Things to do in Koh Samui
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Top 10 attractions in Koh Samui
Ko Samui
A crescent-like white beach surrounded by the blue water shimmering under the sun. As the waves gently sway the water surface, the sea is divided into the distinct colors of light blue to green. This is Samui Island. There are many beaches with clear water and white sand. The scenery is very charming. There are plenty of water sports to choose from. Compared with Phuket, Samui Island has retained a more natural and simple atmosphere. Many celebrities have chosen to spend their honeymoon or holiday here, which demonstrates the charm of the island.Koh Samui · 3.9km from downtown
Chaweng Beach
Located on the east coast of Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach is a 7-kilometer-long crescent-shaped beach. Chaweng Beach is well-known on Koh Samui. The soft white sands of the beach contrast with the aquamarine sea, producing enchanting scenery. The sea here is clear, and there are many small fish swimming around. In addition to the exciting things you can do in the water, you can also enjoy the nightlife in various bars.Koh Samui · 1.2km from downtown
Samui zipline
Samui zipline is a unique cableway experience. Here you can enjoy the thrill of ziplining, soaring between trees like an eagle, and effortlessly gliding from one platform to another.Koh Samui · 11.6km from downtown
Ko Tao
Koh Tao is located in southern Thailand facing the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao is to the north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Underwater visibility is exceptional in Koh Tao, the island is home to vibrant and beautiful coral and abundant marine life, and it provides an excellent diving conditions, making it one of the world's most famous diving and snorkeling spots. The waters of Koh Tao are crystal clear. Koh Tao has a lot of reefs, and the water temperature is like that in a bathtub. Within a radius of 20 km around the island are underwater hills that provide good diving spots. This is why Koh Tao has become diving site.Koh Tao · 67.8km from Koh Samui
Lamai Beach
Located on the east coast of Koh Samui, Lamai Beach is one of the most popular tourist beaches. It is the second largest beach on the island and offers crystal clear water surrounded by coconut trees and banana groves. Compared to Chaweng Beach, the surroundings of Lamai Beach are peaceful and serene with its own unique flavor. The sand here is more delicate, while seaside activities include diving with loved ones, canoing, sailing, or just kicking back and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the island.Koh Samui · 6.6km from downtown
Big Buddha Temple
Paya Temple, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is famous for having a 15-meter-high golden Buddha statue in the temple. The temple is located on KohFan, near Banglaike Beach (Big Buddha Beach). Originally, there was no road between the beach and the temple. Later, a road was reclaimed from the sea so that people could reach the temple. Phaya Temple, the iconic attraction of Koh Samui, is a famous attraction on Koh Samui and a very sacred building. This big temple dedicated to the Buddha is built on the top of the mountain, and when you climb up to look into the distance, you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding sea and nearby islands, and the scenery is charming. There are many vendors at the entrance, and when you walk in, you can see the golden Buddha at a glance, sitting in Mara posture, showing a charming silhouette against the tropical sky and ocean. When you approach Koh Samui from any angle, you can see this tall Buddha statue first at a glance. Whenever the sun goes down, reflecting the boundless sky, the big sitting Buddha looks even more spectacular. Tourists need to take off their shoes under the steps if they want to go up to the side of the Buddha. Girls can't wear very revealing clothes. It is recommended to bring a scarf or jacket. The steps are not too high, and there are cyan dragon-shaped handrails on both sides. The middle of the steps is dark red, and the two sides are white. It is recommended to walk from both sides, mainly because the sunshine in Samui is very strong, and it will be very hot to walk on the dark steps. Going up all the way, we came to the side of the big Buddha. You can kneel down reverently and pray for peace. There is a small temple on the left side of the steps of the Buddha to pray for blessings and peace. Visitors can go there to pray for blessings and peace, but only need to give a little money. In addition, there is a corridor for ringing bells next to the small temple. Visitors can use a hammer to knock down the corridor. The ringing of the bell is free. There are still monks living in the lower floors of the temple, accepting donations and giving blessings.Koh Samui · 5.6km from downtown
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks are known as “Grandfather and Grandmother Stones” and are a must-see attraction for visitors interested in photography. The two stones are named for their strange appearance, which resemble male and female genitalia. They are located in the south of Lamai Beach, with the grandfather stone standing straight up, and grandmother stone out in the sea, only visible during low tide. Due to the numerous large stones scattered along the white sandy beach, it is also a popular location for visitors to lay out, slather on some coconut oil and get a golden tan.Koh Samui · 7.8km from downtown
Fisherman's Village Night Market
Fisherman's Village Night Market is located in the Fisherman's Village area next to Bo Phut Beach in the north of Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. This area was originally an old fishing village and retains many Nanyang-style shophouses, making it a highly representative seaside walking street market on Koh Samui. Every evening when the market opens, the street is temporarily closed to traffic, vendors set up their stalls, and the street is adorned with various lights. Food stalls make up a large portion of the market, where you can taste mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, grilled seafood, various curry snacks, and tropical desserts. There is also a wide variety of fresh juices and coconut ice cream, offering both authentic Thai flavors and international snacks. In addition to food, stalls also sell handmade jewelry, fabric decorations, souvenirs, and daily necessities, offering a rich and diverse range of goods. Compared to the bustling commercial area of Chaweng, the atmosphere at Fisherman's Village Night Market is more relaxed, blending old architecture, the beach, and local market stalls to create a mix of island vacation vibes and local life.Koh Samui · 4.5km from downtown
Wat Plai Laem
Thousand-hand Guanyin Temple is located in the north of Koh Samui and is a relatively new temple on Koh Samui. The temples and many colorful Buddha statues are built on the artificial lake and are magnificent. There are also eminent monks in the temple casting spells and praying for blessings. The temple features two huge Buddha statues on the edge of an artificial lake. On one side is the Maitreya Buddha sitting on a lotus seat. On the other side is the eighteen-handed Avalokitesvara. In the middle of the two Buddha statues is a temple, in the style of 18th century Indian Buddhism. There are not many tourists in the temple as a whole, and it is relatively quiet. The monks in the temple are Thai Buddhists, mostly young believers. They either clean the temple or feed the fish in the artificial lake, and live a carefree life by the lake. Many brightly colored fish are raised in the artificial lake. If tourists donate some money in the temple in the center of the lake, they can get a package of fish food to feed the fish. No shoes are allowed to enter the temple, regardless of men and women, they should not be too revealing. Ladies should not be too close to the monks, seeking peace of mind while respecting the local culture.Koh Samui · 5.9km from downtown
Bo Phut Beach
Bophut Beach, located on the northern coast of Koh Samui, is an ideal haven for tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although it may be rougher and less attractive than the eastern beaches, it offers a relaxing environment and superb view nonetheless. Poipu Beach is known for being close to a small fishing village that was once an ancient settlement on the island. It is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset or find a beachside restaurant to sample some of the local delicacies.Koh Samui · 4.9km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Koh Samui
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Free things to do in Koh Samui
Ko Samui
Koh Samui · 3.9km from downtownChaweng Beach
Koh Samui · 1.2km from downtownSamui zipline
Koh Samui · 11.6km from downtownKo Tao
Koh Tao · 67.8km from Koh SamuiLamai Beach
Koh Samui · 6.6km from downtownBig Buddha Temple
Koh Samui · 5.6km from downtownHin Ta Hin Yai
Koh Samui · 7.8km from downtownFisherman's Village Night Market
Koh Samui · 4.5km from downtownWat Plai Laem
Koh Samui · 5.9km from downtownBo Phut Beach
Koh Samui · 4.9km from downtown
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What travellers say about Koh Samui
_TI***at21 July 2025
4.0
Exactly as booked. We booked to feed the elephants and that's what we did, I was just a bit underwhelmed, not sure what I was expecting but maybe to last a little longer. We were offered a complimentary refreshment once finished. Amazing animals, which are clearly loved by the keepers at the sanctuary, my children had a lovely time, so I would certainly recommend this as a family activity whilst on Samui.
Ko Samui
gambum like to go5 May 2023
5.0
Crystal Bay has white sandy beaches and very clear water. We can snorkel and see schools of fish. There are also many foreign tourists.
Chaweng Beach
NADIA_TISSIR18 August 2025
5.0
It was a very nice experience, and the customer service was great.
Samui zipline
_TI***0b4 June 2023
5.0
The sea is beautiful.
FamiIy
Tanote Bay Resort
Monkey weed Bar
Calypso Diving
Secret Rock Bar
Motorbike for rent
Taxi car, Taxi motorbike
Ko Tao
Nitty cat19 January 2023
5.0
Come to Koh Samui, stay at Utopia Lamai Beach. Beautiful beach, accommodation on the beach, clean room, lovely owner, excellent service, delicious food. Too bad we only had two nights, must come back again and spend more time.
Lamai Beach
สะดวกเที่ยว25 September 2022
5.0
Wat Phra Yai, worship Phra Buddha Santhithipanath, is one of the important temples on Koh Samui. It is outstanding for its large Buddha statue in the Maravijaya posture, which can be seen from afar. It is both a famous tourist attraction on Koh Samui and has been the center of faith for the locals on Koh Samui since the past.
Big Buddha Temple
LarcScape4 November 2024
5.0
Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)หินตา หินยายsignatures แห่งเกาะสมุย สวยงามตามรูปเลยครับ มุมถ่ายรูปมากมาย ทะเลสีคราม สวยงาม
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Bryan_221 October 2026
5.0
Fisherman's Village Night Market is an absolute must-visit destination in Koh Samui. The vibrant atmosphere comes alive with local vendors selling delicious street food, fresh seafood, and unique souvenirs. Walking through the bustling streets, you can feel the authentic charm of the island while enjoying live music performances. Prices are reasonable, and the locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly. It is the perfect place to spend your evening exploring Thai culture, shopping for crafts, and tasting authentic local delicacies. I highly recommend visiting this beautiful night market with your family and friends for an unforgettable experience during your trip
Fisherman's Village Night Market
vikasshah23 February 2024
4.0
it's very famous and beautiful Buddha templeworth to visityou feel very religious environment hereI really like this place too
Wat Plai Laem
TravelerKid30 November 2020
4.0
quite tranquil beach during summer and so much fun catching waves on rainy season
Bo Phut Beach
Popular cities near Koh Samui
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Koh Samui?
Don't miss these attractions in Koh Samui: Ko Samui, Chaweng Beach, and Samui zipline. If you like Food & drink, try W Koh Samui W T-Time Afternoon Tea Package for 2. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Koh Samui, Thailand - Lamai Shooting Range/Paragon Gun Range Shooting Club: Real Gun Range Live Ammunition Shooting Experience and Thailand Live-Action CS.
What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Koh Samui?
You can give W Koh Samui W T-Time Afternoon Tea Package for 2 and Ko Samui must-visit: W hotel Woo Bar afternoon tea experience - W T-Time - Lotus seat with sea view - Exquisite sweet and savory tea snacks - The same honeymoon destination as Jay Chou a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
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