11 of the Best Things to do on Koh Samui, Thailand
Your Koh Samui bucket list: 11 essential things to see & do on the island
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Koh Samui is an island paradise that’s come a long way from the barefoot backpackers of old. Surrounded by natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene and sacred temples, this is the best of Thailand in miniature. Here’s our guide to 11 of the very best, unmissable things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand. The only problem is what you’ll decide to do first.
1. Relax on Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most famous stretch of sand. The soft powder and clear, calm waters are straight out of a postcard. By day, enjoy watersports like paddleboarding and jet skiing, or simply unwind with a coconut in hand, with nothing else to do except slip from the sun lounger to the cool waters. As the sun sets, beachfront bars and restaurants come alive with live music, fire dancing shows and of course, happy hour.
2. Explore the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Standing at 12m tall, covered in gold leaf and adorned with a Dhamma wheel and naga serpents, the Big Buddha Temple is one of Koh Samui’s most iconic landmarks. Located on a small island connected to Koh Samui by a causeway, it’s visible for miles away. The giant statue sits on top of a hill, giving visitors sweeping views over the island and the Gulf of Thailand. It’s an active place of worship, and you might also see locals coming here to make merit, lighting incense and offering lotus flowers.
3. Visit Wat Plai Laem
A short distance from the Big Buddha Temple is Wat Plai Laem, a colourful and ornate Buddhist temple that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is a place of worship. The temple most famously houses a stunning 18 armed statue of the Goddess Guanyin, the deity of compassion and mercy. She stands an imposing 15m tall, and stands guard over the island, believed to help calm the ocean. Surrounded by an idyllic lake filled with koi, you can purchase fish food from the temple to support its upkeep and enjoy feeding the fish.
4. Discover the Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)
Hidden high in the hills of Koh Samui, the Secret Buddha Garden is a quiet area of man-made art that’s a peaceful and contemplative place to spend some time. This private garden, created by a local fruit farmer, is filled with sculptures depicting Buddhist figures, animals and traditional Thai scenes. The journey to the garden is as enchanting as the destination, with winding roads and breathtaking views of the island’s lush jungle and coastline.
5. Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a collection of 42 pristine islands, accessible by boat from Koh Samui. This protected area is a paradise of emerald lagoons, limestone cliffs and deserted, white sand beaches. Kayak through hidden caves, snorkel in thriving coral reefs and hike to panoramic viewpoints through the jungle. This is Thailand at its finest. One highlight is the Emerald Lake, a hidden saltwater lagoon that looks like something out of a dream.
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6. Swim at Na Muang Waterfalls
Koh Samui’s Na Muang Waterfalls are two beautiful cascades tucked away in the island’s jungle. The first waterfall, Na Muang 1, is easily accessible and features a large pool at its base that’s perfect for a refreshing swim. For the more adventurous, a short hike leads to Na Muang 2, a higher and less crowded waterfall surrounded by rainforest. Explore the area on some of the nearby nature walks, pack a picnic and enjoy a respite from the sticky Thai heat while you splash around in the water.
7. Visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Visiting elephant sanctuaries has fast become a bucket list activity for almost all travellers to Thailand. The country has an ancient culture where the lives of humans and elephants are closely intertwined. The days of cruel elephant rides and circus shows are fast disappearing, and the appeal of safer, kinder sanctuaries for these gentle giants is on the rise. However, not all elephant sanctuaries are truly ethical. Many still force the animals into interactions with bus loads of tourists, day in day out, to bolster their own numbers. Samui Elephant Sanctuary is one of the few that prioritises the elephants and is committed to providing them a true safe haven from their old lives. Supported by Lek, the founder of the Save the Elephant Foundation, you can be sure this is a sanctuary where the welfare of the animals comes before tourism. Witness from a distance the daily lives of these majestic animals, now freely roaming in a safe home.
8. Enjoy the Nightlife in Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut has that intoxicating blend of old world charm with a modern buzz. Its narrow streets are lined with boutique shops, barista cafes and seafood restaurants, housed in gorgeous old colonial buildings. On Friday evenings, the village comes alive with its famous walking street market, where you can shop for crafts, sample Thai street food and enjoy live performances. For nightlife, the beachside bars are the epitome of laid-back island life, with a gently buzzing atmosphere, cold beers and the sound of the waves lapping at the shore.
9. Visit the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
The Hin Ta (Grandfather) and Hin Yai (Grandmother) Rocks are natural rock formations on Lamai Beach that have become a popular attraction due to their rather unusual shapes, which resemble male and female genitalia. The site is steeped in local folklore about a tragic love story and is worth a visit if you’re nearby.
10. Discover the Overlap Stone
For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, find the Overlap Stone, one of Koh Samui’s hidden gems. This massive granite boulder is precariously balanced on a hillside, rewarding visitors with uninterrupted views of Lamai beach and the Gulf of Thailand beyond. The journey to find the Overlap Stone is part of the experience, accessible by a short and somewhat steep hike that winds through lush jungle terrain. It’s important to note that there is a less impressive “Overlap Stone 1” that you’ll reach first. Avoid locals telling you this is the main stone. The real, original Overlap Stone is beyond this point.
11. Watch the Sunset on Lipa Noi Beach
With soft white sand, gentle waves and a west-facing direction, Lipa Noi beach is one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunset, without the crowds. The sky turns every shade of pink, lilac and orange imaginable, against a backdrop of swaying palm trees which line this stretch of beach. Settle down with a blanket and a cold beer to watch the night draw in – this is the Thai island’s at their best.
Things to Do
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