Ready to plan your days in Koh Samui and want to know what there is to do?
Koh Samui island in Thailand is a tropical paradise known for its palm fringed stretches of beaches spilling into tropical waters. The 5 star resorts are also a draw to many tourists along with the nightlife scene that unfolds as the sun goes down also attracting a younger generation.
Beyond the beaches, resorts and nightlife, there are lots of things to do on Koh Samui. Wether that is exploring the cultural tourist spots in Koh Samui such as the gorgeous temples and local markets, or more adventurous activities including waterfalls, hikes through the jungle or boat trips to the nearby marine park. It is definitely worth visiting Koh Samui attractions.
In this travel blog I will fill you in on all the best things to do in Koh Samui. This will include a variety of attractions in Koh Samui. From the most popular sightseeing in Koh Samui to lesser known attractions and activities.
Things to do in Koh Samui – Planning
If you’re ready to start planning your Koh Samui itinerary, before getting started on all the activities and things to do in Koh Samui, below is a list of resources that will help you put together your Koh Samui travel plan.
How to get to Koh Samui
Most tourists visiting Koh Samui are traveling from either Bangkok or Phuket. Regardless of where you’re coming from, the journey is straightforward and there’s 2 options.
The fastest and easiest option is to book a direct flight. There are regular direct flights from Phuket airport and flights from both airports in Bangkok with a travel duration of around 1 hour.
→View Bangkok to Koh Samui flight schedules
→View Phuket to Koh Samui flight schedules
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a slower journey, the best option is to book an all inclusive bus+ferry combo ticket. It’s affordable and hassle free.
→View Bangkok to Koh Samui combo tickets
→View Phuket to Koh Samui combo tickets
For you → Best beachfront resorts in Chaweng for any budget
Best things to do in Koh Samui
Whether you’re on a family vacation, a relaxing holiday or you’re a traveler looking for fun things to do, you’ll find a lot of opportunities in Koh Samui. So what are the best things to do in Koh Samui? Scroll down to find out.
Beach Hopping
You’re literally in tropical paradise. It’s hot and humid and the scents of suncream and ocean fills the air and you’re never too far from a palm fringed beach with calm waters lapping over white sand. Hit the beach, dip your toes into the hot sand and take a dip. Maybe find a patch of shade under a palm tree. Buy a cold mango smoothie from a beach vendor. Without a doubt one of the best things to do in Koh Samui is to explore the beaches.
The great thing is that the best beaches are all concentrated in the north eastern portion of the island. So it’s easy to go from one beach to the other, as long as you have some way to get around like a scooter of car.
- Chaweng Beach: This is the most popular and largest beach on the island stretching over 7 km. Central Chaweng is the busiest. Head further south to Chaweng Noi for some peace and quiet and an equally gorgeous (or maybe better) beach.
- Lamai: It’s a nice long beach with sloping sand and the water quickly gets deep. The water clarity isn’t so great here which can be off putting.
- Crystal Bay: This bay nestled between outcrops covered in lush greenery on either side. While small, the tropical setting and lack of tourists definitely make up for it.
- Coral Cove: A short drive away Coral Cove is just as gorgeous. With rocks jutting out of the clear waters and jungle wrapping around.
Or check out →the best beaches in Koh Samui here.
The Big Buddha
The Big Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is a prominent landmark located on the northern coast of Koh Samui. As the name implies, it’s an enormous Buddha that was built in the 1970’s and is a symbol of enlightenment. This popular tourist attraction form parts of a larger religious area in the Bophut region where you’ll find various other Buddhist shrines and structures. There’s also a number of souvenir shops along with small cafes.
Make sure to get here early though as this is one of the most popular tourists attractions in Koh Samui. The temple complex opens at 7:00am, you’ll have the best lighting if you plan taking any photographs.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
The Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are located at the end of Lamai beach. These strangely formed rock formations have always lead to many giggles by both tourists and locals. The rocks are often referred to as Grandpa (Hin Ta) and Grandma (Hin Yai) because they have an uncanny resemblance with a male and female genitalia.
The story of these is that the parents went to mainland Thailand to propose for the marriage of the son. On their way back their boat sank and they drowned. After being washed up to shore their bodies were turned into these interesting rock formations.
Wat Ratchathammaram (Pink Temple)
If you’re passing by the mainroad in Lamai you’ll most likely be drawn by the contrasting color of this temple. Unlike the majority of temples in Thailand which have contrasting green, red and gold colors, Wat Ratchathammaram is covered in just a single color and in contrast may seem boring. This temple is built in terracotta and has a really deep pink color.
This temple is really a sight to see both from the outside and in. The terracotta roof and walls are covered in intricately engraved bas reliefs. And as you walk inside it’s just as stunning with a big golden Buddha sitting in the heart of the temple.
Rum Tasting and Distillery
One of the best things to do in Koh Samui is to drive all the way down to the Southern part of the island and taste the locally made rum. La Rhumerie De Koh Samui is located in south Koh Samui. In their distillery they produce 2 types of rums. One of them is strong, the other sort of sweet. It’s a nice ride down there as you pass through uninhabited parts of the island, amazing countryside views and through local villages. The places is nestled among a tropical landscape where they also have their distillery which they usually let you visit.
Coco Tams
Coco Tams is arguably one of the most famous lounges in Koh Samui. Located in the fancy Fisherman’s village in Bophut, this beach lounge really bring together luxury with laid back beach vibes thanks to the Balinese inspired designed yet elegant soft furnishings. It’s a place to chill out and relax during the day, enjoy a good cocktail and nibble on one of their really tasty dishes.
But it’s when the sun goes down that Coco Tams is most popular. Here you’ll get a front row seat for a spectacular sunset followed by a fire show. The performers set stage on the beach. Guests on their bean bags watch the dancing fire. There is 2 shows every evening at 7:15pm and 9:15pm. It would be best to reserve a spot in advance or come here early between 5:00 and 5:30pm if you want to find a good spot.
Enjoy the Nightlife
It comes as no surprise that some of the best things to do in Koh Samui happen at night. Specifically if you’re already in Chaweng, you’re in for a treat because this is where all the action happens. I’m referring to the central area near The Green Mango Club and up to a few hundred meters in either direction.
The 2 most famous venues are The Green Mango Club which is located in a side street and at the end of many other smaller clubs where the party keeps going until the early hours. Ark Bar is where the warm up starts. It’s a big beach club with a pool and tables on the beach and lasers shooting into the ocean. Drinks, especially at Ark Bar are quite expensive and honestly, the cocktails aren’t that great. My suggestions would be to have a few pre-drinks at Ark Bar store across the street. I have no idea if this place is related to Ark Bar itself, but the drinks are a lot cheaper.
Ta Nim Magic Garden (Secret Buddha Garden)
The Secret Buddha Garden is a serene garden filled with various sculptures in the mountains of Koh Samui. The garden depicts various animals, deities and humans in various positions including a complete dance performance. The garden is shaded by thick trees which has resulted in everything being eerily covered in moss. There’s a small waterfall and a stream passing through the garden.
The garden is located at the end of some really steep roads where the air is cooler and your ears will pop a few times until you get there. There roads are well maintained though.
Note: “there are 2 routes to get here. 1 of the routes passes from near the overlap stone. Do not take this route! We accidentally took this route after visiting the overlap stone. It was pretty obvious from the start that it wasn’t a safe route but we pushed forward on a tiny scooter until the road turned into something suitable for a dirt bike“.
Overlap Stone
Overlap stone is an impressive rock balanced on another rock. Actually rock and stone are understatements. It’s a huge 2 story+ massive boulder that rests right on the edge of underlying rock. You’ll get some pretty amazing views from up there all the way over the lush jungle and onto the emerald ocean. Overlap stone and the surrounding was a raw experience that had a small fee. Today all around the rock has been developed and what was once a challenging place to reach is easy peasy so you may come across a number of tourists. There is a fee of ฿200 ($6) which is quite steep for a rock ;D.
Further up there is Overlap stone 2. It’s short ride up the hill and then about a 10 minute walk up a dirt path. It’s pretty much the same as overlap stone but in its raw version. There’s a platform near this equally big boulder and the view is better and there is no development around it. The fee is also a more reasonable ฿20 ($0.60).
Koh Madsum (Pig Island)
Koh Madsum is an island paradise just off the southern coast of Koh Samui. This little slice of paradise has only recently started becoming famous. Not only because the island is gorgeous and almost uninhabited but because you don’t typically go to a beach and see pigs roaming around, soaking up the sun and wading along palm fringed beaches.
While Koh Madsum is still a relatively new destination and tourist attraction in Koh Samui, it can get busy especially around mid day. There’s a small beach bar on the island fairly reasonable prices for cold drinks and food. You can book a join in boat tour to get there which will include snorkeling along the colorful reefs around Koh Tan island before docking at Koh Madsum and also having lunch. If you’re a group, family, or want something more private there is always the possibility to book a private tour.
Join in boat tour →Click here to check your dates
Private boat tour →Click here to check your dates
Angthong Marine Park
The Angthong Marine Park is a cluster of 42 islands just off the coast of Koh Samui. The islands are mainly massive limestone cliffs jutting out of the emerald water and covered in thick jungle. It’s quite stunning and also exciting to sail through these daunting cliffs where you can even hire kayaks which is even more thrilling.
The land and sea has a rich biodiversity. Hiking the up the cliffs to the sweeping viewpoints and snorkeling along the colorful reefs are the main activities.
Getting here requires taking a boat from Koh Samui. You can find many tour operators in the tourist areas in Koh Samui. Before booking anything always make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company. Another option is book an online tour as you can see the price upfront without needing to negotiate and also read the reviews from previous tourists.
Join in tour →book an affordable Angthong boat tour
Semi private tour →book an all inclusive boat tour
Where To Stay
While Koh Samui is a relatively large island, all the tourist areas are concentrated in the north eastern portion of the island. For your 4 day Koh Samui itinerary I would suggest spending the entire time in 1 place. It doesn’t make sense to waste time moving around and packing and unpacking in such a short amount of time. So its important to choose wisely.
Chaweng
Chaweng is the most sought out area on the island. With a beach that stretches for 7 km and a tourist road packed with restaurants, bars, beach clubs and even a mall. Some of the best 5 star resorts are in Chaweng including The Library or possibly Banana Fan Sea Resort and the minimalist Sala Samui and offer a slice of tranquility just outside the hustle and bustle. But there are lots of cheaper options like King’s Garden Resort or if you want to stay in the heart of Chaweng try Lub D.
Lamai
About 20 minutes south Lamai offers a spite of relief from the often more chaotic Chaweng. You’ll find a much more laid back atmosphere and also a larger selection of affordable accommodation. On the higher end, Outrigger is a favorite and the Private Villas at Silavadee Pool Spa Resort are what you’d expect from a destination like Samui. Affordable places like Crystal Bay Yacht Club along with Sand Sea Beach Resort are ideal if you want a beautiful hotel without forking out 100’s per night.
BoPhut – Fisherman’s Village
But if you want to include the nicest neighborhood to your Koh Samui itinerary, that would probably be Bophut’s Fisherman’s village. It’s a charming pedestrianized road with lots of restaurants, cafes and chic lounges such as Coco Tams. With exclusive waterfront resorts like Anantara and the gorgeous Hansar Resort you’re sure to spend your holiday in the best location. There are still affordable alternatives further away from the beach such as Eden Bungalows.
Final Notes
In this article we went over the best things to do in Koh Samui. Also a few suggestions for places to stay which will help you to get started when planning your trip. Obviously there are many other things to do in Koh Samui. But since many people are visiting only for a few days, we didn’t want to create a never ending list of mediocre activities as it would feel as if you’re missing out.
If you’re visiting Koh Samui and have and have any questions, just let us know in the comment section below. We respond in a few hours.
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Nice article, thankyou