Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand. When you step onto the island, you are not just arriving at some random beach destination. Here, you have golden temples on hillsides, fire dancers performing, and excellent local food on the beachside.
Most of all, the warm hospitality of locals makes every ordinary moment into lasting memories.
And what to do in Koh Samui extends far beyond just relaxing on beaches.
Your few days here will be filled with discovering hidden waterfalls in jungle mountains, eating delicious street food, and understanding the culture.
A Glance at What to See in Koh Samui
| Category | Must-Visit |
| Beaches | Chaweng, Lamai & Silver Beach |
| Adventure | Big Buddha & Wat Plai Laem |
| Nightlife | Ark Bar, Green Mango, Walking Street |
| Nature | Waterfalls, Jungle Safari, Secret Garden |
15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui, Thailand
This island blends cultural and natural wonders, and exciting activities that satisfy every type of traveller.
From spiritual temple visits to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Koh Samui packs all the best things in Thailand.
Visit the Iconic Big Buddha Temple
You can see the impressive 12-meter golden Buddha statue in Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple).
This statue is nestled on a small rocky island. That makes it one of the most popular landmarks in southern Thailand and the most photographed. And you can see miles away.
- Location: Wat Phra Yai, northeast corner near the airport.
- Timing: Open daily 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
Tips: You need to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. You can rent sarongs nearby.
Explore the Wat Plai Laem Temple
The architecture of the temple itself is remarkable, with a fusion of Chinese and Thai Buddhist styles.
Wat Plai Laem has an 18-armed Guanyin statue that rises majestically from a lake. Not just that, there are many impressive statues. The Goddess of Mercy statue and the laughing Buddha stand out and contrast with traditional Thai temples.
The place is with colourful designs, decorated roofs, and vibrant paintings, making this one of the most photogenic temples.
- Location: Near the Big Buddha temple.
- Timing: Open daily 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Tips: You can purchase fish food to feed the fish in the lake. If you do that, it is believed to bring good fortune.
Relax at Chaweng Beach
To experience Koh Samui’s longest and most vibrant coastline, head to Chaweng Beach. With 7 kilometres of white sand, there are plenty of activities. You can do some adventurous activities in Thailand right here.
From jet skiing and parasailing to beachfront dining that serves fresh seafood, your day will be filled with excitement.
Overall, you don’t have to think about what to do in Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui. Apart from water activities, there are luxury resorts and shopping areas to keep you occupied.
- Cost: The Beach is free to enter. But Chair and umbrella rentals are approximately 450 INR per day, and water sports vary by operator.
Tips: You can always negotiate water sports prices before paying, and watch your belongings during swims.
Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park
You have a group of 42 islands in Thailand’s untouched natural areas. Ang Thong National Marine Park has everything you need.
See tall limestone rocks, secret lagoons, and lots of wildlife both in the water and on land.
The most famous spot is the Emerald Lagoon. It is a bright green saltwater lake in the middle of Mae Ko Island, dramatically bordered by high cliffs.
You can paddle through sea caves in a kayak, snorkel, and climb up to viewpoints. It’s one of the best nature trips among all the islands in Thailand.
- Location: 31 kilometres northwest of Koh Samui.
- Cost: Full-day tours will be approximately 5,000 INR, including transfers, boat, lunch, snorkelling equipment, kayak, and park fees.
Discover Lamai Beach
Island’s second-largest beach, Lamai Beach, offers a more laid-back atmosphere. It attracts families and couples with its quieter vibe.
The beach is 4 kilometres long with golden sand, and the water gets deeper slowly, which is great for swimming. But be careful, on the south side of the beach, there are rocky areas that can be suitable for snorkelling.
The restaurants along the beach serve real Thai food at regular prices, not tourist prices.
- Cost: For sunbeds, you have to pay approximately 400 INR per day. Plus, if you do massages and water sports, pay for them separately.
Tips: Check out the famous Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks at the south end.
Meet Rescued Elephants
The Samui Elephant Sanctuary is a place where rescued elephants stay. These elephants have previously been subjected to tourism or logging industries.
This sanctuary gives elephants the freedom to roam freely. When you visit, you can learn about each elephant’s rescue story, prepare their food, and watch them bathe.
- Location: Samui Elephant Sanctuary, 108/52 Taweerat Pakdee Rd, Bo Put, Ko Samui District.
- Timing: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Cost: 6,000 INR for a full day (Approx). Or you can join group tours lasting 1-2 hours, which cost approximately 3,000 INR.
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes, clothes, and be prepared to get dirty. Follow the guide instructions strictly and maintain respectful distances.
Journey to the Secret Buddha Garden
This is a very unique place, hidden high in the jungle at 400 meters above sea level. This Tarnim Magic Garden has dozens of statues showing Buddhist and Hindu gods.
A local fruit farmer named Nim Thongsuk started making these statues in 1976. The statues are covered in moss and surrounded by jungle plants.
The place makes you feel like you’ve found an ancient secret. It’s cooler up here, and you get beautiful views of the coconut trees and ocean below.
- Time: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- Cost: 270 INR entrance fee.
Tips: Don’t go by road or ride on roads on a normal scooter; It’s risky even for experienced riders.
Experience Nightlife at Ark Bar Beach Club
When everyone is thinking about what to do in Koh Samui at night, Ark Bar Beach Club, with no doubt, keeps you entertained.
Every day, they have international DJs, amazing fire shows, and pool parties right on the beach. You’re literally dancing on the sand with the ocean behind you while bartenders serve creative cocktails.
It starts as a relaxed beach bar at sunset and becomes a high-energy dance club by midnight.
- Location: 4 1 Chaweng Beach Rd, Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui.
- Timing: 08:00 AM – 02:00 PM.
Tips: The famous fire show happens every night around 11:00 PM.
Explore Fisherman’s Village in Bophut
This charming beachfront district preserves island heritage through restored Chinese shophouses now hosting boutique hotels, art galleries, and seafood restaurants.
On Friday nights, the main street becomes a busy Walking Street Market with local crafts, street food vendors, and live music.
This village represents unique places in Thailand where development hasn’t erased historical character. The beach offers calmer waters than the eastern shores, perfect for sunset viewing.
- Location: Northern coast near Big Buddha.
- Timing: Walking Street Market operates on Friday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Take a Jungle Safari Adventure
These exciting 4WD truck rides take you through the mountain areas on rough roads that normal cars can’t use.
You will reach waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, rubber tree farms, and some of the best offbeat places in Thailand.
You can reach there with expert drivers, as the steep hills and jungle paths can be dangerous. The guides will tell you about the plants, animals, and island history.
Tours visit multiple spots like the Secret Buddha Garden, Na Muang Waterfall, and amazing viewpoints all in one day.
- Operators: Lexi Samui ATV Quad bike Tour, X-Quad Samui ATV tour, Jungle Quad ATV Quad Bike Tour, & Samui Quad.
- Cost: Approximately 5,000 INR
Tips: Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and dusty. Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
You can request the driver to stop for photos at viewpoints; they usually say yes. This is one of the top Koh Samui activities for seeing more than just beaches.
Visit the Monk at Wat Khunaram
In this Wat Khunaram, there is a preserved body of a monk named Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1973 while meditating.
His body is still in good condition and sits in a meditation position behind glass. He wears sunglasses (added later to make it less scary for visitors).
This shows Thai Buddhist beliefs that very spiritual people can go beyond normal death. It’s an unusual but meaningful part of historical places in Thailand and Buddhist culture.
- Location: Route 4169 between Lamai and Hua Thanon, east coast.
- Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Tips: Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering buildings. Combine with nearby Lamai Beach or Grandmother/Grandfather rocks for a half-day cultural excursion.
Go Snorkelling at Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
These two islands near Samui are some of the best places in Thailand to see underwater life. The water is super clear, you can see sea turtles, and there are beautiful coral reefs.
Koh Nang Yuan is special; it has three small islands connected by a sandbar that makes an amazing photo. The Japanese Gardens and Mango Bay are great spots to snorkel, where you might see small reef sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish.
- Best Time: Day trips depart around 8:00 AM and return by 5:00 PM. The best time is December through March for the clearest water.
Tips: The 1.5-hour boat ride can be bumpy. So, it’s better to take seasickness medicine before you go if you get seasick. Koh Nang Yuan charges 670 INR to enter and doesn’t allow plastic bottles.
Go Island Hopping
The islands around Samui have different things to offer. You can visit Koh Phangan for its party life, or go to Koh Mat Sum (Pig Island), where you can see friendly pigs walk on the beach.
Island hopping tours take you to several islands in one day with stops for snorkelling, beach time, and photos.
When planning what to do in Koh Samui for 3 days, spending one day visiting nearby islands shows you more of what the Gulf of Thailand has to offer.
- Cost: Approximately 4,000 INR.
Tips: Book with companies that have good reviews. If you book cheaper tours, they often have too many people and rush through everything.
Disclaimer: The pigs on the Island are used to human presence, but they are still wild animals, so listen to your guide.
Visit Night Markets
These lively evening markets will show you real Thai street food, local crafts, live music, and the friendly social life that’s important in Thai culture.
Lamai Night Market (Friday-Sunday) and Fisherman’s Village Walking Street (Friday) are the biggest ones. You have food vendors selling everything from pad thai and grilled seafood to exotic fruits and coconut desserts.
You also have craft stalls that sell silk scarves, wooden carvings, and beachwear. All these are the best souvenirs you can take back home.
Tips: Bring cash; most vendors don’t take cards.
Get a Thai Massage or Spa Treatment
Thai massage is 2,500 years old and uses stretching and pressure on certain body points to help you feel better and more flexible. And in Koh Samui, you have everything from simple beach massage huts to fancy resort spas offering wellness treatments.
Because there are so many spas competing for business, the prices are good compared to Western countries. You can afford to get a massage every day instead of just once.
- Cost: Massages cost approximately 700 INR per hour. Resort spa treatments cost 3000 INR.
Conclusion
Koh Samui can easily become the destination of your choice. From sunrise temple visits to midnight beach parties, from jungle adventures to peaceful spa sessions, the island delivers experiences satisfying every travel preference and pace.
It doesn’t matter if you are going for your honeymoon, with family or solo; anyone can make their days the best when visiting here.
You need to know that there are a few islands and the best places near them. So, make your Koh Samui itinerary combining all the best things.
You can always reach out to us to make your trip hassle-free. With extensive knowledge of international destinations, we offer better plans and suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions on What to Do and See in Koh Samui
What to do in Koh Samui for 3 days?
- Day 1: Visit Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem in the morning. Spend the afternoon at Chaweng Beach, swimming and trying water sports. Evening at Ark Bar for fire shows and a beach party.
- Day 2: Full-day Ang Thong Marine Park tour with kayaking, snorkeling, and Emerald Lagoon hike. Evening at Fisherman’s Village Walking Street or local night market.
- Day 3: Morning jungle safari to Secret Buddha Garden and waterfalls. Afternoon spa treatment for relaxation. Sunset dinner at Lamai Beach restaurant.This covers temples, beaches, adventures, and local culture perfectly.
What is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
- December to April is ideal with dry weather, calm seas, and temperatures around 25-30°C. This is peak season with higher prices and crowds, but the weather is perfect.
- May to September offers shoulder season with occasional afternoon showers, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Still enjoyable with green landscapes.
- October to November is the monsoon season with heavy rain and rough seas. Some activities may close, but hotels offer big discounts.
The temperature stays warm year-round. Choose based on your budget and your tolerance for crowds.
Is Koh Samui suitable for families?
Yes, Koh Samui is excellent for families. Choeng Mon and Maenam beaches have calm water, perfect for children. Family activities include Secret Buddha Garden, an elephant sanctuary, and easy snorkeling trips.
Most resorts offer kids’ clubs, children’s pools, and family rooms. Thai culture welcomes children warmly. Restaurants serve both Western and Thai food for picky eaters.
Pharmacies stock international children’s products. The island is small, so travel times are short. Visit during March-April for good weather with fewer crowds.
Which beach in Koh Samui should you visit?
- Chaweng Beach: Longest and busiest with water sports, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Perfect for first-timers wanting action.
- Lamai Beach: Quieter alternative with an authentic vibe, good swimming, and weekend night markets. Great for families and couples.
- Maenam Beach: Softest sand, calm shallow water, peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for young children and sunset views.
- Choeng Mon: Small horseshoe bay with crystal-clear water. Excellent for families seeking upscale resorts.
- Silver Beach: Secluded spot for privacy and snorkeling.
