9 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui, Thailand

Are you looking for the best things to do in Koh Samui? This was one of our favorite places in Thailand. A perfect holiday destination for couples, families, honeymooners, and even solo travelers.

Wondering what to do in Koh Samui? Visit the colorful Wat Plai Laem Temple, explore the best beaches, take a boat trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, try the delicious Thai food, and see the Overlap Stone.

This ultimate guide to visiting Koh Samui includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand.

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Where is Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a popular destination and largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, in Surat Thani province.

Best Time to Visit Koh Samui

Thailand has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry and wet. The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, from December to March. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, hiking, and exploring the best attractions.

The average annual temperature on the island is 28°C.

The peak season runs from December to February. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, ferry tickets, and tours in advance!

The hottest months are April and May when temperatures rise above 33°C. We visited Koh Samui in mid-April and had fantastic weather. As unexpected tropical rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.

We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Koh Samui.

How to Get to Koh Samui

There are only two ways to get to Samui: by boat or plane. The easiest and fastest way to get to the island is by plane. Most people fly from Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways operates direct flights to Samui International Airport (airport code USM).

A budget option is to fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a ferry to the island.

The airport is located in the northeast part of the island, about a 10-minute drive from Chaweng Beach. Book a private transfer from Samui Airport to your hotel.

We arrived in Surat Thani from Bangkok by bus and then took the Seatran Ferry to Samui.

We have a detailed post on how to get to Koh Samui from different parts of Thailand, such as Krabi, Phuket, Bangkok, and Surat Thani, which contains all the information you need.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

There are many luxury hotels and resorts on the island. But accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Koh Samui

Luxury: Melia or Banyan Tree Samui
Mid-Range: The Lamai Samui
Budget: So KohKoon Beach Resort

more hotels

Recommended post → Best Family Resorts and Hotels

Photo credit: Holiday Inn Resort Samui

Things to Do & See in Koh Samui

1. Wat Plai Laem

Looking for free things to do in Koh Samui? Wat Plai Laem is a wonderful Buddhist temple that is free to visit. It is located next to an artificial lake and appears to be floating on a pink lotus. The most popular photo spots are the giant laughing Buddha and the eighteen-handed Guanyin statue.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, you can easily visit Wat Plai Laem Temple, just a 5-minute walk away. We recommend you come early in the morning as there will be a lot of tourists later.

Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours at the temple complex and explore all the beautiful sculptures and paintings.

Recommended post → How to Visit Wat Plai Laem

2. Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks

Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, also known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai, are natural rock formations on the island. They are popular because of their unusual shapes, which resemble the male and female genitals.

It’s the perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours. There is no entrance fee, but the parking fee was 20 THB (0,60 USD).

The Guan Yu Shrine is just a 5-minute drive from Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks and is well worth a visit. The shrine is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and admission is free.

Looking for more things to do in Koh Samui? Then, take a ferry to Haad Rin Beach (Koh Phangan) for the famous Full Moon Party.

Keep reading → Best Hotels in Koh Phangan

Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, Koh Samui

3. Overlap Stone

Looking for one of the best viewpoints on the island? Overlap Stone is a beautiful, unique rock formation that offers stunning views of Lamai Beach and the surrounding area, making it a must-see attraction on the island.

This balancing stone on top of another large rock offers a unique photo spot and attracts locals and tourists alike. Visiting the Overlap Stone was one of our favorite things to do in Koh Samui. You can walk to the rock at your own risk, but be careful, as there were no handrails on our visit!

The entrance fee to Overlap Stone is 200 THB (6 USD) per person, which includes a soft drink of your choice. If you don’t want to pay that much for a viewpoint, we suggest you visit Overlap Stone 2.

Read the full post → How to Visit Overlap Stone

4. Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is located in the northeast part of the island, just a 10-minute drive from the Samui Airport. The beach is more than 5 km of soft white sandy beach, fringed with coconut trees. Chaweng Beach also offers a wide range of beach resorts, restaurants, bars, and shops, providing comfort and entertainment for all visitors.

In this tropical paradise, you can enjoy plenty of activities, such as live music, dance clubs, and water sports. Have lunch or dinner at one of the most popular restaurants on the island, the Cocoon Viewpoint Restaurant.

There are also several beautiful and hidden beaches on the island, such as Choeng Mon Beach, Crystal Beach, and Coral Cove Beach. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Lad Koh Viewpoint.

Here are all your hotel options in Chaweng Beach.

5. Take a Snorkeling Tour of Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan

Explore Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan on this full-day excursion. Swim and snorkel at Mango Bay (Ao Muong Beach) and Koh Nang Yuan, which are known for their beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life. Then, hike to the top of the mountain for stunning panoramic views.

The tour price includes hotel round-trip transfer, light breakfast & Thai-style buffet lunch, drinking water/soft drinks on board, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, a First aid kit, basic accident insurance, and an English-speaking guide.

Book this excellent day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Not all tours include the Koh Nang Yuan Island entrance fee, which costs 250 THB (7.5 USD) for adults and 120 THB (3.5 USD) for children.

6. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)

The Big Buddha Temple is a stunning sight, with its 12-meter-high golden Buddha statue that can be seen from afar. Once you arrive, climb the steps to the top and enjoy a great view of the sea and the surrounding area.

Wat Phra Yai is free to visit. In the temple, you can ask for a blessing from the monks. There are also small cafés and stalls where you can buy clothes or handicrafts.

Then, combine your visit with the Wat Plai Laem Temple, just a 15-minute walk away.

TIP
If you spend enough time on the island, visit the underrated Tarnim Magic Garden.

7. Na Muang Waterfall

One of the best things to do in Koh Samui is to visit Na Muang Waterfall. Although the waterfall is not as intense in the drier months, the natural swimming pools are still a good place for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Na Muang Waterfall has two stunningly beautiful waterfalls. The lower waterfall falls into a beautiful natural pool and is easily accessible for families. The upper waterfall can be reached with a 30-minute hike through the jungle.

The most beautiful viewpoint is at the top, from where you can enjoy a magical view or take some Instagram photos from the natural pool.

Read the full post → Na Muang Waterfall

8. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

Wondering what to see in Koh Samui? Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, consisting of 42 separate and smaller islands. Take a relaxing sailing cruise on a luxury yacht to the limestone islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Enjoy snorkeling, visit the Emerald Lake, and admire the beautiful sunset.

The entrance fee to Ang Thong National Marine Park is 300 THB (9 USD) for foreign adults and 150 THB (4,50 USD) for foreign children. The national park is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM.

On the largest island, there is a viewpoint where you can climb up in about 30 minutes, but it can be challenging in the hot and humid climate. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you can see the Gulf of Thailand and the smaller islands.

Book this excellent tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

9. Fisherman’s Village Night Market

Wondering what to do in Koh Samui at night? Visiting the night markets is a must-do on the island. Fisherman’s Village Night Market is located in the north part of the island, just a few minutes walk from Bo Phut Beach.

The night market offers a variety of Thai food. It’s worth trying authentic Thai dishes such as mango sticky rice, different kinds of pancakes, Pad Thai, or fresh seafood.

The market is open every evening, with live music and dancing. The stalls are also full of unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.

Join a Thai Cooking Class.

Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! It is the most popular and largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Thailand (the other two being Koh Tao and Koh Phangan). It is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, cultural attractions, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.

We loved Koh Samui and wished we could have stayed longer.

Top Tours

Pig Island Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling
Half-Day Island Highlights Tour with Hotel Pickup
Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers
4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch

Is it Safe to Travel to Koh Samui?

Yes, it is generally safe. However, petty theft sometimes occurs on the beaches, so always keep an eye on your valuables while swimming.

Currents and waves around the island can be strong and unpredictable, so be careful when swimming and snorkeling!

Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, and avoid driving at night.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How to Get Around Koh Samui

The best way to explore the island is to rent a scooter or car. We rented a scooter for 250 THB (7.5 USD) per day and explored the attractions at our own pace.

Alternatively, you can join an organized group or private tour, which includes transport. You can visit Wat Plai Laem, Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), Na Muang Waterfall, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk), and Lad Koh Viewpoint.

Book your half-day tour via GetYourGuide or Viator.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a bottle of water, entrance fees, travel insurance, and transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

How many Days do you Need in Koh Samui?

For the best experience, we recommend you spend at least 5-7 days on this tropical paradise island and enjoy the best things to do in Koh Samui. Then, travel to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Khao Sok National Park.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Koh Samui will help you plan your next trip to Thailand. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

9 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui, Thailand