Overview
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1. Relax on the paradise beaches
There are so many beautiful beaches on Koh Samui that it is impossible not to spend some time in the sand. The island is home to numerous paradise white sand beaches with coconut palm trees, so you have plenty of choice!
Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach on Koh Samui, with a lot of bars and nightlife opportunities in the surroundings. Another popular beach is Lamai Beach. It is less crowded and therefore more relaxing than Chaweng Beach.
Find a good spot for yourself, prepare your towel, apply sunscreen, order a cocktail, and take a refreshing dip in the water every now and then. Aaaah, can you feel it through your screen yet?
On the west side of the island, you find the less tourist beaches, such as Lipah Noi Beach. Not only are these beaches way less busy, but you can also witness the most beautiful sunsets on this side of the island.
2. Na Muang 2 waterfall
On Koh Samui, you can not only take a refreshing dip in the sea, but also at the Na Muang waterfalls. At the top of the Na Muang 2 waterfall, you can relax in a small natural pool while enjoying a beautiful view of the surroundings. To reach the top, you have to hike up for 20-30 minutes.
If you don’t fancy that hike, you can also go for a swim at the foot of the Na Muang 1 waterfall, which is easier to reach.
It’s one of the most popular things to do in Koh Samui, so unfortunately it can get quite busy.
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3. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha)
One of the most famous landmarks of Koh Samui is the Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai temple. This temple is located on a smaller island on the northeastern corner of Koh Samui. The giant golden Buddha was built in 1972 and is around 12 meters high. Because this Buddha sits at the top of a steep staircase, you also have a beautiful view of the surroundings from here. It is definitely a must see place on Koh Samui.
Practical
The entrance to the Wat Phra Yai temple is free.
Daily open from 07:00 am until 06:30 pm, but it can vary sometimes.
Good to know: When visiting a Buddhist temple, it’s important to show respect by dressing appropriately. Make sure your shoulders are covered, and your clothing reaches at least to your knees. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. Shoes should be removed at the entrance of the temple, and it’s polite to wear socks. Do not wear a hat or head covering inside, unless it is required for religious reasons. By following these simple guidelines, you show respect for the sacred space and the traditions of Buddhism.
4. Fishersman’s village
In the area of Bophut, you’ll find the historical Fisherman’s village. It is one of the oldest areas of the island with original wooden fisher houses, built by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. It’s a lovely place to stroll around through the cute little restaurants and shops, perfect for doing a bit of shopping, and grabbing a bite. The real fishermen no longer live here, but they still bring their fresh fish to the restaurants every day. It is therefore the best place to eat fresh seafood on Koh Samui.
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 5 pm, Bophut Beach Road becomes a walking street and turns into a lively night market full of souvenirs, street food, and live music. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Koh Samui to soak up the cozy atmosphere.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay on Koh Samui and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
via Booking.com
5. Wat Plai Laem
Not far from the Big Buddha, you’ll find Wat Plai Laem. It’s a beautiful Buddhist temple complex built on a lake. You can explore the different temples, admire the Statues of Goddess Guanyin and the Chinese Laughing Buddha, and be amazed by the gigantic fishes and cute turtles in the lake.
As the Wat Plai Laem is close to the Big Buddha, you can easily visit both temples during one day out. that is why these two temples are often included together in a Koh Samui island tour.
6. Ang Thong Marine Park - Best Things to do in Koh Samui
Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, full of limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, and mesmerizing lakes. It is a spectacular place, where you can snorkel, spot marine life, chill on a beach, kayak.. and so much more.
Ang Thong is located close to Koh Samui, and you can easily get there by speed boat during a full day tour. It is without a doubt one of the best activities in Koh Samui. Most of these tours include a visit to the Emerald Lagoon, spending some time on a beach, snorkeling or kayaking, and practical matters such as lunch and hotel transfers. The best thing about this archipelago is that it is still relatively quiet and serene because only a limited number of tour operators are allowed to organize tours to Ang Thong.
Tickets
Explore all the options for a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park.
7. Wat Ratchathammaram
The Wat Rachathammaram, also referred to as the red or terracotta temple, is a very unique Buddhist Temple on Koh Samui, due to its beautiful red terracotta color. Yet another name for this temple is Wat Sila Ngu, which means ‘stone snake’, as you can find a lot of stone-carved snakes around the temple.
Wat Rachathammaram got its red color from the deep red clay in which it is covered. The walls and roof, both inside and outside, are beautifully decorated with very detailed bas-reliefs and sculptures. Walk a few laps in and around the temple, and discover more and more details in the reliefs. We thought it was one of the most beautiful and unique places on Koh Samui.
Good to know: When visiting a Buddhist temple, it’s important to show respect by dressing appropriately. Make sure your shoulders are covered, and your clothing reaches at least to your knees. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. Shoes should be removed at the entrance of the temple, and it’s polite to wear socks. Do not wear a hat or head covering inside, unless it is required for religious reasons. By following these simple guidelines, you show respect for the sacred space and the traditions of Buddhism.
8. The Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram
without a doubt, one of the most bizarre and unusual things to see on Koh Samui is the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram.
The name of this Buddhist Monk was Luang Pho Daeng, who predicted his own death in 1973. His relatives and disciples decided to place his body in the upright meditative position in the glass case, as he requested in his own written instruction. This is a symbol to inspire future generations to follow the Buddhist teachings and be saved from suffering.
For most Westerners, this might be a bit bizarre as it is a real dead body. But for Thai Buddhists, it is a very sacred place. Therefore, make sure that you are dressed appropriately and that you behave respectfully.
Practical
The entrance is free.
Daily open from 08:00 am until 05:00 pm.
9. Hin Ta and Hin Yai - Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks
Hin Ta and Hin Yai, also known as Grandpa and Grandma Rock, are two. bizarrely shaped, you read that right, rocks.
Over the years, these stones have naturally formed into the shape of the male and female genitalia. It’s a very popular place to visit on Koh Samui and people can’t help but take the most silly photos here (no explanation needed). We certainly didn’t think it was an impressive or interesting place. However, as you have a beautiful view from these rocks, we did think it was a good place to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the southeastern side of the island. The stones are located close to the beautiful Lamai Beach, which is certainly worth a vist, so you can easily combine a visit to both.
To make the place a little more attractive, there is also a legend behind these rocks. The story goes that an elderly couple was traveling by sea to find a wife for their son to marry. Unfortunately, their boat capsized in a storm and the the couple drowned. They transformed into these rocks as a sign to their son and his new family that they tried to make it.
10. Secret Buddha garden
The Secret Buddha Garden is a small garden, full of little statues, tucked away in the heart of Koh Samui. It’s a lovely place to wander through the forest while enjoying the statues.
It was started by a local fruit farmer named Nim Thongsuk, back in 1976. He began to collect and place Buddhist statues around the property of his family. He kept adding statues to the garden up until his death at the age of 91.
It’s certainly one of the most peaceful things to do in Koh samui and a must-visit if you are exploring the area.
11. Night markets
One of the best things to do in Koh Samui in the evening, is to stroll over one of the several different night markets. Every day, there is a night market somewhere in the various towns of Koh Samui, such as Lamai, Bophut, Chaweng and Mae Nam. These markets are full of cheap and delicious street food, clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts and so much more!
The night markets usually start at 5.00pm and stay open until 11.00pm. During your trip to Koh Samui you should definitely experience the atmosphere at at least one night market.
Practical Information
Best time to visit Koh Samui
Generally, Thailand knows 3 seasons: wet season (May to October/November), cool season (December to February), and hot season (March to May).
Therefore, the best time to visit Koh Samui is outside rainy season between December and May, when it is warm and dry. During the hot season, from March to May, it can get very hot with high temperatures around 30 degrees. So, if you cannot stand the heat, it is best to avoid traveling to Koh Samui during these months. However, the cool season, from December to February, is also a high tourist season. This is when you can expect bigger crowds and higher prices.
How to get to Koh Samui
Koh Samui has its own international airport, so the easiest and fastest way is to fly to Koh Samui. There are direct flights arriving from major cities in Thailand such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi, but also from other countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. So, flying to Koh Samui is very simple.
You can also take a ferry to Koh Samui from other islands like Koh Tao, or from the mainland, such as Surat Thani or Don Sak. These mainland spots are accessible by train or bus. From some places, such as Bangkok, you can book a complete transportation package including bus and ferry.
Book your transport in Thailand now!
How to get around on Koh Samui
The best way to get around Koh Samui is by renting a motorbike. It is an island, so the distances you have to cover are never very long and the roads are generally in good condition. However, the traffic can be quite busy, especially compared to other islands. Prices for a scooter rental vary around 200-300 baht per day.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, it is also possible to take a motorbike taxi. They are quick and you can easily stop one on the street or at a designated taxi stand.
Another option is taking these typical open cars or songthaews. They run along along fixed routes around the island and you have to ring the bell when you are close to your destination to get off. There are no road maps so you have to keep an eye on where you are going. Make sure to negotiate the price in advance as prices can be different for tourists and Thais.
It is also possible to discover the highlights of the island during a complete Koh Samui Island tour. This way you don’t have to worry about transportation, you see the most interesting sights during one tour and you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Koh Samui for the rest of your time.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Koh Samui might sometimes have a reputation as being a bit expensive and offering mostly more luxurious stays. However, there are plenty of options for almost every kind of budget.
There are different areas to stay on Koh Samui, and most tourist areas are located on the east side of the island. The three liveliest and most popular areas are Lamai, Chaweng, and Bophut.
- Lamai is your best option if you want the golden mean between a relaxed and a lively atmosphere. There’s a beautiful beach, with some lovely bars and restaurants, but not the big nightclubs.
- If you are looking for a little party on Koh Samui, then Chaweng is your place to be! It’s the area where you will find the most backpackers and younger travelers with the best nightlife opportunities, such as nightclubs, pubs, and beach bars.
- Bophut is the more luxurious area, where you find the larger hotels and resorts. This is where people stay who are traveling less on a budget. However, here too, you will find cheap accommodations if you like a little more comfort.
If you prefer to stay further away from all the hustle and bustle, you can also stay in Mae Nam or other areas in the north, south, or west of the island.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay on Koh Samui and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
via Booking.com
How many days for Koh Samui
Koh Samui is mainly a place to relax, but there are also some interesting things to see and do. That is why we recommend that you stay on Koh Samui for at least 3 days. This way you have enough time to see all the highlights, but there is also time left to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the island.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
