Best Things to Do in Koh Samui Introduction
Discover the best things to do on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, Thailand. All of my suggestions are family friendly activities and I also include lots of free things to do.
Experience tropical beaches, remote islands, wonderful cuisine, waterfalls, elephants and temples. In this blog I tell you about the best things to do and top days out on this island paradise.
If you’re exploring more of Thailand , you’ll find additional destination ideas on my Thailand page.
Contents
- Best Things to Do in Koh Samui Introduction
- What’s Koh Samui Like?
- Why Visit Koh Samui?
- Best Time to Visit Koh Samui
- How to Get Around Koh Samui
- Top Things to Do in Koh Samui
- 1. Snorkel at Silver Beach – Crystal Bay
- 2. Swim in Na Muang Waterfalls
- 3. Boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
- 4. Visit the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
- 5. Eat at Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
- 6. Sunbathe at Chaweng Beach
- 7. Watch a Fire show
- 8. Enjoy a Thai Massage
- 9. Meet an Elephant at a Sanctuary
- 10. Relax – The Best Thing to Do in Koh Samui
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
- Useful Links:
What’s Koh Samui Like?
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is the second largest island. Unlike Phuket, its location makes Koh Samui ideal for summer holidays because it is in dry season during July and August. It is an exotic island blessed with beautiful beaches, palm trees, mountains and jungle.
The main towns are Lamai, Bophut, Nathon and Chaweng. From the moment you land at it’s pretty airport, you will be greeted with a warm welcome.
We visited Koh Samui as part of a wider trip through Thailand and quickly realised the island has far more to offer than just beautiful beaches. From colourful Buddhist temples and hidden jungle waterfalls to boat trips through limestone islands, there’s plenty to explore here.
This guide shares some of the best things to do in Koh Samui and easy day trips around the island, based on our own visit and recommendations from locals and fellow travellers we met along the way.
Why Visit Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands, known for its palm-fringed beaches, relaxed atmosphere and easy access to nearby marine parks and smaller islands.
What makes Koh Samui particularly appealing is the variety of experiences you can have in just a few days. One morning you might be exploring ornate temples or waterfalls hidden in the jungle, and by the afternoon you could be relaxing on a beach or heading out on a boat trip to nearby islands.
It’s also one of the easiest Thai islands to visit, with an international airport, good roads around the island and plenty of accommodation options for every budget.
Best Time to Visit Koh Samui
One of the biggest advantages Koh Samui has over other Thai islands like Phuket is its location in the Gulf of Thailand, which gives it a different weather pattern. While Phuket’s west coast gets battered by the southwest monsoon during summer, Koh Samui stays mostly dry – making it one of the best Thai islands to visit in July and August.
The driest and sunniest months are generally February to August, with July and August being particularly reliable if you’re planning a visit in summer holidays. Temperatures stay warm and humid throughout the year, so whenever you visit, you can expect beautiful beach weather.
The wetter months tend to be November and December, when the northeast monsoon brings heavier rainfall to the Gulf of Thailand. That said, even during these months the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day downpours.
So if you’re torn between Koh Samui and Phuket for a summer trip like we were – Koh Samui is the smarter choice. You’re far more likely to get wall-to-wall sunshine.
How to Get Around Koh Samui
🗺️ Download my Koh Samui Google Map here with all our recommended places to visit.
You can choose to book a rental vehicle from the airport, take taxis or the open bus service – a dark red vehicle with benches called a Songthaew. You can flag down the Songthaew from the main roads and let the driver know where you are destined.
🚗 We hired a car while we were on the island and found it fairly easy to navigate but you must drive on high alert because of the scooters weaving in and out in built up areas.
Our friends used taxis and the Songthaew and found this easy and reasonably priced too.
👉 Our Hotel Recommendation: Smile House Hotel, Bophut
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Top Things to Do in Koh Samui
1. Snorkel at Silver Beach – Crystal Bay
Silver Beach is a palm tree lined bay north of Lamai. The beach has light sand and clear, calm sea. We spent a whole morning here and enjoyed lunch before heading off.
It is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling amongst the rocks. Not only is Silver Beach stunning but it is also family friendly because of the shallow still waters.
There are a few restaurants and hotels surrounding it where you can buy delicious cocktails and lunch and make use of their bathroom facilities.
To locate it, look out for the main hotel: Crystal Bay Beach Club, there is a car park just off the main road.
2. Swim in Na Muang Waterfalls
Situated 12 km inland from Nathon Bay, Na Muang has two waterfalls. The first one is easily accessible and a short walk from the carpark. The second is a bit of a hike but has beautiful views across the jungle canopy.
⚠️The second waterfall is quite dangerous and not suitable for young children.
The first waterfall is surrounded by large boulders, from where you can jump off into the water. My adventurous children loved it and we spent a whole morning here.
The water looks brown and murky, which we found a bit off-putting (wondering what lies beneath!) but the locals reassured us that it’s actually fresh clean water and you’re perfectly safe to swim in it. A great place to take a refreshing dip from the heat.
You can buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs from the stalls around the carpark from local sellers.
🌟 It is free to enter the waterfalls and parking is 60 Baht.
3. Boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
Book a boat trip to these beautiful remote islands that the novel ‘The Beach’ was based upon (but not the film). These islands are a national park and therefore protected to conserve the nature and wildlife. The boat trip we took here was one of our best days out.
🌟 We took the big boat because it was the best value for money and less likely to cause sea sickness than the speed boat option.
On this trip, you are picked up in a air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel and driven to the port.
You sail out to the islands and then transfer on a long tail boat to shore. You can take a short hike and climb the steps to the top of Mae Koh where you will discover the most majestic views of the islands.
🐒 On the way up be sure to look up to see the cute monkeys cuddling in the trees.
Cool off from your hike in the sea and snorkel over the colourful coral reefs.
After a delicious buffet lunch, you have the opportunity to kayak to another area where you can climb steps to view a stunning emerald green hidden bay, There is a bar here with bathroom facilities.
Book your trip from £24 per person including lunch and drinks:
👉 Check out boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park on Viator
4. Visit the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
This Buddhist temple (Wat Phra Yai) has a huge golden statue of Buddha and is built on a small rocky island. The golden Budha is one of the island’s most famous landmarks.
There are beautiful ornate carvings and statues surrounding it. 72 steps lead up to the statue and panoramic views across the sea.
You can buy souvenirs in the stalls surrounding the temple and drinks to cool you down.
Tips for Visiting:
- Visit early morning to avoid the heat
- Remember to dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered as it is a religious site and must be respected
- Combine with nearby Wat Plai Laem, another Budhist temple with beautiful architecture
- Entry is free but donations are welcome
You will not need much time here so include with another short activity like Wat Plai Laem or the waterfalls.
5. Eat at Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
Bophut is a bustling fishing village, full of restaurants and nightlife. It has a fantastic selection of restaurants, Thai and international options, and a wonderful safe and chilled atmosphere.
You can also buy some souvenirs at the night market just outside of Smile House Hotel and Restaurant.
We chose to stay in Bophut at Smile House Hotel, so we could walk to the restaurants in the evening. The glow and ambience at night is magical.
6. Sunbathe at Chaweng Beach
The most popular beach on Koh Samui is Chaweng. It is the longest beach on the island.
Sun bathe on the soft white sand and cool off in the crystal clear blue waters.
There are many restaurants and bars, water-sport options and plenty of atmosphere from the young crowd.
7. Watch a Fire show
One of the top things to do when visiting Koh Samui Thailand is to watch a fire show on the beach. We enjoyed it so much that we did it twice.
Pull up a beanbag on the sand, order drinks and food and listen to dance music. Once the sun sets, the performers start the show. It is a mesmerising and interactive experience with guest participation.
🌟We watched the show on Bophut beach but they are available to see at different beach locations around the island in larger resorts.
8. Enjoy a Thai Massage
The ultimate way to relax while in Thailand. There are lots of spas all over Koh Samui offering various spa treatments, some with beds overlooking beautiful views of the sea.
Thai people are experts in spa treatments and there are a whole variety of options.
I have to say, I was not a fan of the traditional Thai style massage so if you are wanting a less intense experience, I would suggest opting for a gentler option.
9. Meet an Elephant at a Sanctuary
Our best activity on Koh Samui was to visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary in Bophut. This is an ethical elephant sanctuary that takes care of elephants who have retired from a life time of logging and carrying tourists.
This peaceful sanctuary gives them a well deserved break from a life of servitude.
🌟 It is essential that you book because no walk-ins are allowed.
The staff pick you up in a minibus from your accommodation and take you to the sanctuary. There are refreshments of arrival and you listen to a presentation about all the wonderful work they do there and about each elephant’s life story.
After the presentation, you are invited to make food for the elephants and are instructed about how to greet them. You get to practice greeting one of the elephant by offering food and only then, stroking their trunk.
Small groups are then taken further into the sanctuary to meet and greet each elephant in turn.
Learning about and meeting these awesome creatures is an incredible experience and a must thing to do on Koh Samui.
👉 Check availability for Samui Elephant Sanctuary on Get Your Guide
👉Read our full honest review about Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary
10. Relax – The Best Thing to Do in Koh Samui
There are tons of other activities on Koh Samui, including boat trips to Pig Island (an island with friendly pigs on the shore), visit the Secret Buddha Garden, join in a Full Moon party on Koh Phangan, take a Quad bike tour or a Thai Cookery lesson perhaps?
Despite all of these fabulous activities to do – ultimately, you are on holiday. Remember to have some time to relax, unwind and soak in the beauty and serenity of this island paradise.
FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in Koh Samui?
Most travellers spend three to five days in Koh Samui, which is enough time to enjoy the beaches, visit a few temples and take a boat trip to the nearby islands. We spent a week here and could easily have stayed longer.
If you have longer, Koh Samui also works well as part of an island-hopping trip. Many visitors combine it with nearby destinations such as Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, which can be reached easily by ferry.
Even with just a few days on the island, you’ll have plenty of time to experience the highlights and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere.
Is Koh Samui good for families?
Yes, Koh Samui is a brilliant family destination. Our children loved it there. Many of the beaches have calm, shallow waters ideal for young children, and there’s a great mix of activities that work for all ages – from waterfalls and temples to boat trips and the elephant sanctuary. Most restaurants are relaxed and family-friendly too.
Is Koh Samui better than Phuket?
It depends on when you’re travelling. If you’re visiting in the summer (July–August), Koh Samui is the better choice because it stays dry while Phuket experiences its monsoon season. Koh Samui also tends to feel slightly less touristy and more relaxed than the busier parts of Phuket.
Do you need cash in Koh Samui?
It’s a good idea to carry some Thai Baht, especially for local markets, street food and smaller businesses. Most hotels and larger restaurants accept cards, but cash is king in the smaller villages and at attractions like the waterfalls.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Koh Samui?
Generally yes – beaches like Silver Beach and Chaweng are safe for swimming most of the year. It’s always worth checking local conditions on the day, particularly during the wetter months when currents can be stronger.
Is Koh Samui expensive?
Koh Samui caters to all budgets but it tends to be more expensive than other areas of Thailand. Many of the best activities are free or very low cost – the waterfalls, temples and beaches cost little to nothing to enjoy. Food can be incredibly cheap at some local restaurants and markets, but we were quite surprised at how expensive some of the upscale options were.
Can you island hop from Koh Samui?
Absolutely – it’s one of the best things about the island’s location. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are both easily reachable by ferry, and a boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must-do day trip.
What is Koh Samui known for?
Koh Samui is best known for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, vibrant food scene and easy access to nearby islands and national parks. It’s also popular for its Buddhist temples, jungle waterfalls and growing reputation as a wellness destination with world-class spas.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers a great mix of culture, nature and island adventures, making it one of the most rewarding places to visit in Thailand. Whether you’re exploring temples, swimming beneath waterfalls or heading out on a boat trip to nearby islands, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences here.
During our time on the island we loved how easy it was to combine sightseeing with beach time, and it’s definitely a destination we would return to.
If you’re planning your own trip, these Koh Samui activities are a great place to start building your itinerary.
For more information and to find other activities to book, see the useful links below.
Have you been to Koh Samui, Thailand? What were your top things to do?
🗺️ Download my Koh Samui Google Map here with all our recommended places to visit.
Useful Links:
Arrange day trips with GetYourGuide
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