Things to do in Koh Samui

Things to do in  Koh Samui

Buddha late than never

Thailand’s quintessential island resort is honed from silky white sands, palm-studded shores, and clear-as-crystal waters. A short boat ride away from the Full Moon parties of neighboring Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui—“safe haven” in Thai—is the realm of luxury spa resorts, yoga and meditation retreats, and idyllic beachside villas. The best things to do in Koh Samui revolve around the beach, but if you tire of coconut-sipping and hammock-swinging, you can hike to temples and waterfalls, take an island-hopping cruise, or go scuba diving.

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Top 13 attractions in Koh Samui

#1

Ang Thong National Marine Park

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The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong) in southern Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometers). These limestone pinnacles harbor secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.More
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#2

Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)

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Deep in Koh Samui’s jungle-clad hills is the Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden), where a waterfall tumbles past stone sculptures of the Buddha. The oasis was created by local durian farmer Nim Thongsuk, whose tomb sits among the carvings of Buddhist spirits, musicians, and animals.More
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#3

Na Muang Waterfall

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Nestled among Koh Samui’s central mountains, the Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: a lower stretch that’s easily reachable and falls into a lovely natural pool, and a higher tier that requires a 30-minute hike. The falls are set among lush jungle surroundings, and access to the site is free.More
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#4

Koh Tan (Koh Taen)

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In stark contrast to its famed northerly neighbor, tiny and sleepy Koh Tan tempts visitors with empty beaches and vehicle-less roads just three miles and a 15-minute boat ride south of Koh Samui’s southern tip. Koh Tan (also spelled Koh Taen, Ko Taen, and Ko Tan) is sometimes also called Coral Island for its diversity of colorful hard and soft corals, and it often serves as a popular day-long escape for snorkel or kayak excursions through its clear inshore waters. Though the island doesn’t have quite the aquatic diversity of other more remote locations, it still affords excellent snorkeling, relatively empty beaches and navigable mangrove swamps all very close to a major tourist hub. Longboats make the crossing daily and usually stop at several unique coral spots around the island.On land, Koh Tan spans only three square miles, and its population barely tops 30 people; their rustic lifestyle with limited electricity affords a glimpse of what much of Thai Island-living was like decades ago. Koh Tan also has a thriving population of monitor lizards, a boardwalk through a mangrove forest, a quaint local temple, a handful of local restaurants and a cluster of bungalow-style accommodations.More
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#5

Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai/Hin Ta)

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Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (also known as Hin Yai and Hin Ta) are rocky outcrops located on Lamai Beach. The often-photographed, commented-upon, and giggled-about rock formations bear an uncanny resemblance to male and female genitalia, making them a must-see attraction for many tourists. Plus, the rocks are set on a lovely stretch of beach and create tranquil tide pools.More
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#6

Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

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Located in Koh Samui, Wat Khunaram is a functioning temple in the southern portion of the island. It’s most famous for the mummified remains of former abbot and monk, Loung Pordaeng, which have been displayed in a vertical glass casket since his death in 1973. It’s a popular, if unusual, attraction with both locals and visitors.More
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#7

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

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Apart from the beaches, Koh Samui’s most distinctive attraction is the golden Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) visible above the red-tiled rooftops on the island’s north coast. The 40-foot (12-meter) Buddha statue can be seen from several miles away—even from a plane—and the site is an active place of worship.More
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#8

Butterfly Hill Samui

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The landscaped hillside grounds at Butterfly Hill in Koh Samui are home to hundreds of colorful butterflies, as well as insects, moths, and bees. Tropical flowers add to the Garden of Eden–like setting, and picturesque views from its hilltop position showcase the island and the sea. Plus, you can take a walk to a nearby waterfall to cool off.More
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#9

Aow Leuk Beach

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Seclusion and solitude might be hard to find on Koh Tao, one of Thailand’s most popular islands, but on its southeastern side, between Sai Daeng Beach to the north and Tanote Beach to the south, lies the 65-foot-long (20-meter Aow Leuk Beach. This stretch of sand is slightly more remote so the large crowds stay away.More
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#10

Lamai Beach

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Lamai Beach vies with Chaweng Beach for the title of Koh Samui’s prettiest beach, especially along its less coral-strewn southern stretches. Less developed than Chaweng, and therefore more relaxed, Lamai offers year-round swimming, and boasts the granite rock formations known as Grandmother and Grandfather. As Lamai has grown in popularity, the backpacking crowd has been replaced with resort seekers.More
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#11

Chaweng Beach

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Chaweng Beach (Hat Chaweng) is Koh Samui’s longest, and perhaps loveliest, beach. A clear blue-green sea, palm trees, coral reefs, and a lively nightlife scene come together to create a laid-back party vibe at Chaweng, the second-biggest resort hub on the island. Ideal for swimming and water sports, the 3-mile (5-kilometer) crescent of white sand is bookended by rocky headlands.More
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#12

High Park Samui

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Set on a hill in Chaweng, High Park Samui is a small water park with an adventure zone that also hosts regular pool parties and foam parties. Besides several pools, two large slides, two climbing walls, a zipline, a freefall vertical drop, and bumper-car drift racing, enjoy massages, sunset views, DJs, and food and drink.More
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#13
Samui Water Park Pink Elephant

Samui Water Park Pink Elephant

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Samui Water Park Pink Elephant boasts an impressive 15 slides, including the Twister and Superbowl high slides. With a wave pool, lazy river, food and drink outlets, and Jacuzzis, it’s the island’s dominant water park. This family-friendly venue has plenty to offer younger children in particular.More

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Top activities in Koh Samui

2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour

2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour

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$51.17
Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach

Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach

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$49.34
Mr Ung's Jungle Safari Tours (including Lunch)

Mr Ung's Jungle Safari Tours (including Lunch)

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From
$47.12
Private Sailing Yacht Charter by Independence from Koh Samui
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Private Sailing Yacht Charter by Independence from Koh Samui

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$944.58
per group
Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui

Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui

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$30.49
Snorkeling & Island Hopping

Snorkeling & Island Hopping

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$439.95
per group
Eco Jungle Safari Tour around Koh Samui Including Lunch

Eco Jungle Safari Tour around Koh Samui Including Lunch

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$56.68
Half Day Visit Elephant Sanctuary in Samui
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Half Day Visit Elephant Sanctuary in Samui

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$97.02
Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour
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Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour

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$108.10
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Snorkel Tour (Speedboat from Koh Samui)

Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Snorkel Tour (Speedboat from Koh Samui)

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$54.05
Day Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Insea Speedboat from Koh Samui

Day Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Insea Speedboat from Koh Samui

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$55.08
Half-Day Pig Island & Snorkeling Experience

Half-Day Pig Island & Snorkeling Experience

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$56.86
Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015

Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015

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$69.30
Koh Samui Custom Sightseeing Tour with Private Guide

Koh Samui Custom Sightseeing Tour with Private Guide

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$180.00
per group
3 Hours Jet Ski Safari from Koh Samui to Koh Tan & Koh Mudsum

3 Hours Jet Ski Safari from Koh Samui to Koh Tan & Koh Mudsum

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$205.12
per group
Samui Boat Charter, Private Speedboat Charter, Angthong National Marine Park

Samui Boat Charter, Private Speedboat Charter, Angthong National Marine Park

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$1,186.38
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Samui X Quad 4WD Buggy Tour with Lunch

Samui X Quad 4WD Buggy Tour with Lunch

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$246.70
per group
Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class

Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class

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$77.61
Mr. Tu Day Trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat from Koh Samui

Mr. Tu Day Trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat from Koh Samui

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$55.08
Private Beach Picnic in Koh Samui

Private Beach Picnic in Koh Samui

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$110.88
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All about Koh Samui

When to visit

If you come to Koh Samui in the dry season (December through February), don’t expect to have the popular island’s sunny shores to yourself. While temperatures can climb beyond 85°F (19°C) in March through August’s hot season, it’s also the best time to snorkel, scuba dive, and do other water sports, with the highest visibility. The annual Songkran (Thai New Year) festivities in April will cool you down—it’s impossible to not get wet at the world-famous "water festival."

Getting around

At just 15 miles (25 kilometers) in length, Koh Samui is fairly compact, but heavy traffic and steep roads can make it tricky to travel far on foot. Songthaews (converted pickup trucks that act like shared taxis) ply the main roads and take you to all corners of the island. The quickest and cheapest option—especially if you can haggle—is to hop on the back of a motorbike taxi. Or, get your own wheels and rent a moped.

Traveler tips

Beachfront restaurant Krua Chao Baan is popular with locals as well as in-the-know travelers. Pair your brunch with fresh-from-the-tree coconut juice, and then take to the water for a paddle—kayaks are provided free of charge for diners. Or, if you need a change from all those 200-baht cocktails and Singha beers, head to Bee’s Knees, the only brewpub on the island, which serves European-style craft beers.

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People Also Ask

Which side of Koh Samui is best?

Some of the most popular places to stay in Koh Samui include Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Chaoeng Mon along the east coast of the island, as well as Maenam Beach on the north shore. These towns boast some of the island’s best beaches, as well as being close to the airport.

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What airport do you fly into for Koh Samui?

Samui International Airport (USM) is Koh Samui’s airport, located just north of Chaweng village on the island’s northeast coast. Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Koh Samui, with direct flights to Bangkok taking around 90 minutes. You can also fly direct from Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, and Pattaya.

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What is there to do in Koh Samui at night?

Chaweng is the buzzing epicenter of Koh Samui’s nightlife, filled with beach bars and nightclubs. Other fun things to do at night include attending a Muay Thai boxing match or a Thai cabaret, visiting Chaweng or Lamai night markets, or hopping over to Koh Phangan for the legendary Full Moon parties.

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Can you island hop from Koh Samui?

Yes. Island-hopping tours are a popular choice for a day trip, exploring the many islands of the Ang Thong Marine Park or the small islands of Koh Mudsum and Koh Taen off the south coast of Koh Samui. Regular ferries also run to Koh Phangan (45 minutes) and Koh Tao (2 hours).

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How many nights do you need in Koh Samui?

A minimum of three nights on Koh Samui are recommended to take in the highlights of the island, soak up the nightlife, and enjoy the beaches. However, many visitors opt to stay a week or more at one of the island’s beach resorts or use the island as a base for island-hopping tours.

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What is the most beautiful beach in Koh Samui?

Silver Beach (Thongtakian) is one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beaches, with pristine white sands and swaying palms. While Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are deserving of their popularity, some of the island’s most photogenic beaches include Bophut Beach, Maenam Beach, Thongson Bay, and Taling Ngam.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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