Categories > Guides and Tips
20 Things to Do in Koh Samui
- Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Marvel at the Big Buddha
- Go shopping at Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village
- Pay a visit to the famous Koh Samui temples
- Bask in the majesty of Na Muang Waterfalls
- Experience the allure of Cabaret Shows
- Marvel at the Buddha Footprints
- Relive the past in Hua Thanon
- Take on the Lamai Overlap Stone
- Learn the ancient art of Muay Thai
- Enjoy the day at Pink Elephant Samui Water Park
- Soak in the beauty of Thong Takhian Bay (Silver Beach)
- Check out Wat Lamai and its cultural hall
- Go scuba diving
- Take Koh Samui cooking lessons
- Play some Samui Football Golf
- Play some Samui Frisbee Golf
- Visit the Santiburi Samui Country Club
- Wade by the waters of Thong Krut Fisherman’s Village
- Drop by Central Festival Mall
Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and in the world. Thanks to its beautiful and tropical island vibe, the island has become one of the most sought-after travel goals especially if you have a bucket list of travel goals.
It offers numerous activities and attractions that you and your family can enjoy. These range from the most adventurous and physically demanding ones to more laid-back and relaxing activities.
In this guide, let’s go ahead and look at the top things to do when you visit Koh Samui.
Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park
Address: Ang Thong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Contact details: +66 77 286 025
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- 300 THB for Adult Foreigners
- 200 THB for Child Foreigners
- 40 THB for Thai Adults
- 20 THB for Thai Children
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago made up of 42 different islands. We think that this park is perfect for travellers thanks to its lakes, hidden coves, waterfalls, fertile mangroves, and beautiful beaches.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is within sight of Koh Samui and covers more than 100 sqm of water and land. The park is also home to different sea creatures and exotic animals – another bonus if you’re into wildlife!
Some of the best activities for you to try out at Ang Thong National Marine Park include diving, kayaking, hiking, and snorkelling. Best of all, you get to enjoy all of these activities while taking in the beautiful scenery surrounding the park.
Pro Tip:
- Bring some snacks or food items when visiting this part of Koh Samui. There are no restaurants and shops in some areas so it’s best for you to bring your own in case you get hungry.
Marvel at the Big Buddha
Address: Route 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Admission is free of charge, and making a donation is encouraged
This shrine of the Big Buddha, located on Koh Samui’s northern coast, is one we recommend you visit when in Thailand. It’s also regarded as one of Koh Samui’s most prominent landmarks and is worth your time!
Since this is a shrine dedicated to the Buddha, you need to wear the appropriate clothing here so sleeveless shirts and short skirts are a no-no.
You won’t be limited to just the Big Buddha here, though, as the area surrounding the temple has other smaller Buddha statues and shrines. There is also a market that sells numerous food items, souvenirs, and different lucky charms for you to check out.
Pro Tip
- Wear appropriate clothing, like shirts with sleeves and skirts or shorts that are of regular length (not too short).
Go shopping at Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village
Address: Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- 6:00 PM 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- N/A
If you want something a bit more historical, then this tourist spot located in Bophut is one we’d recommend. The Fisherman’s Village of Bophut attracts guests because of its amazing selection of hotels, restaurants, boutique stores, and rustic-style buildings.
The entire area turns into a walking street market every Friday and attracts huge crowds looking to shop for different items in the Fisherman’s Village. You’d be hard-pressed not to be drawn into this market for its lively atmosphere and variety of wares.
We suggest that you bring enough funds in case you want to go on a shopping spree and go all out. However, you should still try asking the vendors for some possible discounts to get your money’s worth.
Pro Tip:
- It’s best to arrive early (as early as 6:00 PM if possible) as the night market can get crowded. You can walk around more comfortably with the thinner crowds and better choose which items you want to purchase.
Pay a visit to the famous Koh Samui temples
Address: Various areas around Koh Samui
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Depends on the temple’s operating hours
Price:
- Temple admission is free of charge, making a small donation is encouraged
Aside from its beaches, Koh Samui is home to some of the most ornate and iconic temples in Thailand for you to check out. Among these temples, the most beautiful one is the Wat Phra Yai or the Big Buddha Temple which we talked about earlier.
Another temple for you to check out in Koh Samui is Wat Plai Lem. It is well known for its 18-armed Guan Yin statue, stunning architecture, and colourful decoration which you can take photos of as a special souvenir of your visit to Koh Samui.
Lastly, you can check out Wat Khunaram Temple. It draws tons of tourists for its mummified monk, Luong Pordaeng which you can visit and marvel at thanks to the fascinating backstory of this historical monk!
Pro Tip
- Wear appropriate clothing, like shirts with sleeves and skirts or shorts that are of regular length (not too short).Also, prepare some cash if you want to make a donation to help these Temples out.
Bask in the majesty of Na Muang Waterfalls
Address: Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Admission is free of charge for Na Muang Waterfall 1
- 30 THB per person for Na Muang Waterfall 2
Na Muang Waterfalls is made up of two levels of waterfalls and is one of the most picture-perfect sights you can visit in Koh Samui. A combination of tree roots and rocks has formed a natural staircase giving you access to the different levels of the waterfalls.
Under the waterfall sits a large natural pool and if you walk up the mountain for about ten minutes, it will take you to the 2nd level of Na Muang Waterfalls. To fully enjoy the beauty of this area, we recommend that you visit around September to November.
A lot of families visit this area to swim and relax. In fact, a lot of the tour packages offered in Koh Samui often include a refreshing stop in Na Muang so you may want to consider going for this kind of arrangement for a hassle-free tour with the family.
Pro Tip:
- We recommend that you bring an extra set of clothes in case you and your family decide to swim here.
Experience the allure of Cabaret Shows
Address: Various areas in Koh Samui
Contact details: Various establishments
Operating hours:
- Depends on the cabaret
Price:
- Around 250 THB per person (with a glass of soda or juice)
If you are into cabarets, Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui is the place to be. These cabarets commonly feature dance shows elegantly performed by transgender artists sometimes referred to as ladyboys (katoey).
You might be surprised but Thailand as a society is much more open to the concepts of gender identity compared to other Asian cultures. In fact, “katoeys” or members of the third sex are regarded as great contributors to the country’s entertainment industry.
We highly recommend that you visit a cabaret in Chaweng called Divas Cabaret. It draws a lot of locals as the establishment is quite entertaining and unique as you can get up close and personal with the ladyboy entertainers– a must-visit if you ask us!
Pro Tip:
- You can turn to a local, raise your glass/ bottle smile, and say “Chon Kaew!” which means cheers in Thailand. It can help you start a conversation and make new friends while in a cabaret or a nightclub.
Marvel at the Buddha Footprints
Address: Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Price:
- 20 THB entrance fee per person
You might find this tourist spot in Koh Samui a bit difficult to locate especially if it’s your first time here. However, most locals and travel guides agree that getting to this location is worth it and we’re sure you’ll feel the same way once you get here.
Located near the Butterfly Garden on top of a hilltop shrine, you’ll find four footprints on top of one another. These engraved footprints are believed to be a symbol of deep religious significance for most locals as they are believed to be those of the Buddha.
After visiting the Buddha Footprints, you can then proceed to the nearby Laem Sor Pagoda located by the beach. You’ll be blown away by its stunning beauty thanks to its striking colour and highly detailed pagoda– a perfect opportunity for a selfie!
Pro Tip:
- We recommend that you bring some snacks and some bottled water with you during your visit here since there aren’t any shops or restaurants nearby in case you need to grab a quick bite.
Relive the past in Hua Thanon
Address: Ban Hua Thanon, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Admission is free of charge
You’ll find this old fishing village to the south of Hin Ta and Hin Yai which is home to most of Koh Samui’s Muslim residents. It has ethnic clothing stores, jewellery boutiques, and seafood restaurants which we’re certain you’ll fall in love with
Due to the mostly unchanged houses in the area, the area exudes a retro and traditional Koh Samui vibe. You and your family can take pictures of the surrounding structures to preserve this memorable visit to an old-school location in the region.
Nearby is Namuang Safari Park which may be ideal for you and your family if you want to go on an adventure. You and the kids can try out their ATV four-wheel driving, forest adventures, elephant riding, or watch monkey shows and bond over the experience.
Pro Tip:
- While a visit to Hua Thanon is free of charge, there are activities you can try here that will require a modest fee. These include renting an ATV or watching animal shows
Take on the Lamai Overlap Stone
Address: 438/35 Moo 1, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Around 50 THB for the Overlap Viewpoint
If you want a bit of a challenge, the Lamai Overlap Stone may offer the adrenaline-pumping activity you are looking for. The best part is that after you’ve completed your trek here, you’ll be rewarded with some fantastic views!
The dirt track is rough and steep and the path going to the viewpoint should only be traversed with a 4×4 vehicle or a dirt bike. You need to take the final stretch of the path on foot depending on the condition of the road.
You can also attempt to make your way up the viewpoint on foot which will take you a good 20 minutes to reach. As we mentioned earlier, the view is worth it and if you do get tired during the climb, you can always take a break at the viewpoint’s refreshment stall.
Pro Tip:
- Wear clothes that will protect you from the elements as doing some of the adrenaline-pumping activities in the area will expose you to twigs, small pebbles, mud, and gusts of wind.
Learn the ancient art of Muay Thai
Address: Various Muay Thai Stadiums and Gyms
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Depends on the stadium and/or gym’s schedule
Price:
- Around 300 THB for a Muay Thai Session
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is a national sport beloved throughout the country and Koh Samui– for good reason. While Muay Thai is considered the most dangerous fighting style in the world, you’ll find its form graceful and the matches are a joy to watch.
Chaweng boasts not just one but two stadiums for Thai Boxing for you to visit. These stadiums host Muay Thai fights regularly and feature local and foreign fighters with varying skill levels that will keep you on the edge of your seats.
The stadium in Chaweng is the largest in Koh Samui and is the venue for most of the fights which are usually held every Monday and Friday so plan your trip in advance. During the high season, additional fights may be set up on Sunday nights.
Pro Tip:
- Joining any Muay Thai camp requires some form of physical exertion. Make sure that you are physically fit and able before enrolling full-time to ensure your health and safety while learning this ancient style of fighting.
Enjoy the day at Pink Elephant Samui Water Park
Address: 28/41 Moo 1, Maenam Soi 1, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Contact details: +66 77 423 548
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- 990 THB for adults
- 690 THB for kids
If you’re travelling with your family and kids, the Pink Elephant Samui Water Park may just be the perfect destination. Located near Maenam, this modern water park offers various facilities and rides for a safe and enjoyable day for your entire family.
The Maenam area of Koh Samui is relatively quiet and since this park is about 1,500 metres away from the main road, Pink Elephant Samui Water Park has that isolated and peaceful vibe– ideal if you just want to chill poolside while the kids have fun!
The water slide here targets families with children since you’ll find that most of the slides here are kid-friendly. However, you can still try out a few high-speed slides if you’re feeling a bit adventurous or just chill out and relax in the jacuzzi area.
Soak in the beauty of Thong Takhian Bay (Silver Beach)
Address: Silver Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Price:
- N/A
Thongtakian Bay has Silver Beach and three resorts that definitely draw big crowds during peak season. Despite the crowded beach, we think it’s still a worthwhile destination for you and your family thanks to its white sand and beautiful scenery.
You might think that Thong Takhian Bay is the typical Thai beach with its white sand and blue waters. You’ll instantly observe, though, that the tropical island vibe here is dialled up to ten here thanks to the surrounding limestone formations and lush greenery!
The bay has shallow waters so you can easily watch the fish as they zip across the clear waters of the beach while swimming and snorkel with the kids. You can also chill out and get cold drinks from the resorts located in the area.
Pro Tip:
- Try the restaurants located in the different hotels/resorts on the beach. You don’t have to be a customer at the resort to order beverages and food items from these establishments.
Check out Wat Lamai and its cultural hall
Address: 64/12-15, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Contact details: +077 230 5611
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Free but making a small contribution is encouraged
The Lamai Temple is considered the epicentre of social activities for locals. Alongside religious festivals, funerals, and weddings, it is also the venue for some of the most interesting annual temple fairs which you can participate in.
During the temple fair, the Lamai Temple will have an outdoor cinema, food, fairground games, and some concerts. If you happen to be there during the said fair, we highly recommend that you check it out!
You can also check out The cultural hall located inside the temple to view some artefacts about the history of Koh Samu. These include a 2,000-year-old metal drum, ancient bicycles, muskets, swords, dried pufferfish, tools, and cookware.
Pro Tip:
- Check Temple schedules to visit during fair days. If it’s not available during your trip here, then you can still visit the temple itself, the cultural hall, and the Samui Health Shop for some delicious but healthy treats!
Go scuba diving
Address: Various locations in Koh Samui
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Depends on the scuba diving shop/ school schedule
Price:
- Around 5,980 THB per diving course
One of the main reasons why tourists visit Koh Samui is to go scuba diving. This is mainly due to the Island’s amazing marine life and warm clear blue waters which makes this the ideal venue for you and your group to learn or even hone your diving skills!
Short courses on scuba diving are available on Koh Samui and compared to other countries, you find their prices are quite reasonable. These scuba diving shops can offer you different levels of training and may also offer lessons in your preferred language.
Some of the popular dive sites you can visit include Red Rock, White Rock, Green Rock, Nang Yuan, Southwest Pinnacles, and Chumphon. The waters of these sites also have unique marine life for you to enjoy such as sea turtles, snappers, and barracudas.
Pro Tip:
- You can choose to enrol in a scuba diving course in your native language. This will make it easy for you to learn the basics of scuba diving especially if you are just a beginner.
Take Koh Samui cooking lessons
Address: Various locations in Koh Samui
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Depends on the cooking class schedule
Price:
- Around 2,300 THB per person
If you want to learn more about Thai culture and learn how to prepare local dishes, you should try taking cooking lessons in Koh Samui. These cooking classes will teach you the most important Thai ingredients and how to balance the flavours of local dishes.
You will also be taught how to prepare all the courses of a meal which include the appetisers, main course, and dessert. Of course, you also get to enjoy eating the food you prepared which makes cooking lessons much more fun!
One such cooking class is InFusion Cooking Classes which will not only teach you how to cook local dishes but also walk its students through the purchasing process. This ensures that you understand the importance of fresh and local ingredients.
A big plus of this cooking class is that it allows students to make almost everything from scratch such as creating your very own curry paste– a nice and personalised touch if you ask us!
Play some Samui Football Golf
Address: 63/240, Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact details: +66 89 771 7498
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Around 750 THB per person
You might find Football Golf to be quite surprising and that’s to be expected since this game was originally invented at Samui Football Golf in Thailand. The concept is simple since it is simply a hybrid of golf and football.
In this game, you try to kick the football into the course’s 18 holes with the fewest possible kicks. You and your family can enjoy the game for an hour but we recommend that you also soak up the beauty of the coconut plantation surrounding the golf course.
After a challenging game of football golf, you can also drop by the 3D art museum called Art Samui. This museum will encourage you to take pictures and interact with the artwork within its halls which is another perfect opportunity to bond with your kids.
Local Tip:
- While playing a round of football golf can be quite enjoyable, don’t forget to apply some sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Play some Samui Frisbee Golf
Address: 62/5 Moo 3, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Contact details: +66 98 670 3315
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Around 250 THB per person
We can’t stress this enough– this Koh Samui activity is just perfect for families! It is endearingly called frisbee golf or “frolf” and you can experience this unique sport in a facility south of the ring road of Samui in Maenam in a place called Samui Disc Golf.
Koh Samui disc golf course is set in a shaded area– perfect if you plan on playing this for long hours under the sun. It will usually provide you with about a half day of fun but you can also arrange private events and professional tournaments here!
Visit the Santiburi Samui Country Club
Address: 12/12 Moo 1, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Contact details: +66 77 421 700
Operating hours:
- 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Total of 1,675 THB (Caddie 275 THB, Green Fee 1,000 THB; Golf Cart 400 THB)
Website
Santiburi Samui Country Club is the only championship golf course in Koh Samui and is one of the most renowned golf courses in Thailand that you shouldn’t miss. Aside from its full-sized golf course offering 18 holes for you to enjoy, it has some fantastic views!
Thanks to the location of the club, you’ll have numerous points of interest to visit such as waterfalls, streams, valleys, coconut plantations, and lush hills. You can also enjoy the club’s luxurious amenities like well-maintained changing rooms and a clubhouse.
If you want to enjoy some authentic Thai food after a round of golf, Jin’s Bar and Restaurant may be the establishment you are looking for. This restaurant offers the standard fare of Thai cuisine with delicious flavours and an incredible ambiance.
In addition, the restaurant staff can provide assistance in terms of arranging other tour packages for your family. To top this all off, the restaurant is less crowded during lunch compared to other restaurants making it perfect if you just want to chill and relax.
Local Tip:
- Bring some extra cash here as additional fees are applied for certain golf-related activities such as caddies and carts.
Wade by the waters of Thong Krut Fisherman’s Village
Address: Thong Krut Village, Thong Krut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Price:
- Admission is free of charge
Koh Samui’s Thong Krut Fisherman’s Village is the place to be if you want to charter long-tail boats to visit nearby islands. This quaint village is also ideal if you just want to sit back, relax, and wade in the shallow waters of its beach.
Most tourists who opt to stay in this location are those who want to break free from the large crowds of other beaches. Here, you can also try out a number of seafood restaurants offering fresh food and beautiful ocean views– the perfect venue to relax!
Drop by Central Festival Mall
Address: 209 209/1-2 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bophut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact details: +66 77 962 777
Operating hours:
- 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Price:
- Admission is free of charge
Considered the largest and most complete lifestyle complex in Koh Samui, Central Festival Mall is for you if you want to go on a shopping spree. It has three mall levels full of dining and shopping options for you to explore and enjoy with your entire family.
This trendy and modern mall can be divided into four sections – Beach Town Market, Fisherman Village, Bird Cage, and Chaweng Port. Each section offers a unique shopping experience that you can try out by visiting each part of the mall.
For example, the Chaweng Port is the mall’s main entrance while the BirdCage houses the fashion zone of the mall. Some brands you’ll see here include X-Act, Jim Thompson, Rip Curl, Playboy, Geox, Esprit, Camel, and Adidas.
Local Tip:
- Bring extra cash when you visit this shopping centre as some big brand names can get quite expensive, especially when purchased in bulk!
