Things to Do in Koh Samui, Thailand: Beaches, Temples, Waterfalls and Ang Thong

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-most visited island after Phuket, with palm-lined beaches, golden Buddhas, jungle waterfalls and a national marine park a short boat ride away. It is easy to cover in four or five days. Here are the best things to do in Koh Samui and how to plan them.

The best things to do in Koh Samui

1. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

A 12-meter golden Buddha in the Mara posture sits on a small rocky headland joined to the island by a causeway, with wide sea views. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes where signs ask.

2. Wat Plai Laem

A colorful temple beside a lake, with a tall 18-armed statue of Guanyin and a laughing Buddha. Allow an afternoon for the lake and the nearby temples.

3. Na Muang waterfalls

Two waterfalls deep in the interior. Na Muang 1 is easy to reach and popular for swimming; Na Muang 2 needs a short uphill walk.

4. Ang Thong Marine Park

A day trip by boat to a protected group of 42 limestone islands with hidden lagoons and white beaches. Tours usually include snorkeling, kayaking and a viewpoint hike.

5. Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)

A jungle garden filled with Buddha statues, mythical creatures and stone carvings among small waterfalls.

6. Fisherman’s Village (Bophut)

A walkable old seafront with cafés and boutiques, lively on the weekly night market.

7. Beaches: Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam

• Chaweng: the busiest beach, with restaurants, bars and shops day and night.
• Lamai: calmer, with clear water and a night market nearby.
• Maenam: quiet and good for couples and families who want peace.

8. Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks

At the south end of Lamai, two rock formations known as the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks are among the island’s most famous (and giggle-inducing) sights, thanks to their suggestive shapes. Stalls along the path sell kalamae, a sticky coconut sweet that is a Samui specialty.

9. Wat Khunaram and the mummified monk

This temple in the south of the island keeps the preserved body of a revered monk, Luang Pho Daeng, sitting in the meditation position in a glass case where he died decades ago. Today he wears sunglasses. It is an unusual but respectful stop. Dress modestly and keep your voice low.

10. Viewpoints and the inland jungle

The Lad Koh viewpoint, on the coast road between Chaweng and Lamai, is an easy stop for sea views. Inland, a four-wheel-drive tour or a hired driver can take you to hilltop viewpoints, the Hin Lad waterfall near Nathon and small durian and coconut plantations. Roads in the interior are steep, so a scooter is not recommended for inexperienced riders.

11. Snorkeling around Samui’s small islands

Calm-water boat trips from the south coast visit small islands such as Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, with shallow reefs and quiet beaches. They are a good half-day option when Ang Thong seems too long, particularly with children.

12. A Thai cooking class

Several schools on the island teach Thai and southern Thai dishes, often including a market visit and the art of making curry paste from scratch. It is a good activity for a rainy afternoon.

13. Spa and wellness

Samui is one of Thailand’s wellness hubs. Its spas range from simple beach massage huts to destination retreats such as Kamalaya, in the south of the island, which runs structured programs of detox, yoga and stress-management. Even a single traditional Thai massage after a day on the boats is worth booking.

14. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

Koh Phangan, a short ferry ride north, has quiet bays as well as its famous monthly Full Moon Party at Haad Rin. Farther north, Koh Tao is one of the most popular places in Asia to learn to dive. Both make good day trips, but they are even better with a night or two.

15. Muay Thai and night markets

Watch a Muay Thai fight at one of the stadiums near Chaweng, then visit a night market for grilled seafood and Thai street food. The Bophut walking street in Fisherman’s Village is held on Friday evenings, and Lamai and Chaweng have markets on other nights.

How to plan Koh Samui

• 3 days: Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem, the waterfalls, and a beach day.
• 5 days: add Ang Thong Marine Park and the Fisherman’s Village night market.
• Getting around: scooters, Grab, songthaews or a private driver along the ring road. A private driver is the easiest for temples and waterfalls in one day.

Ang Thong Marine Park: what to expect

Ang Thong boat trips take most of the day, with about an hour or more on the water in each direction from Samui. The highlights are the climb to a viewpoint over the islands (steep, with ropes in places; wear proper shoes), and the Emerald Lake, a saltwater lagoon in the middle of Mae Ko island. Kayaking between the islands is a highlight. A national park fee applies, and boats do not run when the sea is rough, so plan this trip for a calm day and keep the next day flexible.

Where to stay for these activities

Chaweng and Lamai put you closest to restaurants and nightlife. Bophut and Maenam, on the north coast, are quieter and closer to the piers for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The west coast has the best sunsets, and the south is the most peaceful. Wherever you stay, everything on this list is within about an hour by car.

Koh Samui with children

Samui is an easy island for families. Choose a resort on the calm north coast or in a sheltered part of Chaweng, and mix beach time with short outings: the Big Buddha, a snorkeling trip to the small southern islands and the waterfalls, where Na Muang 1 has a shallow pool at the base. Older children enjoy kayaking at Ang Thong and a Thai cooking class. Keep transfers short and plan outings for the morning or late afternoon, out of the midday sun.

Ideas for a rainy day

Short showers are common even in the dry season, and the last months of the year can bring several wet days in a row. Good backups include a spa morning, a cooking class, the temples (most have covered halls) and a long lunch in Fisherman’s Village. Waterfalls are at their most impressive after rain, but the paths get slippery, so wear shoes with grip.

What is the Big Buddha dress code?

Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes on the upper platform. Sarongs are often available, but bring a light layer to be safe.

When to go

Koh Samui’s driest period is generally from about December or January through to the middle of the year, with heavier rain around October to December. Because guides differ on the exact months, check the forecast for your dates. See our best time to visit Thailand.

Getting there

Read our guide on how to get to Koh Samui. Deciding between islands? See Koh Samui vs Phuket.

See Samui with us

Explore our Thailand tours, and compare routes in our Thailand tour packages guide.

Things to do in Koh Samui: FAQ

How many days do you need in Koh Samui?

Three days for the highlights; five days adds Ang Thong and slower beach time.

What is the best beach in Koh Samui?

Chaweng for energy and facilities, Lamai for a calmer feel, Maenam for quiet.

Is Koh Samui worth visiting?

Yes, for a relaxed beach stay with temples, waterfalls and a marine park nearby.

What is Koh Samui famous for?

Its beaches, the Big Buddha and the Ang Thong islands.

Do I need a scooter in Koh Samui?

No. Taxis, Grab, songthaews and private drivers work, and roads can be busy.

Can I visit Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from Koh Samui?

Yes. Ferries run several times a day. Koh Phangan is a short crossing; Koh Tao takes longer and is better with an overnight stay.

Is Ang Thong Marine Park worth it?

Yes, on a calm day. It is a long trip, but the viewpoint, the Emerald Lake and the kayaking are the highlights of most Samui visits.