Because 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 components 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 may also 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 can assist you slender down your checklist of Koh Samui actions.
What To Do In Koh Samui
Right here’s our complete checklist of issues to do and the must-see vacationer points of interest in Koh Samui.
1. Take pleasure in A Seashore Lazy Day
Koh Samui is an idyllic vacation spot good for seashore lovers, with serenity and journey discovered at completely different seashores. This implies adrenaline junkies can have their justifiable share 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 Seashore, which was our favourite of the greatest seashores in Koh Samui. It includes a attractive palm-lined shoreline teeming with comfortable white sand and has eating places, therapeutic massage huts, and bars surrounding it. Should you’re touring with youngsters, you’ll love its shallow waters as a lot as we did.
Different seashores we’d suggest on the island embrace the hidden gem Chaweng Noi and the picture-perfect Silver Seashore.
2. Snorkel At Silver Seashore Or Coral Cove
This seashore has calm waters and myriad marine life, greatest seen whereas snorkeling (though the water is so crystal clear you could see them whereas swimming, too!). You may also lease a kayak for enjoyable on this seashore too.
The Silver Seashore seafront isn’t bustling with fashionable facilities, however you’ll be able to get pleasure from seashore therapeutic massage. You will not discover sunloungers right here, so deliver a towel and get there early if you wish to seize a spot below the safety of the shady timber.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to select to snorkel on the much less fashionable 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 scorching within the solar), so deliver some water sneakers in case you have them.
3. Go to An Elephant Sanctuary
Once you’re within the land of elephants, seeing these unimaginable creatures in particular person is a should. Whereas there are many locations to see these animals, that you must select one which’s moral.
That’s why we suggest paying a go to to Samui Elephant Haven. This ended up being one in every 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 business. It’s comparatively dear, however that was a small worth to pay for seeing these joyous creatures roaming round completely happy and free.
Whereas 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, maintaining the go to as moral as ever. In any case, we’re visiting the elephants somewhat than asking them to entertain us.
4. Take A Day Journey To Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park
Overlaying over 102 sq. kilometers, Ang Thong Nationwide 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.
Every island is exclusive, with attention-grabbing sights, together with limestone cliffs, verdant jungles, waterfalls, and a few attractive sandy seashores.
You should definitely deliver your cameras to snap photographs of the fiction-like Emerald Lake or get pleasure from a scenic viewpoint after a tremendous 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 one technique 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 on right here to e book your tour of Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park.
5. Verify 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.
Other than their seems, although, they’ve equally weird folklore.
The preferred 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, and so they was these rock formations.
Whether or not you imagine the story or not, they’re price a fast cease for a enjoyable picture op. They’re situated simply off Lamai Seashore, 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 good addition to your go to to the positioning. As an alternative of a standard brick-and-mortar bar, it’s a picket development 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 enjoying within the background for the music lovers.
Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some cheap meals together with drinks like cocktails, shakes, and beer—all reasonably priced too.
7. Snap Instagrammable Photographs At Overlap Stone
Koh Samui is dwelling to many panoramic views simply begging to be snapped up for Instagram. Of those, we suggest the Overlap Stone vista, situated simply 5 minutes from Lamai Seashore.
This large rock has soared in recognition due to the unobstructed views of the Koh Samui greenery and ocean on provide. You’ll must embark on a brief trek to get to the stone. Simply watch your step to be secure.
The stone is related to the realm by a bridge, and there’s a home simply by the bridge. Right here you’ll discover an outdated woman that charged us simply 50 baht ($1.41) to get onto her property.
8. Take A Day Journey To Koh Madsum And Koh Taen
One other day journey concept to think about is that this one that mixes Koh Madsum and Koh Taen, two small islands close to Koh Samui. Throughout your island-hopping journey, anticipate to see awe-inspiring coral reefs, swim with marine life, and meet some pleasant pigs.
Your first cease might be Koh Madsum (AKA Pig Island). Right here, you’ll be able to 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. Right here, you’ll be able to 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 can be a enjoyable journey however doesn’t evaluate to the Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park day journey, so in case you are restricted on time, then we recommend reserving the Nationwide Park journey as an alternative.
Click on right here to e book your tour from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum and Koh Taen.
9. Go to Lamai Viewpoint
Koh Samui is dwelling to unimaginable 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 provides two packages. The primary features a cease on the Valentine Stone, seeing the Siva Tara Waterfall, and eventually, the Lamai Viewpoint. Locals imagine that lovebirds who contact the stone will final eternally—strive 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 possibly can put your religion in your legs on a 10-minute hike to the height. Alternatively, you’ll be able to pay out-of-pocket for a cable automotive journey (no judging right here).
The primary bundle prices 100 baht ($2.82), whereas together with a cable automotive journey will increase the value to 200 baht ($5.64). You possibly can add the zipline journey and pay an all-inclusive payment of 1000 baht ($28.20).
After having fun with a scenic view of Lamai and its ocean, you’ll be able to 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 lifeless pores and skin, which is a humorous and unimaginable expertise.
10. Take pleasure in A Late Afternoon Stroll At Fisherman Village
For one thing completely different, we suggest a go to to the Fisherman’s Village at Bophut Seashore. It has a number of the greatest purchasing and meals in Koh Samui and has an excellent vibe from late afternoons onwards.
Time your stroll for Friday, as Bophut Seashore Street turns into a energetic road market. From 5 to 11 pm each Friday, you’ll discover souvenirs, stay music, artwork, meals like pad Thai and extra.
Exterior that point, you’ll be able to get pleasure from native delicacies on the family-owned Hut Cafe, or head to the Pink Moon for scrumptious french meals.
Seafood lovers have numerous choices at 2 Fishes Samui, whereas you too can get pleasure from some positive 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.
Should you’re within the temper to buy ‘til you drop, fear not. Yow will discover clothes, souvenirs, and equipment on the Wharf Samui mall and the strolling road market. Women can head to Saona Assortment and get their palms on some lovely clothes, hats, and baggage.
11. Watch A Fireplace Present
Fireplace reveals are good enjoyable to look at whereas in Thailand. Yow will discover these reveals throughout Koh Samui, however our absolute favourite fireplace present is in entrance of Coco Tam’s on Bophut seashore. You possibly can catch it at 7:30 pm and 9 pm every day.
The performers sometimes use an array of fireplace toys whereas performing choreographed strikes with music within the background.
It was fairly spectacular, to say the least!
12. Spend The Day At A Seashore Membership
As an alternative of going to completely different locations, you may get a mixture 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, loosen up, and have a enjoyable outing. Our favorites embrace the Nikki, Chi, and Seen seashore golf equipment.
Nikkis was the primary ever seashore membership right here, and so they had the expertise to match. We’re speaking signature cocktails, eclectic dishes, nice music, entertaining movies, glamorous trend, and avant-garde artwork—they’d 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 provide, in addition to music blasting because the pool occasion rocks on.
One other seashore membership, Arkbar Seashore Membership, is tremendous fashionable with the youthful crowd. It’s a one-stop occasion vacation spot that hosts worldwide DJs by the pool and seashore, with an a la carte menu and scrumptious drinks.
13. Go to The Night time Markets
Along with Fisherman’s Village’s strolling road market, there are some extra unimaginable evening markets in Koh Samui.
If there’s one evening market you could go to in Koh Samui; it’s the Lamai evening market on Lamai Seashore Street. It occurs each Sunday and buzzes with stay music and leisure (suppose fireplace breathers and the like).
In help are numerous meals stalls promoting salivating Asian and European delights. You may also purchase recent produce, crafts, and souvenirs to take again dwelling, though some are noticeable knock-offs.
One other fashionable market in Koh Samui is the Chaweng evening market, situated behind the Star Fitness center in Chaweng. It’s an thrilling and busy space dotted with meals stalls promoting a number of 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 Espresso
For some extra ziplining enjoyable, we extremely suggest visiting Tree Bridge Cafe. Take pleasure in an exhilarating zipline journey above the plush Koh Samui rainforest. You zip down from a mountain that has unimaginable ocean views and a waterfall close by.
On the finish or earlier than your zipping expertise, sip on cold and warm espresso whereas munching on some tasty pastry. Even if you happen to simply go for a drink, the drive there may be fairly, and the place is exclusive because it has rope bridges to get from right here to there.
Ziplining prices 1800 baht per particular person ($50.72) and is barely open to folks between 6 and 70 years outdated. Solely money funds are accepted right here.
You possibly can skip doing all that your self by becoming a member of a tour that takes care of all of the positive particulars forward of time.
Click on right here to e book your tour at Tree Bridge Espresso.
15. Drinks And Dinner At Jungle Membership
The Jungle Membership is a restaurant that lets you “dine within 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.
One of the best space to dine right here is on an open picket deck, which has comfortable bean baggage and a panoramic view. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to solely assure a seat right here by making a reservation forward of time.
Remember that the street resulting in the restaurant is extremely steep. You possibly can name them and get them to select you up from the street earlier than you hit this steep incline – you will note an indication for this service with a cellphone quantity whereas driving in the direction of the doorway to the resort.
16. Go to Namuang Waterfall 1 And a couple of
For extra unimaginable sights, head to the 2 Namuang waterfalls present in a scenic jungle setting. The favored cascades are often called Na Muang 1 and a couple of.
The primary waterfall flows right into a pool you’ll be able to swim in and is well situated solely a brief distance from the parking zone. It may well get a bit busy right here throughout peak season.
Please remember that you will note elephants chained up within the parking zone of those waterfalls. Please do not help the folks right here who deal with the type giants this fashion; please do not buy the meals or journey on these elephants. As an alternative, help the sanctuaries that rescue the elephants who should endure a life in chains.
The second is a bit tougher to get to as you’ll should hike uphill for about half-hour, however the view is well well worth the trek.
17. Discover 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.
One other statue discovered right here is one in every of a laughing Buddha with prayer beads.
Tip: Should you’re touring with youngsters, we suggest bringing cash so you should purchase them some fish meals. We additionally noticed some turtles swimming within the lake right here as properly.
18. Go to The Phra Yai Temple Advanced
After seeing the laughing Buddha, go to the Phra Yai Temple Advanced for an up-close encounter with the majestic Large Buddha. The famend statue is drenched in gold and has a dragon and wheel behind it, presenting an ideal picture op.
You received’t want lengthy right here as you solely must climb a flight of stairs earlier than reaching Large Buddha. Mix a go to right here with a cease at Wat Plai Laem, as they’re situated shut to 1 one other.
19. Take pleasure in A Day Journey To Koh Phangan
Given 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 points of interest and seashores dotted with eating places.
When you 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’ll be able to see Koh Phangan’s magnificence on a 4×4 Jeep after a switch on a high-speed boat.
As soon as 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 lets you swim alongside many Thai fishes.
Other than the numerous Instagrammable points of interest, you’ll additionally get pleasure from a Thai lunch and drinks with sweeping views of Koh Tao and Koh Ma.
Click on right here to e book your tour to Koh Phangan.
20. Go to Koh Phangan To Take pleasure in A Full Moon Or Half-Moon Get together
Koh Phangan throws fairly spectacular events. Among the many hottest are the total and half-moon events. The half-moon events happen per week earlier than and per week after the total moon occasion.
The total-moon occasion sometimes happens on Haad Rin Seashore, whereas the half-moon events happen deep in a tropical forest. Every 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 occasion whereas letting another person deal with the logistics by becoming a member of a roundtrip switch that’s secure and dependable.
Click on right here to e book your tour switch to Koh Phangan’s full and half-moon events.
Word: The switch payment excludes meals and drinks and the doorway payment.
21. Uncover The Secret Buddha Backyard
The Secret Buddha Backyard is perched on Pom Mountain and was made by Khun Nim as a spot of meditation and his closing 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 lined 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 Round The Island
Whereas Koh Samui island is the second largest in Thailand, it’s nowhere close to large. Spanning round 228.7 sq. kilometers, you’ll be able to simply drive across the complete island in just some hours (however give your self a day so you’ll be able to cease at numerous factors to discover).
Cease by the most effective 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 couple 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. Other than the Lamai and Jungle Membership vistas we’ve touched on, we’d additionally suggest a number of different stops.
Head to Lat Ko’s panoramic viewpoint or absorb eclectic views on the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple.
23. Marvel At The Mummified Monk
Mummies aren’t simply an Egyptian factor. You will discover a mummified monk at Koh Samui’s Wat Khunaram, a Buddhist temple. You possibly can come right here to marvel or be horrified—we had been a bit freaked out.
The mummified monk is Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1973 and may be discovered sitting in a meditative place in a glass case. Should you’re brief on time, this isn’t a must-do exercise, however why not cease and test it out if you happen to occur to be passing by? We spent simply 5 minutes right here.
Tip: As with all Buddhist temples, guarantee no shoulders or knees are exhibiting whereas visiting right here.
24. Go to The Attractive Pink Wat Ratchathammaram Temple
The attractive Wat Ratchathammaram is dwelling to a newly-built terracotta temple boasting fascinating carvings and statues. We had been right here for simply 10 minutes however had been impressed.
Enter the temple and see wall designs of a being “consuming” the solar, warriors combating, and a fish swallowing somebody. The gold-painted large Buddha sitting in his nook is most spectacular, although.
25. Verify 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 purple sculpture depict Guan Yu, a notable common throughout China’s Three Kingdoms.
The statue rises 16 meters excessive and is a well-liked cease for vacationers and the Chinese language neighborhood. Guan-Yu is claimed to represent loyalty and honesty in a wedding, which has made the realm a preferred wedding ceremony location.
26. Get A Therapeutic massage (Or Twenty)
Massages are so rattling low cost in Thailand! At that worth, you would simply have a therapeutic massage a day. And whereas we’d not have loved a therapeutic massage each 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.
Every location had massages beginning at simply 300 baht ($8.45). There are therapeutic massage locations round each nook in Koh Samui, so there may be all the time one close by.
27. Take pleasure in A Wild Jungle Jeep Tour
On the lookout for a enjoyable, adventurous …. and possibly even barely scary technique to discover Koh Samui? You must 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 automobiles, with pick-up and drop-off at a number of accommodations.
Stops on this tour embrace 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 on right here to e book your Jeep tour of Koh Samui.
28. Decide For An ATV Tour
Should you favor a shorter and extra thrilling Koh Samui sightseeing expertise, go for this ATV tour stuffed with unimaginable off-road adventures.
Comply with your information via a verdant jungle and grime roads, and also you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sightings.
Through the 1-hour tour, you’ll cease at a number of breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the mountain and ocean. The two-hour tour contains a further go to to a seasonal island waterfall greatest seen throughout the moist season.
Click on right here to e book your ATV tour of Koh Samui.
Tip: Whereas the tour contains tea, espresso, and consuming water, it excludes meals and eye safety.
29. Be a part of A Muay Thai Class
How does the saying go once more? When in Rome, do because the Romans do, proper? The identical 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 methods, however you additionally get in an excellent exercise.
Click on right here to hitch a muay Thai class in Koh Samui.
30. Take pleasure in Cocktails, Shakes, And Espresso At The Mud
Don’t let the identify scare you; The Mud is as clear as another institution. However, it isn’t simply any institution, because it’s a novel and memorable cafe. Truly, it’s a resort first, but it surely additionally has a restaurant you’ll be able to go to.
They’ve rope bridges, and you may get pleasure from a scrumptious cocktail, shake, or espresso right here. Additionally they have a small farm with chickens, ostriches, and extra animals you’ll be able to meet.
We cherished stopping right here on a drive across the island.
FAQs For Sightseeing In Koh Samui
Listed here are the solutions to some continuously requested questions on visiting Koh Samui.
1. Is Koh Samui Price Visiting?
The Thai island of Koh Samui is an idyllic vacation spot with a mix of pure and man-made points of interest price seeing. Whether or not 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 Want When Visiting Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is a fairly large island, and there may be a lot to do! We expect you would want 5 to seven days to discover Koh Samui’s high highlights.
Nevertheless, you would do it in three days if you happen to actually needed to (though we do not suggest it).
3. What Is The Greatest Month To Go to Koh Samui?
In our opinion, April is the greatest time to go to Koh Samui. Whereas a bit hotter than the dry season of January and February, the month has fewer crowds, and costs are typically decrease.
4. What Is The Best Approach To Get To Koh Samui?
The simplest technique to get to Koh Samui is by direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which lasts round 1 hour and quarter-hour. Nevertheless, there are some cheaper and alternate choices you could examine in our information on learn how to get to Koh Samui.
Last Ideas On The Greatest Koh Samui Issues To Do
Having reached the tip of this information, you ought to be outfitted with all of the information that you must get pleasure from Koh Samui. Whether or not 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 in need of choices right here.
We hope we’ve helped you slender down your choices with this Koh Samui itinerary; now go on the market and expertise this idyllic island.
Should you’ve received time to spare and wish to discover extra of the nation, try our different Thailand journey guides.
