25 Captivating Things in Koh Samui You Shouldn't Miss Doing

In the Chumphon Archipelago, Koh Samui is the biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand and the second biggest island of Thailand ranked after Phuket. Although there is documented evidence that people have lived here since very long ago, there was only significant development in the latter half of the 20th century. Presently, Koh Samui's economy depends on tourism. 

Koh Samui has impressive beaches, remarkable viewpoints, thick jungles, and sacred sites. Its isolation from the neighboring states and its high level of privacy makes it an ideal destination for honeymoon trips. This article by experience the pinnacle of ocean exploration with Oceans Elite Charters will suggest the top tourist activities in Koh Samui to ensure that you enjoy a great Thailand tour.

Visit Koh Samui's Famous Big Buddha

A good thing to do when visiting Koh Samui is to check out the Big Buddha Temple, which is located on the northeast of the island. The big famous Buddha, standing over 12 meters high, is housed in the magnificent Wat Phra Yai temple, which is on the small island of Koh Faan. 

The Koh Samui Big Buddha stands in the Mara Mudra position; his right hand is pointing down while his left is on his lap. The Buddha overcame Mara, the tempter demon, and so represents this position. As a consequence of this, they indicate an attitude of steadiness and wisdom.

View the Interesting Attractions in Hin Ta and Hin Yai

Hin Ta Hin Yai, also referred to as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, are beachfront on Lamai Beach and right on Koh Samui's southeast corner. Ta means grandfather in Thai, and Yai means grandmother in Thai. These rocks are known for their funny likeness to male and female genitalia. 

The local information board bears legends about the origin of the rock structure. The summary narrates the tale of the elderly couple who died tragically on crossing Lamai Beach in a storm. The couple later turned into rock, symbolizing love and unity.

Witness Magnificent Scenery At Namuang Waterfall

The Namuang Waterfall, among the top waterfalls on the island, is found halfway between Bang Po Beach and Laem Sor on Route 4169. This pair of tumbling waterfalls is the best place to forget urban life set in a verdant forest. Visitors of reasonable fitness should be able to walk to the falls. From the parking lot, it is a walk of about 100 meters to Na Muang 1. 

The initial waterfall spills into an idyllic natural pool where you can chill while swimming. Na Muang 2 is inside Waterfall 1; you have to trek a long way. After the falls, where you have a naturally created private pool filling the best views, the challenge is undoubtedly worthwhile.

Secret Buddha Garden: A Place To Hide

The Secret Buddha Garden is a quiet treasure that consists of beautiful viewpoints and an unusual collection of statues in a marvelous jungle setting on top of Pom Mountain, which is in the interior of Koh Samui. The Secret Buddha Garden, also referred to as "Magic" or Heaven Garden, indeed lives up to its title, having bizarre statues of gods or animals and a serene setting. 

The private statue garden was created by a 1976 fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, in Thailand. In addition to the architecture, a little brook passes through the garden, thereby creating an alluring effect.

Party at Koh Phangan

A ferry ride to the neighboring Koh Phangan Island is one of the options for a bachelor in Koh Samui. Koh Phangan is gradually increasing its fame as a mandatory tourist spot in Thailand. Tourists looking for a place to escape from their regular lives are attracted to it as it is isolated from the mainland and laid back. 

For young people, the island has a lot of exploring opportunities, including beaches, vantage points, jungle hikes, waterfalls, and watersports. The island's trump cards are full-moon parties, half-moon parties, blood-moon parties, and New Year's parties.

Take a trip to Angthong Marine Park

Over 40 karst islets are scattered around the Ang Thong National Marine Park in the Gulf of Thailand. The name of the place Ang Thong, literally meaning the Golden Basin, resembles both geographical features and the golden rice that grows in the area. 

Koh Phaluai, Koh Wua Ta Lap, Koh Mae Ko, Koh Hin Daep, and many other small islets provide possibilities for sightseeing, cave exploration, and watersports. In Koh Samui, one of the recommended places for you to visit is the Angthong Archipelago, as there are numerous activities for you to take on.

Seek blessings at Wat Plai Laem

One of Koh Samui's- well-known temples, Wat Plai Laem, houses a statue of Guanyin, which has eighteen arms. Merciful and compassionate Guanyin is believed to have saved the sailors from the hazards. To the left of the temple grounds looms the gigantic statue that is Guanyin, which is white and statuesque. 

It creates an imposing and peaceful atmosphere and brings out the extensive Chinese heritage of Koh Samui. To the right of the picture, there is a statue of the Buddha of Happiness and Prosperity. The temple of a lotus flower stands in the center of two figures. Chinese and Thai cultural elements, as well as the life cycle of the Buddha, are found in the murals and sculptures of the temple.

Explore the beaches of Koh Samui

The beaches of Koh Samui Island are on its top list. Koh Samui is the ideal beach because it has fewer crowds plus cleaner beaches and fine white sand lined up by gigantic coconut trees. Spending nights in luxurious resorts and exploring the beaches of Koh Samui top as the most romantic things to do on this island. 

You can either rest or surf in the island's clear waters. Though not easily accessible, Lipa Noi Beach is a safe beach for families due to its gentle slopes.

Get to know the daily life of Koh Samui in its capital

Nathon Town serves as a jumping point to Koh Samui Island by waterways. We advise you to spend some time in Nathon as it is an awesome place to gain an understanding of island life in general. 

Some activities not ventured into in Koh Samui include shopping during the weekend markets, room and board establishments in beach fronts and restaurants, souvenirs, and temples. At Koh Samui, Nathon Town is a known shopping place. It is affordable and offers a wide variety of things, like sarongs, silk clothes, home decor items, and much more to make purchases.

Spend an evening At Fisherman's Village

For a long time, there has been a link between the Chinese and the Bophut fishing village. Bophut Fisherman's Village is a small community – consisting of rustic-designed buildings - that house restaurants, speciality stores, and several waterfront hotels. 

The range of goods is very wide, and the place is animated at Fisherman's Village Walking Street Market, which operates weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. In stores, you can buy lots of things - coconut-based souvenirs and mojitos that are made in a local style.

Visit other Buddhist shrines and temples

Apart from the Big Buddha and Wat Laem Temples, there are many other temples on the island. Hence, if you are a Buddhist or someone interested in religion, spiritual tourism, among other things to do on this island, is one of the best options. 

The Red temple, famously known as Wat Ratchathammaram, is one of the most famous temples. It is made from a walled temple, mainly in terracotta color, with intricate designs. The Big Buddha temple and airport are viewable from the Golden Temple, which sits on top. Another important landmark that also needs to be seen here is the Buddha Footprint, which depicts the impermanence of Buddha.

Visit the Wat Jee Kong temple

Far-reaching is the influence of Chinese culture on the island of Koh Samui. The influence of China can thus be appreciated in the food, the arts, and architectural design. Wat Jee Kong temple stands on Chaweng Beach in Thailand. Chinese immigrants built immigrants in the 19th, 20th, and centuries and are now considered the main historical site of the island. Various ancient buildings and a busy market are famous for their traditional handicrafts, ornaments, and fabrics lying near this temple.

Go extreme by exploring the adventure sports of Koh Samui

Koh Samui, which is an island district in Southern Thailand, is well known for its diverse natural features, such as dense forests, splendid mountains, and spotless beaches where one can enjoy adventure sports. 

From the vantage point on top of the Lamai Mountains, one can zip line through the dense forest. Before the tour begins, though, they will conduct some fundamental training, and a professional guide leads every group. Adventurous activities in Samui include jungle safaris and mountain biking.

Hop on to nearby islands in the Thai Gulf

Island-hopping tours in the Koh Samui region close to the Gulf of Thailand are amongst the best things to do in Thailand if you like beaches and islands during your honeymoon. Samui, the biggest island in the Chumphon archipelago, and its surrounding ones are famous for their wonderful snorkeling sites, beautiful white sand beaches, and crystal clear water. You can book our services and enjoy the exquisite locations with no second thoughts.

Marine natural diversity is also being conserved in this area, as the majority of the areas are under Ang Thong Marine National Park. Hence, you are likely to see colorful fish and coral here.

Meet and Greet with the friendly giants

The impacts that the elephants have had on Thai culture are quite evident the moment you arrive in the country. Hence, at an array of tourist destinations, for example, elephant parks, rides, and performances, visitors can see the elephants. 

Nevertheless, nowadays, the rising public consciousness of animal welfare and rights has resulted in an increasing number of ethical and eco-tourist sanctuaries. Their mission is to save and rehabilitate those animals that have been subjected to the cruelty linked to logging, circuses, and street begging. To better grasp how elephants behave and respond to other animals and it also includes people, visit the sanctuaries in question.

Explore the Rocks of Koh Samui

In Samui Island, a well-known Thai tourist destination for its beaches and islands, many people have long visited for their vacations. The presence of granite rocks and the granite landforms bounded by them makes this island unique. Most rocks are accompanied by an ethical or cultural story, contrary to many geographical theories that attempt to explain the formation of these. 

These sites can be located by the sea or in the mountains, but to get there, you will have to walk. Still, these rocks are among the most gorgeous spots on the island.

Visit the Coconut Museum

Koh Samui's economy was largely driven by its coconut plantations before tourism started. Due to the coconut plantation, the island is also nicknamed Coconut Island. Among the things to do on Koh Samui is see this place where the visitors learn about the coconut plantation, the making of virgin coconut oil, how other products are done, and how to recycle coconut shells. 

This museum aims to create public enlightenment on coconut farming, its processing, and other major aspects that are first and foremost associated with a coconut tree.

Learn about Southeast Asian art at Dusit Dhewa Cultural Center

The Dusit Dhewa Art and Cultural Center is a relatively small open space of 3 acres that offers styles of architecture from Southeast Asia, idols of gods and goddesses, and stone sculptures from Bali, Khmer, Myanmar, Thai, and Laos. A refreshing stream flows in the area of this facility, which is a wonderful retreat in nature for visitors to refresh. 

A visit to this center can thoroughly understand the Samui culture of Thailand. The center has a construction pattern like that of an ancient Thai house, and some huge statues of animals and gods in Chinese style decorate it. Considering that it is different from many popular tourist sites, you can expect a scarcity of visitors during your visit.

Spend some leisure time at Paradise Park Farm

Amongst the most relaxing things to do on Koh Samui Island with family and kids is to go to Paradise Park Farm found on the top of Pom Mountains. Despite the steep and dangerous way to the attraction, the farm's features still make a trip there worthwhile. In other countries, birds like canaries, parrots, and cockatoos and the native birds of Thailand are also on the farm. 

The animals such as deer, goats, gibbons, rabbits, and many others are further included. These friendly animals were obtainable for playing with, taking pictures of, and feeding.

Enjoy Koh Samui from its best viewpoints

The highlight of the tour of Koh Samui is climbing up to the highest points of the island, where you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the top. The northern part of the island is where you will find the majority of the viewpoints. 

These viewpoints come in various types and forms, like the ones that provoke a temple attraction, waterfall attraction, or even jungle hike. Still, those perspectives are outstanding on the island for taking Instagram photos. Amongst the best viewing areas on the island are Lad Koh Viewpoints, Ko Tao Viewpoints, Elephant Rock Viewpoints, and Lamai Viewpoints.

Learn Thai cooking at Koh Samui

One of the traditional things to do in Koh Samui is learning how to cook. The utilization of fresh ingredients, together with the harmony of flavors, makes Thai cuisine delicious and nutritious. In Thai cuisine, fresh herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, pepper, and chilli are commonly used. Through the knowledge of their cooking practices, we will learn much about what other people think or believe about others. 

Furthermore, if you are curious about Chinese culture, you can learn a little bit about it in Koh Samui. These culinary schools teach the secrets and techniques needed for producing superb dishes. The most popular kind of food we serve here is seafood.

Explore the markets of Koh Samui

Samui Island has less development than the other popular tourist destinations. Hence, buying or exploring the mall is very unlikely. Yet, the best thing to do in Koh Samui is to visit night markets and weekend markets. These markets certainly,  offer a chance to meet the locals. The Lamai Night Market is one of the best places to buy locally-made crafts, woven garments, and tasty foods.

Visit Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

We have something your kids would enjoy after all the beachside activities and market crowds. Almost all the aquatic life at the zoo aquarium is marine life originating from the Gulf of Thailand, such as manta rays, sharks, whirlpools, and catfish. Upon your visit to the Tiger Zoo, you can have close contact with the Royal Bengal Tigers and Leopards and note their interaction with one another and their surroundings. You can even take a photo with some wild cats finally. The place is also the venue for different performances, which include the ones of birds, tigers, and sea lions. With your kids and family, that is one of the best activities in Koh Samui. The Samui Aquarium & Zoo are open every day, and admission is reasonably priced.

Treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage

Koh Samui, being the second largest island in Thailand, has manageable roadway connectivity with few turns. In a nutshell, most of the island's roadway network typically surrounds the island. Among the best things to do while on Koh Samui Island is rent a scooter and ride around the island. 

This method besides saving money, is also efficient and allows for the revealing of the island's secret niches like the hidden garden and the bird's park. In certain places, roads need to be constructed better in the slopes areas; thus, one should be very careful about that.

Cover Koh Samui with a rented scooter

Although Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, the road network is quite simple, with few turns. In a nutshell, the main part of the roadway connecting the island usually goes around the island's coastline. Scooter renting in Nathon town and cruising around the tourist objects there is one of the best things to be done on Koh Samui island. Such an approach will save both money and time but also enable the exploration of some of the hidden, beautiful sites. For example, the secret garden and the bird park. On some slopes, roads are constructed in a bad way, so one should be aware of that.

Final Thoughts

Koh Samui, lying in the Ban Chumphon Archipelago, guarantees to be a pearl in the Gulf of Thailand, with a melodic mix of quiet landscapes and vibrant culture. The island, with its iconic Big Buddha Temple to Hin Ta and Hin Yai curiously-formed attractions, attracts many with its heritage and natural wonders.

 Whether you want to admire the multiple tiers of Namuang Waterfall or seek serenity at the Secret Buddha Garden, Koh Samui calls for both explorers and culture lovers. Koh Samui, with its various attractions and warm hospitality, guarantees an unforgettable trip for every visitor.

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