Top 10 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samuitop_1
    󰺂5.7
    33
    Koh Samui.Mae Nam Beach5.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Insight into elephant behavior & life
    Make banana sushi with elephants
    󱨠Saved by 305 users󱨠85% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    _TI***px_TI***px

    this was a great experience, and the sanctuary was nicely ran and clean. I was thinking I would go there and see a bunch of poop or dirty things all laying around, but they kept this place spectacular. And all the workers were very friendly and the lady tour Guide, I’m sorry I forgot her name. I did post her picture on here. she was so funny she was so nice and I can she really loved the elephants and cared about her job. The place is really lucky to have someone like her and she deserves a raise. It was nice to go around feeding the elephants. Had a really good time, also unlimited bottle water, coffee and snacks throughout the day. then cap it off with a vegetarian buffet at the end. also get nice fruits too. and I forgot to mention that they pick you up and drop you off and the driver was excellent and very polite.. I first thought that hundred USD was kinda expensive for this sanctuary but I feel like that money goes to the workers and donations to the Elephant so I’m very pleased to pay the money after the experience. I will recommend this place to everyone and I will be back again to support the elephants, sanctuary and the workers.

  • Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Parktop_2
    󰺂5.7
    Koh Samui43.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoUnique kayaking adventure in Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui
    Highlights:
    Snorkeling | Corals & tropical fish
    󰋄Mountain sea & Ang Thong islands views
    󱨠Saved by 274 users
    4.8/5
    仲裁者仲裁者

    The water quality in this area is beautiful and the density of marine fish is high. You can also see the fish swimming in the clear water on the boat. If you want to further explore this beautiful underwater world, there is no other choice but to play scuba diving in the waters of the archipelago. In addition to snorkeling and other water activities, the park also has many natural caves, quiet white sand beaches, coral reefs and various strange rocks. The charming scenery of Antong National Marine Park lies in the beautiful scenery of the park. The vast sea and limestone hills form a beautiful landscape painting. The nearby waters are clean and transparent and rich in marine life. The islands are covered with coral reefs, unique blue saltwater lakes and limestone caves. It is a place that cannot be missed when visiting the islands. The quiet bay is also a good place for diving, swimming and boating. It will definitely take a day to travel around here to experience the pleasant coastal scenery. Visitors can also rent a small boat and roam freely according to their preferences. If you are tired of playing, you can also enjoy food at the tourist service center of Antong National Marine Park. The tourist service center is located on a larger island and can provide tourists with accommodation, catering, ecological introduction and park guidance services. Whether you choose to travel independently or with a guide, the charming scenery here will make people linger. Woniu Island is the location of the National Headquarters. In front of the National Headquarters is a white sandy beach suitable for swimming and canoeing. There are also stalactite caves nearby. The stalactites are shaped like blooming lotuses. The Shanzhong Lake is on Cimu Island. The nearby waters are clean and transparent and rich in marine life. The islands are covered with coral reefs and limestone. In addition, the unique blue saltwater lake and limestone cave are masterpieces of nature, and the geological concave is naturally formed. It is 200 meters wide, 250 meters long, and 7 meters deep. It takes about 15 minutes by boat from the National Headquarters. It is a place not to be missed for island sightseeing. 【Scenery】Good 【Value for money】

  • Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zootop_3
    󰺂5.1
    41.08
    Koh Samui.Hua Thanon Beach10.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Koh Samui
    Highlights:
    󰀆Sea lion & tiger shows | Photo with cubs
    Sharks & other marine creatures | Tigers
    󱨠Saved by 202 users󱨠29% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    MaxSMaxS

    Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo is a popular family-friendly attraction located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, Thailand. This unique destination combines the wonders of marine life with the thrill of interacting with tigers and other exotic animals. It’s a must-visit for tourists looking for an exciting and educational experience during their stay on the island.

  • Samui zipline
    4
    󰺂4.4
    63.89
    Koh Samui.Nathon11.6 km from downtown
    4.4/5
    NADITANADITA

    It was a very nice experience, and the customer service was great.

  • Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
    5
    󰺂4.4
    Koh Samui5.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Temple on hilltop | Panoramic sea view
    󱓊Steps lead to the Buddha
    󱨠Saved by 143 users󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    สะดวกเที่ยวสะดวกเที่ยว

    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.

  • Lamai Beach
    6
    󰺂4.4
    Koh Samui.Lamai Beach6.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLamai Beach Koh Samui: Couples & Family Fun Day Trips | Dec 2025-Apr 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Koh Samui
    Highlights:
    Diving & sailing | Water sports
    󱓊Beach festival & masquerade ball
    󱨠Saved by 124 users
    4.6/5
    蛉啊子蛉啊子

    Lamai Beach is some distance away from Samui Airport. It is much less crowded than the most popular Chaweng Beach and is quieter, but there are also far fewer activities to enjoy and the sand feels a little coarser.

  • Chaweng Beach
    7
    󰺂4.3
    Koh Samui.Chaweng Beach1.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    Thrilling water sports | Cuisine & bars
    󰀆Night beach party & fun
    󱨠Saved by 313 users󱨠232 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    gambum like to gogambum like to go

    Crystal Bay has white sandy beaches and very clear water. We can snorkel and see schools of fish. There are also many foreign tourists.

Best things to do in Koh Samui (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Koh Samui? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Koh Samui offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Koh Samui

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Koh Samui experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui

• Koh Samui.Mae Nam Beach | 5.9 km from downtown

• : Insight into elephant behavior & life,Make banana sushi with elephants

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

• Koh Samui | 43.2 km from downtown

• : Snorkeling | Corals & tropical fish,Mountain sea & Ang Thong islands views

Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo

• Koh Samui.Hua Thanon Beach | 10.6 km from downtown

• : Sea lion & tiger shows | Photo with cubs,Sharks & other marine creatures | Tigers

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Koh Samui

If you want to explore attractions just outside Koh Samui, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Koh Samui, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Koh Samui special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Koh Samui

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Koh Samui

Ready to explore the best of Koh Samui? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Koh Samui?
These are all Best Things to Do in Koh Samui:Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo, Samui zipline, Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Koh Samui?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Koh Samui include:Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui:4.5, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park:4.8, Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo:4.1, Samui zipline:4.4, Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai):4.5
At what locations in Koh Samui can Best Things to Do in Koh Samui be found?
The Best Things to Do in Koh Samui are mainly located in:Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui:Koh Samui, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park:Koh Samui, Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo:Koh Samui, Samui zipline:Koh Samui, Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai):Koh Samui
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