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
Powered by GetYourGuide