Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It is a perfect place to swim in beautiful, warm, translucid water facing the coconut palms! How to visit Koh Samui for a top-notch holiday? What to do here besides the beaches? Here is our selection of the 15 best activities to do, places to see in Koh Samui and unique experiences for couples.
1. Enjoy the most beautiful beaches of Koh Samui
Among the most famous beaches of Koh Samui, there is Chaweng Beach. It is where you will find the most travelers, beach clubs, and fun places to party. The other beaches of Koh Samui are quieter. The second best-known beach is Lamai Beach. At Lamai Beach, the atmosphere is calmer and more relaxed.
You can also discover the following beaches: Bo Phut, Maenam, Lipa Noi, or Silver Beach (also known as Crystal Bay Beach).
Many travelers to Koh Samui rent a car or scooter to discover the island’s different faces. It is easy to find a rental. Some hotels even offer this service. If you want to rent a vehicle in Thailand, come with your international license. In addition, driving in Thailand is on the left. The controls of the car are, therefore, reversed. A scooter or car rental is a good idea if you are comfortable driving. Otherwise, don’t take any risks.
2. See the Big Buddha at Wat Phrai Yai Temple
If you visit Koh Samui, check out this giant golden Buddha statue! In addition to this impressive statue, you will discover a splendid view of the sea and the island of Koh Samui.
Free of charge. However, you make a donation to participate in the place’s upkeep. This religious place requires an outfit that covers the shoulders, stomach, and thighs.
3. Visit the largest temple in Koh Samui: Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple that combines Thai and Chinese traditions. Here you will see two impressive statues, each standing in the middle of a pond. It is a lovely place to visit in Koh Samui!
Plan for at least 1 hour for this visit. As Wat Plai Laem is a 15-minute walk from the Big Buddha, you can easily visit both places on the same day.
4. Visit an elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui
In Koh Samui, there are several elephant sanctuaries. These are associations that welcome and take care of formerly mistreated elephants. In these sanctuaries, elephants live a peaceful and quiet life. You can get to one of these sanctuaries by scooter or car or take a guided tour. The advantage of the guided tour is to live several unique moments with the elephants. For example, you will learn about their story, walk with them in the jungle, prepare their food and feed them. An incredible experience to do in Koh Samui as a family or as a couple! Click here to see the prices.
5. Visit the jungle of Koh Samui
In addition to the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui, explore the interior of the island! Among the exciting places to discover are the Tarnim Magic Garden and the Namuang, Tan Rua, Khun Si, Namtok Zong Raue, and Nina waterfalls. The interior of the island is full of treasures! Make sure to check out Lamai ViewPoint too. It is a superb view of Koh Samui! You can get there on foot for free or by small cable car for a fee.
If you do not want to rent a scooter or a car, you can take a tour that allows you to visit the great must-sees of Koh Samui. For instance, click here to see for a guided tour with lunch.
6. Discover the natural beauties of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
What fantastic landscapes await you! Mu Ko Ang Thong Park is made up of 42 islands. The place is stunning and well-preserved. You can get there by taking a speed boat from Koh Samui. Tours usually include hotel pick-up, transport, and lunch (see prices here).
Rates vary depending on the boat and the number of people on board. The advantage of fast boats is, of course, the shorter travel time. Nevertheless, the noise of the boat can be annoying. Whichever option you choose, this is one of the best things to do in Koh Samui!
7. Visit the old fishing village: Fisherman’s village
The Fisherman’s Village is a great place to stroll in Koh Samui at nightfall. The atmosphere is excellent! You will find many terraces and bean bags to sit directly on the beach.
In addition to restaurants and bars, you will find a superb night market here (open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays): Night Market Fishermans Village. One of the best areas to see in Koh Samui at night!
There is also a fire show every night at Coco Tam’s.
8. Watch a Thai boxing (muay-thai) fight
You can attend a Thai boxing fight in Koh Samui at the Phetch Buncha Boxing Stadium or Samui International Muay Thai Stadium. These two boxing arenas are in Chaweng. Thai boxing is a national sport that is part of the local culture. An incredible atmosphere awaits you!
9. Go to Koh Phangan Island
Koh Phangan is 25 km from Koh Samui. This island is famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties. In addition to this festive atmosphere, the island of Koh Phangan offers an idyllic setting. A regular ferry connects the two islands. You can buy tickets once there or book them in advance.
Some companies offer day cruises to visit the island of Koh Phangan from Koh Samui. You can therefore choose to stay on Koh Samui but spend a day on Koh Phangan. Click here to see more.
10. Treat yourself to a Thai massage
Thai massage combines the basics of yoga and elements of Indian medicine. Like everywhere in Thailand, you will see many massage parlors. You can even get a massage right on the beach in Koh Samui! A unique experience for couples in Koh Samui.
11. Taste Thai cuisine
If you go to Koh Samui, you don’t have to eat only local food. The restaurants offer a wide choice of cuisine, including many Western-style. However, if you want to discover new flavors, do not hesitate! Although Thai cuisine is famous for being spicy, not all meals are. In Koh Samui, you can taste a non-spicy Pad Thai with a magnificent sea view!
12. Visit Coral and Pig Island from Koh Samui
These two islands offer heavenly landscapes and, therefore, incredible travel memories! You can visit Koh Madsum and Koh Tan from Koh Samui by boat. Many companies offer day trips to discover these two islands. Here is an example.
13. Admire a magnificent view of the island of Koh Samui from the Jungle Club
If you visit Koh Samui by renting a scooter or a car, come to the Jungle Club. It’s a lovely place to take a break, relax and discover a magnificent view of the island of Koh Samui!
14. See rock formations: Hin Ta, Hin Yai
The rock formations Hin Ta, Hin Yai (Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks) are located close to Lamai Beach. It is an excellent place to visit in Koh Samui. Although, the site is very touristy and is not the most impressive of Koh Samui. There is a fee to park near Hi Ta, Hin Yai.
15. See the mummified monk of Koh Samui at Wat Khunaram
At the temple of Wat Khunaram in Koh Samui, you can see a mummified monk who remained intact in a meditation position when he died! A disturbing and surprising visit at the same time to do in Koh Samui.
Best places to stay in Koh Samui
Choose Chaweng if you want to party and be close to the hotspots. For example, Lub d is a very well-located hotel. Chaweng is one of the most touristic places on the island and where you will find the most accommodation. For a calmer area or couples in Koh Samui, you can go to Lamai (for example, Jasmine Resort) or Bophut (for instance, Bo Phut Resort and Spa). And for even more tranquility, in Naeman or Lipa Noi.
Click here to read our post on the best places to stay in Koh Samui.
In addition to tourist spots, Koh Samui is an island full of hidden treasures to see. Do not hesitate to go off the beaten track to explore this pretty Thai island! Explore the islands near Koh Samui to discover beautiful landscapes and exceptional natural places.
