Things to Do in Koh Samui: Top 13 Attractions, Beaches & Travel Tips

Good to Know About Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand after Phuket – and one of the most popular destinations on a Thailand itinerary.

It sits in the Gulf of Thailand, with the mainland to the southwest and Surat Thani as the nearest major city. Just to the north are Koh Samui’s neighboring islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Compared to its neighbors, Koh Samui is genuinely more diverse. You get a great mix of solid tourist infrastructure, easy access, dream beaches, top highlights, and a lively nightlife.

And it’s not just backpackers and luxury travelers who love it here. For years, Koh Samui has also been a popular destination for digital nomads.

Our Top 13 Sights and Beaches on Koh Samui on a Map

Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Koh Samui. On the map below, we’ve marked our 13 absolute must-sees.

For a better overview, we’ve divided them into three categories. Here are the 13 most beautiful attractions on Koh Samui.

The Best Cultural Highlights on Koh Samui

Let’s start with the cultural highlights. Unlike most Thai islands, Koh Samui is home to some truly impressive temples — and they’re absolutely worth your time.

Big Buddha

What you need to know: The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) is one of the most important landmarks on Koh Samui. Many Thai people come here to make offerings, light incense sticks, and pray for good luck, health, or protection. Admission is free.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The 12-meter-tall statue is seriously impressive. The combination of spiritual atmosphere, ocean views, and great photo opportunities makes the Big Buddha a perfect day trip destination. You can also observe authentic Buddhist life up close through monks, rituals, and offerings.

Important: When you visit, you must cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering the temple area.

Wat Plai Laem

What you need to know: A great example of a modern temple complex is Wat Plai Laem, built in the early 2000s. The standouts are two statues: Guanyin, the over 15-meter-tall, 18-armed goddess of compassion, and the Laughing Buddha, which stands an impressive 30 meters tall.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Modern temples like this are rare in Thailand, and here you’ll see not only Thai architecture but also strong Chinese influences — really cool! We especially love all the bold, vivid colors throughout the temple grounds.

Important: Same rules apply here: cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering sacred areas.

Our tip: Early morning or late afternoon is quieter — and the light is especially beautiful for photography.

Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

What you need to know: Have you ever seen a mummified monk? There’s one at Wat Khunaram. Luang Pho Daeng lived a life of deep meditation and passed away at the age of 79 while seated in a meditation pose. His body was well preserved and has been displayed in a glass case inside Wat Khunaram ever since.

Is it worth it? Definitely — Wat Khunaram is one of the most striking temples on the island and a genuine must-see. The mummification was the monk’s own wish, his way of conveying the concepts of impermanence and mindfulness. His eye sockets have sunken in over time, so he was given a pair of sunglasses.

Important: Same rules as everywhere else: cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering.

Our tip: Active rituals take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon — a really special experience.

Fisherman's Village

What you need to know: Originally a simple Chinese-Thai fishing village with rustic wooden buildings and narrow alleyways, Fisherman’s Village has evolved into a lively tourist quarter that hasn’t entirely lost its old-school charm. A major draw is the Fisherman’s Village Night Market, held every Friday.

Is it worth it? Fisherman’s Village is one of our favorite spots on Koh Samui — and even if you can’t make it on a Friday, it’s still well worth a visit. You can stroll around at a relaxed pace and settle in at one of the many restaurants, bars, or cafés, some right on the water with stunning views.

The Coolest Nature Highlights on Koh Samui

The landscape on Koh Samui is seriously worth exploring, and you can easily combine several natural sights with the cultural highlights. Here are our top four nature picks on Koh Samui.

Na Muang Waterfall

What you need to know: In the interior of Koh Samui you’ll find the Na Muang Waterfall — and there are actually two tiers. Na Muang 1 drops about 18 meters into a large natural pool. To reach Na Muang 2, you’ll need to walk another 200 meters through the jungle, where you’ll be rewarded with an impressive 80-meter rock face.

Is it worth it? Yes! The waterfall is a great change of pace from temples and beaches. The trail to the first waterfall is super easy — only about 100 meters from the parking lot. Swimming in the natural pool was our personal highlight. The path to the second waterfall is more strenuous, but it’s a fun little adventure that’s totally worth it.

Our tip: If you’re heading to the second waterfall, wear sturdy shoes. The path gets steep — and very slippery during the rainy season.

Lad Koh Viewpoint

What you need to know: From the Lad Koh Viewpoint, you get a breathtaking panorama of Chaweng Bay, the turquoise sea, and the island’s green hills. There are small platforms with seating and shops where you can grab a fresh coconut or a cold soda.

Is it worth it? It’s a very popular vantage point and you’re rarely alone here — but the view is absolutely stunning. And since it sits right between Chaweng and Lamai, you don’t even need to go out of your way for a quick stop.

Our tip: When we visited, there was a small cart selling homemade ice cream. If you spot it, you have to try the coconut flavor — so good!

Hin Ta Hin Yai Rocks

What you need to know: The Hin Ta Hin Yai Rocks fall squarely into the quirky category. You’ll see two naturally formed granite boulders said to resemble male and female genitalia — which is why they’re also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.

Is it worth it? The two rocks sit at the edge of Lamai Beach (our pick number 10). If you’re already there, it’s worth a quick detour. We swung by on our scooter sightseeing loop and found it genuinely interesting. We’re curious to hear what you think!

Good to know: There’s a legend behind the rocks, of course. According to it, an elderly couple sailed to Koh Samui to arrange their son’s marriage. Caught in a storm during the crossing, they drowned and were turned into rocks — as a symbol of their devotion.

Overlap Stone

What you need to know: The Overlap Stone is an 8-meter-high rock formation where a round boulder overlaps a rocky platform. From the parking lot, it’s about a 500-meter walk along a small road and across a bridge. You’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree vista of Lamai, the ocean, and the jungle. Admission costs 200 Baht.

Is it worth it? It’s a total Instagram spot — and honestly, rightfully so, because the view is absolutely incredible. Even though it gets touristy, we’d go back every time. If you walk another 20 minutes uphill through the jungle, you’ll reach a second viewpoint — though the trail is quite strenuous.

Our tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray.

The Most Beautiful Beaches on Koh Samui

The beaches are of course the biggest draw when it comes to things to do in Koh Samui. What’s great: you’ll find many different types here — from lively and packed to completely untouched.

Overall, they feel a bit more tropical than the beaches on the Andaman Sea side, like the beaches on Koh Lanta or the beaches in Khao Lak. Here are the five most beautiful beaches on Koh Samui.

Chaweng Beach

What you need to know: Chaweng Beach is the longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui at seven kilometers. The sand is white, the water is turquoise — perfect for sunbathing and swimming. It’s also the tourist hub of the island, with countless hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Is it worth it? At Chaweng Beach you’ll find everything that made Koh Samui famous: a beautiful beach paired with a lively atmosphere and great nightlife. If you want plenty of entertainment, this is your spot. Especially in the evenings, there are fire shows and cheap cocktails everywhere.

Our tip: If you’re on Koh Samui, check out Chaweng at least once — it really never gets boring and you’ll quickly meet other travelers. During the day, though, we prefer to relax at one of the quieter beaches.

Lamai Beach

What you need to know: Lamai Beach is the second-largest beach on Koh Samui (four kilometers long) and is considered a more relaxed alternative to Chaweng. You get a great mix of nature, comfort, and a cool vibe — without sacrificing a good selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Is it worth it? Totally! Lamai is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks, and it’s often noticeably less crowded than Chaweng. You’ll still find fire shows in the evenings and bars with live music — just no loud clubs, which we actually appreciate.

Our tip: For us, Lamai Beach is the best area to stay on Koh Samui — as long as you don’t need to be right next to the big clubs.

Maenam Beach

What you need to know: Looking for an authentic, largely untouched beach atmosphere on Koh Samui? Head to Maenam Beach. You’ll find a peaceful stretch of soft, golden sand and charming restaurants that are often right on the beach or tucked along small side streets.

Is it worth it? Maenam Beach is perfect if you want peace, nature, and an authentic Thai beach experience. You can truly escape the crowds here — and you’re still only ten kilometers from Chaweng. The gently sloping beach is also great for kids.

Our tip: You can easily combine a beach day at Maenam with a stroll through Fisherman’s Village, since both are in the north of the island.

Silver Beach

What you need to know: Silver Beach is a small cove on the eastern side of Koh Samui, just 250 meters long. The sand is bright and super fine, the water crystal clear. The cove is framed by large granite rocks and palm trees.

Is it worth it? 100%! Silver Beach is a truly picturesque cove and one of the most beautiful spots on the island for us. You can really relax, swim, and snorkel here. It’s also perfect for stunning vacation photos — especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Our tip: The easiest way to reach the beach is to walk through one of the restaurants or resorts located right on the sand.

Lipa Noi Beach

What you need to know: Lipa Noi Beach is probably the quietest and most secluded beach on Koh Samui, sitting on the western side of the island — the less touristy part. You’ll find a long, wide stretch of sand, gently sloping water, and a very calm atmosphere. There are still a few restaurants right on the beach, though.

Is it worth it? If you want to escape the tourist crowds, Lipa Noi is the perfect place for you. The beach is truly gorgeous and ideal for long, peaceful walks. Just keep in mind it’s almost an hour’s drive from Chaweng.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Koh Samui

The range of accommodation on Koh Samui is enormous, and although it tends to be one of the pricier islands in Thailand, you’ll find something in every price range.

For a decent mid-range hotel, expect to pay at least 50 euros per night — usually more.

We recommend four areas for your stay. The most popular is Chaweng Beach, where you get the full Koh Samui experience with plenty of action.

Our personal favorite is Lamai Beach — still central, with good infrastructure, but quieter and more affordable. Other great options include Bo Phut Beach or Maenam Beach in the north, and Lipa Noi Beach in the west.

In our separate Koh Samui hotel guide, we break down the pros and cons of each area and share our top picks.

Here are our favorite hotels in each area:
King’s Garden Resort: Beautiful bungalows right on Chaweng Beach.

Pearl of Samui Resort: Bungalows and a pool with views of 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

One reason Koh Samui is so popular is that getting there is incredibly easy. You have two options: fly or take the ferry.

Getting to Koh Samui by plane

The most hassle-free option is flying, since Koh Samui has its own small (but really lovely) airport. From Chaweng Beach, it’s only about 15 minutes by car.

There are flights to Koh Samui from several major Thai airports, so you’ll never fly for more than two hours.

These include Bangkok (both airports), Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket (handy if you’ve been to Koh Phi Phi or Khao Lak and Khao Sok National Park).

The main downside: flights to Koh Samui are fairly expensive compared to other domestic routes. During the low season, we paid 120 euros for a last-minute ticket from Phuket.

In peak season, book several weeks in advance — and expect to pay more.

Check flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner
Getting to Koh Samui by ferry

The more affordable route is ferry (combined with a flight, train, or bus/van). Ferries depart from Surat Thani, though the journey takes significantly longer.

The smartest approach is to book a flight to Surat Thani from your starting point — prices are significantly cheaper than flying directly to Koh Samui.

From Surat Thani Airport, book a van-ferry combo. The whole trip takes about four hours and you can easily book the connection through 12Go.

You can also reach Surat Thani without flying.

From Koh Lanta we once booked a ferry-van-ferry combo through 12Go (it takes all day), and from Bangkok there’s also a train to Surat Thani (about ten hours).

Our top recommendation is to fly to Surat Thani and then take the van-ferry combo to Koh Samui.

Book flights to Surat Thani on Skyscanner

Book the van-ferry combo from Surat Thani on 12Go

Getting Around Koh Samui

As a visitor, you have two main options for getting around Koh Samui: rent a scooter (or occasionally a car) and go at your own pace, or rely on taxis.

Renting a scooter on Koh Samui

For sightseeing, renting a scooter is our favorite way to get around. It’s the most affordable option, it’s fun, and you have total freedom.

You can rent one in any area of Koh Samui — your hotel can often arrange it. Expect to pay between 250 and 500 Baht per day (about $7–14).

You’ll usually need to leave a deposit, and you’re often asked for your passport — but we recommend negotiating and leaving only 3,000 Baht (about $80) as a deposit instead.

Technically, you need an International Driver’s License to ride a scooter in Thailand, but we’ve never been asked for one.

There’s also the option of renting a car, which is practical if you’re traveling with kids. We haven’t personally driven a car on the island, though.

Our tip: If you won’t have internet on the go, download the Koh Samui map on Google Maps in advance — one of our favorite apps for travel planning.

Compare rental car deals on Discovercars
Taking a taxi on Koh Samui

If you’d rather not drive yourself, taxis are your main alternative. Your hotel can arrange one easily, or you can use the Grab app — basically the Uber of Asia.

With Grab, you can call a ride anytime, anywhere — and the prices are pretty reasonable, though they do add up over a longer trip. We use the app in every country in Asia now.

The one catch: you need internet access while you’re out. The easiest solution is to get an eSIM before you leave. We explain how that works in our eSIM guide.

More Practical Tips for Koh Samui

To make sure you’re really well prepared for your time on Koh Samui, here are three more important pointers.

#1 How Many Days Should You Plan for Koh Samui?

Plan for at least three full days. In that time, you can cover the most important attractions, squeeze in some beach time, and still fit in a cool activity or two.

Three days also gives you the chance to see more than just the touristy Chaweng area. On our first trip to Koh Samui, that’s all we saw — and honestly, we were a little disappointed.

We only discovered the really beautiful spots with a bit more time. For example, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park — one of the most stunning day trips from Koh Samui, but one that takes a full day.

Of course, the more time you have, the better you’ll get to know the island at your own pace.

#2 When Is the Best Time to Visit Koh Samui?

The best weather on Koh Samui is from mid-January through April. It’s sunny, there’s little rain, and temperatures in the Gulf of Thailand range between 73°F and 86°F.

These months are also the best time to visit Thailand overall, but they’re also peak season.

If you’re planning a road trip, expect higher hotel prices not just on Koh Samui, but also for places like hotels in Bangkok or accommodation on Koh Phangan.

Another solid window — and our insider tip — is July through September. While prices at Europe’s most popular beaches skyrocket, you benefit from off-season rates on Koh Samui.

The weather isn’t quite as perfect, but despite it being the rainy season, it barely rains and stays warm. The sun doesn’t show up quite as often, but there are far fewer tourists around.

Definitely avoid October through early January. During this period, Koh Samui can get a lot of rain.

#3 Costs: Is Koh Samui Expensive?

Compared to other popular spots in Thailand, accommodation on Koh Samui is pricier. As mentioned, expect to pay at least 50 euros per night for a decent mid-range hotel.

That said, if you compare Koh Samui to vacation destinations in Europe, you can still have a budget-friendly trip here — just like anywhere in Thailand.

You’ll also find cheap street food for $1 to $2. A meal at a beachside restaurant usually runs between $5 and $10.

Alcohol is more expensive than on the mainland, but you can still get a tasty cocktail for around $5. Beer at $3 is on the pricier side.

On top of that, there are costs for taxis, scooters (much cheaper than taxis), and activities and excursions — but these are still far cheaper than in Europe.

Bottom line: A vacation on Koh Samui is definitely more expensive than on most other Thai islands, especially if you want comfort at your hotel. But everything else is just as affordable as the rest of Thailand.

Find even more advice in our Thailand travel guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Samui