Koh Samui - The Best Viewpoints

Koh Samui is a popular island in the tropics and many visitors come because of the beautiful beaches and the famous sights, such as the Big Buddha. However, the third-largest island in Thailand certainly offers much more than that. The activities on Koh Samui are diverse and there is something for everyone.

15 Viewpoints on Koh Samui

In addition to markets, beaches, and temples, this also includes the many viewpoints of Koh Samui, which are spread all over the island. Some of them are more famous than others. In this article, we provide you with an overview of 15 viewpoints on Koh Samui that you can visit during your trip to the Thai island.

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

One hotel where we felt comfortable from the very beginning was the Amari Koh Samui. If you want to stay at the beautiful Chaweng Beach, but not directly in the relatively busy center, the Amari is just right. Despite the central location you will have your peace – we liked it very much!

The hotel offers 2 swimming pools and beautiful, modern furnished rooms of different categories – depending on your budget. We definitely recommend this hotel and would stay there again anytime. Find more hotels on Koh Samui here.

1. Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is one of the landmarks of Koh Samui and is located in the Wat Phra Yai on the small attached island Koh Fan. You can reach it by scooter, car, or with organized tours. The temple complex is an interesting destination and stairs lead you to the platform of the Big Buddha.

But be careful! The stairs can be very hot in the midday heat, so it’s better to visit in the morning or afternoon. From the Big Buddha, you also have a beautiful view of Koh Samui with the mountains and the district of Bangrak in the foreground.

2. Baan Fan Noi/The Cocoon

The Baan Fan Noi viewpoint can still be referred to as a hidden gem. It is signposted when you head north from Chaweng towards the airport, but few visitors take this turn. You’ll also find The Cocoon restaurant here, but generally, there are few visitors.

The viewpoint is located on a small hill that is currently still relatively undeveloped. You will see a few construction sites for future villas there, but they do not disturb the view. From here you can see the island Koh Mat Lang as well as the Yai Noi Beach, where, for example, the Anantara Lawana Resort is located.

3. Khao Hua Jook Pagode

On the Chow Daow Mountain in Chaweng, the golden Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is located, offering a great view. Besides the pagoda, there is also a footprint of Buddha to admire on site.

There is a view of two sides. On one hand, you have a view over Chaweng and the Chaweng Lake (see photo), and on the other hand, you can see Koh Samui’s airport, where you can observe departing and landing planes. Admission is 20 baht per person.

4. Jungle Club

The Jungle Club is high in the mountains of Chaweng Noi and offers a fantastic view of the Gulf of Thailand as well as the coasts of Chaweng and Chaweng Noi. In the distance, with good weather, you can even spot Koh Phangan. In addition to the bar and restaurant, there are bungalows and an infinity pool for visitors, all of which were constructed entirely from indigenous materials.

Enjoy a refreshing shake in the bean bags with a stunning view. An absolutely brilliant spot on Koh Samui, which is worth a visit. Admission is free, but of course, you should order something from the restaurant or bar. Open daily from 8.00 A.M. to 10.00 P.M.

5. Lat Ko Viewpoint

On the ring road of Koh Samui, between Chaweng Noi and the Coral Cove Beach, is the Lat Ko Viewpoint, which you can’t miss. It offers a fantastic view of the east coast of Koh Samui. Especially at sunrise, the view of Chaweng from here is very beautiful.

From the upper part of the Lat Ko viewpoint, a path and stairs lead down to the sea. This way, you can look at the view directly from the rocks from a slightly different perspective. However, few visitors take the path downwards.

6. Vikasa Life Café

With a similar view to that from the Lat Ko Viewpoint (but usually fewer visitors), the Vikasa Life Café is a nice alternative. You can find it right on the ring road of Koh Samui, just before the curve with the Elephant Rock, on the left side.

Open from 9.00 A.M. to 9.00 P.M. daily, the Vikasa Life Café offers not only a beautiful view but also food and drinks. Everything here is made with organic ingredients, and there is a wide selection for vegans.

7. Lamai Viewpoint

The Lamai Viewpoint is located on a site with the Valentine Stone and the small Siva Tara Waterfall. It is signposted all over the island. The entrance is located shortly after the Makro supermarket in Lamai on the side facing towards the middle of the island.

In addition to the Lamai Viewpoint Café (which you can reach on foot or by a cable car), which offers you a fantastic view of the coast of Lamai, there is also ziplining or a fish spa on site.

Admission costs 100 Baht if you walk to the viewpoint. The cable car costs an extra 200 Baht (round trip) and the ziplining another 800 Baht. For the fish spa, you are also in with another 100 Baht. Open daily from 9.00 A.M. to 6.30 P.M. On Saturdays and Sundays it is open from 8.30 A.M.

8. Overlap Stone

The Overlap Stone is becoming more and more known, but is still considered a secret tip as you are likely to be the only visitor on site (at least outside the high season). The huge stone stands on a rock that you can reach via a bridge. From there, you also have a wonderful view over the southern part of Lamai and the coast of Koh Samui.

You will find the Overlap Stone if you take the entrance towards the center of the island opposite the Rocky’s Boutique Resort. You now simply follow the road always up the mountain. On site, there is now a large parking lot and stairs that lead to the Overlap Stone. An admission fee of 50 Baht is charged here and a drink is included. At the stone itself, you pay another 50 Baht, as there is a different owner there.

9. Jungle Route 360

The Jungle Route 360 is also located in the mountains of Koh Samui, so to speak, on the second highest peak. As the name suggests, it offers a 360 degree view of Koh Samui. At least, when the weather is good. Unfortunately, this was not the case during our visit.

The friendly owners are always up for a conversation and you can buy something to eat or drink on site. The quiet and unique atmosphere makes the Jungle Route 360 special, as few visitors make the trek up the mountain.

To get to Jungle Route 360, your own scooter is the best option. Here you have to drive to the temple of Lamai and instead of turning around the curve, just continue straight towards the mountains. At the next fork in the road, turn right and then immediately left. Now follow the road up the mountain and at the end, at the next fork, turn right. And you’re there.

By the way, you can even camp at Jungle Route 360 and thus enjoy the view of the island in the evening, at night, or at sunrise. Otherwise, it is open daily from 8.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.

10. Wat Teepangkorn

Khao Pom, with its height of 635 meters, is the highest point of Koh Samui and offers you a spectacular view from the peak. This is also where the Wat Teepangkorn temple is located, with a large golden Buddha statue on a terrace from which you also have the best view. The viewpoint is really great, but usually has few visitors, as the journey there is somewhat more difficult.

To get to the temple, take the same path as to the Jungle Route 360, but at the end turn left towards Wat Teepangkorn. There is no admission fee for the visit, but a small donation is welcome, as the facility is still being expanded.

11. Giant Summit

The Giant Summit is a restaurant in the mountains of Koh Samui with a view over the southwest, e.g., onto Taling Ngam. Here, you can sit directly at the “edge”, eat and drink something, and enjoy the view. The Giant Summit is usually not crowded, which is why the atmosphere is very quiet and relaxed.

The approach is relatively simple. You take the entrance opposite the Wat Khunaram, right on the Ring Road, up the mountain. Signs there, for example, point to the Secret Buddha Garden. Past a few waterfalls, you then take a left into an entrance up to the Giant Summit. Here, you can park your scooter or your car. It is open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 7.00 P.M.

12. Samui Viewpoint

The Samui Viewpoint is located amidst the mountains of Koh Samui and offers a fantastic view of the north with Bangrak and the neighboring island of Koh Phangan. However, this viewpoint can only be reached on the 4×4 Jeep Tours. On such a tour, this viewpoint is a stop, and you definitely can’t drive the roads with a scooter.

13. Wat Rattanakosin

In the south of Koh Samui, not far from the slowly famous Laem Sor Pagoda, you can see Wat Rattanakosin (also known as Wat Khao Chedi) on the top of a mountain. You can easily reach the temple by turning right on the last street before Laem Sor Pagoda and following the way up the hill.

Once you reach the top, there are some Buddha statues and the white Chedi, from which Wat Khao Chedi derives its name, to see. Also, the view over the south coast of Koh Samui with the palm groves behind it is really impressive and contributes to a nice visit to the temple.

14. Four Seasons Viewpoint

The viewpoint is not part of the Four Seasons Hotel, however, it can be very well described with this name. You can find it directly opposite the entrance to the Four Seasons Hotel, if you follow the road uphill.

Once you arrive there, you can enjoy the view of the west coast with Koh Samui’s capital Nathon and the mountains, or look out towards Laem Yai Beach with the land bridge that has a beach on both sides. Definitely not a well-known viewpoint and therefore another small insider tip.

15. W Retreat

The luxurious W Retreat Koh Samui is located on the peninsula between Bophut Beach and Maenam Beach. Most visitors are guests of the resort, but you don’t have to have booked a room to visit the resort. Visitors from outside who want to go to the beach, for example, or have a drink in the bar with a great view of the neighboring island of Koh Phangan, are also welcome.

The Woobar is open daily from 11.00 A.M. to midnight and offers drinks in a higher price range. However, the view and the great atmosphere definitely make up for this. By the way, every Friday from 6.00 P.M. to 9.00 P.M. there is a Mojito Happy Hour. For a price of 888 Baht, you can try various variations for 3 hours while a DJ plays live music.

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 also visited viewpoints on Koh Samui? Which one is your favorite of the Koh Samui viewpoints? Give us feedback in the comments.