In a nutshell
- Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations for any trip to Thailand. Here you’ll find a relaxed mix of beautiful beaches, great infrastructure, and plenty of exciting attractions.
- In this article, we’ll show you the 13 best things to do on Koh Samui and share useful travel tips for your stay – from how to get there to the best time to visit.
- The easiest way to get around is by scooter. And if you’re up for something special, try one of the fun activities or day trips – they’re a great way to experience more of the island.
Things to Know About Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket – and one of the most popular destinations on any trip around the country.
It sits in the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern side of the country. The mainland lies to the west, with Surat Thani as the nearest major city. Just to the north are the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Compared with its neighbors, Koh Samui offers even more variety. You’ll find a mix of good infrastructure, easy access, gorgeous beaches, must-see highlights, and a vibrant nightlife scene. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do on Koh Samui.
It’s appealing not only to backpackers and luxury travelers. The island has also long been a favorite spot for digital nomads.
Our Koh Samui Island Map
One of the best things to do on Koh Samui is exploring the island and its sights. We’ve marked the 13 top attractions on Koh Samui on the map so you can plan your route easily.
We’ve grouped them into three categories to make it easier to plan. So let’s begin with the best things to see on Koh Samui.
The Best Cultural Highlights on Koh Samui
We’ll start with the cultural side of the island. Unlike many other Thai islands, Koh Samui is home to several truly impressive temples – perfect if you’re looking for meaningful things to do on Koh Samui or want to experience local culture beyond the beaches.
Big Buddha
What you need to know: The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Many locals come here to make offerings, light incense and pray for luck, health or protection. Entrance is free.
Is it worth it? The 12-meter-high statue is very impressive. The peaceful atmosphere, ocean views and great photography spots make the Big Buddha a perfect stop when deciding what to do on Koh Samui. You’ll also get a glimpse into everyday Buddhist life through the monks, rituals and offerings.
Good to know: During your visit, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
Wat Plai Laem
What you need to know: Wat Plai Laem is a relatively new temple complex, built in the early 2000s. The highlights are two statues: Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion with 18 arms and a height of around 15 meters, and the Laughing Buddha, which reaches up to 30 meters.
Is it worth it? Definitely! Modern temple complexes like this are not very common in Thailand. Here, you’ll see a mix of Thai and Chinese influences and lots of vibrant colors. A great addition if you’re looking for unique things to see on Koh Samui.
Good to know: Just like at other temples, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering the sacred areas.
Our tip: It’s quieter early in the morning or late in the afternoon – and the light is especially beautiful for photos.
Wat Khunaram (mummified monk)
What you need to know: Have you ever seen a mummified monk? You’ll find one at Wat Khunaram. Luang Pho Daeng lived a life devoted to meditation and passed away in the meditation posture at the age of 79. His body has been naturally preserved and has remained seated in a glass case at the temple ever since.
Is it worth it? Wat Khunaram is one of the most memorable things to see on Koh Samui and truly leaves an impression. The monk chose mummification to remind visitors of impermanence and mindfulness. His sunken eye sockets are covered with sunglasses.
Good to know: As always at temples, cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering.
Our tip: If you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may witness active rituals – a very special experience.
Fisherman's Village
What you need to know: Fisherman’s Village was originally a small Chinese-Thai fishing settlement with wooden houses and narrow lanes. Today, it’s a lively waterfront area that still keeps some of its original charm. The Fisherman’s Village Night Market every Friday is especially popular.
Is it worth it? Fisherman’s Village is one of our favorite attractions on Koh Samui. Even if you aren’t here on a Friday, it’s still a great place to wander, browse little shops, and relax in one of the many cafés, bars or restaurants – some right by the water with beautiful sea views.
The Coolest Nature Highlights on Koh Samui
The natural landscape on Koh Samui is also really impressive, and you can easily combine many of the sights with the cultural stops. Next, we’ll show you our top 4 nature highlights – perfect if you’re wondering what to do on Koh Samui beyond temples and beaches.
Na Muang Waterfall
What you need to know: Na Muang Waterfall is located in the interior of Koh Samui and actually consists of two waterfalls. Na Muang 1 drops about 18 meters into a natural pool. To reach Na Muang 2, you’ll continue around 200 meters further along a jungle trail, where you’ll find an impressive 80-meter rock wall.
Is it worth it? Definitely. Visiting the waterfall is a nice contrast to the beaches and cultural sites and a fun addition to your list of things to do on Koh Samui. The path to the first waterfall is easy and only about a 100-meter walk from the parking area. Swimming in the pool beneath the falls is the highlight. The trail to the second waterfall is steeper, but the little adventure is worth it.
Our tip: Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to continue to the second waterfall. The path can be quite steep and gets very slippery during the rainy season.
Lad Koh Viewpoint
What you need to know: From Lad Koh Viewpoint, you’ll get a wide view over Chaweng Bay, the turquoise sea and the lush hills of the island. There’s a small viewing platform with seating and a couple of stands where you can pick up a fresh coconut or a cold drink.
Is it worth it? Lad Koh Viewpoint is a well-known stop on Koh Samui and you’ll rarely be alone here. Still, the view is beautiful. Since it’s located between Chaweng and Lamai, it’s easy to include as a quick stop while exploring the island.
Our tip: When we visited, there was a small van selling homemade ice cream. If you happen to see it, try the coconut flavor – it’s amazing!
Hin Ta Hin Yai Rocks
What you need to know: Hin Ta Hin Yai belongs to the more unusual things to see on Koh Samui. Here, two naturally formed granite rocks are said to resemble male and female anatomy, which is why they are known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.
Is it worth it? The rocks sit on the edge of Lamai Beach (our attraction number 10), so it makes sense to stop by if you’re nearby. We visited during a scooter trip around the island and found it interesting and fun. Let us know what you think!
Good to know: There’s also a local legend connected to the rocks. According to the story, an elderly couple set sail to arrange their son’s marriage. A storm overturned their boat and they drowned, turning into the rocks as a symbol of eternal devotion.
Overlap Stone
What you need to know: The Overlap Stone is an 8-meter-high rock formation where a smooth boulder appears to balance on a flat rock shelf. From the parking area, you walk around 500 meters along a narrow road and a small bridge. At the top, you’re rewarded with a wide view of Lamai, the ocean, and the surrounding jungle. The entrance fee is 200 baht.
Is it worth it? Definitely one of the most popular Instagram spots and one of the more unique things to see on Koh Samui. The view is really spectacular. Yes, it can get busy, but we would still visit again. If you keep hiking for about 20 minutes further into the jungle, you’ll reach another viewpoint. It’s quite steep though, so be prepared.
Our tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring mosquito repellent.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Koh Samui
The beaches are without a doubt among the most popular Koh Samui attractions. The great thing is that you’ll find plenty of variety – from lively beaches with music and cocktails to calm, natural stretches of sand.
Compared to the Andaman Sea, for example the beaches on Koh Lanta or the beaches in Khao Lak, the beaches on Koh Samui feel a bit more tropical. Here are our 5 favorites.
Chaweng Beach
What you need to know: Chaweng Beach is the longest and most visited beach on the island, stretching around 7 kilometers. The sand is bright and the water is clear and turquoise – ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Chaweng is also the main hub for nightlife, restaurants, bars and activities, making it a great place if you’re deciding what to do on Koh Samui with a lively atmosphere.
Is it worth it? If you’re looking for a mix of beach time, people, and energy, this is the place. It has the classic island vibe with beach clubs, fire shows and plenty going on. Perfect if you feel like meeting other travelers.
Our tip: You should at least come by once to get a feel for Chaweng Beach. But for a more relaxed beach day, we usually head elsewhere.
Lamai Beach
What you need to know: Lamai Beach is the second largest beach on Koh Samui at around 4 kilometers. It’s a great blend of nature, comfort and atmosphere – a bit calmer than Chaweng but still with plenty of restaurants, bars and small shops.
Is it worth it? Yes, absolutely. Lamai is great for swimming, sunbathing and long walks. It’s usually less crowded than Chaweng and in the evening there are relaxed bars and sometimes fire shows. More chilled, less clubby – which we like.
Our tip: For us, Lamai is one of the best areas to stay on the island – especially if you want a good balance of quiet and convenience.
Maenam Beach
What you need to know: If you’re looking for a quiet and more natural beach vibe on Koh Samui, Maenam Beach is a great choice. The sand is soft and golden, and there are small, relaxed restaurants right on the beach or tucked into the nearby side streets.
Is it worth it? Maenam Beach is perfect if you want peace, nature, and a more authentic beach experience. It feels far from the crowds, yet it’s only about 10 kilometers from Chaweng. The gently sloping shoreline also makes it great for families with kids.
Our tip: Combine your day at Maenam Beach with a visit to Fisherman’s Village – both are located in the north of the island.
Silver Beach
What you need to know: Silver Beach is a small bay in the east of the island, only about 250 meters long. The sand is very fine, the water is clear and calm, and the bay is framed by granite boulders and palm trees.
Is it worth it? Yes! Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful things to see on Koh Samui. It’s great for swimming, relaxing and snorkeling. The bay is also a top spot for really stunning vacation photos – especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Our tip: The easiest way to get to the beach is to walk through one of the hotels or restaurants that are located right on the shore.
Lipa Noi Beach
What you need to know: Lipa Noi Beach is one of the quietest attractions on Koh Samui. It’s located on the western side of the island, which is much less developed. The beach is long, wide and has shallow, calm water with a very relaxed atmosphere. There are also a few restaurants right on the beach.
Is it worth it? If you want to get away from the busy parts of the island, Lipa Noi Beach is ideal. It’s beautiful and perfect for long, peaceful walks. However, from the Chaweng area it takes almost an hour to get there.
Our Hotel Tips for Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers a huge range of accommodation, and while it’s one of the more expensive islands in Thailand, you can still find options for every budget.
For a solid mid-range hotel, expect to pay at least 2000 baht per night, often a bit more.
There are 4 areas we recommend for your stay. The most popular is Chaweng Beach, where you get the classic Koh Samui experience with lots of activity and nightlife.
Our favorite is Lamai Beach – still central, with good infrastructure, but quieter and more affordable. Other great areas include Bo Phut Beach or Maenam Beach in the north and Lipa Noi Beach in the west.
In our dedicated Koh Samui hotel tips article, we cover the pros and cons of each area and share our top hotel picks.
Here are our favorites in each area:
King’s Garden Resort: Beautiful bungalows right on Chaweng Beach.
Pearl of Samui Resort: Bungalows and a pool overlooking Lamai Beach.
Pico Samui: A small, family-run boutique hotel on Bo Phut Beach.
Tropical Heavens Garden: Bungalows with a tropical design on Lipa Noi Beach.
Getting to Koh Samui
Koh Samui is also popular because getting here is surprisingly easy. You have two main options: by plane or by ferry.
Getting to Koh Samui by plane
The most convenient way is by plane, as the island has a small but modern airport just 15 minutes from Chaweng Beach.
Several major Thai cities offer flights to Koh Samui, so you avoid long journeys and never spend more than about 2 hours in the air.
These flights operate from Bangkok (both airports), Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket (also convenient if you’re coming from Ko Phi Phi, Khao Lak or Khao Sok National Park).
The downside: flights to Koh Samui are more expensive than other domestic routes. In the low season, we paid around 4500 baht for a spontaneous ticket from Phuket.
During high season, book several weeks in advance to get better rates.
Check flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner
Getting to Koh Samui by ferry
The cheapest option is by ferry, usually combined with a flight, train or bus. Ferries depart from Surat Thani and take significantly longer.
The easiest approach is to fly to Surat Thani, which is much cheaper than flying directly to Koh Samui, then take a van-ferry combination. The total journey takes about 4 hours and can be easily booked via 12Go.
You can also reach Surat Thani without a flight. We once took a ferry-van-ferry from Koh Lanta via 12Go – a full-day trip. There’s also a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, but it takes about 10 hours.
Our top recommendation: Fly to Surat Thani and continue with the van-ferry combination to Koh Samui.
Book flights to Surat Thani on Skyscanner
Book the van-ferry combination from Surat Thani via 12Go
Getting Around Koh Samui
As a visitor, there are two main ways to get around Koh Samui: on your own, by scooter (less often by car), or by cab.
Rent a scooter on Koh Samui
For exploring the island, we prefer renting a scooter. It’s cheap, fun, and gives you total freedom.
Scooters are available in every area of Koh Samui, and most hotels can organize one for you. Expect to pay 250 to 500 baht per day.
Usually, a deposit is required, and hotels often ask for your passport. We recommend negotiating and giving just 3000 baht as a deposit.
Technically, you need an international driver’s license to ride a scooter in Thailand, but we’ve never been asked for one.
You can also rent a car, which is practical if you’re traveling with kids. We personally haven’t driven a car on the island, but when we rent for road trips, it’s usually via Discover Cars – we’ve only had good experiences.
Book a rental car via Discover Cars
Our tip: If you don’t have mobile internet on the road, download the Koh Samui map in advance in Google Maps – one of our favorite apps for planning what to do on Koh Samui.
Taking a cab on Koh Samui
If you’d rather not drive, your main option is a cab. Hotels can arrange one for you, or you can use the Grab app, the Uber of Asia.
Grab lets you call a cab anytime, anywhere – prices are fair, but they add up. We use it in every Asian country we visit.
Important: You need internet while out and about. The easiest way is to buy an eSIM in advance — we explain how in our eSIM article.
More Practical Tips for Koh Samui
To make sure you’re fully prepared for your time on Koh Samui, here are three essential tips.
#1 How many days should you plan for Koh Samui?
Plan at least 3 full days. That’s enough time to see the main sights, relax on the beach, and fit in a fun activity.
Three days also gives you a chance to explore beyond the touristy Chaweng. On our first trip, we only saw that area and felt a bit underwhelmed.
The island’s really beautiful spots appear once you have a little more time. For instance, the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a must-do excursion, but it takes a full day.
Of course, more than three days lets you experience Koh Samui at an even more relaxed pace.
#2 When is the best time to travel to Koh Samui?
The best weather is mid-January to April. Expect sunshine, little rain, and temperatures between 23 to 30°C in the Gulf of Thailand.
These months are also high season for Thailand, so hotel prices are higher, not just on Koh Samui but also hotels in Bangkok and accommodation on Koh Phangan.
A good insider alternative is July to September. Prices drop, there are fewer tourists, and although the sun isn’t always out, it’s warm and mostly dry.
Avoid October to early January – it can rain heavily during this time.
#3 Costs: Is Koh Samui expensive?
Koh Samui is pricier than many other Thai destinations. As mentioned, expect at least 2000 baht per night for a decent mid-range hotel.
Compared to Europe, though, it’s still a bargain. Street food costs 40 to 80 baht, beach restaurant meals run 200 to 400 baht, and cocktails cost about 200 baht (beer around 115 baht).
Costs for cabs, scooters (cheaper than taxis), and excursions are also much lower than in Europe.
Bottom line: Hotels are the main expense, especially if you want comfort, but everything else is just as cheap as the rest of Thailand.
FAQ About Koh Samui
What is Koh Samui known for?
Koh Samui is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, Buddhist temples, relaxing wellness offerings and as a starting point for excursions to islands such as Koh Phangan or the Ang Thong Marine Park.
What is the main part of Koh Samui?
The main part of Koh Samui is the area around Chaweng Beach. Here you’ll find the tourist center with most hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops.
Is Koh Samui crowded?
Koh Samui can sometimes be crowded, especially during peak season and in tourist hotspots like Chaweng. However, there are still many quiet spots away from the hustle and bustle.
Are there direct flights to Koh Samui?
Yes, there are direct flights to Koh Samui, mainly some domestic flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other Thai cities. There are even a few direct international flights, such as from Singapore.
Is Koh Samui safe?
Yes, Koh Samui is considered safe for travelers as long as you keep an eye on your valuables and be careful on the roads, as you would anywhere else.
Is Koh Samui a party place?
Yes and no, on Koh Samui you’ll find a lively nightlife with bars and clubs, especially in Chaweng. Nevertheless, Koh Samui is still considerably more relaxed and less party-oriented than the neighboring island of Koh Phangan during the Full Moon Party, arguably the most popular activity on Koh Phangan among young people.
These were our best tips for what to do on Koh Samui
Do you still have questions about your Koh Samui trip or one of its highlights? Missing a must-see attraction? Write to us in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!