The Ultimate 3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary
The best of Koh Samui in just 3 Days: Your essential itinerary
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Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, and is undoubtedly the quieter, prettier, more charming sister. Its beauty was once a quietly held secret, with backpacker bars and a few hotels clinging to the shores. Nowadays, word is firmly out and Koh Samui is having its moment. But despite this, the place has yet to turn into Phuket Pt2. Idyllic beaches, calmer crowds, hidden waterfalls and the chic, boho vibes of Fisherman’s Village give the place a charm all of its own, and one you have to see for yourself. Below is our guide to making the most of this beautiful Thai island – how to spend 3 days in Koh Samui, the ultimate itinerary.
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Day 1 - Classic Koh Samui
Morning
Start your Koh Samui adventure with a morning at Chaweng Beach, the island’s most iconic and busiest stretch of sand. It’s the best place to get a sense of the island vibe. Wake up early to enjoy the soft morning light and take a stroll along the pristine shoreline. Grab an early morning swim or simply lounge under the shade of a palm tree. For breakfast, head to the outdoor terrace of The Bagel Samui for the best breakfast bagels in town, great coffee and fresh acai bowls. Afterwards, head back to the northern end of the beach and rent a paddleboard from Samui O.P Watersports for some fun on the water.
Wat Plai Laem, Koh Samui
Lunchtime
After your beach session, drive 10 minutes to find Koh Samui’s most famous cultural landmark, the Big Buddha Temple. This 12m high golden statue sits atop a small island connected by a causeway, with sweeping views of the coastline. A short 4 minute drive away is Wat Plai Laem, a temple complex featuring an incredible 18-armed statue of the Goddess Guanyin. She’s perched on the side of a peaceful lake, watching over the island and the seas that surround it.
Sea la Vie Bar & Restaurant
Walk less than 10 minutes to the coast and you’ll find Sea La Vie Bar & Restaurant, a romantic, hidden gem of a spot overlooking the sparkling water. Serving up everything from seafood tacos and shrimp pizza to oysters and fresh Thai salads, fuel up on your favourites before an afternoon exploring the interior of the island.
Secret Buddha Garden
Afternoon
Take a scooter or a Grab to explore the Secret Buddha Garden, located high in the interior hills and created by a local farmer. This hidden gem is filled with fairytale statues of Buddhist figures and animals, all set in the lush jungle. You’re less than an hour from the northeast coast, but you’ll feel as though you’re on another planet. The journey to the garden is part of the experience, with scenic roads winding through coconut plantations and rainforest.
Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui
Evening
End your first day with one of the most spectacular sunsets on the island, at Lipa Noi Beach. Its soft sand and shallow rock-free waters make it perfect for an evening dip. Enjoy a cocktail or a cold Singha beer at a beachfront bar while watching the setting sun turn the sky to fire. It’s a true spectacle of nature. Finish with a delicious dinner at Jone Klam Beach Restaurant, an eatery right on the beach. Sit with your toes in the sand and beneath palm trees while indulging in northern Thai pork ribs, spicy Thai salads, fresh seafood and velvety massaman curries.
Ang Thong, Koh Samui
Day 2 - Paradise Islands
Morning
Start your second day with an early morning boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, a stunning archipelago of 42 islands northwest of Koh Samui, and one of the highlights of this region. Depart from Nathon Pier or Bangrak Pier on a speedboat or long-tail boat. As you cruise across the turquoise waters, you’ll be greeted by dramatic limestone cliffs, forested green islands and hidden lagoons. The journey to the park itself is breathtaking in its beauty.
Emerald Lagoon, Koh Mae Koh
Your first stop might be Koh Mae Koh, home to the famous Emerald Lagoon. This vivid green saltwater lake, surrounded by towering cliffs, is one of the park’s most iconic attractions. A short hike up a trail leads to a viewpoint with truly epic views over the waters below. Descend back to the lagoon to get up close and personal with the waters on a kayak.
Next, head to one of the park’s designated snorkelling spots. Dive into the clear waters to explore colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Alternatively, grab a kayak and paddle around the islands, weaving through hidden caves and narrow waterways to find secluded beaches.
Koh Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint
Break for lunch on a quiet island beach, where most tours provide a buffet of Thai dishes, which might include freshly grilled seafood and tropical fruits. Afterward, walk off your food and take on one of Ang Thong’s hiking trails for an unforgettable view. The trail on Koh Wua Ta Lap, the park’s main island, leads to a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama over the entire archipelago. The hike is steep and challenging, but the sight of the islands scattered across the glittering sea is worth every step. If you’re not up for the climb, relax on the pristine beach or visit the small ranger station, where you can learn more about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.
hand picked tours we love:
Evening
As your day at Ang Thong comes to a close, board your boat for the return trip to Koh Samui. Watching the sunset from the water as the islands fade into the horizon is a special moment. Back on the island, freshen up and head out for dinner. The Shack in Bo Phut serves up delicious steak and seafood and is the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of some serious island-hopping.
Vikasa Yoga Retreat, Koh Samui
Day 3 - Boho Samui
Morning
Begin your final day at the beautiful Art Café by June, known for its fresh organic food and delicious, nourishing breakfasts. After two full days of exploring, rejuvenate your body and soul with a session at Vikasa Yoga Retreat. Koh Samui is renowned for its world-class wellness centres (maybe it’s the gentle pace of life and the joys of warm, languid days spent on the beach) and Vikasa is one of our favourites. Take part in a yoga class overlooking the ocean, or treat yourself to a Thai massage set in the lush, tropical gardens.
Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
From Vikasa Yoga, it’s only a 10 minute drive to Lamai beach, a beautiful beach lapped by turquoise waters and backed by forested hills and coconut palms. Try and find the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, famous natural rock formations that resemble certain genitalia and with some interesting local folklore behind them! For lunch, hop into one of the local beachfront restaurants that line the shore here.
Overlap Stone, Koh Samui
Afternoon
For one of your final adventures, and a more off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to find the Overlap Stone, a massive granite boulder precariously balanced on a hillside. The hike to the stone is short but steep, and the reward is perhaps the best view on the island, with panoramic views over Lamai beach and the surrounding jungle. You won’t find too many tourists here and the scenery is out of this world. Be sure to visit Overlap Stone 2 – you’ll come across Overlap Stone 1 beforehand, which is much less impressive.
Fisherman’s Village, Koh Samui
Evening
End your Koh Samui adventure exploring the beautiful Fisherman’s Village. This area is perhaps Koh Samui’s most beloved spot, with its colonial houses and winding cobblestone streets. If it’s a Friday, make sure you don’t miss the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street Market. It’s a classic Thai night market buzzing with energy and offering everything from crafts and souvenirs to local street food and international eats.
Coco Tam’s, Koh Samui
End the night at the famous Coco Tam’s, one of the hottest spots in Koh Samui renowned for its world-class food, signature cocktails and Bali beach club vibes. Feast on grilled snapper and Japanese steak, washed down with a Mojito, and settle down to watch their fire dancing show on the shoes in front of you. Now, when are you booking your return flight?
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