A tropical island where palm trees lean over white sandy beaches, lush jungle and waterfalls fill the interior, and evenings are best spent sampling some of Thailand’s finest cuisine. That’s Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s most popular islands. But for me, this island is much more than just a holiday destination. Thanks to our second home here, I spend several months a year on Koh Samui. The island has everything that makes it such a wonderful place to return to: beaches, nature, wellness, a lively atmosphere when you feel like it, and fantastic food. In this article, I’ll share my favourite things to do on Koh Samui, including the best beaches, attractions, restaurants and activities.
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast of mainland Thailand. The island belongs to Surat Thani Province and is approximately an hour’s flight south of Bangkok. Koh Samui is part of a small island group that also includes Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. You can reach the island from the mainland by plane or by combining a bus journey with a ferry crossing.
Whether you’re staying on Koh Samui for a few days or have more time to explore, there’s plenty to see and do on the island. From temples and waterfalls to night markets, viewpoints and island excursions, you’ll find something for every kind of traveller. Below are some of my favourite places and activities to help you discover Koh Samui.
The beaches on Koh Samui are surprisingly diverse. Along the east coast, you’ll find the best-known beaches, including Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach. These are long stretches of sand lined with plenty of resorts, beach bars and restaurants. Chaweng is the liveliest, with Lamai coming in a close second. You’ll also find almost daily fireworks displays on the beach here. On the north coast, around Maenam Beach and Bophut Beach, the atmosphere is generally more relaxed and a little more local. The west coast, particularly around Taling Ngam Beach, is known for its beautiful sunsets, with views across the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
My personal favourite beaches are along the quieter north coast: Maenam Beach, Ban Tai Beach and Bang Po Beach. These are the beaches just around the corner from our home, and perhaps that’s exactly why I keep coming back. The atmosphere is relaxed and local, with lovely beach spots such as Lay Lagom, Cape Away and Ran Rao, good restaurants, local hotspots and fewer resorts. You can enjoy long walks along the shore without encountering too many people, while still finding a nice beach café for lunch or a drink. You can also see Koh Phangan in the distance.
Beyond its beaches, Koh Samui also has a surprisingly green interior, with several waterfalls. They can be particularly impressive after rainfall. Don’t expect enormous jungle cascades like those found in some other parts of Thailand, but rather beautiful spots where you can immerse yourself in nature and cool off. Some waterfalls are easy to reach and therefore quite popular, while others are tucked away and require a short walk.
The best-known are the two waterfalls at Na Muang Waterfall. Na Muang 1 is close to the road, making it the most visited and easiest to reach. Na Muang 2 is located higher up in the jungle. You can reach it by taking a short walk to the top of the waterfall. It’s often a little quieter here, and the views along the way are particularly beautiful. Make sure to wear proper shoes and bring mosquito repellent.
Looking for places that are usually a little less crowded? Khun Si Waterfall is a good option. Tucked away in the greenery, this waterfall combines a short jungle walk with a viewpoint. Tan Rua Waterfall, in the north of the island, is another lovely stop if you’re exploring Koh Samui by motorbike. For all the waterfalls, the earlier you arrive in the day, the quieter they tend to be.
If you’d like to visit some of Koh Samui’s main attractions, things to do and highlights in one day, you can also join a fun half-day island tour, which also includes visits to the waterfalls.
The night markets are an essential part of Koh Samui’s island atmosphere. As soon as the sun goes down, stalls selling street food, fresh fruit shakes, souvenirs and local snacks start appearing across the island. They’re the perfect places to sample different Thai dishes without having to sit down in a restaurant. One of the best-known and perhaps most enjoyable markets is in Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, where the entire street fills with food stalls and live music. It is a place I frequently visit with friends for a bite and drink.
It’s also worth visiting the Sunday Night Market in Lamai and the ever-busy Chaweng Night Market, opposite Central Samui, where you’ll find a wide selection of street food from across Asia. If you’re looking for a slightly more local atmosphere, the small market in Maenam is a good tip. Everything feels a little quieter and more authentic here.
One of the best things to do on Koh Samui, and one of the easiest ways to explore the island, is to rent a motobike. The island is relatively compact, and most of the main roads form a ring around Koh Samui, making it easy to drive from one beach to another. Along the way, you’ll pass coconut plantations, small villages, viewpoints and quiet beaches that you might otherwise miss.
Make sure to take a turn towards the interior as well. Once you head into the hills and lush green landscape, you’ll get that wonderful feeling of freedom that makes island life so appealing. Take your time and stop whenever something catches your eye: a small temple, a local restaurant or a viewpoint that suddenly appears along the road.
It’s important to be careful when riding a motorbike, especially at first, as traffic drives on the left in Thailand. Traffic on Koh Samui can sometimes be chaotic, and some roads, particularly in the hills, are steep or slippery after rain. You also officially need an international motorcycle driving permit to ride a motorbike in Thailand.
This means you must have a valid motorcycle licence in your home country and apply for an international driving permit before travelling. Many rental companies on the island won’t ask to see one, but if you’re stopped by the police or involved in an accident, not having the correct documents can cause problems with fines or your insurance. Always ride carefully, wear a helmet and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
If you’re looking for more peace and privacy than a hotel can offer during your stay on Koh Samui, renting a villa is a wonderful option. One of the loveliest places to stay on the island is Casa Orientale. This luxury villa is tucked away among the tropical jungle in the north of the island, yet just a short distance from Maenam village and the quiet northern beaches, including Maenam Beach and Ban Tai Beach.
The villa is built in Balinese style and surrounded by a tropical garden. Three spacious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, outdoor bathtub and terrace, are arranged around the swimming pool. This makes it a lovely place to stay with family or friends. The open-plan living area, with its kitchen and lounge, is ideal for longer stays. Outside, you can enjoy the swimming pool, garden and peaceful evenings under the stars. For me, it’s also a place I call home for several months each year.
Would you like to stay at Casa Orientale Samui too? Check prices and availability here.
One of the most beautiful excursions you can take from Koh Samui is a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park. This protected natural area consists of more than forty small islands, with towering limestone cliffs, hidden beaches and turquoise lagoons. During a tour, you’ll travel by speedboat or boat past several islands. Depending on the tour, you can often kayak along the rock formations, snorkel in clear waters and climb to a viewpoint offering spectacular views across the archipelago.
One of the best-known spots in the park is the emerald-green lagoon of Koh Mae Ko, hidden among towering rock walls. Another highlight is the viewpoint on Ko Wua Ta Lap island. Most tours depart from Koh Samui early in the morning and take up a full day. But the landscapes you’ll encounter here are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Thailand.e stap voor stap bekende gerechten bereiden zoals pad thai, groene curry of mango sticky rice.
If you enjoy cooking, joining a Thai cooking class during your stay on Koh Samui is a fun experience. Many cooking schools start with a visit to a local market, where you’ll learn more about the ingredients, herbs and spices used in Thai cuisine. Afterwards, you’ll get to work in the kitchen yourself, learning step by step how to prepare well-known dishes such as pad Thai, green curry and mango sticky rice.
To be honest, I’m not much of a cook myself, so I usually prefer to watch from the sidelines while everyone else gets enthusiastically involved. But that’s exactly what makes these classes so enjoyable to observe: everyone gets busy, tastes their creations along the way and eventually sits down proudly to enjoy the dishes they’ve prepared. If you love cooking, it’s a lovely way to learn more about Thai culture and cuisine.
Would you like to learn how to cook Thai food? During this cooking class, you’ll prepare delicious dishes in a small group and also visit a local market.
Koh Samui isn’t a destination you visit for its major historical landmarks and things to do, but there are several places scattered across the island where you can learn more about Thai culture and religion. Temples play an important role in everyday life on the island, and visiting one offers a fascinating glimpse into local traditions. Remember to dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and knees.
The 12-metre-high golden Buddha statue is one of Koh Samui’s best-known landmarks and can be seen from a distance as you approach the island. The temple is located on a small island connected to Koh Samui by a bridge. Ideally, visit early in the morning, when it’s still quiet and the soft light falls across the sea.
Not far from the Big Buddha on Koh Samui lies the colourful Wat Plai Laem temple, known for its impressive statue of Guanyin with eighteen arms. The temple is beautifully situated beside a lake, where the reflections of the statues and buildings make for particularly photogenic views.
This temple immediately catches your eye with its deep red exterior and richly decorated details. Compared to some of the better-known temples on Koh Samui, it’s often much quieter here. The temple is located close to Lamai, making it easy to combine a visit with some time at the beach or the famous rock formations nearby.
One of the most unusual temples on the island is Wat Khunaram. Here, you can see the mummified body of a monk named Luang Pho Daeng, who died in 1973 while meditating. For many Thai visitors, this is a place of respect and spiritual significance. It offers an interesting insight into Buddhist beliefs and local traditions.
This temple is located on a hill above Chaweng and is often overlooked by visitors. That’s precisely what makes it such a lovely place to stop. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views over the northeastern part of the island and Samui Airport.
Would you like to combine some of Koh Samui’s main attractions and things to do on the island? You can book a fun half-day island tour here.
Wellness is an essential part of the Koh Samui experience. You’ll find small massage salons all over the island: along the roads, on the beach, in hotels and even at home. For just a few euros, you can enjoy a traditional Thai massage, a foot massage or a relaxing oil massage. It’s a typical Thailand experience: simply walk in after a day at the beach and step outside an hour later feeling completely relaxed.
Looking for something a little more luxurious? Koh Samui is also home to some beautiful spas. Resorts such as Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Spa, Banyan Tree Spa Samui and Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa are known for their extensive treatments, peaceful surroundings and sea views. From elaborate spa rituals to yoga and multi-day wellness programmes, there’s plenty to choose from.
I always enjoy taking a yoga class when travelling abroad, especially when I’m staying somewhere for a longer period. It’s a lovely way to step away from your travel itinerary, get moving and meet new people along the way.
You’ll find yoga studios and wellness centres all over Koh Samui, offering everything from individual classes to multi-day courses. Whether you’re interested in gentle yin yoga, dynamic vinyasa or (reformer) Pilates sessions focusing on core strength, there’s something for every level and interest. Some classes even take place on the beach at sunrise or sunset, making the experience extra special.
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One of the more unusual attractions and things to do on Koh Samui is the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations near Lamai. These natural rocks are famous for their distinctive shapes, which resemble male and female genitalia. Over the years, they’ve become almost iconic landmarks on the island. Touristy? Definitely. But it’s also a lovely place to stop for a while and enjoy the sea views. If you arrive early in the morning, it’s often still quiet, allowing you to take in the scenery in peace.
A day trip to neighbouring Koh Phangan is a lovely excursion from Koh Samui. The boat journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on whether you travel by ferry or speedboat. Although Koh Phangan is best known for its famous Full Moon Party, the island has much more to offer than just nightlife. You’ll find beautiful beaches, green hills and a relaxed island atmosphere that is even quieter than Koh Samui in many places.
During a day trip, you could rent a motorbike to explore the island, have lunch at a beach restaurant or relax on beaches such as Thong Nai Pan Beach. At the end of the afternoon, you can catch a boat back to Koh Samui, often just in time to enjoy the sunset. Alternatively, you can book a full-day cruise to Koh Phangan, spending the entire day on and around the water, with lunch and a sunset experience included.
Thanks to Koh Samui’s hilly landscape, you’ll find several viewpoints scattered across the island, offering beautiful views of the coastline, jungle and islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Especially when exploring the island by motorbike, you’ll regularly come across places where it’s worth stopping for a moment. Some viewpoints are located directly alongside the road, while others require a short uphill walk, but almost all reward you with lovely panoramic views.
One of the best-known viewpoints is Lad Koh Viewpoint, located between Chaweng and Lamai, with views over the island’s rugged east coast. Another interesting stop is Overlap Stone 1 and 2, where an enormous boulder appears to balance spectacularly on the hillside, offering impressive views over Lamai and the sea. Just be prepared to share the experience with plenty of other visitors, as both spots attract large crowds looking to take photos.
Would you like to combine the views with something to eat or drink? Then head to The Jungle Club, nestled in the hills above Chaweng, where you can enjoy panoramic views over a large part of the island. It’s also a wonderful spot to visit at sunset.
Tip: The roads leading to some of the viewpoints are very steep. If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, it’s best to leave it at the bottom or halfway up and continue uphill by taxi or pickup truck.
Shopping on Koh Samui is surprisingly enjoyable, especially if you like boutiques and unique interior design shops. In Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, you’ll find plenty of beautiful clothing stores, small boutiques and shops selling jewellery and accessories. If you prefer larger shops and international brands, head to Central Samui in Chaweng.
Something else I always enjoy on the island is discovering the many interior design shops along the roads. They’re often slightly hidden away, but inside you’ll find beautiful furniture, lamps and Asian-inspired home accessories. These are the kind of shops that immediately inspire you and make you want to redecorate your entire home.
One of my favourite places on Koh Samui when I’m looking for a vibe is Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. This street along the beach has retained some of the charm of the old fishing village, but has since developed into one of the island’s most enjoyable places for an evening stroll. You’ll find a lovely mix of boutiques, small shops, cosy cafés and good restaurants, all with views of the sea. On several days of the week, the area becomes even livelier during the famous night market, when the entire street fills with stalls selling street food, souvenirs and local products.
Looking for a market mainly visited by locals? Then take a look at Laem Din Market in Chaweng. This is primarily a traditional Thai daytime market, where you can go early in the morning to buy fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and street food. It feels much more local than the island’s well-known night markets. Among the simple stalls, you’ll see Koh Samui residents doing their daily shopping, while you can sample local dishes, tropical fruit and small Thai snacks.
For a relaxed snorkelling trip close to Koh Samui, a visit to Koh Tan is a beautiful option. This small island is just a short boat ride from the southern coast of Samui and is known for its relatively clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. Many snorkelling trips take you to several spots around the island, where you can snorkel among tropical fish and coral.
As Koh Tan is less developed than many other islands in Thailand, it still feels relatively peaceful and unspoilt. Many tours combine snorkelling with lunch on the beach or a short stop at nearby Koh Madsum, like this tour. You can find another lovely snorkelling trip here. It’s a great half-day excursion if you’d like to get out on the water and escape the crowds of Koh Samui for a while.
If you’d like to explore the lush interior of Koh Samui in a more adventurous way, joining a quad bike tour is a fun option. During the tour, you’ll ride an ATV along sandy tracks, through the jungle and past coconut plantations in the island’s hills. Along the way, you’ll often stop at viewpoints or small waterfalls, allowing you to discover parts of Koh Samui you might not otherwise visit.
Especially if you prefer not to rent a motorbike, this is a fun way to explore some of the island’s interior. The tours are usually accompanied by a guide and last anywhere from a couple of hours to half a day. It’s less peaceful than exploring the island independently, but certainly an adventurous way to discover another side of Koh Samui’s natural landscape.
You may have seen this island on Instagram: white sand, clear water and little pigs wandering along the beach or even swimming in the sea. An excursion to Koh Madsum, also known as Pig Island, is on many travellers’ things to do list, when visiting Koh Samui. Many tours combine a stop at Koh Madsum with snorkelling around nearby Koh Tan, making it a popular half-day or full-day boat trip.
Personally, I have to admit that I found it a little disappointing. The pigs are amusing to see, but the island can get quite crowded and doesn’t always feel particularly well maintained. The food and facilities are also fairly basic. If you’re only planning one boat excursion from Koh Samui, I’d recommend choosing a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park or a beautiful snorkelling trip around the surrounding islands. In my opinion, both offer a much more impressive natural experience.
Several excursions to so-called elephant sanctuaries are offered on Koh Samui, including Samui Elephant Sanctuary. These places are often presented as rescue centres where elephants can live in a more natural environment. Unlike traditional elephant camps, visitors are generally no longer allowed to ride the animals. Instead, the focus is on observing them, feeding them and sometimes helping to prepare their food.
Personally, however, I’m not a big fan of these kinds of excursions. Although some initiatives have better intentions than traditional elephant camps, in many cases they remain tourist activities in which the animals depend on visitors. The elephants often still live in relatively small environments and are visited by groups of tourists several times a day. For that reason, I prefer to skip these activities altogether. Thailand offers so many other wonderful nature experiences, from snorkelling and jungle walks to boat trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park, without involving animals in tourist activities.
Where you stay on Koh Samui largely depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for. The island offers a surprisingly wide range of accommodation, from simple beach bungalows to luxurious hillside villas overlooking the sea. You can choose a hotel right on the beach, a resort with all the facilities or a private villa tucked away in the jungle.
The different areas of the island each have their own character too. Chaweng Beach is the liveliest, with plenty of restaurants, beach clubs and hotels directly on the beach. Lamai Beach is a little quieter but still offers a good mix of beaches, restaurants and wellness spots. Personally, I prefer to avoid these areas because of the large number of tourists.
Along the north coast, you’ll find charming and quieter areas such as Bophut, with its lovely Fisherman’s Village, and Maenam Beach, known for its relaxed atmosphere and long, peaceful beaches. Lipa Noi is another good option if you prefer a quieter setting.
Looking for a beautiful villa for your stay on Koh Samui? Then consider staying at Casa Orientale.
Koh Samui can be visited throughout the year, although weather conditions vary depending on the season. The island has a tropical climate, with temperatures generally ranging between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Koh Samui is generally from January to September. February, March and April are particularly pleasant months, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall.
The rainy season runs from October to December, with November usually being the wettest month. Expect heavy tropical showers, higher humidity and occasionally rough seas. Even when I’m here towards the end of December, there can still be quite a few showers. What makes Koh Samui particularly interesting is that its rainy season falls at a different time from the one along Thailand’s west coast, where you’ll find destinations such as Phuket and Krabi. This means that the summer months, when the Andaman coast tends to experience more rain, are actually a good time to visit Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is relatively easy to reach, either by plane or via mainland Thailand. The quickest option is to fly into Samui International Airport, with direct connections from destinations including Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. I always fly directly from Amsterdam to Bangkok and then continue to Koh Samui after a short stopover. From the airport, it usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes to reach your hotel or villa. I always book my airport transfer through Welcome Pickups.
A more affordable option is to travel via Surat Thani on the mainland. From Bangkok, you can first take the train to Surat Thani, a journey of approximately 9 to 12 hours, often on a comfortable overnight train. There are also bus connections. From Surat Thani, you continue towards the coast and take a ferry to Koh Samui. The bus journey to the pier takes around 1 to 2 hours, followed by a ferry crossing of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours across the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a longer journey, but also a popular and affordable way to reach the island. You can easily find, compare and book tickets through Bookaway.
Getting around Koh Samui is relatively easy, although the island is quite spread out. The most popular way to get around is by motorbike, as it gives you plenty of flexibility and makes it easy to explore the entire island. Songthaews (shared pickup taxis) also operate across the island, travelling along the main roads between larger areas such as Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. For longer distances, you can also take a taxi, use Grab or arrange a private transfer, although these options are generally more expensive.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
