In this article, we’ll take you through the best things to do in Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s most famous islands among holidaymakers & travelers visiting South East Asia.
Thailand is more than just temples, cityscapes, and street food… The beauty of this country can be seen by the naked eye if you explore further.
Your vacation can indeed be of peace and entertainment if you visit Koh Samui which is located in the Gulf of Thailand. In fact, this island is considered to be the most famous of all the islands in Thailand.
This may be because of the tall palm trees at the edge of the sea, stunning beaches, and crystal clear waters! And from trekking to riding elephants, your vacation in Koh Samui won’t be a dull one.
The things to do here are definitely endless – no wonder why a lot of tourists are fond of this island.
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Koh Samui!
Jungle Safari Off-road tour
We can all agree that we love adventures – even if it means driving through the wilderness and seeing natural habitats.
Jungle Safari Off-road tour is perfect for those who love animals, not just cute dogs or cats, but wild yet intimidating animals.
Mummified Monk, Namuang Waterfalls, and Buddha’s Magic Garden are some of the many places you can go on a safari tour in Koh Samui.
Make sure to get a tour guide so you won’t miss any interesting facts about the wild!
Visit Koh Samui’s World Famous Big Buddha
Each Buddha is intended to tell a story and learn a lesson. It also emphasizes why one should have compassion, seek personal development, and take responsibility for their actions.
So if you want your vacation to be a self-contemplation, visit the Big Buddha and the temple of Wat Phra Yai – the house of the former.
Big Buddha is unquestionably the most famous landmark on the island.
It is made of gold and sitting in the Mara position which showcases the period when Buddha wants to reject all the temptations that are unnaturally thrown upon him.
After you land on the island, the Big Buddha statue can be your first destination because its location is easy to reach.
There are also food stalls and souvenir stores available at a certain place in the temple.
Visit Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach
Don’t get confused, but both Lamai and Chaweng offer great beaches that are perfect for your getaway.
But if you want a bare night island life, go to Chaweng Beach as it offers more than just beautiful waters.
Chaweng is the biggest and largest in town, so it’s customary that there are lots of bars and restaurants located on the island.
Take advantage of the alcohol, loud music, and dancing on Chaweng Beach.
On the other hand, Lamai Beach offers the opposite.
The place is quieter and more peaceful.
You can just be laidback and literally hear the ocean waves singing their way through everyone’s hearts.
The water is also deeper in Lamai Beach – the perfect place for swimming.
If you get hungry, there are good restaurants on the main road that offers food and drink.
Snorkeling and Diving
Underwater diving lets you see the beauty of exotic marine life in the Gulf of Thailand.
Indeed, the clear waters of Koh Samui make this aquatic activity a memorable one!
The oceanic views under the water allow you to see all the sea magic made by nature.
You can also feel the vibes of seafaring freedom since the activity lets you swim around with apparatus that will let you breathe underneath.
If you wish to go snorkeling in Koh Samui, there are plenty of clear spots
Chaweng Beach and Coral Cove are common scuba diving locations.
Namuang Waterfalls
Aside from the extraordinary beaches Koh Samui has to offer, Namuang Waterfalls can be found in the jungle and is definitely worthy of your visit.
There are two waterfalls that both flow into a small pool that tourists can swim in.
Dipping in the fresh and cool waters of Namuang Waterfalls is considered to be one of the most comforting things you can do in Koh Samui.
The Namuang Waterfalls are well-taken care of even if going there is free of charge.
There are food stalls available in case an empty stomach kicks in!
Souvenirs and other swimming gears are available for your convenience too.
So, if you don’t want a crowded beach for your vacation, Namuang Waterfalls is another serene place for swimming and adds lots of fun to your vacation!
Try The Famous Thai Massage
A lot of people believe that Thai Massage boosts one’s energy and improves athletic performance.
The pressure and technique of a Thai Massage has been known as an ancient healing practice that is popular around the world for many years now.
Thai Massages are not supposed to be relaxing.
This is because Thai masseuse aims to bend and twist your body to get the blood flowing and give strength to your muscles.
Koh Samui offers exceptional Thai Massage – and I believe you should get one and treat yourself to this exceptional bodywork.
Visit Elephant Rock
Elephants are the official animal symbol of Thailand. For the Thai, it signifies strength and intelligence.
In fact, white elephants are known to be worshipped as holy animals in the country because aside from being the source of strength and knowledge, they also symbolize purity and are believed to be from heaven.
If you want your vacation to be invigorating and remarkable, hike Koh Samui’s Elephant Rock and enjoy the aerial views of the beaches and oceans that surround it.
The adventure is free of charge and is open every day for tourists!
Muay Thai Boxing Match
Boxing is considered to be an emotional and highly technical sport.
People are fond of it because it’s fun and challenging to watch it.
And if you’re one of these people, you can watch a live Muay Thai boxing match while on vacation!
Koh Samui offers Muay Thai Boxing and the sport has been part of the Thai culture for many years now. You can watch it at the oldest stadium on the island – Chaweng Boxing Stadium.
The latter has a program that allows youth to train Muay Thai and let them engage in combat.
So even kids are allowed to watch.
Pamper yourself
Indeed, vacation is for those who want to treat themselves after working and coping with stress from jobs. In Koh Samui, you can pamper yourself as the island allows you to go to a spa or shopping.
Koh Samui’s Spa treatment is one of the best you can find in Thailand.
It is relaxing and enjoyable. I mean, who doesn’t want a spa in the middle of an extraordinary island? No one!
Whereas, taking yourself shopping in Koh Samui’s malls is a must.
The Central Festival Mall in Chaweng can give you a high standard of shopping and a unique experience.
Experience the Ladyboy Cabaret Show
Koh Samui can offer more than just partying and beach nightlife.
Entertainment on the island is absolutely extraordinary and it has been attracting the crowd to experience every inch of it.
The Ladyboy Cabaret Show is one of the many entertaining things you can encounter on the island.
But keep in mind that this is not perfect for all ages since erotic dancing is involved.
After the show, you can dance all night in Koh Samui’s famous pubs because the island surely knows how to party!
Attend Crocodile Shows
Crocodiles are scary and they have extremely powerful jaws. They are also fast and their teeth are sharp to the point that they can eat fresh flesh.
But in Koh Samui, trained locals are even putting their hands, feet, and even their heads inside the mouth of the crocodiles.
It may sound scary but the crocodiles are raised to be pets and are considered harmless. The Crocodile Farm on the island is home to the many species of crocodiles like Siamese crocodiles, saltwater, and caimans. The performers can also play with the fangs of snakes and have fun with different species of lizards.
Maenam Beach and Lipa Noi Beach
Staying on the famous beaches of Koh Samui can be a little out of your budget, but Maenam Beach offers cheaper options and is considered an ideal choice for many.
The beach is 7km and has palm trees along with it. There are locations that are underdeveloped so you can really feel the nakedness and natural untouched features of the place.
Maenam Beach also consists of bard and restaurants for your nightlife, but as compared to Chaweng, the food and drinks prices are cheaper.
Moreover, Lipa Noi Beach is the most child-friendly beach in Koh Samui. The water is so clear and there are no coral or rocks underneath it.
The water on the beach is also shallow so swimming is perfectly safe for your kids. Also, some restaurants offer seafood that tastes dreamlike!
Go Zip Lining
Ziplines in Koh Samui offer beautiful natural scenery of the forests surrounding certain locations.
It is also one way to have fun and share a little bit of nervousness with your loved ones.
The Sky fox cable ride on the island will let you appreciate the beauty of Samui’s largest waterfalls and other highlights of the place that you must see!
The ride runs fifty miles an hour.
You can check out more of Koh Samui’s Zip Line Trips here.
Visit Laem Sor Pagoda
If you want to take a deep breath and take a trip to the quiet side of the island, visiting Laem Sor Pagoda can be your option.
It is located in the southwest part of the island, away from the crowds. The Laem Sor Pagoda is guided by two colorful yaks that both carry a sword that symbolizes the protection of the Pagoda.
The site looks gold but it’s actually yellow tiles that glitter every time it hits the reflection of the sun.
Near the Pagoda is a small hall with the wax casting of the monk who built it. Locals and tourists give respect to the monk as he is known for being highly revered.
Try A Thai Cooking Class
Food in Thailand is more than just pad Thai, rice, and noodles.
If you want to learn more about their cultures and tradition, taking a Thai Cooking Class will definitely give you the edge over other tourists.
This activity is perfect for couples who are on a long vacation on the island or anyone that counts themselves as a “foodie” at heart.
So ready your tummy and taste buds as Koh Samui has some amazing Thai cooking classes across the island.
Khao Hua Jook Chedi
This tourist spot is located near Chewang Lake. Khao Hua Jook Chedi is a beautiful temple that lets you see the amazing views of the coast and valleys below you.
The building of the temple really gives attention to detail since the carvings are exceptional and the color is gold to pay tribute to Lord Buddha.
So if you are one of those tourists who loves leaving their cars in the middle of the road and taking a hike to see the whole island, visiting Khao Hua Jook Chedi is a must!
Enjoy Ban Tai Beach
Ban Tai Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand is the perfect destination for a fun and relaxing getaway. With its beautiful white sand, crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets, it is the ideal destination for a beach holiday.
The beach has plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day, such as swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding. The sea is warm and crystal clear, making it great for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also lined with plenty of beach bars offering a variety of drinks and snacks and live music in the evenings.
Ban Tai Beach also has a great selection of restaurants and cafes, serving delicious Thai and international cuisine. From beachfront seafood restaurants to beach bars serving cocktails and snacks, there’s something to suit every taste.
At night, the beach comes alive with fire shows, live music and fireside bars. The beach also has plenty of accommodation options ranging from beachfront resorts to smaller guesthouses.
Ban Tai Beach is the perfect destination for a beach vacation… Whether you want to relax, take part in the many activities available or just soak up some sun and enjoy the views, Ban Tai Beach has it all.
Ban Tai Beach Location: HXM9+GRJ, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Summary: The Best Things To Do In Koh Samui
It is undeniable that Thailand is more than just temples, tall buildings, and famous street foods.
The country has a lot to offer especially if you visit Koh Samui – the island that can literally give you the entertainment, harmony, parties, beaches, temples, food, and realization you are looking for on your vacation.
Koh Samui can take you to every tourist site that is children-friendly, has arts & culture, best to do outdoors, histories, museums, beaches, and markets.
So, if this little island can already give you the dream vacation you want, what more if you explore the whole of Thailand?
Indeed, 1 week’s stay in Koh Samui is not enough… You better take a longer vacation to make the most of it!
Explore the Best Places To Visit In Thailand to help make the most of your trip!
Koh Samui Weather & Climate
With an average yearly temperature of 27.2 °C (80.9 °F), Koh Samui’s tropical climate makes the island the perfect vacation destination year-round. That being said, most travelers tend to visit Koh Samui during the dry season between December and April as the weather is less wet.
Koh Samui’s Hottest Month – May, with an average temperature of 29.5°C (85°F), reaching above 33°C (91°F).
Koh Samui’s Coldest Month – January, with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F), reaching as low as 24°C (75°F).
Koh Samui’s Rainy season starts around October and ends in December, with November experiencing the highest rainfall at around 500mm (20 inches) of rainfall. When it rains, it rains hard and fast usually lasting no longer than 1 hour, but fortunately dries up relatively quickly. February tends to be the driest month with the least amount of rainfall.
Koh Samui’s Wettest Month – November, with 20 inches of rainfall (508mm)
Koh Samui’s Driest Month – February, with 2.1 inches of rainfall (52mm)
Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Samui, Thailand
The most popular time to visit Koh Samui is between December and February during the island’s dry season. There’s less rain, slightly cooler temperatures, and calmer seas. Hotels often class this as peak season on Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and vibrant nightlife. It is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, offering a wide variety of activities such as sightseeing, shopping, watersports, and outdoor adventures. The island also has several luxurious resorts and spas, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday.
Yes, Koh Samui is worth visiting. It is a beautiful tropical paradise with stunning beaches, lush jungles, and an abundance of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventure getaway, or a cultural experience, Koh Samui has something for everyone.
The monsoon season in Koh Samui typically runs from October – December. The wettest month is usually November when rainfall is frequent and quite heavy.
