What to do in Koh Samui?
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a paradise island with many faces: bustling beaches, peaceful temples, rainforest waterfalls, and activities at sea. Accessible and well-developed, it attracts holidaymakers as well as families, partygoers or honeymooners.
🏖️ The must-sees of Koh Samui
🏝️ Chaweng Beach
The most famous, several kilometers long. White sand, turquoise waters, many bars, restaurants and hotels. Perfect for a festive and lively atmosphere.
🌅 Lamai Beach
Less crowded, but just as beautiful. Good option for a more relaxed stay. This is where you’ll find the famous Hin Ta & Hin Yai (“Grandpa and Grandma”) rock formations.
🛕 Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Giant golden statue 12 meters high, perched on a promontory. Great view, especially at sunset.
🧘 Wat Plai Laem
Modern but impressive temple, with its 18-armed statue of Guanyin. Peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by a lake full of fish.
🌴 Secret Buddha Garden
Nestled in the hills of the island, this garden is a collection of Buddhist statues hidden in the jungle. Accessible via a slightly steep road (quad or 4×4 recommended).
💦 Nature and adventure activities
💧 Na Muang Waterfalls
Two accessible waterfalls. You can swim in natural pools. Nice walk in the forest as a bonus.
🚤 Sea excursions
- Ang Thong National Marine Park : archipelago of 42 islands, accessible by boat → kayaking, snorkeling, hiking.
- Diving or snorkeling on Koh Tao or Koh Nang Yuan : departures possible from Koh Samui (full day)
🛵 Island scooter tour
About 50 km to do the full tour. You pass through beaches, villages, temples, and beautiful viewpoints like Lad Koh Viewpoint.
🌅 Local Experiences & Relaxation
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Retreats
Koh Samui is a yoga mecca, with many centers (Vikasa, The Yogarden…). Perfect for a total disconnection.
🛍️ Night markets
- Fisherman’s Village Night Market in Bophut: great atmosphere, craft stalls, street food.
- Chaweng Night Market : more touristy, but good option for cheap food.
🧂 Thai Cooking Class
Learn how to make your own red curry or pad Thai with a local chef. Ideal activity in case of rain.
📌 Practical information
🗓️ When to go?
Best time: January to April.
Weaker monsoon than on the islands of the Andaman Sea.
✈️ How to get there?
✈️ Direct flight from Bangkok (1 hour / Bangkok Airways)
⛴️ Ferry from Surat Thani or Donsak (Shuttle + Boat)
- Chaweng : for the atmosphere
- Lamai : calmer
- Maenam / Bophut : family-friendly, more local
💰 Average budget : €35 to €60/day
(accommodation, scooter, restaurant, excursions)
🗺️ Interactive map of Koh Samui
🟤 Temples & Places
🟢 Nature
🟡 Beaches
🟣 Markets
🟠 Excursions
⚫ Yoga & Wellness
- Big Buddha
- Wat Plai Laem
- Wat Khunaram
- Secret Buddha Garden
- Na Muang 1 & 2
- Hin Ta & Hin Yai
- Lad Koh Viewpoint
- Chaweng
- Lamai
- Silver Beach
- Lipa Noi
- Maenam
- Fisherman’s Village
- Chaweng Night Market
- Lamai Sunday Market
- Ang Thong National Park
- Snorkeling Coral Cove
- Departures to Koh Tao / Nang Yuan
- Vikasa Yoga
- The Yogarden
- Samahita Retreat