remain in the heart of the activity, this is the location to remain. An extremely one-of-a-kind point to watch out for is when you make a contribution, you will certainly get a bag of fish food so you can feed the resident fish in the fish pond.
Rent a Scooter – But Be Careful
The island of Koh Samui uses a great deal of touristy views to discover. The ideal (and also least expensive) means to see every little thing is by leasing your very own mobility scooter. I comprehend that this is a challenging suggestion to a lot of novices to Southeast Asia, however it just takes a number of mins for you to master it and also seem like a hardcore bicycle rider.
Make certain that you put on a headgear in all times and also drive securely. Sadly, numerous vacationers pass away when driving of Thailand annually, so be incredibly cautious. Dave and also I had a crash in Koh Samui and also scorched our legs really terribly, so make sure that you recognize just how to ride a bike prior to leasing one.
Invest in an island map and also ask a regional to show all the must-see places. Naturally the following point to do is to entirely disregard the map and also simply obtain shed! This is the most effective means to locate surprise treasures. A Motorcycle Adventure, the Journey Begins
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut
Even if you don’t make it to Fishermen’s Village evening market, it is a fantastic strolling road throughout the day. Once a prospering angling town, Fisherman’s Village has actually currently become It is full of cafés and also dining establishments. You can do some buying and also Bophut Beach lies right there too.
The primary area of Fisherman’s Village is Bophut Beach Road which lines the coastline. Go right into among the stores or cafés and also go out back for lovely coastline sights.
Take a Koh Samui Jeep Tour
An enjoyable means to see all the Koh Samui highlights is to take a jeep scenic tour. See the secret hunt offering stunning sights of the Gulf of Thailand, check out the falls and also the Buddha Garden. For a unique scenic tour of Koh Samui, this is a fantastic suggestion. Check out this premier jeep scenic tour on Ko Samui and also today journey to Koh Phangan.
Lady Boy Cabaret Show
Like the days of La Cage Au Folles below in the 1990s of North America, the Lady Boy Cabaret Shows have actually turned into one of the best points to do in Koh Samui in the evening. This energised efficiency entails lip-synching, dance, and also fancy outfits.
How to Get to Koh Samui
Koh Samui lies in the Surat Thani district 35 kilometres off the coastline of Surat Thani on the Gulf of Thailand. The community of Surat Thani is the primary jumping-off place for the islands on the Gulf of Thailand.
Neighboring islands are Ko Pha ngan, Ko Tao, and also Ko Nang Yuan which can all be gotten to by longtail watercraft or ferryboat.
There are trips readily available from Phuket to Koh Samui along with Bangkok to Koh Samui making it a very easy location to check out throughout your Thailand trips. If you are originating from various other islands in the south of Thailand, you will certainly need to make your means to Surat Thani. There are likewise trips from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
From Surat Thani, you will certainly pet cat the ferryboat to Koh Samui from the primary Surat Thani ferryboat port at Don Sak
Where to Stay on Koh Samui
Koh Samui is understood for its high-end hotels however there are likewise puts that are a lot more budget-friendly. We provide 3 selections from Luxury to mid-range and also budget-friendly.
Four Seasons Resort – Expensive however worth the splurge. you can never ever fail with the Four Seasons brand name if you remain in search of a high-end remain.Kings Island Resort is a very ranked location to remain on Chaweng Beach. There is no pool however it lies straight on the coastline. The Hyatt Regency is among the a lot more extravagant hotels on the coastline with an exclusive pool at a budget-friendly rate for mid-range vacationers. For various other resorts on Koh Samui, have a look at TripConsultant for testimonials.
Koh Samui has a whole lot even more to supply apart from falls and also reef however these were things that stood apart one of the most to me. It is a gorgeous island with spectacular rich forest and also outstanding coastlines with unethical hand trees, perhaps I need to leave Phuket and also relocate below. Koh Samui will most definitely see me once more in the future.
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Albert van Niekerk is a South African copywriter, blog owner and also traveling author. I resided in Thailand for some time and also took a trip with Southeast Asia seeking journey. Follow me on Twitter @AlbertNiekerk or see my blog site at Here to Stray.com
