Should you’re on the lookout for a spot that has giant town facilities, shocking Buddhist temples, and a chilled-out island vibe, then glance no additional than Koh Samui.
Thailand’s second biggest island (#1 is Phuket) has so much to provide vacationers. Whether or not you’re into nature, tradition, journey, partying, or only a few just right out of date R&R, you’ll in finding issues to do in Koh Samui to fit your vibe.
Days will also be spent lounging at the seaside, doing numerous water sports activities, mountaineering to viewpoints, or visiting an overly Giant Buddha. Evenings in Koh Samui are all about sunsets, tropical cocktails, contemporary seafood, and sure, just a little of untamed nightlife.
This could also be a really perfect island for virtual nomads and we spent a month chillin’ out right here. Learn on for a more in-depth take a look at my listing of the highest issues to do in Koh Samui — one of the most very best puts to seek advice from in Thailand.
1. Seashore Bumming
Whilst there are many a laugh and thrilling issues to do in Koh Samui, let’s face it — you almost certainly got here right here for a soothing seaside holiday. Fortunately you’ve were given a number of possible choices for solar and sand when visiting this well-liked Thai island.
Situated close to the airport at the northeast aspect of the island, Chaweng is the primary seaside in Koh Samui.
Whilst it’s without a doubt probably the most evolved and maximum crowded of the seashores right here, it’s nonetheless stunningly stunning. Move forward and hire a lounger and umbrella, order a fruity cocktail, and revel in your self!
The second one biggest seaside in Koh Samui is Lamai. It’s now not as busy as Chaweng, however you’ve nonetheless were given a lot of choices for puts to cool, devour, and drink. Lamai is a brilliant position to head for a swim, as the ocean is obvious and calm right here.
Whilst those are probably the most well known and biggest seashores, there are lots of others to choose between in Koh Samui.
Different beautiful seashores you must spend a while on come with Lipa Noi, Bang Por, and Giant Buddha seaside. Talking of a Giant Buddha, that brings us to the following merchandise on our listing.
2. Seek advice from the Giant Buddha
Probably the most well-known Koh Samui points of interest is the Giant Buddha. It’s situated on the Wat Phra Yai temple, which is in truth on a way smaller island simply off the northeast coast of Samui.
Because of its location close to the airport, it’s one of the most first issues many of us see when touring to Koh Samui through aircraft.
The spotlight of Wat Phra Yai is the 12-meter seated golden Buddha. This actual posture depicts a time in Buddha’s quest for enlightenment when he needed to keep away from all of the temptations that had been being pressured upon him.
With the advance of tourism and the thriving celebration scene that adopted it right here, it’s fascinating to peer Buddha closing steadfast and natural on this non violent pose whilst backpackers guzzle down buckets of booze round him.
Whilst the temple is open all day, you must attempt to get there within the morning to peer it at its busiest. With priests chanting and locals making choices, it’s an interesting cultural enjoy. You’ll be able to in finding the Koh Samui Giant Buddha at the map right here.
Word: When visiting this and some other Buddhist temple in Thailand, it’s vital to apply the correct etiquette. It’s scorching and humid at the Thai islands, however you want to hide up when visiting non secular websites like this. Don’t be that farang who presentations up right here dressed in a Complete Moon Birthday party tank-top and booty shorts.
3. Watersports Galore
Since this is a tropical island, it must come as no wonder that watersports are amongst the most well liked issues to do in Koh Samui. Right here you’ll be able to participate in scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, crusing, kiteboarding, and extra.
In this half-day time out, you’ll discover the beach through jet-ski, together with stops on the Giant Buddha (see above), and Fisherman’s Village, adopted through a sundown dinner at the seaside. Take a look at that time out right here.
Whilst within sight Koh Tao is also the diving Mecca of Thailand, Koh Samui could also be a very good position to discover underneath the ocean.
The water is heat and transparent right here, with visibility between 3 and 30 meters. Those prerequisites permit you to be told proper off the shore moderately than in a swimming pool, making Koh Samui a great spot to in the end get scuba-certified.
Even though you’re now not into the speculation of scuba diving, you’ll be able to nonetheless revel in recognizing the ample marine lifestyles through snorkeling. It’s simple to seek out tools for hire at the seaside, or you’ll be able to join a ship excursion to seek advice from a couple of other spots. Many excursions take a mixture of divers and snorkelers, which is excellent when you’re in a cut up crew.
That’s now not all there’s to do within the water right here, regardless that. You’ll be able to additionally hire kayaks or SUPs for a pleasing leisurely paddle, or jet-skis if you want just a little extra velocity. Crusing excursions also are moderately well-liked right here, particularly to peer the sundown.
4. Apply Yoga
If you are feeling the want to perform a little solar salutations or bust out your very best downward-facing canine in your holiday, you’ll feel free to listen to that yoga is moderately well-liked right here on Koh Samui.
I’m normally extra of a “Namaste in mattress” more or less man, however even I’ll stand up for some first light yoga on a Thai island!
Should you’re questioning what to do in Koh Samui on a wet day, or when you simply really feel like training, many inns at the island be offering yoga categories and there also are various devoted yoga studios right here.
Your choices right here vary from informal drop-in categories to intense yoga retreats. Whether or not you’re a complete amateur or a professional, there’s a yoga elegance for you in Koh Samui.
Probably the most well-liked spots to do yoga in Koh Samui is Shahda — a boutique hotel. Click on right here for costs and main points and to guide your spot.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Pai: 21 Issues You Don’t Wish to Pass over
5. Day Travel to Ang Thong Marine Park
Probably the most a laugh issues to do in Koh Samui is to sign up for an afternoon time out out to the beautiful Ang Thong Marine Park. This archipelago is composed of 42 pristine islands with towering limestone mountains and postcard-worthy seashores.
Maximum excursions to Ang Thong come with a seek advice from to the Emerald Lagoon, chilling out at the seaside, and just a little of snorkeling/kayaking. You’ll most probably spot some natural world on land and within the sea in this time out, together with dusky langurs and hawksbill turtles.
Ang Thong is only a quick boat experience clear of Koh Samui, and with regards to each and every excursion operator at the island can get you put up on a time out there. Those a laugh journeys come with lunch, lodge switch, meals, snorkelling apparatus and extra. Take a look at this highly-rated day excursion for main points, or this superb sundown cruise!
If an afternoon time out simply isn’t sufficient for you, there’s fundamental lodging to be had at Koh Wua Ta Lap the place the park headquarters are situated.
You’ll be able to choose from easy bungalows or simply hire a tent to camp at the seaside. There’s additionally a fundamental eating place right here the place you’ll be able to have your foods. For all of the information on staying at Ang Thong, take a look at the park’s web site.
6. Take a Hike
If you’ll be able to pull your self from your seaside lounger, there are some nice alternatives for mountaineering in Koh Samui. Whilst the beach has been evolved for tourism, a lot of the island stays untouched jungle.
There are numerous choices for hikes on Koh Samui, from moderately simple and quick trails resulting in speeding waterfalls to steep and strenuous hikes up to a few implausible viewpoints. After a tricky, sweaty hike, you’ll have earned that ice-cold Chang beer and that tasty bowl of Pad Thai!
Take a look at the hike to Nathon Mountain Ridge Path or the Maenam Point of view.
Since Koh Samui will also be moderately scorching and humid, the most efficient time to hike is both early within the morning or past due within the afternoon. On every occasion you cross, make sure you deliver various water in conjunction with some sunscreen and insect spray.
Should you’d moderately cross with a gaggle than by yourself, make certain to take a look at the various choices presented through Climbing on Samui. Those excursions are run through a long-time Samui expat from the Netherlands who has lots of enjoy mountaineering.
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If you wish to see lots of the “must-sees” in Koh Samui, however don’t have numerous time, or don’t need to spend greater than a half-day doing so, take a look at this well-liked, extremely rated excursion:
7. Take a Thai Cooking Elegance
I don’t find out about you, however I’m completely in love with Thai meals. I’m now not joking once I say I may devour Thai meals on a daily basis and not become bored. It’s simply that just right!
Should you’re as loopy about Thai delicacies as I’m, why now not learn to make it your self? Taking a Thai cooking elegance is undoubtedly one of the most tastiest issues you’ll be able to do in Koh Samui.
In maximum cooking categories, you’ll first seek advice from a neighborhood marketplace to buy contemporary components. Again within the kitchen, it’s time to prepare dinner up Thai classics like papaya salad, inexperienced curry, or tom yam. After all, the most efficient a part of the category is playing the end result of your hard work with a scrumptious meal on the finish.
The most productive position to take a cooking elegance in Koh Samui is with Island Organics. All over the highly-rated elegance, Chef Lat teaches you tips on how to make 4 tasty Thai dishes, plus unique curry pastes, and a dessert. What makes the category further particular is that lots of the components are grown of their onsite lawn. Click on right here to be told extra.
8. See Some Fascinating Rocks
In all probability some of the fascinating issues to do in Koh Samui is having a look at rocks. Sounds dull, doesn’t it? Smartly, my buddies, those are not any odd rocks…
Hin Ta (Grandpa Rock) and Hin Yai (Grandma Rock) had been naturally carved over time to resemble female and male genitalia. As with many stuff in Southeast Asia, there’s an incredible legend at the back of the rocks.
As the tale is going, an outdated couple used to be touring through sea to seek advice from their son for his marriage ceremony. Unfortunately, their boat flipped over in an unpleasant hurricane and the couple used to be not able to swim. They tragically drowned that day, however they reworked into those rocks to turn out to their son and his new kinfolk that they’d attempted to make it for what would had been a joyous instance, and possibly as just a little of a sensible funny story.
Whether or not you imagine the city legend or now not it’s price a seek advice from to the rocks, if most effective to snap some foolish pictures and chuckle. The view from the rocks is astounding as neatly. You’ll be able to get instructions to the naughty-bits-shaped rocks at the map right here. Or, take this present day time out of Koh Samui, which takes within the rocks as neatly.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Chiang Rai – 21 Best Issues You Don’t Wish to Pass over
9. Get a Therapeutic massage
Strolling down the streets of Koh Samui – or any Thai island, for that topic – you’re certain to listen to calls of “Hi! Maasssaaagggee?” It sort of feels as though everybody in this island desires to provide you with a therapeutic massage. I say take them up on it. You’re on holiday in the end!
In terms of getting a therapeutic massage right here, you’ve got various choices. There are wandering masseuses at the seaside who will thankfully provide you with a therapeutic massage from the relief of your solar lounger. Don’t be expecting a life-changing therapeutic massage from them, however for only a few dollars why now not?
If you want one thing somewhat nicer, spas are a dime a dozen in Koh Samui. Those vary from quite simple to extremely fancy. All of it will depend on your finances and what you’re on the lookout for. For an in depth take a look at a few of Koh Samui’s very best spas, head right here.
10. Swim in Waterfalls
Whilst swimming within the sea is at all times a laugh, that’s now not the one technique to cool off on a scorching day in Koh Samui. The island is house to a number of waterfalls the place you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip in stunning setting.
The most well liked waterfalls to seek advice from are the Na Muang falls — two cascading waterfalls set within the lush jungle of central Koh Samui. Na Muang 1 is definitely out there through automotive and thus generally is a bit crowded. Should you’re up for somewhat problem, it’s a few 20-30 minute hike uphill to achieve Na Muang 2.
It’s unfastened to seek advice from the waterfalls, however you’ll want to pay a small price to park your bike right here. There are some small meals stalls right here in addition to distributors promoting beverages when you forgot to deliver snacks or water. You’ll be able to in finding Na Muang 1 at the map and get instructions right here.
11. Move On An ATV Excursion
For the adrenaline junkies available in the market, an ATV excursion is without a doubt one of the most peak issues to do in Koh Samui. On a regular ATV excursion, you’ll experience during the jungle to take a look at some superb viewpoints and waterfalls.
There are a number of other choices for ATV excursions in Koh Samui. Some are as quick as one hour, whilst others final half of an afternoon. One excursion operator this is extremely beneficial is X-Quad Samui.
Earlier than you cross driving an ATV into the jungle of a Thai island, you’ll want to have some first rate global commute insurance coverage. No longer all insurance policies quilt excessive actions akin to this, so take a look at yours in moderation!
☞ Should you’re into bike journeys, take a look at this information to driving the Mae Hong Son Loop!
12. Hit The Night time Markets (one of the most very best issues to do in Koh Samui!)
Night time markets in Thailand are one among my favourite issues on the planet. It simply by no means will get outdated sampling affordable and engaging Thai meals whilst perusing the colourful handicrafts on be offering.
Should you’re questioning what to do in Koh Samui within the evenings, there are a number of other night time markets in Koh Samui which can be price trying out. Other cities host an evening marketplace on other days of the week. There’s Mae Nam on Thursdays, Bophut on Fridays, and Lamai on Sundays.
The night time markets normally get going round 5PM and keep open till 11. Remember to upload a minimum of this sort of superior night time markets on your listing of items to do in Koh Samui.
13. Discover Nathon The town
Should you arrive in Koh Samui by means of the ferry from Surat Thani, your level of access can be Nathon The town. That is the industrial and workplace of the island and a spot that many locals name house.
Maximum vacationers skip over Koh Samui’s primary the city solely, but it surely’s without a doubt price it to spend a while visiting Nathon. On a brief time out right here, you’ll be able to take a look at the colourful Chinese language shophouses, devour some scrumptious native meals at a cut price value, and stick round for a picture-perfect sundown.
Nathon The town is situated at the northwest coast of Koh Samui. You’ll be able to in finding it at the map and get instructions right here.
14. Take a look at Out the Secret Buddha Lawn
Tucked away within the middle of the island is a Secret Buddha Lawn surrounded through lush jungle. It’s a stupendous and non violent position to discover, and must without a doubt make it in your listing of items to do in Koh Samui.
It used to be began through a fruit farmer named Nim Tongsuk again in 1976 when he started striking Buddhist statues round his kinfolk’s assets. He endured so as to add to his Secret Buddha Lawn up till his loss of life on the age of 91.
The Secret Buddha Lawn is open on a daily basis from 9-5. It prices 80 baht (about $2.50) to seek advice from. It’s moderately difficult to achieve by yourself until you’ve got 4wd and are an skilled driving force. If now not, you must imagine signing up for an afternoon excursion that features a prevent on the lawn. You’ll be able to in finding it at the map right here.
☞ In search of a shocking island with pristine seashores, however fewer vacationers? Don’t pass over all the implausible issues to do in Koh Lipe.
15. Seek advice from the Fishermen’s Village
Should you develop uninterested in the touristy scene in puts like Chaweng and Lamai, take half of an afternoon to seek advice from the fishing village of Bophut. It’s a pleasing position to spend a couple of hours strolling round, doing just a little of buying groceries, and grabbing a chunk to devour. This a laugh jet-ski time out takes in Fishermen’s Village, together with sundown dinner at the seaside.
Right here you’ll in finding authentic picket properties constructed within the nineteenth century through Chinese language immigrants. Whilst lots of the fishermen have moved directly to different portions of the island, they nonetheless deliver their day-to-day catch to the eating places right here. You’ll in finding probably the most very best seafood in Koh Samui within the eating places of Fishermen’s Village.
Whilst it’s a laugh to seek advice from any day of the week, it’s possible you’ll need to come on Friday to take a look at the night time marketplace right here. The Fishermen’s Village is situated close to Bophut Seashore. You’ll be able to get instructions at the map right here.
16. Move {Golfing}
Should you revel in a pleasing around of golfing in your holiday, you then’ll feel free to listen to that Koh Samui has a number of lessons to choose between. From mini-golf to a complete 18-hole route with impressive perspectives, hitting the hyperlinks is among the very best issues to do in Koh Samui.
The Santiburi Samui Nation Membership is the one skilled same old golfing route at the island. This shocking route is ready amongst a preserved coconut palm plantation prime up within the hills.
Because of its location, you’ll revel in outstanding perspectives all through all of the around. It’s now not an inexpensive around (about $160 with golfing cart and caddy), but it surely could be some of the scenic rounds you ever play! You’ll be able to in finding the route at the map right here.
Should you’re like me and will’t swing a golfing membership to save lots of your lifestyles, you may need to simply play a just right out of date around of mini-golf. There are mini-golf lessons in each Chaweng and Lamai which can be a laugh for the entire kinfolk.
☞ Desire mountains to seashores? Then you definately’ll need to take a look at shocking Khao Lak.
17. See a Mummified Monk
This could be probably the most bizarre merchandise on our listing of items to do in Koh Samui. On the Wat Khunaram temple, you’ve got the danger to peer a mummified monk.
Luang Pho Daeng used to be a Buddhist monk who died whilst in a meditative seated place again in 1973. It used to be made up our minds that his frame could be preserved on this non violent state, and it’s been on show in a pitcher case ever since.
This may occasionally appear just a little stunning and morbid to maximum Westerners, however Thai Buddhists are a lot more accepting of loss of life. The frame of Luong Pordaeng serves as a visible reminder of Buddha’s teachings to all who seek advice from and is very respected.
Wat Khunaram is set a 10-minute force from Lamai Seashore. It’s open on a daily basis and is maximum lively within the early morning or past due afternoon. You’ll be able to in finding it at the map right here.
18. Take a look at The Virtual Nomad Lifestyles
Koh Samui is not just a well-liked vacationer and honeymoon spot, but it surely’s additionally an up-and-coming virtual nomad vacation spot. Whilst the virtual nomad group will not be as giant right here as it’s in within sight Koh Phangan or Chiang Mai within the north, that is nonetheless a great spot to paintings remotely.
Top-speed web is now readily to be had at the island, particularly in the preferred spaces of Chaweng and Lamai. Additionally, there’s in the end a co-working area at Mantra (take a look at it at the map right here). It has speedy WiFi, comfortable sofas, video video games, or even a pool desk. Now that’s a fab place of job!
Dariece and Nick (founders of Goats at the Street) spent an important month dwelling and dealing from Koh Samui. Learn all about it of their large information to being a virtual nomad in Koh Samui.
☞ Should you’re excited about what virtual nomad lifestyles is like at the different aspect of the arena, examine our enjoy touring as virtual nomads in South The united states.
19. Take a Sundown Cruise
What may well be higher than playing the sundown from a tropical seaside in Thailand? Playing it on a yacht, in fact! Taking a sundown cruise without a doubt earns its spot in this listing of items to do in Koh Samui.
Maximum excursion operators at the island can be satisfied to set you up with a sundown cruise. Probably the most very best choices is with the Purple Baron, a conventional picket junk-style yacht.
Their sundown cruise features a welcome cocktail, limitless cushy beverages/tea/espresso, and a buffet dinner. There’s additionally a bar working on deck if that one drink simply isn’t sufficient . Click on right here to be told extra.
20. Take a look at the Thai Enjoy Dinner
This simply could be the good dinner celebration available in the market. The Thai Enjoy is taking dinner events to a complete new degree with their a laugh and interactive spin on issues.
To be transparent, this isn’t a cooking elegance. I’ve already integrated the ones in this listing of items to do in Koh Samui up above. Whilst you’ll be told all in regards to the more than a few dishes or even learn to make somewhat one thing your self, you’ll be consuming meals ready through their extremely professional cooks.
For his or her complete enjoy, you get a cocktail elegance (and the completed product!), 15 other dishes, and limitless booze. Now that’s what I name a cocktail party! They supply round-trip transportation, so cross forward and drink up. Those excursions final 3 hours and value 2,490 baht ($78) in line with individual.
This dinner celebration is among the maximum distinctive issues to do in Thailand. Don’t pass over it!
21. See a Cabaret Display
Probably the most quintessential issues to do in Koh Samui is to peer a ladyboy cabaret display. Those presentations characteristic making a song, dancing, comedy, and a few beautiful elaborate costumes.
There are a couple of other choices for ladyboy cabaret presentations at the island. One who comes extremely beneficial is Paris Follies, which options all kinds of dance types in addition to many superior famous person impersonators.
Displays cross on each and every night time at 8, 9:30, and 11. The sooner display is a little more family-friendly, whilst issues warmth up somewhat bit for the later efficiency. It’s unfastened to wait, however they make their cash off of the bar as beverages are without a doubt at the expensive aspect.
Now You Know What To Do in Koh Samui
As you’ll be able to see, there’s so much taking place right here in Koh Samui. Whilst this island will most likely suck you in, you may need to imagine tacking on a time out to the within sight islands of Koh Tao for diving and Koh Phangan for epic events and adventures.
Should you’re making plans on exploring extra of the rustic (and also you must be), make certain to take a look at this information to backpacking Thailand. While you inevitably imagine quitting your task, promoting your whole worldly possessions, and transferring right here, we’ve additionally were given you coated with main points at the value of dwelling in Thailand.
Some pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
