Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
The Ultimate Travel Guide
Koh Samui is far from an understated travel destination. The island welcomes millions of visitors every year, with many drawn to its most celebrated landmarks without wandering beyond. While these popular sights offer a memorable journey, they do not always reveal the full essence of Thailand's captivating island escape.
The best things to do in Koh Samui encompass the most iconic attractions, nature-led excursions, cuisine exploration, and refined wellness. Plan your next trip using our insider tips and experience this tropical sanctuary to the fullest.
Visit Koh Samui's Most Iconic Attractions
Wat Phra Yai
A day of sightseeing in Koh Samui often begins with Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) - one of the most recognisable cultural attractions on the island. Emerging in all his majesty, the golden Buddha statue can be seen from deep in the distance. Set on a rocky islet at the island’s edge, he looks out over the Gulf of Thailand, embodying a guardian spirit for the country.
While the sheer scale captures attention, the statue’s cultural significance is equally notable. Built in 1972, the statue remains one of Koh Samui's most esteemed religious landmarks. For local communities, it symbolises prosperity and spiritual wellbeing, while the surrounding temple serves as an important place of worship. Visitors are encouraged to observe local customs and dress respectfully when exploring the sacred grounds.
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem features on many itineraries when visiting Koh Samui, hailing it as one of the most iconic attractions of the island. The architecture reflects Thailand’s time-honoured cultural heritage, woven with spiritual symbolism and practical designs. As one strolls around the temple complex, colourful bridges, ornate roofs, and a collection of statues unveil themselves at every turn, leading up to the massive Guanyin statue and Laughing Buddha.
More than a striking architectural landmark, Wat Plai Laem endures as an active place of worship for the local community. The serene setting fosters quiet reflection, while the intricate statues take root in compassion, abundance, and good fortune.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Travel towards the south to marvel at the Hin Ta Hin Yai, also known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. Their unusual formations are shaped over centuries of wind and waves along the coast of Lamai, granting the spot its position among the most photographed Koh Samui attractions. The local folklore adds to its intrigue, while the expansive ocean views make it a scenic stop while exploring the southern coastline.
Discover Koh Samui's Natural Beauty
Na Muang Waterfalls
Nature lovers are treated to a refreshing escape amidst the island’s lush setting with Na Muang Waterfalls. Located within the rolling hills in the south of Koh Samui, the site is home to two waterfalls: Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. First-time visitors are advised to visit the first waterfall due to its accessibility and natural pool, while the second is reached via a steep walking trail through the jungle - a more challenging journey favoured by the adventurous souls.
The waterfalls unveil a glimpse of Koh Samui's wilder landscape beyond the coastline, providing rewarding Koh Samui activities surrounded by nature. While they can be visited year-round, the waterfalls reveal their full allure during the rainy season, when water levels are higher, and the surrounding vegetation is especially vibrant.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park transcends a typical park experience. It is actually a protected archipelago of 42 limestone islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand. Its name translates to "Golden Bowl" - a fitting tribute to the verdant islands that rise dramatically from the sea. Ang Thong park is renowned for its hidden lagoons, jungle-clad peaks, and secluded beaches. The famed Emerald Lake (Talay Nai) is a remarkable highlight, revealing a striking saltwater lagoon enclosed by towering cliffs.
Most visitors explore the park on a full-day boat excursion from Koh Samui, with opportunities for sightseeing, kayaking, snorkelling, and short hikes to panoramic viewpoints. A more intimate perspective awaits aboard Sense of the Sea - Banyan Tree Samui's private speedboat. With the freedom to pause wherever a view beckons, you’ll be able to witness the archipelago unfold one secluded bay and limestone island at a time. The journey typically takes a full day, making it an unforgettable addition to any island itinerary.
Koh Samui's Beaches
No guide to the best things to do in Koh Samui would be complete without its diverse beaches. From vibrant stretches lined with restaurants and beach clubs to secluded bays ideal for relaxation, each offers a distinct island experience.
| Highlights | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Chaweng Beach | Longest beach, lively nightlife | First-timers, nightlife seekers |
| Lamai Beach | Laid-back atmosphere | Couples, relaxed beach days |
| Maenam Beach | Peaceful waters, views of Koh Phangan | Families, wellness travellers |
| Bophut Beach | Fisherman’s Village, sunset views | Culture enjoyers, long walks |
| Choengmon Beach | Sheltered bay, calm waters | Luxury travellers, families |
Explore Koh Samui Through Food and Culture
Fisherman's Village
Located near Bophut Beach, Fisherman’s Village preserves a sacred piece of Koh Samui’s history. Once a thriving fishing community, this area is now lined with boutique shops, cafés, and waterfront restaurants. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere remains serene, especially in the evening. Take a stroll along the seafront, browse intricate Thai handicrafts, stop for a late-night bite, and revel in the charm of Koh Samui’s beloved cultural hub.
Southern Thai Cuisine at Local Markets
Among the most rewarding things to do in Koh Samui is discovering the robust flavours of southern Thai cuisine. Influenced by the island's coastal setting, a multitude of local dishes showcase freshly caught seafood alongside aromatic herbs, spices, and coconut-based ingredients. Have a taste of a rich Massaman curry or tom yum talay - a seafood variation of this beloved hot and sour soup, to soak in the dynamic flavours and techniques of Thai cooking. Whether enjoyed at a beachfront restaurant or a family-run eatery, these authentic dishes reveal a deeper connection to Koh Samui's culinary heritage and way of life.
Enjoy the Best Wellness and Luxury Experiences
One of the most restorative things to do in Samui is embracing the island's longstanding connection to wellbeing, which proves to be worthwhile. Nestled within tropical landscapes and the calming rhythms of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui invites visitors to slow down, reconnect, and focus on personal renewal.
Experience an array of wellbeing activities at Banyan Tree Samui. Indulge in treatments inspired by Asian healing traditions at the resort's award-winning spa, where skilled therapists combine time-honoured techniques with locally inspired ingredients to create pampering sessions with every touch. Equally rejuvenating is doing yoga overlooking the sea - a highlight among our wellness retreat experiences. Let the murmuring waves carry every movement, while mindful breathing is accompanied by sweeping ocean views.
Those seeking a more complete wellness journey may wish to pair seaside yoga with a bespoke spa treatment. Together, these experiences harmonise to foster a sense of calm and renewal while basking in the tropical beauty of Koh Samui.
Experience the Best of Koh Samui from Banyan Tree Samui
The best journeys through Koh Samui are often those that blend iconic sights with unexpected discoveries. Beyond its celebrated landmarks, the island reveals its character through authentic encounters, tranquil landscapes, and enduring cultural traditions. Explore more of Koh Samui's natural attractions, uncover its locally infused experiences, or seek out some of the island's most picturesque photo spots.
From its hillside setting overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui provides a serene retreat between moments of discovery for your next getaway. The spirit of exploration continues at our private beach. Glide across the rugged bay by stand-up paddleboard or kayak, then slip beneath the surface to the vibrant house reef, where colourful tropical fish and thriving coral gardens create a vibrant underwater world.
Koh Samui is equally captivating on land and beneath the sea. This is your sign to visit, unwind in comfort, and become one with the nature of the enchanting tropics.
