Thailand’s popular island of Koh Samui has a huge selection of things to do and see. There’s something for all tastes, from splendid natural attractions to man-made gems. With glorious temples, seductive beaches, amazing waterfalls, quaint fishing villages, and buzzing resorts with an active nightlife among Koh Samui’s diverse offerings, there really will never be a dull moment on the stunning Thai island.
Koh Samui can see a fair amount of rain during the wet season (usually October to December), which can deter travellers from visiting the island at this time. After all, who wants their beach holiday to be spoiled by storms?
We’re here to show you, however, that a trip to Koh Samui is not only possible at all times of the year, but fun too! Rains rarely last all day long and after a downpour, the skies are usually bright blue and the sun shines dazzlingly. There are still usually plenty of dry spells to enjoy the beaches. Plus, our list of the best places to visit in Koh Samui also includes a variety of attractions, suitable for all weather conditions.
Spoiler: Some of these best places to visit in Koh Samui really are quite astonishing!
Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Koh Samui:
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is a stretch of beach located on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui. It is close enough to the airport to be convenient, but far enough from it to not be disturbed by the planes coming in and out.
- Get some quiet time at the beach
- Enjoy some fine Thai food with your feet in the sand
- Watch a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Thailand
These are the BEST Places to Visit in Koh Samui!
Be sure to check out where to stay in Koh Samui, find the best area for you and get that accommodation booked before its snapped up! Now, with those useful tips covered, here are the best places to visit in Koh Samui:
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
#1 – Ang Thong National Park – One of the nicer places in Koh Samui to sightsee
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Photogenic and picturesque
- Snorkelling and diving
- Boat trips
- Diverse flora and fauna
Why it’s awesome: The spectacular Ang Thong National Park boasts some of Thailand’s most striking and dramatic scenery. Steep greenery clad limestone karsts rise majestically from the shimmering sapphire waters, many eroded into interesting shapes over the passage of time. The national park is home to an abundance of flora and fauna and it’s a top place to spot a variety of wildlife. Creatures that call the area home include langurs, lizards, otters, snakes, sea turtles, and diverse species of fish. The surrounding waters are teeming with schools of colourful fish, and diving and snorkelling are popular activities.
What to do there: Book a boat trip to travel to Koh Samui’s spectacular Ang Thong National Park and discover some of the gorgeous islands and islets that help to create the picture-perfect setting. Koh Mae, AKA Mother Island, is one of the most popular stops on day trips around the national park. You can bask on the splendid sandy beaches, swim in the Emerald Lake, hike around the island, and enjoy marvellous views. Go snorkelling or diving to get up close and personal with an array of sea life, marvel at the coral reef around Koh Sam Sao, soak up the vistas, and be wowed by pure, natural beauty. Ang Thong National Park is certainly one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Koh Samui.
#2 – Wat Phra Yai – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Koh Samui
- Large Buddha statue
- No admission costs
- Beautiful views
- See local spirituality
Why it is awesome: Koh Samui isn’t known for being cheap, which is why budget travelers will love this attraction (pair it with a stay in some of Koh Samui’s best hostels and you’re all set). Sitting on a small island called Koh Fan, which is linked to the main island of Koh Samui by a walkway, Wat Phra Yai is one of the most-visited religious landmarks in Koh Samui. It’s especially famous for its large 12-metre-tall (39-foot-tall) Buddha image. Indeed, the massive statue has led to the temple being nicknamed the Big Buddha Temple. The temple is filled with other smaller statues of the Lord Buddha in various poses, as well as statues that depict characters from Thai mythology. The views from the base of the Big Buddha are amazing. There’s no charge to visit the temple, though donations are gratefully received.
What to do there: Climb the wide naga-flanked staircase to get to the bottom of the Big Buddha statue. See devotees making merit and leaving offerings (available to buy from nearby vendors if you wish to do the same). Soak up the views before descending the steps to explore the rest of the temple. Book a meditation session at the onsite dharma centre, visit the fortune tellers if you want to see into the future, peruse a large collection of Buddhist amulets, and take a stroll along the sandy beach. As with all temples in Thailand, don’t forget to dress modestly, with your knees and shoulders covered, for your visit.
#3 – Wat Khunaram – Quite the quirky place in Koh Samui!
- Mummified remains
- Unusual attraction
- Lovely architecture
- Revered destination
Why it is awesome: Koh Samui’s Wat Khunaram is a fairly ordinary Buddhist temple save for one very unusual features—the body of a mummified monk! The mummified remains are on display in a glass box, letting you really stare death down. The monk, Luang Pho Daeng, died in 1973 while meditating, and has been on display since. He was one of the most revered monks on the island and many people visit the temple to make merit and pay their respects to the deceased religious leader. Visiting the temple is a Koh Samui must do, especially for anyone with an interest in Buddhism or the macabre!
What to do there: Ascend the stairs to the temple’s entrance to look upon the serene yet unusual corpse. You’ll see that the monk is still wearing his saffron robes and sits in a pose of contemplation and meditation. Do act respectfully while visiting the temple and remember to dress modestly. Appreciate the red and gold details of the main temple building and see a variety of Buddha statues throughout the small complex.
#4 – The Secret Buddha Garden – A nice quiet place to see in Koh Samui
- Peaceful ambiance
- Interesting statues
- Jungle location
- Relaxation
Why is it awesome: Located in the lush hills in the interior of the island, the Secret Buddha Garden is a tranquil place to spend a few hours. Somewhat off the beaten track, it’s in a fairly remote jungle setting. The enchanting gardens were the work of a local farmer, Nim Thongsuk. He started collecting statues and shrines in the late 1970s, placing them around the family’s land and continued to expand his collection up until his death. Today, visitors can see the large and unusual collection of statues in their scenic surroundings. It’s one of the most pleasant points of interest in Koh Samui.
What to do there: Take a stroll through the quiet and peaceful grounds and sit for a while in tranquil reflection in the shade of the lush foliage. Listen to the tinkling sounds from the waterfall and stream as you admire the magical views. Take plenty of pictures of the cool and interesting statues as you come across all manner of mythical creatures and beautiful Buddha images in a variety of postures.
#5 – Hin Ta and Hin Yai – One of the most amazing places in Koh Samui!
- Curious rock formations
- Local legends
- Striking vistas
- Unusual attraction
Why is it awesome: The unusual rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai are among the most famous places in Koh Samui and will be present on most backpacking Thailand travel guides. Sitting along the rocky coastline, the giggle-inducing formations are shaped rather like male and female genitalia! Their names translate as grandma and grandpa rocks. Local legends surround the curious rocks. The site offers great views too as well as the naughty rocks! It’s among the most unusual things to do in Koh Samui and is sure to raise an eyebrow.
What to do there: Learn more about the stories that surround the rude rocks—It is said that an elderly couple from the Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat set out to search for a suitable wife for their son. Sadly, they died in a storm at sea and never completed their mission. Local lore says that to prevent any doubt as to their intentions, their bodies turned to stone, prominently displaying the male and female bodily parts! You can walk across the rocky ground for a close-up view of the stone formations. Don’t forget your camera!
#6 – Thong Takhian Beach – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Koh Samui
- Lesser-visited beach
- Tranquil vibe
- Soft sands and clear waters
- Snorkelling opportunities
Why it’s awesome: Thong Takhian Beach, also known as Silver Beach, is a gorgeous hidden gem to add to your Koh Samui itinerary. Away from the tourist masses and crowded hotspots, the air is tranquil and calm. The views are incredible and visitors can feel as though they’ve discovered their own personal little slice of tropical beach paradise.
What to do there: Escape the crowds and make your way to Thong Takhian Beach to spend a few hours basking in the sunshine in relative peace and quiet. Not only is the beach peaceful, but it’s stunning too! You can swim in the refreshing blue waters, scramble across the rocks, and strap on a snorkel and mask to view a rainbow of colourful fish swimming just below the water’s surface. Top up your tan, read a good book, and lap up the ambience. It’s one of the most fabulous Koh Samui vacation ideas for couples looking for a romantic escapade too.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#7 – Wat Plai Laem – One of the most religious places to see in Koh Samui
- Large and interesting statues
- Merit making
- Beautiful buildings
- Photo opportunities
Why is it awesome: The striking Wat Plai Laem is colourful and quirky and is one of the most interesting religious hotspots in Koh Samui. Built in 2004, it is home to two gigantic and eye-catching statues: a towering 18-limbed image of Kunyin (the Chinese Goddess of Mercy) and a 30-metre-tall (98-feet-tall) statue of a Chinese-style laughing Buddha. The temple is surrounded by a shimmering lake and there are numerous other smaller statues throughout the grounds too. Locals often refer to Wat Plai Laem as the Floating Temple because of its water-surrounded setting.
What to do there: Ogle the colossal statues from the distance, appreciating the details as you get closer. The many arms of Kunyin are said to represent her ability to reach anyone who needs her help. Peer down into the waters and you’ll see an abundance of fish. You may notice Thai people releasing more fish into the lake—this is to try and bring good luck. Wander through the pretty gardens, seeing the diverse flowers and statues, and pass through the elaborately carved teak doors to peek inside the main temple building. As you explore the site you’ll come across an array of colourful and attractive pieces of architecture; it’s well worth planning to spend at least an hour here to fully appreciate the temple’s beauty.
#8 – Central Festival Samui – A great place in Koh Samui if you love to shop!
- Wide variety of shops
- Many places to eat
- Leisure and entertainment options
- Pretty gardens
Why it’s awesome: Located in Chaweng, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Koh Samui, Central Festival Samui is the biggest and best shopping centre on the island. An ideal place to escape the blazing hot sun and also to get away from any sudden downpours, the all-weather mall offers terrific retail, dining, leisure, and entertainment in air-conditioned comfort. The modern shopping centre has an array of stores and restaurants spread over three levels. There are interesting pieces of architecture throughout the lush landscaped gardens too.
What to do there: Browse a huge selection of goods in the assorted shops and pick up items like clothing, accessories, toys, home items, traditional Thai homewares, books, and souvenirs. If you’re looking for international fashion brands don’t miss visiting the Sino-Portuguese-style part of the complex known as the Bird Cage. Stop for a break in one of the restaurants or cafes, where you’ll find tasty Thai favourites and international dishes to suit all tastes. Watch as your kids cut loose in the play area, explore the cool attraction of the Pirate Adventure Horror House, and let teens have heaps of fun in the gaming zone.
#9 – Lamai Beach – A perfect place to visit in Koh Samui if you are on a budget!
- Low costs
- Water sports
- Scenic viewpoint
- Family-friendly
Why it is awesome: Lamai Beach is Koh Samui’s second most popular beach, drawing especially large crowds during the high season. It is still, however, often quieter than the island’s main beach at Chaweng. Located on the eastern side of Koh Samui, Lamai Beach has a laid-back vibe and a long stretch of powdery white sand. There’s no cost to enjoy the public beach and visitors will find an array of places to eat, drink, and shop close to the beach. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a low-cost day when you explore Koh Samui, warmly welcoming families, friends, couples, and solo travellers the same.
What to do there: Lay your towel down on the soft sands to soak up the sun or pay a small fee to rent a sunbed and parasol if you prefer to lie in the shade. Take a dip in the glimmering sea and cool down as you splash in the gentle waves. Build a sandcastle, toss a Frisbee around, and have a friendly game of beach football. You can also go hunting for colourful seashells that have been washed up onto the sands. Feeling more active? How about a ride on a banana boat?! Alternatively, you can take to the waters in a kayak or on a jet ski. Climb to the nearby viewpoint to enjoy the incredible coastal vistas. Stay in a nearby authentic Thai eco-resort.
#10 – Bophut – Great place to visit in Koh Samui for couples!
- Delectable seafood
- Traditional fishing village
- Pretty beach
- Historic architecture
Why it is awesome: A Koh Samui must-see for anyone that loves combining beautiful architecture with fine beaches and great dining, Bophut has a long history and a charming ambiance. The sandy beach is a pleasant place to relax and take it easy, while the quaint fishing village has old wooden Chinese shophouses and a variety of shops and restaurants. The area was once a major French outpost in times gone by, helping to create a rather Mediterranean-like feel.
What to do there: Stroll hand in hand with your love along the beach, swim in the sea, and lap up some sun from the sands. You may see small fishing boats bobbing out on the waves and fishermen mending their nets on the shore. Wander through the fishing village and you’re likely to see fishermen returning with their day’s catch as well as small silvery coloured fish drying in the sunshine. Call into one of the seafood restaurants for a delicious meal using the freshest haul and shop for souvenirs in the cute stores.
Get insured for your trip to Koh Samui!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ on the Best Places to Visit in Koh Samui
Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Koh Samui
Even more best places to visit in Koh Samui
Koh Samui has a wealth of fabulous beaches, including Chaweng, Maenam, Lipa Noi, Bang Por, and Choeng Mon. Scenic waterfalls, such as the two cascades of Na Muang and Hin Lat Waterfall, are among the most picturesque natural attractions in Koh Samui. The exciting Secret Falls Canopy Adventures is a cool place to see in Koh Samui with friends. Be sure to check out our epic travel itinerary for Koh Samui to plan your trip before traveling there!
Take a trip to the nearby small island of Koh Taen. Marvel at the gleaming Laem Sor Pagoda. Splash about at cool water parks, enjoy a blissful massage in one of the many spas, play a round of golf, and make many magical memories thanks to our list of the best places to visit in Koh Samui!
