Slow and leisurely is how life goes in Koh Samui, a tropical paradise off the east coast of Thailand. Its white sand beaches and lush jungle beckon budget travelers and well-off holidayers alike. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who’s game to try all kinds of water activities, or a wildlife enthusiast who’d rather explore the jungle than the beaches, there’s a lot of things to do in Koh Samui for every type of traveler.
The stunning strip of white sand that greets tourists as planes fly overhead is Chaweng Beach. At around 7km long, this part of the island is home to hotels, restaurants, and shopping outlets. It’s a party every night at the local bars, resorts, and clubs, a testament to the lively nightlife Koh Samui is known for. Vendors will catch your attention as you walk by, selling massages and other traditional Thai products and services.
A temple visit is in order, even on the isolated shores of Koh Samui. Visit Wat Plai Laem and marvel at the beautiful statues depicting Buddhist religious icons. This temple complex has its own lake where visitors can feed fish food to the inhabiting schools of catfish. Its serene atmosphere goes well with the 18-armed statue of goddess Guanyin, a Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees upon entrance.
Step back into the past at Fisherman’s Village Bophut, an old market town along the coast of Koh Samui. Tick off your souvenir shopping list while on the hunt for good food along the strip of bars and restaurants. Get awesome bargains at boutique tourist shops selling items of cultural value. Drop by every Friday to visit the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street, a huge marketplace for shoppers from all over the island.
Lamai Beach may be second to Chaweng Beach when it comes to size, but it’s much more quieter and peaceful in comparison. Discover a slower, more laid-back side to the island, even with shopping outlets, accommodations, bars and dining places. Treat yourself to a Thai massage at a nearby spa, or enjoy fun water activities like snorkeling and riding jet skis instead. Don’t forget to throw your rubbish at the designated disposal bins so as to avoid leaving plastic at the beach.
In the heart of Chaweng Beach lies Wat Phra Yai, a temple home to the majestic Big Buddha. This 12-meter statue is one of Koh Samui’s most famous tourist spots, worshipped and offered incense by devotees and visitors alike. It’s believed that the Big Buddha, along with the temple’s other Buddhist icons, guard the island from harm. Stay respectful of the culture and religion by wearing clothing that covers both shoulders and feet. Take a picture of the area, check out trinkets at souvenir shops, and say hi to a monk during your visit.
Named after its rocks’ purple hues, Na Mueang Waterfalls is a hidden gem deep in the jungle of Koh Samui’s off-shore islet. Climb up the winding hiking trail and discover two waterfalls -- Na Mueang 1 that leads to a cool natural pool, and the smaller Na Mueang 2 up top. Enjoy a splashing fun time on the water slides, which costs extra Thai bahts. Nearby attractions include a safari park, 4x4 jungle rides, and a variety of island activities.
Koh Samui isn’t just limited to its white sand beaches and island life, it also has a breathtaking natural landscape that includes the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. These unique rock formations resemble the male and female genitalia, which according to legend are the remains of an elderly couple. Travel to this tourist spot by scooter and be greeted by a gorgeous view of the ocean and the rocky coastline. Enjoy the view with a piece of delicious coconut ice in hand and a camera on the other.
If joining the crowds of beach-goers in Koh Samui isn’t your type of holiday, then the deserted shores of Tean Island might be your ideal destination. Located on the southern tip of the province, this pocket of land is blanketed by a tropical jungle and lined with white sand beaches. Go snorkeling, lounge by the beach, or take a walk along the mangrove forest on the island. Spot monitor lizards here and there as you get lost in the natural scenery.
Take a walk in Koh Samui’s wild side at Namuang Safari Park. Watch live animal shows, experience trekking onboard an elephant, pet tigers and pose for souvenir photos, and explore the adventure park with a 4x4 ATV. You can also hike to a nearby waterfall for a quick dip in the afternoon. It’s important to note that Namuang Safari Park isn’t a wildlife sanctuary -- they keep the animals in chains and cages for safety.
Also known as Secret Buddha Garden, Tarnim Magic Garden is a not-so-secret gem on top of Pom Mountain. This mystical Buddhist park is nestled deep in the jungle where local wildlife and nature are slowly reclaiming the statues of Buddha one by one. Like most attractions in Koh Samui, Tarnim Magic Garden is accessible by scooter and you’ll only have to pay the cover charge. A visit here can be extended to the nearby safari if you’d like to see more animals.
From temple hopping and exciting island adventures to wildlife encounters, Koh Samui is a cosmopolitan island that deserves more hype than it gets. Here you’ll find authentic Thai cuisine and relaxing Thai massages, as well as a rich underwater world full of sea creatures and colorful corals. Don’t miss out on island-hopping tours, jungle ATV rides, temples and safari expeditions and other tropical indulgences when in Koh Samui.
Enjoy an early summer holiday at Koh Samui, which reaches its sunniest around February-March. The dry season will allow you to explore the island with little to no rain, and it also means sunny days that are perfect for tanning.
Koh Samui is generally budget-friendly for tourists, but prices of accommodation can still dip or increase depending on the location. Chaweng Beach’s nightlife scene, close proximity to commercial establishments, and beachfront view make it the best place to stay in. However, if you’d like a quieter neighborhood near the ocean, check out Lamai Beach. Families and solo travelers looking to save can have a great time at Bo Phut, the old town center known for its marketplace.