If you’re looking for the top things to do in Koh Samui, we’ve put together the ultimate guide. After touring the whole island here are all the best spots.
1. Beach Hop
If you’re heading to the Thai paradise of Koh Samui then you’re probably going to be hunting for the best beaches on the island.
Well we spent a few days driving around the whole island so that you don’t have to.
From our personal favourite Silver Beach, to the lesser known haven of Maenam Beach, there are plenty to choose from.
You have busy, tourist packed beaches, full of fun actives to enjoy, as well as quiet secluded beaches with soft white sand to chill and wind down.
There are beaches where the water is so clear that you can see the fishes swimming around your legs and beaches that offer the most amazing sunsets.
Whatever you are looking for from a day at the beach, Koh Samui certainly has something for everyone.
With so many beauties, beach hopping definitely has to be top of your things to do in Koh Samui list!
2. Waterfall Hunting
A popular island activity, and another of the best things to do in Koh Samui is chase waterfalls.
There are a few waterfalls scattered around the island but the ones that attract the most visitors are Namuang Waterfalls 1 & 2 for a reason.
The first is an easy walk down to a beautiful jumping rock that is great for cooling off and having fun.
The second is a bit of a hike to get up to but definitely worth it for the spectacular viewpoint at the top. There’s also a lovely little secluded rock pool to freshen-up in after your hike up!
If you fancy including Namuang Waterfall into a day tour you should check out the 7-Hour 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour Including Lunch.
3. Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks
If you haven’t heard of Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks already, then you probably will when you arrive on the island.
Koh Samui has its own crude version of Stone Henge and it comes in the form of a rock shaped like a giant penis!
Also known as grandfather and grandmother rocks, as there is also a rock formation that resembles a vagina.
A huge tourist attraction for some funny reason, it’s added to many peoples things to do in Koh Samui list when visiting.
There are some beautiful views here that are well worth a visit, as well as the obvious photo opportunities!
Again, if you fancy including Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks into a day tour you should check out the 7-Hour 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour Including Lunch.
4. Overlap Stone Viewpoint
There are a few man-made viewpoints on the island but this natural one was our favourite!
Overlap Stone is located at the back of an old Thai families home and it’s just a short walk through the jungle to get there.
Overlap Stone viewpoint Koh Samui is a beautifully untouched phenomenon of nature. The giant rock is also a lesser known hidden gem, so not usually crowded with tourists.
The views from this gigantic stone stretch across the tree tops to Lamai Beach and the ocean. Offering up some fantastic photo opportunities.
Located just around the corner from Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks and Lamai Beach, it’s definitely worth adding to your things to do in Koh Samui list if you’re in the area.
5. Visit The Temples
Koh Samui Big Buddha Temple, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is one of the islands star attractions and on most peoples things do to in Koh Samui list.
This 12m high seated Buddha statue is really large and can actually be seen from several kilometres away!
The surrounding temple grounds are beautiful and there are lots of fantastic spots for some great photos. As well as restaurants and shops to visit.
Located pretty much just around the corner is Wat Plai Laem, which features the spectacular 18 armed Buddha and the enormous laughing white Buddha. These two are the most famous modern pieces of architecture on the island.
Visiting these beautifully serene temples with their incredible statues, was definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Samui for us.
6. Catch A Sunset
Do NOT miss this off your things to do in Koh Samui list!
There are a few spots on the west coast to catch a stunning sunset. From busy beach bars to more secluded stretches of sand.
However, after many recommendations ,we chose to rush to Lipa Noi Beach on our final night! It was probably the best decision of our trip.
After struggling to find it, we dashed through some palm trees to an incredible fiery sky.
Although it was not the best beach we had visited, with the overhanging palm trees and beautiful colours we were more than happy.
We couldn’t have asked for a better end to our few days on the island of Koh Samui.
7. Fisherman’s Village Night Market
Held every Monday and Friday, between 5pm-11pm, Fisherman’s Village Night Market is not to be missed.
It runs for miles and starts at every entrance to the T shaped junction of Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.
This is a great market and offers everything from tropical fruit juices to cheap clothing and lots more.
For souvenirs to smoothies and fresh street foods stall, we had named Luang Prabang night market as the best in Asia, but this may just have over-taken it!
Where To Stay In Koh Samui
Luxury
Tango Luxe Beach Villa Samui offers tropical villas with a private pool and free WiFi.
It has a main infinity pool, two on-site restaurants and pampering spa treatments.
Luxurious ocean-facing villas come with a 42-inch flat-screen TV, iPod dock and sun loungers.
The large en suite bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower stall.
Tango Luxe Beach Villa Samui is a 5-minute drive from Seatran Ferry Pier, which offers transfers to Koh Phangan. It is 1.9 miles from Samui International Airport.
Mid-Budget
Located along Chaweng Road, the charming Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana features cosy and comfortable rooms with free WiFi.
Offering 2 dining options, the property also boasts an outdoor swimming pool with pool bar.
Just 550 yards from the beach, the hotel is a 15-minute drive from Samui International Airport. Samui Ferry Terminal is a 30-minute drive away.
The Thai-style rooms come with wooden flooring and furnishings. Each room has a tea/coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a minibar.
Guests enjoy satellite channels on a flat-screen TV. An en suite bathroom comes with a shower.
Budget
Just off Chaweng Beach Road, the family-run Arina Boutique Residence offers cosy rooms decorated with traditional Thai artwork.
Providing free Wi-Fi, it is just 2 minutes’ drive from central Chaweng. Arina Residence is a 30-minute drive from Nathon Ferry Pier and a 45-minute drive from Tong Yang Ferry Port.
Koh Samui Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Decorated with dark wood furnishings, rooms at Arina feature a private balcony and a 29-inch flat-screen cable/satellite TV.
For more places to stay in Koh Samui, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Thailand Blogs
Koh Samui Beaches – The 6 Best Beaches On Koh Samui
Namuang Waterfalls Koh Samui – All The Details For 1 & 2
Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks – The Famous Penis On Koh Samui
3 Day Bangkok Itinerary – A List Of Things To Do In Bangkok
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Tim Neeble
Tuesday 18th of August 2020
Thank you for sharing your amazing experience! It helps me a lot to find the right spot to visit. Keep up the great work!
Charlie Pauly
Tuesday 15th of September 2020
Ah glad it came in handy! Thank you!