12 things to do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is famous for its stunning beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, viewpoints, temples, and much more. The full Thai experience, from wildlife to culture, can be had on this single island and its surroundings. 

Follow along for a list of the best things to do in Koh Samui, complete with tips, tricks, and any other information you might want to know before your visit.

1. Explore the Fisherman’s Village

Fisherman’s Village, located on the edge of Bophit beach on the northern coast of Koh Samui, is one of the main tourist draws on this part of the island. What was once a quiet home for local fishermen is now a bustling area filled with markets, local street food, crafts, and hotels.

The Friday Night Walking Street Market is something you won’t want to miss. That’s when the Fisherman’s Village market is at its liveliest, which makes it a perfect opportunity to experience local culture, sample the food, and pick up some souvenirs. The event takes place every Friday from 5 PM to 11 PM.

Fisherman’s Village is about a 10-minute drive from Chaweng Beach and just 15 minutes from Samui International Airport. It’s easily accessible by car or scooter and is perfect for an evening out, combining culture, shopping, and dining in one.

2. Discover the Secret Buddha Garden

The Secret Buddha Garden, also known as the Magic Garden is located in the island’s central mountains. It’s a peaceful spot away from mass tourism, surrounded by dense jungle, with stunning views of the island’s coastline. 

The garden is home to a collection of Buddhist statues, shrines, and fountains. The combination of these statues and the surrounding jungle creates an atmosphere unlike any other. It’s even more impressive when you learn that the garden is built by a single farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who started building it in 1976 at the age of 77.

The garden is located approximately a 30-minute drive from Chaweng or Lamai Beach. Once at the entrance, you’ll have to take a short walk down some stairs to finally uncover the beauty of the garden.

3. Visit the Big Buddha statue

The Big Buddha, or Wat Phra Yai, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island and is something you won’t want to miss when visiting Koh Samui. Standing at an impressive 12 meters (39 feet) tall, this golden statue is located on a small island off the northern coast of Koh Samui, near Bang Rak Beach. 

You can reach the Big Buddha by taking a short drive from Chaweng Beach or Bophut. The statue can be seen from a while away and is easily accessible via land bridge that connects the small island to the main landmass of Samui. 

The temple complex surrounding the statue features smaller Buddha statues, serene gardens, and vibrant murals depicting scenes from Buddhist teachings. Visitors can walk around the site, take in the scenic views, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re not a fan of the crowds, consider visiting the statue early in the morning or late in the evening. It’s a popular tourist attraction, and that’s when it’s the least busy.

4. Visit the Ang Thong Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning 42-island archipelago located about 30 kilometers off the western coast of Koh Samui. It offers dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and incredible biodiversity. 

The park is famous for its limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, and diverse marine life, making it a haven for scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking. 

You can reach Ang Thong from Koh Samui by joining boat tours which depart from one of the Nathon or Bang Rak piers. Boat trips typically take about 1.5 hours each way, and many tours include activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and a visit to the Emerald Lake (Koh Mae Ko) which is widely considered to be one of the park’s main highlights. 

Visiting the park is a full-day adventure. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and plenty of sunscreen, as you’re often left with no option but to soak in the sun on the boat or in open areas on the islands.

5. Take a diving tour in Koh Tao

Located just north of Koh Samui, Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, it’s heaven for underwater enthusiasts. 

The island is home to some of the most famous dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, and Shark Bay. Here, you can swim with schools of colorful fish, turtles, and even reef sharks.

Koh Tao offers a range of dive schools and courses, from beginner PADI certifications to advanced technical dives. The island is also ideal for snorkelers, with shallow waters near the shore teeming with marine life. Ao Leuk Bay, Sai Nuan Beach, and Shark Bay are popular spots for snorkeling, offering easy access to coral gardens and an abundance of tropical fish.

You can take a ferry from Bang Rak Pier or Maenam Pier to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once on Koh Tao, most dive shops and snorkeling tours are located near the main pier in Mae Haad, though there’s no shortage of other diving-related attractions throughout the island.

6. Uncover the beauty of ​​the Na Muang Waterfall

Na Muang Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions on Koh Samui, located in the island’s lush central region. The waterfall is actually made up of two stunning cascades, creatively named Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2.

The first one is the most easily accessible and features an impressive waterfall with a 30-meter (100 foot) drop. The large pool at its base is perfect for a refreshing swim in the cool, clear water. Na Muang 1 is just a short walk from the parking area, making it an easy spot to visit for those looking to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

The second waterfall, Na Muang 2, is a bit more challenging to reach but offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. To reach this hidden gem, you must hike through a jungle trail for about 20-30 minutes, but the stunning scenery and the peaceful environment make it well worth the effort.

Na Muang Waterfall is located about 20 minutes inland from Chaweng or Lamai Beach. It can be accessed by car, motorbike, or taxi. It’s a fantastic destination for nature lovers, offering both a relaxing and adventurous experience amidst Koh Samui’s tropical rainforest.

September to November is typically the best time to visit this place, as it’s the end of the rainy season, the cascades have plenty of water, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.

7. Relax at the beach

Koh Samui is home to a number of stunning beaches, so choosing one is pretty much impossible. That said, you’re sure to find a place that feels just right for you, as there are beaches both for party-goers and those seeking peace and quiet. Those below are just some of the best, but there are plenty of other beaches worth visiting.

Chaweng Beach is the most popular and developed beach on Koh Samui, stretching over 5 kilometers (3 miles) of soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s the go-to spot for those seeking lively nightlife, water activities, and a wide range of accommodation and dining options. It can get pretty crowded, but that’s also what you’d expect from a beach like that.

Lamai Beach offers a more laid-back vibe than Chaweng. It’s known for its fine sand and clear water, making it great for swimming and sunbathing. Lamai has a mix of budget and mid-range accommodations. The nearby Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks are also something you won’t want to miss, so take a moment to explore your surroundings while you’re here.

Coral Cove Beach is a hidden gem located between Chaweng and Lamai Beach. It’s a small, quiet cove with clear water, surrounded by rocks and tropical vegetation. The beach is great for those looking to escape the crowds, while crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a popular choice for snorkelers. 

The cove can be accessed by a short walk down from the main road, and while it’s less developed, a few small beachfront cafes offer a relaxing place to grab a bite.

8. Take a Thai cooking class

Thai cuisine is famous the world over for being rich in tastes and spices. And there’s no better place to learn it than it Thailand. Koh Samui offers a number of different cooking classes, which also often include a visit to the local markets to pick out the freshest ingredients for your dishes.

Try making your own curry paste, mastering pad Thai, making the perfect tom yum, or going for something sweet with mango sticky rice. The classes will teach you how to balance sour, sweet, and spicy, and your stomach will thank you for the rest of time.

9. Learn Muay Thai

If you feel like putting on a sweat after spending quality time in the kitchen, taking a Muay Thai class is the perfect way to do it. The traditional Thai martial art isn’t only about brute force, instead placing an emphasis on tradition, discipline, and respect. 

You won’t become a world-class striker by taking one or two classes in Thailand. But it will provide you with unique insight into the culture of the region. You can either take private classes or group lessons with up to 20 other participants. 

If you’re a digital nomad living in Koh Samui, you might want to join a gym and spend some more time training Muay Thai. It offers great exercise both for the body and the mind, keeping you fit and ready to take on anything that the island has to offer.

10. Get a traditional Thai massage

Muscles sore from all the training? There’s hardly a better remedy for it than a traditional Thai massage. There are spas and massage parlors in any touristy town within Koh Samui, so you won’t have a hard time finding a place for relaxation.

Unlike western massages that focus mostly on massaging your muscles, a traditional Thai massage is more a combination of stretches, tackling pressure points, and rhythmic compression. It improves blood circulation, flexibility, and provides a boost of energy for the rest of your day.

11. Take a jungle tour

Don’t feel like coming up with your own itinerary for the day? Take a jungle tour in Koh Samui. These tours usually include hotel pickup, lunch, and a day packed with things to do in Thailand.

The most popular tours take you to the aforementioned Na Muang Falls, Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, and the Secret Buddha Garden. That said, the attractions included on your tour may differ depending on which side of the island you’re staying in.

12. Taste the local food

No matter what you want to see or do during your trip to Koh Samui, don’t forget to taste local foods and drinks while you’re here. Food is an important part of the culture almost everywhere in the world. And Thailand is definitely not an exception to this rule.

The food is known to be quite spicy, but even if you can’t handle spice at all, options such as mango sticky rice or pork skewers are a safe choice. You can also ask for less chili or opt for coconut milk based curries for a milder meal. 

On the other hand, if you love spice, you can ask for some extra. Some meals, especially in touristy areas, can be toned down to suit the visitor’s palette.  There are many beach bars, restaurants, and fast food stands throughout Koh Samui. Finding local food definitely won’t be an issue.

Tips for visiting Koh Samui

Ready to pack your bags for Thailand and start your trip? Before you go, there are some things you might want to consider:

• Best time to visit: The dry season, which lasts from December to February, is typically considered to be the best time to visit Koh Samui, thanks to cooler, dryer weather. That said, if you’re ready for the heat and humidity, the wet season typically offers cheaper accommodations and attractions.
• Dress code: A casual dress code is perfectly fine in Koh Samui. However, you need to make sure that you’re covering your knees and shoulders when visiting any temples or other religious places.
• Buddha etiquette: Touching any statues of Buddha bad etiquette anywhere in Thailand. Even Buddha souvenirs may require a special permit to be taken out of the country. So admire the beauty of the statues, but don’t go around hugging them for your holiday pics. 
• Time spent: Koh Samui is a stunning island, and it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re here. That said, you can explore the main attractions in 4 to 5 days, while a full week leaves you some time to sunbathe and relax.
• Cash: You should always have Thai Baht on hand. Street food vendors, souvenir shops, and many small local businesses may not take card payment and only accept cash.
• Transport: Renting a car in Koh Samui is expensive, and driving motorcycles isn’t very safe. Songathews (modified pickups, traditionally painted red), offer the most convenient way to move around the island.
• Haggling: While in Thailand, haggle with respect. Haggling is part of the culture, but it’s nowhere near as aggressive as in some other countries. Be respectful, and you might be able to shave a few Baht of whatever you’re looking to buy.
• Mobile internet: Mobile internet in Thailand makes your life easier. It allows you to find your way around, communicate with locals, and share experiences with friends and family back home. In general, eSIMs are considered the best way to stay connected, as they’re more convenient and cheaper than other options, such as travel SIM cards or data roaming.

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Rokas Aniulis

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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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