Choose from 12 Fun Things to Do in Koh Samui
ShowingFilter 1-12 of 12 listings.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong) in southern Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometers). These limestone pinnacles harbor secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.
The Basics
Ang Thong National Park is a popular destination for Thailand visitors seeking a little adventure and a lot of nature. Tropical and dry evergreen forests of the interior area house oriental pied hornbills, little herons, crab-eating monkeys, and bats. In the shallow waters, sometimes you can find dolphins, whales, and otters. It’s said that the park inspired the backpacker utopia of Alex Garland’s The Beach.
Most travelers experience Ang Thong on single-day guided tours from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Wua Talap Island and its famous Emerald Lake. These guided tours are the way to go, and most day trips include lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. Tour boats are often multi-story, open-air, 40- to 50-person crafts, but small private speedboats or luxury yachts are also available. If you wanting to see what’s under the surface, opt for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or scuba diving tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Choose between a group boat tour or a private excursion aboard a speedboat or luxury yacht.
- Full-day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Most tours provide water and snorkeling gear.
How to Get There
Ang Thong Marine Park is accessible only by boat. You can choose from a whole host of options, from big party boats to private boat charters.
When to Get There
The best months to visit the national park are between March and October, when the seas lie flat. The park closes completely during the height of the monsoons—between November and December each year. July and August tend to be the busiest months.
Sea Gypsies of the Ang Thong Islands
All but one of the 42 Ang Thong Islands are uninhabited. The one with a permanent community, Koh Paluay, is home to a traditional community of sea gypsies who still earn a living through traditional fishing methods.
Address: Th Chonwithi, Na Thon 84140, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Apart from the beaches, Koh Samui’s distinctive icon is the golden Big Buddha Temple - or Wat Phra Yai - visible above the red-tiled rooftops on the island’s north coast.
The 12 meter (40 foot) Buddha statue is visible from several kilometers away, and even from an airplane if you’re arriving or departing by air.
The temple, shops and restaurants cluster at the base of the statue, and ceremonial stairs lead up to the top for terrific island views.
Practical Info
The Big Buddha Temple is near the airport, on Koh Samui’s north-east coast.
The temple sits on a hill at the end of a causeway at the eastern end of Hat Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach).
Address: Highway 4171, Hat Bang Rak 84140, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Koh Tan
In stark contrast to its famed northerly neighbor, tiny and sleepy Koh Tan tempts visitors with empty beaches and vehicle-less roads just three miles and a 15-minute boat ride south of Koh Samui’s southern tip. Koh Tan (also spelled Koh Taen) is sometimes also called Coral Island for its diversity of colorful hard and soft corals, and it often serves as a popular day-long escape for snorkel or kayak excursions through its clear inshore waters. Though the island doesn’t have quite the aquatic diversity of other more remote locations, it still affords excellent snorkeling, relatively empty beaches and navigable mangrove swamps all very close to a major tourist hub. Longboats make the crossing daily and usually stop at several unique coral spots around the island.
On land, Koh Tan spans only three square miles, and its population barely tops 30 people; their rustic lifestyle with limited electricity affords a glimpse of what much of Thai Island-living was like decades ago. Koh Tan also has a thriving population of monitor lizards, a boardwalk through a mangrove forest, a quaint local temple, a handful of local restaurants and a cluster of bungalow-style accommodations.
Practical Info
Full-day longboat snorkel tours now leave from points all around Koh Samui. Many tours also include a visit to neighboring Koh Mudsum. More elaborate options, including sunset cruises and even more luxurious Chinese junk sailing tours, are also becoming available as Koh Tan increases in popularity.
Address: Koh Tan, Thailand
From $ 46
Aow Leuk Beach
Travelers looking for seclusion and solitude on Koh Tao, one of Thailand's most popular islands don't have it easy. But on the southeastern side of the island, between the Sai Daeng Beach to the north and the Tanote Beach to the south lies the 200 meter long Aow Leuk beach. This stretch of sand is difficult to reach, and because of that, the tourist crowds stay away. Aow Leuk offers crystal clear waters and the peace and serenity necessary to forget everyday life and recover from stress. The bay is shallow, surrounded by the islands typical, fine white sand and big boulders and due to the low depths, is a protected site and a great place for snorkeling and training dives to see luminous butterflyfish, blue angelfish and parrotfish among the corals.
The beach prides itself on being very clean and it is accordingly not allowed to bring your own picnic. But there are a few small, family-run bungalows and a restaurant, so you won't have to worry about basic necessities, such as food, drinks or snorkel-rentals while still being well away from the crowds.
Practical Info
Aow Leuk Beach can be reached from other parts of the island by a bumpy, rough dirt road. The distance from the main town Mae Haad is only about 5 kilometers, but the pickup taxis still take about half an hour for the trip. If you don't plan on staying the night, make sure to arrange for a pickup time with the driver to get back into town.
Address: Koh Tao, Thailand
From $ 88
Koh Nang Yuan Island
In many ways, Koh Nang Yuan is the paradisiacal location most people imagine when they think of Thailand. Consisting of three tree-topped islands adjoined by a tan-colored sandbar beach, Koh Nang Yuan is one of the most sought after destinations in all of Thailand. The best part? Unlike nearby Koh Samui or Koh Tao, accommodation options are extremely limited on the island, meaning the crowds remain relatively sparse as well.
Most people come to Koh Nang Yuan on day trips from other nearby islands and snorkeling excursions as well as scuba dives are extremely popular. And although the quick day visits are available, you'd be doing yourself a great favor by coming to the island and spending a night or two. In the evenings and early mornings, you can almost have the entire beach to yourself. During the heart of the day, activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and hiking are available. If you're looking for a place to get away and enjoy the side of Thailand everyone talks about, this is it. There are no vehicles on Koh Nang Yuan, nor are there crowds, or big hotel chains. This is a true getaway in a country in which such locations are becoming fewer and farther between.
Practical Info
You can come to Koh Nang Yuan via speedboats or catamarans from Koh Samui or Koh Tao. However, the cheapest way to get there is to hire out a longtail boat from the west side of Koh Tao. If you're making the long journey from Bangkok, it can be a bit more complicated. You'll need to either fly to Koh Samui and then transfer over, or take a train/bus combination to the ferry terminal on the mainland that reaches Koh Tao, then take then long boat to Koh Nang Yuan. Moreover, since the island is actually privately owned, guest must pay an entrance fee to visit and stay on Koh Nang Yuan.
Address: Koh Nang Yuan, Thailand
From $ 56
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Koh Samui is known for its incredible beaches, turquoise waters and sandy shores. But hidden away from the coastal wonder lies one of the most unique temples in the nation—Wat Khunaram.
While this gilded red and white temple may look typical to travelers who climb the dozen or so stairs that lead to its entryway, once inside, visitors will find a site unlike anywhere else. That’s because a vertical glass casket holds the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng—a famous monk—in his most meditative state. Locals say his meditation techniques, which required less oxygen than his peers—are responsible for his still well-preserved state. Visitors can come tour the site, learn about the life of this religious icon, and bear witness to local Buddhists praying at wat shrines.
Practical Info
Wat Khunaram is located west of Hua Thanon on Route 4169 in Koh Samui. The wat is open during daylight hours and admission is free. Long pants and covered shoulders are essential for visitors.
Address: Route 4169, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand, Thailand
From $ 17
Koh Phangan
In a country famous around the globe for its beautiful islands, Koh Phangan is the quintessential easy-going beach bum’s paradise. More rustic than Koh Samui, much of the island caters to backpackers, hippies and budget travelers looking for affordable accommodations and a stretch of sand to sun on.
Had Rin, located on the island’s southeastern peninsula, has become famous for its monthly Full Moon Party, where upwards of 10,000 visitors descend upon Had Rin Nok Beach for a night of trance, dance and buckets of tropical libations. The popularity of these parties have inspired other smaller celebrations, like the Half Moon and Black Moon parties.
Koh Phangan isn’t just about beaches and partying, however. Secluded resort areas on the north and west coasts of the island feel worlds away from the din of Had Rin, and the interior of the island offers hiking trails and a series of yoga and meditation centers for travelers in search of a spiritual retreat. The waters off the coast of Koh Phangan have some of Thailand’s best dive sites, including Sail Rock.
Address: Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
From $ 37
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach - or Hat Chaweng - is Koh Samui’s most popular, longest and perhaps most lovely beach.
Clear blue-green sea, palm trees, coral reefs and lively nightlife come together to create a laid-back party atmosphere at Chaweng, the second biggest resort hub on the island.
Drinks are sold on the beach by passing vendors and there are water sports for every taste, from windsurfing to water skiing.
Dive operators run tours from Chaweng Beach, and this is where you’ll find most of the island’s nightclubs and bars. At beachfront restaurants you can dine right on the sand as the sun sets over the sea.
Practical Info
Chaweng Beach is on Koh Samui’s east coast.
Address: Highway 4169, Hat Chaweng 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 5
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach vies with Chaweng for title of Koh Samui’s prettiest beach, especially along its less coral-strewn southern stretches.
Less developed than Chaweng, and therefore more tranquil and relaxed, Lamai offers year-round swimming and the interesting formations of the granite Grandmother and Grandfather rocks.
It’s a good spot to look for resort accommodation and tasty restaurants on Koh Samui.
Practical Info
Lamai Beach is on Koh Samui’s southern east coast, around 10 km (6 mi) south of Chaweng Beach.
Address: Highway 4169, Hat Lamai 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 70
Na Muang Waterfall
The cool sound of water tumbling down a rocky cliff face and into a pool greets you at Na Muang Falls.
Nestled amongst the island's central mountains, the falls have two tiers: a lower stretch easily reached by foot and a higher tier that’s best reached by hiking or riding on elephant back. The lower tier of falls is suitable for swimming.
The road to the lower falls is lined with food stalls and souvenir vendors, and elephant handlers offer their animals for rides to the top tier.
Practical Info
Na Mua Falls is in the south of Koh Samui, 3 km (1.5 miles) inland from the coastal resorts.
The falls are just off the road connecting Ban Huan Thanon and Na Thon.
Address: Highway 4169, Ban Huan Thanon 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 31
Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
In 1976, up on one of the highest peaks of central Koh Samui, an old, local durian farmer decided to start a Magic Garden. At 77 years old, upon retiring from farming Thailand’s most popular and foul-smelling fruit, Nim Thongsuk started setting up a variety of Buddha statues on his family’s land and kept expanding the park until his death fourteen years later. Today, the Secret Buddha Garden is a popular tourist attraction and although it remains private, it can be accessed for a small fee.
The statues are set up in the midst of a lush jungle landscape, next to a waterfall and stream amongst Koh Samui’s native trees and flowers. Often, the statues are hidden amongst the foliage, with new discoveries to be made around every corner. The Buddhas, animals and deity figures are all hand carved, each with their own unique stone carvings and decorations. Some are arranged in groups, frozen in dance-like poses or with instruments in their laps, others stand alone, but they all tell tales from popular Buddhist folklore and mythology and they all have different meanings, which a guide will tell you about. On the way to the garden, as well as within the park itself, beautiful views over the island can be had and there are several viewpoints worth a visit.
Practical Info
As the location is fairly remote, getting to the Secret Buddha Garden takes about two hours and is a bit of a challenge. To get there, take the road directly opposite the Wat Khunaram temple near Lamai. The road is a very steep and bumpy dirt road and can only be accessed by a vehicle with a four-wheel drive.
Address: Koh Samui, Thailand
From $ 55
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai/Hin Ta)
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - or Hin Yai/Hin Ta - are rocky outcrops on Lamai Beach. Often photographed and commented on, the rocks bear an uncanny resemblance to male and female genitalia.
The rocks are set on a lovely stretch of beach, and create tranquil rock pools when the tide is in.
Practical Info
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - or Hin Yai/Hin Ta - are a little south along the sands of Lamai Beach, on Koh Samui’s southern east coast.
From the road, follow the trail lined with souvenir stalls to the rocks.
Address: Highway 4169, Hat Lamai 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 5