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 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 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 will help you slender down your listing of Koh Samui actions.
What To Do In Koh Samui
Right here’s our complete listing of issues to do and the must-see vacationer sights in Koh Samui.
1. Take pleasure in A Seaside Lazy Day
Koh Samui is an idyllic vacation spot excellent for seashore lovers, with serenity and journey discovered at totally 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 Seaside, which was our favourite of the finest seashores in Koh Samui. It contains a beautiful palm-lined shoreline teeming with comfortable white sand and has eating places, therapeutic massage huts, and bars surrounding it. When 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 Seaside.
2. Snorkel At Silver Seaside Or Coral Cove
This seashore has calm waters and myriad marine life, finest seen whereas snorkeling (though the water is so crystal clear which you could see them whereas swimming, too!). You may also hire a kayak for enjoyable on this seashore too.
The Silver Seaside 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 convey a towel and get there early if you wish to seize a spot beneath the safety of the shady timber.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to select to snorkel on the much less standard however nonetheless spectacular Coral Cove. Its mild ocean currents are dwelling to a wide variety 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 toes (and will get tremendous sizzling within the solar), so convey some water footwear when you have them.
3. Go to An Elephant Sanctuary
Whenever you’re within the land of elephants, seeing these unbelievable creatures in individual is a should. Whereas there are many locations to see these animals, you should select one which’s moral.
That’s why we suggest paying a go to to Samui Elephant Haven. This ended up being considered 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 business. It’s comparatively expensive, however that was a small worth to pay for seeing these joyous creatures roaming round joyful 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 beloved that swimming with the elephants is prohibited, retaining 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
Masking 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 beautiful sandy seashores.
Make sure you 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 one approach to attain Ang Thong is by way of 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. Test 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 appears to be like, although, they’ve equally weird folklore.
The preferred story is that an previous 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 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 Seaside, 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 location. As a substitute of a standard brick-and-mortar bar, it’s a picket building that appears like a treehouse.
Sit down and unwind with the pleasant employees able to get you as relaxed as doable. There’s additionally soulful reggae taking part in 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 inexpensive too.
7. Snap Instagrammable Pictures 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 Seaside.
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. Simply watch your step to be protected.
The stone is related to the world by a bridge, and there’s a home simply by the bridge. Right here you’ll discover an previous girl 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 will likely 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 photos 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 totally 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 advise reserving the Nationwide Park journey as a substitute.
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 unbelievable vistas, together with the famed Lamai Viewpoint. This viewpoint is perched on the Laem Mai mountain and surrounded by pure splendor.
The employees right here gives two packages. The primary features a cease on the Valentine Stone, seeing the Siva Tara Waterfall, and at last, the Lamai Viewpoint. Locals imagine that lovebirds who contact the stone will final perpetually—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 toes and the valley within the environment.
You may 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 experience (no judging right here).
The primary bundle prices 100 baht ($2.82), whereas together with a cable automotive experience will increase the worth to 200 baht ($5.64). You may add the zipline experience and pay an all-inclusive price 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 unbelievable expertise.
10. Take pleasure in A Late Afternoon Stroll At Fisherman Village
For one thing totally different, we suggest a go to to the Fisherman’s Village at Bophut Seaside. It has among the finest procuring and meals in Koh Samui and has an amazing vibe from late afternoons onwards.
Time your stroll for Friday, as Bophut Seaside Highway turns into a vigorous avenue market. From 5 to 11 pm each Friday, you’ll discover souvenirs, dwell 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 varied choices at 2 Fishes Samui, whereas you can too 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.
When 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 avenue market. Women can head to Saona Assortment and get their fingers on some stunning attire, hats, and luggage.
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 may catch it at 7:30 pm and 9 pm each 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 Seaside Membership
As a substitute of going to totally 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, chill out, 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, they usually had the expertise to match. We’re speaking signature cocktails, eclectic dishes, nice music, entertaining movies, glamorous vogue, 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 supply, in addition to music blasting because the pool occasion rocks on.
One other seashore membership, Arkbar Seaside Membership, is tremendous standard 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 Evening Markets
Along with Fisherman’s Village’s strolling avenue market, there are some extra unbelievable 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 Seaside Highway. It occurs each Sunday and buzzes with dwell 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 contemporary produce, crafts, and souvenirs to take again dwelling, though some are noticeable knock-offs.
One other standard market in Koh Samui is the Chaweng evening market, situated behind the Star Health club in Chaweng. It’s an thrilling and busy space dotted with meals stalls promoting among the finest 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 experience above the luxurious Koh Samui rainforest. You zip down from a mountain that has unbelievable ocean views and a waterfall close by.
On the finish or earlier than your zipping expertise, sip on cold and hot espresso whereas munching on some tasty pastry. Even when you 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 individual ($50.72) and is just open to individuals between 6 and 70 years previous. Solely money funds are accepted right here.
You may 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 permits you to “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.
The perfect space to dine right here is on an open picket deck, which has cozy bean luggage and a panoramic view. Nonetheless, 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 may name them and get them to choose you up from the street earlier than you hit this steep incline – you will notice an indication for this service with a cellphone quantity whereas driving in direction of the doorway to the resort.
16. Go to Namuang Waterfall 1 And a couple of
For extra unbelievable sights, head to the 2 Namuang waterfalls present in a scenic jungle setting. The favored cascades are referred to as Na Muang 1 and a pair 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 could possibly get a bit busy right here throughout peak season.
Please remember that you will notice elephants chained up within the parking zone of those waterfalls. Please do not help the individuals right here who deal with the sort giants this fashion; please do not buy the meals or experience on these elephants. As a substitute, help the sanctuaries that rescue the elephants who must endure a life in chains.
The second is a bit of tougher to get to as you’ll must 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 huge gold and white sculpture has 18 arms and sits above a big dragon.
One other statue discovered right here is considered one of a laughing Buddha with prayer beads.
Tip: When you’re touring with youngsters, 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. Go to The Phra Yai Temple Complicated
After seeing the laughing Buddha, go to the Phra Yai Temple Complicated for an up-close encounter with the majestic Huge 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 have to climb a flight of stairs earlier than reaching Huge Buddha. Mix a go to right here with a cease at Wat Plai Laem, as they’re situated shut to at least one one other.
19. Take pleasure in A Day Journey To Koh Phangan
Given which 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.
Whilst you can manage the day journey your self, we suggest letting another person deal with the logistics by becoming a member of a tour. That means, 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 permits you to swim alongside many Thai fishes.
Other than the various Instagrammable sights, 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 Occasion
Koh Phangan throws fairly spectacular events. Among the many hottest are the complete and half-moon events. The half-moon events happen every week earlier than and every week after the complete moon occasion.
The complete-moon occasion usually happens on Haad Rin Seaside, whereas the half-moon events happen deep in a tropical forest. Every one options native DJs belting tunes from totally 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 protected and dependable.
Click on right here to e-book your tour switch to Koh Phangan’s full and half-moon events.
Word: The switch price excludes meals and drinks and the doorway price.
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 ultimate 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 beautiful 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 huge. Spanning round 228.7 sq. kilometers, you’ll be able to simply drive across the complete island in only a few hours (however give your self a day so you’ll be able to cease at varied factors to discover).
Cease by one of the 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 finest viewpoints. Other than the Lamai and Jungle Membership vistas we’ve touched on, we’d additionally suggest a couple 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 may 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. When you’re brief on time, this isn’t a must-do exercise, however why not cease and test it out when 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. Go to The Attractive Pink Wat Ratchathammaram Temple
The beautiful 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 preventing, and a fish swallowing somebody. The gold-painted huge Buddha sitting in his nook is most spectacular, although.
25. Test 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 huge inexperienced, gold, and purple 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 language neighborhood. Guan-Yu is alleged to represent loyalty and honesty in a wedding, which has made the world a preferred marriage ceremony location.
26. Get A Therapeutic massage (Or Twenty)
Massages are so rattling low cost in Thailand! At that worth, you might simply have a therapeutic massage a day. And whereas we would not have loved a therapeutic massage on daily basis (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 perhaps even barely scary approach to discover Koh Samui? It’s best 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 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. Choose For An ATV Tour
When you want a shorter and extra thrilling Koh Samui sightseeing expertise, go for this ATV tour crammed with unbelievable off-road adventures.
Observe your information by a verdant jungle and dust roads, and also you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sightings.
In the course of the 1-hour tour, you’ll cease at a choice of breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the mountain and ocean. The two-hour tour contains an extra go to to a seasonal island waterfall finest 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 ingesting 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 amazing exercise.
Click on right here to affix 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 every other institution. However, it isn’t simply any institution, because it’s a singular and memorable cafe. Truly, it’s a lodge first, but it surely additionally has a restaurant you’ll be able to go to.
They’ve rope bridges, and you’ll get pleasure from a scrumptious cocktail, shake, or espresso right here. In addition they have a small farm with chickens, ostriches, and extra animals you’ll be able to meet.
We beloved stopping right here on a drive across the island.
FAQs For Sightseeing In Koh Samui
Listed here are the solutions to some regularly 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 sights 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 wish 5 to seven days to discover Koh Samui’s high highlights.
Nonetheless, you might do it in three days when you actually needed to (though we do not suggest it).
3. What Is The Finest Month To Go to Koh Samui?
In our opinion, April is the finest 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 usually decrease.
4. What Is The Best Method To Get To Koh Samui?
The best approach to get to Koh Samui is by direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which lasts round 1 hour and quarter-hour. Nonetheless, there are some cheaper and alternate choices which you could examine in our information on tips on how to get to Koh Samui.
Closing Ideas On The Finest Koh Samui Issues To Do
Having reached the top of this information, you have to be geared up with all of the information you should get pleasure from Koh Samui. Whether or not you’re a busy bee after limitless journey, a content material creator after Instagrammable spots, or simply in search of a soothing 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.
When you’ve obtained time to spare and need to discover extra of the nation, try our different Thailand journey guides.
