The Best Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is the best island hideaway for any person desiring a mix of stunning coastlines, falls, Buddhist holy places, and also contemporary facilities. In a nutshell, Koh Samui has all of it! There are a lot of points to do in Koh Samui to meet every vacationer’s requirements.

Situated on the Eastern side of the Thai landmass in the Gulf of Thailand in the district of Surat Thani, Samui Island is the second-largest island in the Thai Kingdom (Phuket being the greatest). Koh Samui and also Phuket have actually been contrasted numerous times in an effort to dispute which island is the most effective, however to me, it is truly difficult to pick a clear victor. You can check out Phuket below to assist you make your option.

Regardless, you ought to see both islands when taking a trip to Thailand, actually, it’s an excellent suggestion to go island jumping to view as several as you can. Nothing can truly contrast to the stunning coastlines of the nation.

Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand

Visiting the Islands of South Thailand is the supreme coastline trip and also Koh Samui is just one of one of the most prominent locations to take pleasure in the coastline. While relaxing at the coastline is a significant component of seeing Koh Samui, there are a lot of various other points to see and also do too. So make certain to invest at the very least 3 days of your journey in Thailand on Koh Samui.

This message was initially created by Albert of Here to Stay that resided in Thailand, however it has actually considering that been upgraded with brand-new resorts, trips and also details by The Planet D.

Beach Life at Chaweng Beach

Koh Samui is honored with white sandy coastlines making it the best coastline trip in Thailand. Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most prominent coastline and also with great factor. It is one huge stretch of white sand with unethical hand trees. In truth, it is so huge it is burglarized 4 components, North, Central, South, and also Little. (Chaweng Noi). If you intend to remain in the heart of the activity, this is the area to remain.

There are a lot of water tasks right of the coastline at Chaweng. Try your hand at snorkeling and also sea kayaking or lease a paddleboard and also attempt stand-up paddleboarding in the tranquil waters. It’s our favored watersport. When the sunlight drops, the night life starts on Chaweng Beach at its coastline bars. For a preference of Koh Samui’s event scene, go out to the Green Mango strip for some bar jumping.

Visit Grandpa and also Grandma Rocks at Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is quieter than Chaweng Beach and also has a tendency to draw in an extra easygoing group. This is an excellent coastline for swimming and also hanging back while appreciating the laid back Thai coastline life. There are coastline bars and also dining establishments and also it is one more prominent area to make a base while checking out the island.

Koh Samui might be renowned for its white sandy coastlines, however the rough coastlines are most definitely a view to bear in mind. It goes to Lamai Beach that you will certainly locate the renowned Koh Samui tourist attractions of Grandfather and also Grandmother Rocks.

Hin Ta and also Hin Yai Rocks

Hin Ta and also Hin Yai rock developments (Grandfather and also Grandmother Rocks) are several of the extra distinct points to see on Koh Samui. The male and also women genitalia-shaped rock developments have actually been a leading draw considering that our initial see to Koh Samui back in 2003. (and also long prior to we ever before got here on Ko Samui).

Legend has it that an old male and also lady set out to a nearby island to ask for the hand of a child of a male called Ta Monglai. When their watercraft tipped over, they sank and also developed into these rocks to verify their real objectives to the household. It is a unique point to see and also it is likewise a coastline on Koh Samui that supplies some higher-end holiday accommodation alternatives.

Bouldering at Chaweng and also Lamai Beach

We found out to shake climb in Thailand at Railay Beach and also currently, bouldering is prominent on Koh Samui at Chaweng and also Lamai Beach. It makes good sense with their huge stones. Its sedimentary rock wall surfaces have actually begun bring in individuals sharpening their bouldering abilities along the rough coastlines. With wall surfaces rising to 40 meters (120 feet)  both Chaweng and also Lamai coastline are likewise prominent for rappeling.

See the Big Buddha Temple

One of the leading points to do in Koh Samui is to see Wat Phra Yai Temple to see the 12 meter high (39 foot high) Big Buddha. It was constructed in 1972 and also has actually withstood as one of Koh Samui’s leading tourist attractions.

Even though it isn’t practically situated on Koh Samui, it is Koh Samui’s most renowned site. The Big Buddha Temple lies on Koh Faan and also attached to Koh Samui by a lengthy embankment. Plus it is normally the initial point individuals place on their listing to view as in Koh Samui as it can be seen by air upon arrival. This holy place is a prominent place to commemorate Loy Krathong and also Songkran Festivals in Thailand too.

Wat Plai Laem

Another great 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 statuary controling the holy place premises. Even though this is a Buddhist holy place, it is really devoted to the Chinese Goddess Guanyin that is thought to be the Goddess of genuine love.

A really distinct 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.

Khao Hua jook Chedi

While at Lamai Beach, make certain to increase to Wat Khao Hua Jook. It supplies scenic sights of the island. It is very easy to obtain “Watted out” When seeing Thailand. After a while, I understand we have actually seen sufficient of them, however this deserves it for the sight of the valley and also the shoreline of Koh Samui. Plus, if you are seeking to do a little bit of treking after investing way too much time on the coastline, this is a great stroll.

If you are trying to find something really distinct, watch out for Overlap Stone, a big rock that relaxes precariously in addition to a big stone

laem sor Pagoda

If you are trying to find a peaceful area to steer clear of from the active environment of Lamai Beach and also Chaweng Beach, Laem Sor Beach lies 20 mins from Lamai Beach on the south side of the island. Laem Sor Pagoda is the leading draw below to see the stunning gold holy place on the coastline, however there are some hotels and also coastline bars in the location too.

Go Snorkeling

One of the most effective points to do in Koh Samui is to take pleasure in every one of its water tasks and also snorkeling is just one of the most effective points to do. Each island in Thailand supplies its very own distinct traits and also custom-mades however I should claim, things that attracted attention one of the most to me concerning Koh Samui was the extraordinary snorkeling and also scuba diving atmospheres it needed to use. There are a number of watercraft trips that will certainly take you bent on see the reef and also sea life of Samui. You can likewise go snorkeling at Ang Thong National Marine Park.

This personal lengthy tail watercraft excursion has you boarding among Thailand’s renowned longtail watercrafts to Koh Taen, understood for its aquatic life and also reef. Plus you will certainly reach see 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 several locations supplying diving programs on the island at economical costs. Plus the cozy, clear, and also welcoming waters make it an optimal place to end up being accredited.

Scuba Diving programs are run straight off Chaweng Beach, Coral Cove, and also various other coastlines on Koh Samui with coast diving that is very easy to accessibility. Ang Thong National Marine Park is likewise thought about an excellent diving location.

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 setting. Before his fatality, he asked that his body be placed on display screen needs to it not disintegrate. And currently today, it is admired as an ideas to comply with a life of Buddhism.

We saw this monk on our initial see to Koh Samui and also it’s not as surprising as it seems as he is resting behind glass so you do really feel a little separated. One of the extra distinct points you can do is to participate in a Monk Chat and also reflection session at Dipabhavan Meditation Center, which is open to any person.

Take a Thai Cooking Class

One of the most effective means to submerse in a society is via food. Thai food is our favored and also we consume it in your home constantly! Visit a neighborhood market and also discover to prepare Thai food. as you discover to prepare dishes that you can earn with you. It’s an enjoyable and also interactive means to invest a night. Read extra: Best Thai Food – Traditional Thai Dishes to Eat in Thailand

Book this food preparation course information below – Choose 4 Thai recipes to prepare and after that see among Koh Samui’s neighborhood flea market for fresh active ingredients. You can schedule it below, with very easy termination within 24-hour of task for a complete reimbursement.

Check out the Night Markets

One of our favored points to do in Thailand is to shop and also example their several little food stalls. Chiang Mai is renowned for its evening markets, however Koh Samui likewise has magnificent evening markets that revolve places each night. Pick up your Thai mementos, 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. Chaweng Night Market in Bophut- Monday to Thursday and also Saturday.

Fisherman’s Village in Bophut

Even if you don’t make it to Fishermen’s Village evening market, it is an excellent strolling road throughout the day. Once a flourishing angling town, Fisherman’s Village has actually currently developed into It is loaded with 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 stunning coastline sights.

Take a Koh Samui Jeep Tour

An enjoyable means to see all the Koh Samui highlights is to take a jeep excursion. See the secret search offering beautiful sights of the Gulf of Thailand, see the falls and also the Buddha Garden. For a unique excursion of Koh Samui, this is an excellent suggestion. Check out this premier jeep excursion on Ko Samui and also today journey to Koh Phangan.

Swim in the Namuang Waterfalls

Namuang Waterfall is possibly among the leading tourist attractions found in main Koh Samui. Located inland from Nathon Bay, it is conveniently obtainable by tuk tuk. Once you get to the parking area, Na Muang 1 is simply a brief stroll from the parking area. Venture up one more 100 meters to see Na Muang 1.

I should confess, I was really hesitant concerning seeing Na Muang since it is a really touristy area. But I was informed when I arrive I ought to climb alongside the falls regarding I could, “to see secret very beautiful waters”.

Na Muang 2

Tourists were crowding at the base of the Na Muang Waterfalls however if you want to climb up at little bit, you will certainly have a quieter much less congested browse through. As I climbed up the high little course I got to numerous 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, a completely untainted falls with rich forest expanding on either side, I found 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 kind of travelers. It was paradise! I invested practically the entire day taking photos, swimming, and also consuming the weird coconut that came drifting down the stream.

Have a Traditional Thai Massage

Really, regardless of where you remain in Thailand a typical Thai Massage ought 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 just one of the must-do points in Koh Samui. Don’t stress over locating one, they will certainly be strolling the coastline trying to find travelers to relieve their hurting bodies.

But you can likewise stroll along the roads to locate massage therapy shops or publication a fancier massage therapy at one of the higher-end resorts. But do on your own a support, obtain a massage therapy as long as feasible in Thailand. They are so economical and also it behaves to obtain spoiled like aristocracy often.

Indulge in Wellness and also Fitness

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 ignoring the Gulf of Thailand. Located within a rich woodland setup, Absolute Sanctuary takes an alternative strategy looking for to resolve specific health objectives such as a detoxification vacation, pamper-me vacation, weight monitoring or decreasing stress and anxiety.

Indulge in yoga exercise or Pilates as you take pleasure in a purposeful vacation that will certainly bring tranquility to your body and mind. If you are trying to find a health hideaway, you can see prices and also accessibility below.

Go for a Hike To Secret Buddha Garden

Koh Samui has some fantastic walking and also if the coastline life comes to be a little laborious (I suggest, exactly how could it ever before truly though?) or you intend to extend your legs, go out to several of the tracks for a walking.

Secret Buddha Garden (likewise referred to as Namtok Tar Nim & Magic Garden) is a really fascinating area to see. Created in 1976 by a neighborhood durian fruit farmer, there are a number of various Buddha Sculptures showing various Buddha mythology.

There are a lot of various other locations to trek on Koh Samui besides Secret Buddha Garden to see Buddha consisting of a walking on the Nathon Mountain Trail Ridge or direct to the Maenam Viewpoint for bird’s-eye views of Nathon and also the stunning exotic island scene.

This Koh Samui Trek takes you on a walking to several of one of the most stunning perspectives on Koh Samui with a quit at the Secret Buddha Garden, the highest possible holy place on the island and also a neighborhood gallery. You can trek to Secret Buddha Garden or take a 4X4 Jeep Tour. Check out excursion alternatives below.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

A must-do outing from Koh Samui is to go out to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Like a lot of locations in Southern Thailand, Ang Thong was included in the film The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. We extremely suggest checking out guide too prior to seeing Thailand. The nation has actually transformed a great deal for many years, however it truly records the sensation we carried our initial backpacking journey to Thailand in 200.

Ang Thong National Park is an island chain of 42 islands with the looming sedimentary rock hills that Thailand is renowned for. You can swim in shallows, kick back on beautiful coastlines, or go snorkelling 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 and also it can be gone to on a day journey. For the supreme in deluxe, publication an over night cruise ship on a scrap watercraft to experience the islands secretive.

Day Trip to Koh Phangan

We stated island-hopping while seeing Koh Samui over and also we suggest it. Thailand was created island jumping. From Koh Samui, you can conveniently see Koh Phangan and also Koh Tao on watercraft trips from Koh Samui.

Koh Phangan is prominent sufficient to invest time on in its very own right, however if you merely intend to see for a day, this Full day Tour takes you to see all the highlights of Koh Phangan.

The island is simply a 30-minute watercraft flight from Koh Samui where you will certainly land at Thong Sala pier. On this excursion, you will certainly check out the Chinese Temple, Koh Mah coastline for snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters complied with by typical Thai lunch. Then it is time to see the picturesque perspective of Koh Raham prior to heading back by speedboat to your resort in Koh Samui.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao to check out relaxed surprise coastlines, undersea shelters loaded with sea animals, and also all-night celebrations. Koh Tao is just one of the most effective areas for snorkelling and also diving in Thailand. Koh Tao is commonly described as Turtle Island for both its form and also the eco-friendly and also hawksbill turtles that populate the stunning island. It is likewise among the most effective locations in Thailand to take your PADI qualification. Read extra at Beautiful Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust

Go to an Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants have actually lengthy endured in Thailand, however many thanks to shelters transforming from elephant trips to moral elephant shelters, you can see retired tourist elephants and also assist sustain their well being.

Take a 40 min drive via the opposite of the island to a haven where you will certainly find out about the saved elephants, feed them and also assist bathroom them in mud. These elephants have actually been saved and also these shelters are a vital part in allowing them endure their days in family member tranquility. While they can never ever return in the wild, it is a better life than having travelers ride on their backs. Find out extra concerning the elephant haven excursion below.

Rent a Scooter – But Be Careful

Koh Samui supplies a great deal of touristy views to check out. The finest (and also most inexpensive) means to see whatever is by leasing your very own mobility scooter. I comprehend that this is a complicated suggestion to the majority 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 use a safety helmet in all times and also drive securely. Sadly, several travelers pass away when traveling of Thailand each year, so be very mindful. Dave and also I had a mishap in Koh Samui and also burned our legs really severely, so make sure that you understand exactly how to ride a bike prior to leasing one.

Invest in an island map and also ask a neighborhood to show all the must-see places. Naturally the following point to do is to totally disregard the map and also simply obtain shed! This is the most effective means to locate surprise treasures. A Motorcycle Adventure, the Journey Begins

Chill out after Dark

After you’ve absorbed some rays all day, go out to the coastline to take pleasure in 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 putting down chillaxing with a Chang or Singha Beer.

This Sunset Tour with a Thai Beach Dinner takes you on a night excursion to see several of Koh Samui’s leading traveler destinations consisting of, an evening market, the Hin Ta Hin Yai Rocks, and also sundown at Laem Sor Pagoda prior to rounding off with a Thai supper on the coastline.

Lady Boy Cabaret Show

If you are trying to find various other points to do in Koh Samui during the night, have a look at a Lady Boy Cabaret. Like the days of La Cage Au Folles in North America. (Way back in the 1990s), the Lady Boy Cabaret Shows have actually turned into one of the best points to see in Koh Samui during the night. This energised efficiency entails lip-synching, dance, and also intricate outfits.

If you desire something with even more activity, Muay Thai boxers placed on presentations around the island too. You can likewise make your means to Chaweng Boxing Stadium to enjoy a Muay Thai suit. You can likewise take a Muay Thai training course on Koh Samui. We did this in Phuket and also it was an outstanding means to involve in Thai society.

How to Get to Koh Samui

Koh Samui lies in the Surat Thani district 35 kilometres off the shore 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 and also you can conveniently capture normal ferryboats from below.

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 inner trips offered from Phuket to Koh Samui in addition to Bangkok to Koh Samui making it a very easy location to see throughout your Thailand journeys. 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 deluxe hotels however there are likewise positions that are extra economical. But below are some referrals to obtain you began.

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 area to remain on Chaweng Beach. There is no pool however it lies straight on the coastline. The Hyatt Regency is just one of the extra extravagant hotels on the coastline with an exclusive pool at a budget-friendly cost for mid-range tourists. For various other resorts on Koh Samui, have a look at TripExpert for testimonials.

So, currently you understand the most effective points to do in Koh Samui, Thailand. When you schedule your following journey to the Land of Smiles, make sure to include it to your travel plan.

Koh Samui has a great deal even more to use besides falls and also reef however these were the important things that attracted attention one of the most to me. It is a gorgeous island with awesome rich forest and also remarkable coastlines with unethical hand trees, possibly I ought to leave Phuket and also relocate below. Koh Samui will most definitely see me once again in the future.

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 via Southeast Asia trying to find experience. Follow him at Here to Stray.com.

Read More concerning Thailand