As the second-largest island in Thailand, it’s no shock that there’s no scarcity of issues to do in Koh Samui. This idyllic paradise is most well-known for its palm-tree-dotted white sandy seashores and attracts vacationers from all elements of the world.
Go for typical water enjoyable, snorkeling, and kayaking atop crystal-clear azure waters, and keep for scenic viewpoints and the wonderful Thai tradition.
A gastronomic journey with Thai and worldwide cuisines awaits, alongside markets that includes souvenirs to take again dwelling.
You also can see extra of Thailand’s wonders by embarking on day journeys to close by islands like Koh Taen and Koh Madsdum.
We’ve compiled this itinerary that will help you slim down your record of Koh Samui actions.
What To Do In Koh Samui
Here’s our complete record of issues to do and the must-see vacationer sights in Koh Samui.
1. Enjoy A Beach Lazy Day
Koh Samui is an idyllic vacation spot excellent for seashore lovers, with serenity and journey discovered at completely different seashores. This means adrenaline junkies can have their fair proportion of enjoyable whereas different vacationers can get pleasure from a tranquil and lazy day on the golden sands.
We’d suggest lazing round on Lamai Beach, which was our favourite of the greatest seashores in Koh Samui. It contains a attractive palm-lined shoreline teeming with comfortable white sand and has eating places, therapeutic massage huts, and bars surrounding it. If you’re touring with children, you’ll love its shallow waters as a lot as we did.
Other seashores we’d suggest on the island embody the hidden gem Chaweng Noi and the picture-perfect Silver Beach.
2. Snorkel At Silver Beach Or Coral Cove
This seashore has calm waters and myriad marine life, greatest seen whereas snorkeling (though the water is so crystal clear that you could see them whereas swimming, too!). You also can lease a kayak for enjoyable on this seashore too.
The Silver Beach seafront isn’t bustling with fashionable facilities, however you possibly can get pleasure from seashore therapeutic massage. You will not discover sunloungers right here, so convey a towel and get there early if you wish to seize a spot underneath the safety of the shady timber.
Alternatively, you possibly can select to snorkel on the much less widespread however nonetheless spectacular Coral Cove. Its mild ocean currents are dwelling to a wide range of fish, together with the yellow-tail barracuda. It greater than makes up for its lack of contemporary facilities.
This seashore has tiny little stones that may be tough on the ft (and will get tremendous sizzling within the solar), so convey some water footwear when you’ve got them.
3. Visit An Elephant Sanctuary
When you’re within the land of elephants, seeing these unbelievable creatures in individual is a should. While there are many locations to see these animals, you’ll want to select one which’s moral.
That’s why we suggest paying a go to to Samui Elephant Haven. This ended up being certainly one of our favourite issues we did right here.
The proprietor dreamed of opening a sanctuary for elephants to roam freely. He realized this dream and rescued 14 elephants from the clutches of the journey trade. It’s comparatively dear, however that was a small value to pay for seeing these joyous creatures roaming round pleased and free.
While right here, we fed the elephants, gave them water, and walked the grounds, assembly a number of of those colossal beauties.
We cherished that swimming with the elephants is prohibited, retaining the go to as moral as ever. After all, we’re visiting the elephants quite than asking them to entertain us.
4. Take A Day Trip To Ang Thong National Marine Park
Covering over 102 sq. kilometers, Ang Thong National Marine is an archipelago spanning 42 islands. If there is a day journey to make whereas on Koh Samui island, we’d say it is this one.
Each island is exclusive, with fascinating sights, together with limestone cliffs, verdant jungles, waterfalls, and a few attractive sandy seashores.
Be certain to convey your cameras to snap pictures of the fiction-like Emerald Lake or get pleasure from a scenic viewpoint after an incredible hike on Koh Mae.
The park can be moral, with the federal government offering its unique animals sufficient safety to make sure people don’t threaten their existence. The solely solution to attain Ang Thong is through a government-approved boat tour.
We explored the park on a pace boat tour, which included visits to Emerald Lake, kayaking, snorkeling, a hearty breakfast, and a Thai buffet lunch.
Click right here to ebook your tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park.
5. Check Out The Hin Ta And Hin Yai Rocks
Thailand is a rustic dwelling to the wonderful and curiously weird, with the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks being one of many oddest. Locals named them Ta and Yai (grandpa and grandma) as a result of they resemble genitals.
Apart from their appears to be like, although, they’ve equally weird folklore.
The hottest story is that an outdated couple was touring to a different province to see a male elder to ask for his daughter to marry their son. Their boat shortly succumbed to a storm, they usually changed into these rock formations.
Whether you consider the story or not, they’re price a fast cease for a enjoyable photograph op. They’re positioned simply off Lamai Beach, so that you’ll additionally see some turquoise waters right here.
6. Unwind At Rock Bar
Tucked behind the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, the favored Rock Bar is a superb addition to your go to to the positioning. Instead of a traditional brick-and-mortar bar, it’s a picket building that appears like a treehouse.
Sit down and unwind with the pleasant workers able to get you as relaxed as doable. There’s additionally soulful reggae taking part in within the background for the music lovers.
Here, you possibly can get pleasure from some cheap meals together with drinks like cocktails, shakes, and beer—all reasonably priced too.
7. Snap Instagrammable Shots At Overlap Stone
Koh Samui is dwelling to many panoramic views simply begging to be snapped up for Instagram. Of these, we suggest the Overlap Stone vista, positioned simply 5 minutes from Lamai Beach.
This big rock has soared in recognition because of the unobstructed views of the Koh Samui greenery and ocean on supply. You’ll have to embark on a brief trek to get to the stone. Just watch your step to be secure.
The stone is linked to the world by a bridge, and there’s a home simply by the bridge. Here you’ll discover an outdated woman that charged us simply 50 baht ($1.41) to get onto her property.
8. Take A Day Trip To Koh Madsum And Koh Taen
Another day journey thought to contemplate is that this one that mixes Koh Madsum and Koh Taen, two small islands close to Koh Samui. During your island-hopping journey, anticipate to see awe-inspiring coral reefs, swim with marine life, and meet some pleasant pigs.
Your first cease will likely be Koh Madsum (AKA Pig Island). Here, you possibly can get pleasure from a stroll on the island earlier than snapping some footage with the hogs on the seashore.
Koh Taen is the place all of the water enjoyable awaits. Here, you possibly can spend time swimming within the crystal-clear azure waters or sunbathing on the shore. Add to the enjoyable by snorkeling and kayaking amongst completely different marine species.
This is a enjoyable journey however doesn’t examine to the Ang Thong National Marine Park day journey, so if you’re restricted on time, then we recommend reserving the National Park journey as a substitute.
Click right here to ebook your tour from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum and Koh Taen.
9. Visit Lamai Viewpoint
Koh Samui is dwelling to unbelievable vistas, together with the famed Lamai Viewpoint. This viewpoint is perched on the Laem Mai mountain and surrounded by pure splendor.
The workers right here presents two packages. The first features a cease on the Valentine Stone, seeing the Siva Tara Waterfall, and eventually, the Lamai Viewpoint. Locals consider that lovebirds who contact the stone will final endlessly—attempt it, you by no means know.
The second contains all that however provides an thrilling ziplining expertise. Zoom down the zipline with a verdant forest proper under your ft and the valley within the environment.
You can put your religion in your legs on a 10-minute hike to the height. Alternatively, you possibly can pay out-of-pocket for a cable automobile journey (no judging right here).
The first package deal prices 100 baht ($2.82), whereas together with a cable automobile journey will increase the worth to 200 baht ($5.64). You can add the zipline journey and pay an all-inclusive charge of 1000 baht ($28.20).
After having fun with a scenic view of Lamai and its ocean, you possibly can refill with a meal on the restaurant.
By the waterfall, you’ll additionally discover a pure fish spa the place fish will nibble away at your useless pores and skin, which is a humorous and unbelievable expertise.
10. Enjoy A Late Afternoon Stroll At Fisherman Village
For one thing completely different, we suggest a go to to the Fisherman’s Village at Bophut Beach. It has among the greatest buying and meals in Koh Samui and has an awesome vibe from late afternoons onwards.
Time your stroll for Friday, as Bophut Beach Road turns into a full of life avenue market. From 5 to 11 pm each Friday, you’ll discover souvenirs, stay music, artwork, meals like pad Thai and extra.
Outside that point, you possibly can get pleasure from native delicacies on the family-owned Hut Cafe, or head to the Red Moon for scrumptious french meals.
Seafood lovers have numerous choices at 2 Fishes Samui, whereas you may as well get pleasure from some high quality steaks at The Shack, Koh Samui’s oldest steakhouse. For a meal with a view, head to Coco Tam’s, which has a bar and restaurant that overlooks the seashore.
If you’re within the temper to buy ‘til you drop, fear not. You can discover clothes, souvenirs, and equipment on the Wharf Samui mall and the strolling avenue market. Ladies can head to Saona Collection and get their palms on some lovely clothes, hats, and luggage.
11. Watch A Fire Show
Fire reveals are good enjoyable to look at whereas in Thailand. You can discover these reveals throughout Koh Samui, however our absolute favourite fireplace present is in entrance of Coco Tam’s on Bophut seashore. You can catch it at 7:30 pm and 9 pm day by day.
The performers usually use an array of fireside toys whereas performing choreographed strikes with music within the background.
It was fairly spectacular, to say the least!
12. Spend The Day At A Beach Club
Instead of going to completely different locations, you will get a mix of luxurious, consolation, music, nice meals and drinks, and extra at a seashore membership.
Koh Samui has quite a lot of seashore golf equipment able to make you lie again, calm down, and have a enjoyable outing. Our favorites embody the Nikki, Chi, and Seen seashore golf equipment.
Nikkis was the primary ever seashore membership right here, they usually had the expertise to match. We’re speaking signature cocktails, eclectic dishes, nice music, entertaining movies, glamorous vogue, and avant-garde artwork—that they had all of it.
At Chi, you’ll have a swim-up bar and a 25-meter saltwater infinity pool that overlooks the turquoise ocean at your disposal, together with Thai meals and drinks.
Seen is impressed by the 50s, however they’re something however archaic. It has Mediterranean, American, and Asian dishes on supply, in addition to music blasting because the pool celebration rocks on.
Another seashore membership, Arkbar Beach Club, is tremendous widespread with the youthful crowd. It’s a one-stop celebration vacation spot that hosts worldwide DJs by the pool and seashore, with an a la carte menu and scrumptious drinks.
13. Visit The Night Markets
In addition to Fisherman’s Village’s strolling avenue market, there are some extra unbelievable evening markets in Koh Samui.
If there’s one evening market you should go to in Koh Samui; it’s the Lamai evening market on Lamai Beach Road. It occurs each Sunday and buzzes with stay music and leisure (assume fireplace breathers and the like).
In help are numerous meals stalls promoting salivating Asian and European delights. You also can purchase recent produce, crafts, and souvenirs to take again dwelling, though some are noticeable knock-offs.
Another widespread market in Koh Samui is the Chaweng evening market, positioned behind the Star Gym in Chaweng. It’s an thrilling and busy space dotted with meals stalls promoting among the greatest genuine native snacks and meals. The meals is the star of the present at this evening market.
14. Sip And Zip At Tree Bridge Coffee
For some extra ziplining enjoyable, we extremely suggest visiting Tree Bridge Cafe. Enjoy an exhilarating zipline journey above the plush Koh Samui rainforest. You zip down from a mountain that has unbelievable ocean views and a waterfall close by.
At the top or earlier than your zipping expertise, sip on cold and warm espresso whereas munching on some tasty pastry. Even in case you simply go for a drink, the drive there’s fairly, and the place is exclusive because it has rope bridges to get from right here to there.
Ziplining prices 1800 baht per individual ($50.72) and is just open to folks between 6 and 70 years outdated. Only money funds are accepted right here.
You can skip doing all that your self by becoming a member of a tour that takes care of all of the high quality particulars forward of time.
Click right here to ebook your tour at Tree Bridge Coffee.
15. Drinks And Dinner At Jungle Club
The Jungle Club is a restaurant that means that you can “dine in the heavens” whereas having fun with scenic viewpoints above the Chaweng seashore. The meals right here is ready by a chef with over 30 years of expertise within the kitchen.
You’ll discover Thai, French, Italian, Mediterranean, fusion delights, and some signature cocktails on the menu.
The greatest space to dine right here is on an open picket deck, which has comfortable bean luggage and a panoramic view. However, you possibly can solely assure a seat right here by making a reservation forward of time.
Be conscious that the highway resulting in the restaurant is extremely steep. You can name them and get them to select you up from the highway earlier than you hit this steep incline – you will notice an indication for this service with a cellphone quantity whereas driving in the direction of the doorway to the resort.
16. Visit Namuang Waterfall 1 And 2
For extra unbelievable sights, head to the 2 Namuang waterfalls present in a scenic jungle setting. The widespread cascades are generally known as Na Muang 1 and a pair of.
The first waterfall flows right into a pool you possibly can swim in and is definitely positioned solely a brief distance from the car parking zone. It can get a bit busy right here throughout peak season.
Please bear in mind that you will notice elephants chained up within the car parking zone of those waterfalls. Please do not help the folks right here who deal with the sort giants this fashion; please do not buy the meals or journey on these elephants. Instead, help the sanctuaries that rescue the elephants who need to endure a life in chains.
The second is slightly more durable to get to as you’ll need to hike uphill for about half-hour, however the view is definitely well worth the trek.
17. Explore Wat Plai Laem
Koh Samui can be dwelling to many temples, together with Wat Plai Laem.
This Buddhist temple is devoted to Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy. As such, her statue is the spotlight of any go to right here. The large gold and white sculpture has 18 arms and sits above a big dragon.
Another statue discovered right here is certainly one of a laughing Buddha with prayer beads.
Tip: If you’re touring with children, we suggest bringing cash so you should buy them some fish meals. We additionally noticed some turtles swimming within the lake right here as properly.
18. Visit The Phra Yai Temple Complex
After seeing the laughing Buddha, go to the Phra Yai Temple Complex for an up-close encounter with the majestic Big Buddha. The famend statue is drenched in gold and has a dragon and wheel behind it, presenting an ideal photograph op.
You received’t want lengthy right here as you solely have to climb a flight of stairs earlier than reaching Big Buddha. Combine a go to right here with a cease at Wat Plai Laem, as they’re positioned shut to at least one one other.
19. Enjoy A Day Trip To Koh Phangan
Given that you could see its shoreline from Koh Samui’s one, you may as properly go to Koh Phangan. This island is dwelling to loads of sights and seashores dotted with eating places.
While you possibly can arrange the day journey your self, we suggest letting another person deal with the logistics by becoming a member of a tour. That method, you possibly can see Koh Phangan’s magnificence on a 4×4 Jeep after a switch on a high-speed boat.
Once on Koh Phangan, the information will take you on an exploration that features visits to a number of seashores. One is a hidden gem that means that you can swim alongside many Thai fishes.
Apart from the numerous Instagrammable sights, you’ll additionally get pleasure from a Thai lunch and drinks with sweeping views of Koh Tao and Koh Ma.
Click right here to ebook your tour to Koh Phangan.
20. Visit Koh Phangan To Enjoy A Full Moon Or Half-Moon Party
Koh Phangan throws fairly spectacular events. Among the most well-liked are the total and half-moon events. The half-moon events happen every week earlier than and every week after the total moon celebration.
The full-moon celebration usually happens on Haad Rin Beach, whereas the half-moon events happen deep in a tropical forest. Each one options native DJs belting tunes from completely different genres when you dance the evening away. There’s additionally leisure within the type of jugglers and fire-eaters.
Get able to celebration whereas letting another person deal with the logistics by becoming a member of a roundtrip switch that’s secure and dependable.
Click right here to ebook your tour switch to Koh Phangan’s full and half-moon events.
Note: The switch charge excludes meals and drinks and the doorway charge.
21. Discover The Secret Buddha Garden
The Secret Buddha Garden is perched on Pom Mountain and was made by Khun Nim as a spot of meditation and his remaining resting place. It options quite a lot of statues, together with Buddha sculptures in addition to animals, angels, and his household.
This tranquil attraction additionally has small homes with roofs coated in greenery, which touring monks have used to meditate in. Climb the staircase, and also you’ll discover a attractive backyard with colourful flora.
22. Drive Or Scoot Around The Island
While Koh Samui island is the second largest in Thailand, it’s nowhere close to large. Spanning round 228.7 sq. kilometers, you possibly can simply drive across the whole island in only a few hours (however give your self a day so you possibly can cease at numerous factors to discover).
Stop by the very best seashores for a swim, sunbathing, or simply get pleasure from sightseeing.
Koh Samui’s many areas have verdant forests, towering mountains, and gardens, every with splendor price stopping for. Our favorites are the cascades, with the Namuang 1 and a pair of waterfalls, Tar Nim, and the Secret Falls hidden within the jungle.
A drive across the island wouldn’t be full with out stops at a few of Koh Samui’s greatest viewpoints. Apart from the Lamai and Jungle Club vistas we’ve touched on, we’d additionally suggest just a few different stops.
Head to Lat Ko’s panoramic viewpoint or take in eclectic views on the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple.
23. Marvel At The Mummified Monk
Mummies aren’t simply an Egyptian factor. You’ll discover a mummified monk at Koh Samui’s Wat Khunaram, a Buddhist temple. You can come right here to marvel or be horrified—we have been a bit freaked out.
The mummified monk is Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1973 and might be discovered sitting in a meditative place in a glass case. If you are brief on time, this isn’t a must-do exercise, however why not cease and test it out in case you occur to be passing by? We spent simply 5 minutes right here.
Tip: As with all Buddhist temples, guarantee no shoulders or knees are displaying whereas visiting right here.
24. Visit The Gorgeous Red Wat Ratchathammaram Temple
The attractive Wat Ratchathammaram is dwelling to a newly-built terracotta temple boasting fascinating carvings and statues. We have been right here for simply 10 minutes however have been impressed.
Enter the temple and see wall designs of a being “eating” the solar, warriors combating, and a fish swallowing somebody. The gold-painted large Buddha sitting in his nook is most spectacular, although.
25. Check Out The Guan-Yu Shrine
China has, all through historical past, been an influential a part of Thailand’s wealthy historical past. One showcase of that is the Guan-Yu shrine. This large inexperienced, gold, and pink sculpture depict Guan Yu, a notable normal throughout China’s Three Kingdoms.
The statue rises 16 meters excessive and is a well-liked cease for vacationers and the Chinese neighborhood. Guan-Yu is claimed to represent loyalty and honesty in a wedding, which has made the world a well-liked marriage ceremony location.
26. Get A Massage (Or Twenty)
Massages are so rattling low-cost in Thailand! At that value, you could possibly simply have a therapeutic massage a day. And whereas we would not have loved a therapeutic massage every single day (blame it on our 6-year-old daughter), we did get pleasure from many massages, with some loved proper by the seashore.
We loved our favourite massages at Lamai seashore subsequent to the Baobab Restaurant and at Choeng Mon seashore in entrance of the Kirati Resort.
Each location had massages beginning at simply 300 baht ($8.45). There are therapeutic massage locations round each nook in Koh Samui, so there’s all the time one close by.
27. Enjoy A Wild Jungle Jeep Tour
Looking for a enjoyable, adventurous …. and perhaps even barely scary solution to discover Koh Samui? You ought to take part on this half-day wild jungle Jeep tour, which incorporates lunch and stops at many locations we’ve already talked about.
The tour takes you up the Koh Samui jungle on 4×4 autos, with pick-up and drop-off at a number of motels.
Stops on this tour embody the well-known Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks; seeing and swimming on the Na Muang waterfalls; and visiting the mummified monk. You’ll even have an opportunity to meditate on the secret Buddha backyard and cease at Wat Phra Yai.
Squeezed into that day of adventures in Koh Samui is a mouthwatering conventional Thai lunch at a mountain-top restaurant with sweeping views of the island.
Click right here to ebook your Jeep tour of Koh Samui.
28. Opt For An ATV Tour
If you like a shorter and extra thrilling Koh Samui sightseeing expertise, go for this ATV tour full of unbelievable off-road adventures.
Follow your information by way of a verdant jungle and filth roads, and also you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sightings.
During the 1-hour tour, you’ll cease at a choice of breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the mountain and ocean. The 2-hour tour contains a further go to to a seasonal island waterfall greatest seen through the moist season.
Click right here to ebook your ATV tour of Koh Samui.
Tip: While the tour contains tea, espresso, and consuming water, it excludes meals and eye safety.
29. Join A Muay Thai Class
How does the saying go once more? When in Rome, do because the Romans do, proper? The similar applies right here, however for Muay Thai on this occasion.
Muay Thai, which interprets to “Thai boxing,” originated in Thailand, so we suggest taking a category to study from the masters. Not solely do you study the strategies, however you additionally get in an awesome exercise.
Click right here to affix a muay Thai class in Koh Samui.
30. Enjoy Cocktails, Shakes, And Coffee At The Mud
Don’t let the identify scare you; The Mud is as clear as another institution. But, it isn’t simply any institution, because it’s a novel and memorable cafe. Actually, it’s a resort first, nevertheless it additionally has a restaurant you possibly can go to.
They have rope bridges, and you’ll get pleasure from a scrumptious cocktail, shake, or espresso right here. They even have a small farm with chickens, ostriches, and extra animals you possibly can meet.
We cherished stopping right here on a drive across the island.
FAQs For Sightseeing In Koh Samui
Here are the solutions to some steadily requested questions on visiting Koh Samui.
1. Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?
The Thai island of Koh Samui is an idyllic vacation spot with a combination of pure and man-made sights price seeing. Whether you come for the seashores, scenic viewpoints, Thai meals, or cultural marvels, you received’t remorse coming right here.
2. How Many Days Do You Need When Visiting Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is a fairly large island, and there’s a lot to do! We assume you would wish 5 to seven days to discover Koh Samui’s prime highlights.
However, you could possibly do it in three days in case you actually needed to (though we do not suggest it).
3. What Is The Best Month To Visit Koh Samui?
In our opinion, April is the greatest time to go to Koh Samui. While a bit hotter than the dry season of January and February, the month has fewer crowds, and costs are usually decrease.
4. What Is The Easiest Way To Get To Koh Samui?
The best solution to get to Koh Samui is by direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which lasts round 1 hour and quarter-hour. However, there are some cheaper and alternate choices that you could examine in our information on get to Koh Samui.
Final Thoughts On The Best Koh Samui Things To Do
Having reached the top of this information, you ought to be geared up with all of the data you’ll want to get pleasure from Koh Samui. Whether you’re a busy bee after countless journey, a content material creator after Instagrammable spots, or simply in search of a calming trip, you received’t be wanting choices right here.
We hope we’ve helped you slim down your choices with this Koh Samui itinerary; now go on the market and expertise this idyllic island.
If you’ve acquired time to spare and wish to discover extra of the nation, take a look at our different Thailand journey guides.