In a nutshell
- Wondering what there is to do on Koh Samui? We’ll show you 11 cool activities and excursions — from on-island adventures to unmissable day trips.
- Our two top picks for things to do in Koh Samui are a guided sightseeing tour of the island and a Thai cooking class with a local family.
- The must-do excursion from Koh Samui? A boat tour to Ang Thong Marine National Park — one of our absolute highlight experiences on our first trip to Thailand.
The Coolest Activities on Koh Samui
Wondering what you can do and experience on Koh Samui without ever leaving the island? Our answer: a lot!
Here are the seven coolest things to do on Koh Samui — plus four unmissable day trips.
Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Highlights
What to expect: On a guided sightseeing tour, your guide takes you to the absolute highlights of the most beautiful attractions on Koh Samui. You’ll visit the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, the Lad Koh Viewpoint, and the Na Muang Waterfall, among others.
Is it worth it? If you’d rather not explore on your own by scooter, this tour is a really great alternative. You get picked up stress-free, all entrance fees are included, and your guide shares fascinating facts about each site — the kind of insider knowledge you simply wouldn’t get on your own.
Half-day tour of Koh Samui’s highlights
Cooking Class on Koh Samui
What to expect: In a cooking class, you’ll learn how to recreate the most delicious Thai dishes from scratch. First, you head to a local market with your guide to get familiar with all the ingredients. Then your guide walks you through every step in detail — and you even get to choose what you cook.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! A cooking class is one of the best things to do in Thailand, full stop. We haven’t done one on Koh Samui specifically, but we have in Chiang Mai and in Khao Lak — and we’ve even recreated some of the dishes back home in Germany. We can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Our tip: Traveling outside the best time to visit Thailand? A cooking class is the perfect rainy-day activity on Koh Samui.
Thai cooking class with a local family
Ziplining on Koh Samui
What to expect: Ziplining is probably one of the most thrilling koh samui activities you can do. You’ll glide across eight lines ranging from 40 to 70 meters long, soaring over treetops, past hidden waterfalls, and taking in one-of-a-kind views across the island.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! We love ziplining. We haven’t tried it in Thailand yet, but we have in Monteverde in Costa Rica and in Luang Prabang in Laos — and we can promise you it’s an absolute blast and a serious adrenaline rush. The views alone make it totally worth your time!
Our tip: Give it a try even if you’re nervous about heights! We were hesitant at first too, and ended up absolutely loving every second of it.
ATV Tour Through the Jungle
What to expect: A hefty dose of adrenaline awaits on an ATV tour through the jungle. You’ll explore Koh Samui off-road, riding through dense jungle, past coconut groves and stunning waterfalls. Choose between a one- or two-hour tour depending on how much time you have.
Is it worth it? If you’re after an action-packed day, the ATV tour delivers. Tackling the climbs, river crossings, rocks, and rough terrain is seriously fun — and you’ll stop at some breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
Our tip: Bring sunglasses and a bandana to protect your face from dust, and don’t forget sunscreen.
1- or 2-hour ATV tour on Koh Samui
Diving Course near Koh Tao
What to expect: Just north of Koh Samui lies the small island of Koh Tao. The underwater world here is incredibly fascinating — it’s home to the best dive spots in all of Thailand, and some of the most popular in Asia. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot sea turtles, barracudas, pufferfish, and colorful reef fish.
Is it worth it? Yes! On our first trip to Thailand, we did a diving course on Koh Tao too — and it’s still one of our best travel experiences ever. Even as a complete beginner, you’ll be diving in open water and can go down to 12 meters deep.
Good to know: You’ll do two dives on this day with a delicious lunch in between.
Intro diving course from Koh Samui with lunch
Parties and Bars on the Beach
What to expect: There’s no shortage of evening entertainment on Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach draws the biggest crowds, with laid-back beach bars, cool clubs, impressive fire shows, and happy hours aplenty. It’s also the most popular area to stay on Koh Samui.
Is it worth it? If you’re already on Koh Samui, head to Chaweng Beach at least once in the evening. Next to Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi, we had some of our best nights here on our first road trip through Thailand — whether you’re after a relaxed game of pool or a proper night out.
Important: In Southeast Asia — including places like Vang Vieng in Laos — there have been isolated cases of adulterated alcohol. Be mindful of where you drink, and avoid free or unknown drinks from open bottles at very cheap bars.
Muay Thai Fight on Koh Samui
What to expect: Muay Thai is a demanding combat sport combining fists, elbows, knees, and kicks, accompanied by traditional rituals and music. Koh Samui hosts real, traditional fights that offer a fascinating window into Thai martial arts culture.
Is it worth it? Yes! We once watched a Muay Thai fight on Koh Phi Phi and thought it was really awesome. The bouts are super exciting, but honestly the atmosphere in the stadium alone makes it worth going. The biggest and best-known venue is the Phetch Buncha Stadium in Chaweng.
Good to know: The biggest Muay Thai fights in Thailand take place in Bangkok, at the legendary Rajadamnern Stadium. Check out our article on the best things to do in Bangkok for more details.
Ticket for a Muay Thai fight on Koh Samui
The Best Day Trips from Koh Samui
Got a full day to spare? Then we really recommend doing one of these excursions from Koh Samui. Here are our top four picks.
Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park
What to expect: Ang Thong National Park is made up of 42 islands, and a boat tour is the perfect way to take it all in. You’ll cruise between islands, snorkel in open water, kayak along rocky coastlines, and stop on one of the islands for panoramic views that are seriously hard to beat.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The boat tour was one of our best days on Koh Samui. The mix of activities is really well put together, and the pace is super relaxed — especially welcome after the hike up to the viewpoint. A delicious lunch is included too.
Our tip: The semi-private sunset tour is more relaxed with fewer guests, while the speedboat tour is the more affordable option — both are great. Note that on top of the tour price, there’s an additional 300 Baht (approx. $9) national park fee.
Our tour recommendations:
Semi-private sunset tour in Ang Thong National Park
Group speedboat tour to Ang Thong National Park
Boat Trip to Koh Phangan
What to expect: Koh Phangan is one of our top three most beautiful islands in Thailand. On this day trip from Koh Samui, you’ll get a taste of the island at Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach — though the real focus is snorkeling in crystal-clear water and relaxing on the boat.
Is it worth it? This is a super relaxed outing from Koh Samui. You enjoy the boat ride, hop off here and there, and jump into the water whenever you feel like it. On board, you’ll be treated to snacks, free soft drinks, and a really good Thai lunch.
Our tip: To really experience Koh Phangan, though, it’s worth spending a few nights on the island. Check out our tips for Koh Phangan below.
Boat tour around Koh Phangan
Attractions and travel tips for Koh Phangan
13 cool day trips & activities on Koh Phangan
Our hotel recommendations for Koh Phangan
Day Trip to Koh Tao & Nang Yuan
What to expect: Koh Tao is the third island in the Gulf of Thailand. The standout of this day trip from Koh Samui is definitely the island of Koh Nang Yuan, right next to Koh Tao — the view from the viewpoint is genuinely one of a kind. You’ll also snorkel and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
Is it worth it? The snorkeling alone makes this side trip from Koh Samui totally worth it. The underwater world around Koh Tao is stunning and ranks among our favorite sights in Thailand. With a bit of luck, you’ll encounter turtles and blacktip reef sharks.
Our tip: Just like with Koh Phangan, it’s really worth spending a few days on Koh Tao as well. We have dedicated articles with plenty of tips for Koh Tao too.
Boat trip to Koh Tao & Nang Yuan
Attractions and travel tips for Koh Tao
Our hotel recommendations for Koh Tao
Island Hopping around Koh Samui
What to expect: There are several smaller and mostly uninhabited islands dotted around Koh Samui. Two of them are Koh Madsum and Ko Taen. This boat trip is especially popular thanks to Koh Madsum — also known as Pig Island. Just like in the Bahamas, adorable pigs roam freely on the beach here.
Is it worth it? Both islands are close to Koh Samui, so you won’t spend much time on the boat — which means more time exploring the islands and snorkeling. The value for money here is genuinely excellent, and lunch is included.
