Things to Do in Koh Samui - 16 Tips for Sightseeing

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the southeast of the country. It is the largest island in the entire archipelago and the most visited, although many visitors also head to the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. With our things to do in Koh Samui, we want to help you make the most of your time on the island.

16 Tips for Activities and things to do in Koh Samui

The first thing most visitors think of when it comes to the island are the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui. There are countless beaches all around the island. However, you can also discover many other attractions, viewpoints, waterfalls, temples, and more. You can make a trip to Koh Samui varied and get to know the tropical island from all its facets.

While you can discover many of these on your own, there is also the option to join organized tours or hire a private driver on Koh Samui to experience the island in a more personalized way.

How to get to Koh Samui

The easiest and fastest way to Koh Samui is with a direct flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The international airport of Koh Samui was built by Bangkok Airways and therefore the price for a flight ticket is kind of more expensive, because they preserve a monopoly – with a few exceptions.

It’s cheaper when you go to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland of Thailand. Airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to those cities from the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. At the destination airport you can take a bus to the Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier and from there a ferry to Koh Samui.

You can find the cheapest flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner. I absolutely can recommend Thai Lion Air by the way.

Note: Bus and train connections are also available if you want to arrive even cheaper. However, the travel time increases a lot. Tickets and information on times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Accommodation in Koh Samui – our hotel tip

A hotel where we felt very comfortable from the start is the Amari Koh Samui. The resort is located right on the beautiful Chaweng Beach, but not directly in the busy center. Despite its central location, the Amari exudes a relaxed atmosphere. You are also in the middle of the action in just a few minutes.

The hotel offers two swimming pools and beautiful, modern rooms of various categories. All are equipped with air conditioning, TV, minibar and free WiFi. You can choose between a garden or sea view. The beds are of great quality and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

If you are looking for other hotels on Koh Samui, for example in places like Lamai, Maenam or Bophut? Then take a look at this overview.

1. Big Buddha

The 12-meter-high statue of the Big Buddha is the landmark of Koh Samui and stands in Wat Phra Yai. The Big Buddha was built here in 1972 on the small island of Koh Fan, which you can reach via a causeway from the Bangrak district. You can visit the beautifully designed complex for free; a donation for the maintenance of the temple is appreciated.

The best times to visit are in the morning and afternoon, as the steps to the Big Buddha can get very hot in the midday heat. As is customary in Buddhist temples, you must enter the grounds barefoot. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Otherwise, you can borrow something to cover up for free on-site. In the vicinity of the temple, you will also find several souvenir shops as well as places to buy food and drinks.

2. Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem was built in 2004 and is definitely one of Koh Samui’s attractions for us. On the grounds, you will find a statue of Kuan Yin with 18 arms, as well as a giant Chinese laughing Buddha. The Kuan Yin statue is a Chinese Bodhisattva and represents compassion.

Additionally, on the grounds of Wat Plai Laem, there is a large lake where you can find the aforementioned statues on platforms. The lake is filled with turtles and fish that you can feed for a donation of 10 Baht. While there is no entrance fee to the temple, donations are welcome. The money is used for the expansion of the temple, as it is still not completely finished. For us, it is one of the most interesting temples on Koh Samui.

3. Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is probably the most popular beach on Koh Samui and, for us, definitely one of the most beautiful. It is also the largest beach on the island. Despite the many visitors, it is relatively clean because the resorts directly on the beach maintain it. Chaweng Beach features very fine, soft sand and clean water, making it perfect for swimming.

At the northern end, you will find more affordable bungalow complexes, as well as the Ark Bar and the Elephant Beach Club. At the southern end, there is one of the few public access points near the Seen Beach Club or the Avani Chaweng, as otherwise, you must enter the beach through one of the resorts.

In the late afternoon, many locals also come to the southern end of the beach. They don’t necessarily come to swim but to enjoy the variety of Thai food, such as papaya salad and snacks from beach vendors, which can be eaten right on the beach. Here, you will also find a few sun umbrellas and loungers if you prefer those. For more information about Chaweng and the beach, check out our Chaweng Beach things to do (coming soon).

4. Fisherman’s Village Walking Street

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the most popular night market in Bophut takes place. The Walking Street is the largest of its kind on Koh Samui. You can find it at The Wharf Shopping Mall, right on the Ring Road in Koh Samui. It leads to Fisherman’s Village and offers many stalls selling souvenirs, drinks, food, and much more. Sample the culinary delights of Thailand, buy something to remember your trip, or enjoy the market at one of the charming little cocktail bars. A highlight we don’t want to leave out in our Koh Samui things to do.

Tip: If you want to visit more markets on Koh Samui, there are several other noteworthy ones scattered across the island. These include the Si Khao Night Market in Chaweng, the Lamai Night Market on Lamai Beach Road, and the night market near the pier in Nathon. All of these take place daily. Additionally, there is a small Walking Street on Thursdays at Chaweng Lake, opposite the Central Festival Shopping Mall.

5. Namuang Waterfalls

The entrances to the Namuang Waterfalls are located directly on the island’s main ring road and are among the Koh Samui attractions. The 18-meter-high Namuang Waterfall 1 is very easy to reach from the parking lot via a short jungle path. On-site, you will find a large natural pool where you can swim.

The 80-meter-high Namuang Waterfall 2, in our opinion, is the more beautiful of the two. At the base of the waterfall, there is a small natural pool where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. To get there, however, you must embark on a small adventure over jungle paths and bamboo bridges. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

During the dry season, however, the trip is not worth it as the waterfalls have very little water. Namuang Waterfall 2 is located behind the Namuang Safari Park, where most people leave their scooters in the parking lot. There are off-road jeeps that will take you to the waterfall for 100 Baht. Alternatively, you can ride your scooter to the entrance. There is no entrance fee for either of the waterfalls.

6. Tarnim Magic Garden (Secret Buddha Garden)

The Tarnim Magic Garden, sometimes referred to as the Secret Buddha Garden, is hidden in the interior of Koh Samui. Specifically, it is located on a hill (Khun Nim Peak). You can find it by taking the entrance on the main ring road of Koh Samui, roughly opposite Wat Khunaram in the south of the island. The entrance is also signposted.

After that, you drive up the island’s mountains for quite a while. Once you reach the top, there is a large garden adorned with numerous statues. While there are few Buddha statues, you will find statues of snakes, birds, and other mystical creatures scattered throughout the garden. The entrance fee is 80 Baht per person, which is used to maintain the Tarnim Magic Garden. It’s a unique highlight among the things to do in Koh Samui and well worth a visit.

7. Giant Summit

High up in the mountains of Koh Samui, you’ll also find the Giant Summit Restaurant, which you pass by on your way to the Tarnim Magic Garden. The entrance on the left side is a bit inconspicuous, but a sign will guide you.

The Giant Summit offers delicious food and cool drinks with a spectacular view over the southwest of Koh Samui. There are plenty of seating options right on the hillside, and it is rarely crowded. Not many tourists find their way here, so you can enjoy the atmosphere and view in peace and quiet. It is open daily from 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM and pairs perfectly with a visit to the Tarnim Magic Garden.

8. Wat Khunaram

Directly on the ring road, opposite the entrance to Namuang Waterfall 2 and Tarnim Magic Garden, lies Wat Khunaram. It is a popular stop on many island tours in Koh Samui. But what makes this small temple so special?

If you read about the history of Wat Khunaram, you’ll discover that it houses a mummified monk. He died in 1973 in a seated meditation position and has been preserved in a glass case ever since. He is said to have predicted both the day of his death and the non-decay of his body. Because of this legend, many visitors come to see this mysterious monk, who has become one of Koh Samui’s attractions.

9. Nightlife on Koh Samui

Koh Samui may not be as famous for its nightlife as Phuket or Pattaya, but it still has a lot to offer. Chaweng, the main tourist area of the island, is particularly noteworthy. Here, you’ll find numerous bars and clubs, in addition to various beach clubs (see also point 11). The evening usually starts in a beach club like Ark Bar or Elephant Beach Club, with fire shows and a lively atmosphere.

Afterwards, most people move on to the surrounding bars on Chaweng Beach Road. Around midnight, the larger clubs, like Green Mango or Black Bamboo start to fill up. A bit further away, there’s also the Reggae Pub, which is especially popular for live music. In Chaweng, you will definitely find a place that suits your taste, and spots like Tropical Murphy’s, an Irish pub, are also very popular.

Outside of Chaweng, you can find a few bars or beach clubs in Lamai, Maenam, Bophut, or Bangrak that attract visitors in the evening. However, there are no large nightclubs or extensive partying options in these areas if you’re not interested in bar hopping.

10. Lamai Beach

The second-largest beach on Koh Samui is Lamai Beach, which is also the biggest tourist hotspot after Chaweng. The beach itself may not be as fine and white, but it is still charming. Swimming at Lamai Beach is also enjoyable, especially since it is better suited for proper swimming as it gets deeper a bit earlier.

In the high season, Lamai Beach can get a bit crowded, but given the size of the beach, you can always find a quiet spot. Additionally, there are several restaurants and resorts directly on the beach where you can get food and drinks.

11. Beach Clubs on Koh Samui

Beach clubs are becoming increasingly popular in Thailand, and many have recently opened in Koh Samui. You can find them at several beaches on the island. At Chaweng Beach, for example, there is the Seen Beach Club and Ark Bar. In Lamai, you can find the Beach Republic and the Red Elephant Beach Club. In Lipa Noi, there is the well-known Nikki Beach and in Bangrak, you will find the new 79 Beach Club and Chi Samui. A bit further along, there is The Deck, which is located at Bophut Beach.

So, if you feel like spending a day at a beach club, you’ll find a wide selection on Koh Samui. Most of them open at 10.00 AM. Be prepared for higher prices in the beach clubs, and some may require a minimum spend for tables. Nevertheless, it’s a great alternative for a relaxing day.

12. Go-karting

There are currently two go-kart tracks on Koh Samui. One is located directly at Chaweng Lake, called Easy Kart, and the other is right on the ring road near Fisherman’s Village, called Samui Karting. So, if you’re looking for an activity other than the beach or sightseeing, give this Koh Samui tip a try.

The tracks are not very challenging and are therefore suitable for beginners or families with children. Racing a few laps with friends is definitely fun as well. You can even compete in races, either against each other or against the clock. Prices start at 500 Baht and up. The tracks are open daily from 10.00 AM or 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM or midnight.

13. Grandmother and Grandfather Rock (Hin Yai and Hin Ta)

A short distance south of Lamai lie the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, also known as Hin Yai and Hin Ta. This Koh Samui attraction is visited on most tours and is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island. But it’s not just tourists; many Thais also come here because of the legend surrounding the rocks.

According to ancient times, a couple is said to have shipwrecked here. This pair was immortalized in the rocks, as the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks unmistakably resemble genitalia. Nowadays, visiting this Koh Samui attraction is believed to enhance fertility, and couples hoping to conceive often visit the rocks. There is no entry fee to visit, but there is a charge of 10 or 40 Baht for parking a scooter or car.

14. Baan Tai Beach

Between Maenam and Bang Por, you will find the small village of Baan Tai. Signs along the Ring Road lead to the beach, or you can search for Mimosa Resort & Spa on Google Maps. Baan Tai Beach is very quiet, with few visitors. You can park directly at the beach.

At Baan Tai Beach, between Maenam and Bang Por on Koh Samui, you can enjoy a serene atmosphere with clear views of the neighboring island of Koh Phangan on a clear day. The beach features fine, clean sand and typically clear water, though it can be rocky during low tide. Despite this, it’s still worth visiting for its picturesque white sand and palm-fringed shoreline, offering a paradisiacal setting.

You can also rent kayaks here and explore the coral reef just offshore, making it a good spot for snorkeling. Shade may be limited, but if you’re seeking a peaceful beach with fewer crowds, Baan Tai Beach is a perfect choice.

15. Viewpoints on Koh Samui

When you see Koh Samui from a distance, the island appears quite mountainous, and it is indeed, especially in its interior. Due to this, numerous viewpoints have been established across Koh Samui, each more beautiful than the next. New restaurants and bars with stunning views continue to emerge, but you won’t be able to visit all of them during one trip to Koh Samui.

We can recommend, for example, Heartshape Mountain or The Roof in Chaweng. The Jungle Club is also very nice but usually quite busy, so nowadays you should consider making a reservation in advance during high season or expect long waiting times. Another beautiful viewpoint in the south is Giant Summit (see point 7), offering a slightly different view of the islands south of Koh Samui. The Cocoon is also worth mentioning. It’s located on the way between Chaweng and the airport, providing a nice view of the latter.

16. Ang Thong Marine National Park

Ang Thong Marine National Park may not be on the island itself, but it is still considered one of Koh Samui’s things to do. Located off the coast, many visitors take a day trip there. The park features over 42 islands, most of which are uninhabited.

The tours usually visit the same destinations and include stops for kayaking or snorkeling. Lunch is also included and often takes place on Koh Phaluai. In addition to fascinating rock formations, you will visit Koh Mae Koh with its blue lagoon and other islands, which may vary. Koh Wua Talap is another highlight, where you can hike to a viewpoint and enjoy a breathtaking view of the islands in the national park.

For more information about a tour, check out our article on Ang Thong Marine National Park. There, you’ll find details on prices, tour length, and departure times.

Koh Samui: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Samui in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Samui.

Have you ever been to Koh Samui? Do you know of any other things do to in Koh Samui that we should mention here? Feel free to leave us a comment.