Things to do & places to visit in Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Koh Samui was once a Thai fishing community, and that charming sensibility is still present today. Spending time in Bophut is a wonderful way to soak up local culture; the beachy village restaurants and pubs are perfect spots to experience the sunset. There aren’t many other places where you can bask in the camp of a cabaret show and the solemnity of a Buddhist temple. As far as the latter goes, Wat Plai Laem is a magnificent vision of gilded red rooftops and a massive spindly-armed statue of Guanyin.

Ko Samui district in , Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Timezone: Asia/Bangkok, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 4:23.

Top things to do (10)

Top places to visit (17 attractions)

5.0 Lamai Muay Thai Camp (108 reviews)
- Huge recommendations from an experienced traveler and athlete
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Sports Camps & Clinics

Lamai Muay Thai Camp (WMC) is the oldest and most established traditional Muaythai Camp on Koh Samui, supported by the one and only World MuayThai Council. Located overlooking Lamai Beach and beautiful surroundings we have full english management and world champion Thai trainers and fighters offering top-class training for beginners, advanced and the professional fighters. The camp’s instruction and regime is designed to work for everyone’s needs with onsite camp facilities include a healthy western cafe, fitness gym and a fully stocked Fairtex & Mtg official onsite shop. See more..
5.0 Cobra Show Thailand (76 reviews)
- Cobras up close and personal.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

They put on a great show and have a nice display of snakes that have been rescued from human habitation (homes). Owner shared a lot of information about the types of snakes, such as, where they live, what they eat, etc. We went on a rainy afternoon and received VIP treatment. Highly recommend the Cobra Show to everyone visiting Koh Samui. See more..
5.0 Samui Elephant Spa (63 reviews)
- Best day of my life
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Samui Elephant Spa, We have Program Samui Elephant Mud Spa that making elephant's health supplement and feed them , Take a bath with elephant, Play mud with elephant See more..
4.5 Koh Tan (338 reviews)
- Koh Tan, a small island close to Koh Samui
Islands

You reach this small island by a longtail boat from Koh Samui. Go to Thongkrut (The TongKrut Pier Restaurant) and ask for a longtail boat to Koh Tan. They will bring you there and pick you up after your wish for a very small payment! At Koh Tan there are 2 restaurants and you can enjoy good Thai food (fresh fish and alike). The island is mainly rocks but there is a beach where you can walk along the sea. There are only artound 30 people living on Koh Tan and it is unspoiled from mass tourist still! On the island is wild buffalos and wild boars. The people there are very open and friendly. A monk is living in a small Wat which you can visit if you take the walk along the beach. Also travel agencies surely can make a trip for you to Koh Tan, but at a different price than by just going to the pier in Tongkrut. See more..
4.5 Pagoda Khao Hua Jook (205 reviews)
- Kindness
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We climbed up the many steps and looked around the pagoda with amazing views. It was very interesting to look inside the room beneath the pagoda and see the many artefacts. It’s well worth Bht 20 per person. When we had finished our tour the monk near the pay desk made us a cup of coffee, gave us some snacks and watermelon slices. He didn’t do this for anyone else. There was no expectation of payment but of course we put money in the donation box. The kindness of Thai people is something we cherish and take home with us. See more..
4.5 Bang Po Beach (175 reviews)
- Best beach in Samui
Beaches

I’ve been to Lamai, Chaweng and Bang Po - Bang Po really stood out for me compared to the others. Both Chaweng and Lamai are very touristy, the sand colour is yellow. Bang Po is far quieter, less touristy, more secluded and the sand is whiter. The ocean colour is teal and the water is very warm with no waves See more..
4.5 Wat Sila Ngu Temple (148 reviews)
- Beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Loved the red clay temple at Wat Sila Ngu. The reliefs on the temple walls showing the life of Buddha are gorgeous and the artistry overall is quite amazing. The temple is also situated by the sea, adding to its serenity. See more..
4.5 Samui Disc Golf (121 reviews)
- Disc golf in Paradise
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Sports Complexes

Frisbee Golf is fun for all ages. 9 Holes laid out with chain baskets. There is a lot of shade provided by the many fruit trees. See more..
4.0 Lamai Beach (2.015 reviews)
- First time on Lamia beach and very happy with the fantastic views and soft sand
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

The beach has very soft beautiful sand with lovely trees as a backdrop for excellent pictures and shade. There are plenty off bars and restaurants to use with free sun-beds as long as you have drinks etc. There was a little litter where the rough sea had washed it up but the local restaurant cleans it up as fast as they can so the beach is soon perfect. I would recommend to all. Oh and you can have massages for very reasonable prices as you chill . What’s not to like.... See more..
4.0 Chaweng Noi Beach (1.200 reviews)
- it has everything
Beaches

So far my favorate place in Thailand (as a whole Island)........sand,sea and sun. This town is busy almost 24 hours a day super resturants, good nightlife (the sex industry is here but not as prolific as some areas). Great shopping, great beach (but the one at Lamai is better) so much to do. Here is a few things i tried............ Rent a car (about £20 per day) or a bike (about £3 per day) go on a boat trip to Ang Thong national park, shoot a wide range of weapons, Namuang waterfalls, Big Buddha, Grandmother and Grandfather rocks, plenty of quiet beaches, Thai boxing maches, Nathon, Lamai town, Crocodile farm, Monkey theatre and don't miss the Lady boy shows especially Christie's (free entry). For other places of interest see my reviews on Lamai Beach See more..
4.0 Secret Buddha Garden (747 reviews)
- Stunning place
Religious Sites

It is not an easy ride to approach the place but truly worth it. This is the rainy season so the whole place looks like that a former city would sink under a huge amount of water. Of course be careful as moss is everywhere so the rocks are really slippery and use a good mosquito spray before entering ;) See more..
4.0 Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk) (741 reviews)
- "Buddha Cemetery" more attractive to me than the monk
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

While on Koh Samui, we took a 1/2 day tour to see the highlight. This wat was included because it contains a mummified monk, sitting in his prayerful position in which he was found when he passed. This was not pleasant for me to look at, but is apparently quite the attraction. However, to the right of the temple there is an interesting display. The side of the property contains a large collection of Buddhas and other small statues in various stages of disrepair. Our guide told us that if people who have Buddhas at home break or damage them, the statues can be brought to this temple. It appears to be almost a cemetery for statues. I had not seen this before, even after spending over a year in Thailand, so I found it interesting. For this reason, I would recommend Wat Khunaram. See more..
4.0 Paradise Park Farm (670 reviews)
- Great views, although Dated Park.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We enjoyed our trip, Although it did seem stuck in a dated time warp . So many toddler seats and rusty ride on toys. I didn't like seeing parrots with chains on. Perhaps it was for customer safety. Certainly didn't enjoy seeing white pigeons dyed fancy colours with tail feathers sticking up. Though the birds looked happy enough. It had an infinity pool that we used too. That was enjoyable. Lots of fantastic view points too. See more..
4.0 Lamai Viewpoint (339 reviews)
- Incredible view of Samui’s best beach
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts

This is a serious attraction on Samui and people travel from far and wide to experience this thrilling ride over the spectacular jungle canopy below. It’s scary but totally safe. Everything looks so small down below from the high mountain retreat and you can see Lamai and its beautiful coastline in the distance. From the wooden terrace you can sit on comfortable chairs and relax over a coffee or drink to watch the colors of the sky and sea transform into warm lilacs and reds as the sun sets. It’s a wonderful time of day to be up here and totally unforgettable. See more..
4.0 Hin Lad Waterfall (337 reviews)
- Very long walk, totally worth it.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Waterfalls

This is a very very long walk through the jungle, but the waterfall at the end is so quiet and huge and great to swim. On the walk, almost everyone gives up and turns back. Or they get to one of the many little waterfalls thinking they've made it and then head back. Use google maps to see when you're there. It takes a while. But when you get there, there is basically no-one there, it's huge and there is an incredible place to swim. I'ts so picturesque. The food in the cafe at the start is very cheap and quite nice. The parking is free and plentiful for mopeds. Worth the visit if you don't mind the walk. See more..
3.5 Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks (3.676 reviews)
- must visit once when you came to Samui ISLAND.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

When arriving in Samui, you must visit once. They said it was like a lot, and found that it was similar. Recommend to come and prove yourself to see if it is the same Recommend to come in the evening Will not be hot and can sit and watch the sunset But maybe a lot of people Walking must be careful because there is no way too much, and requires little climbing Therefore, have to be careful, some Zhua Wa may have waves that splash in and water splashes. See more..
3.0 Na Muang Waterfall (1.337 reviews)
- Waterfall worth the trip!
Waterfalls

I love nature stuff so has to visit a waterfall, and that’s pretty much what you get! Tucked in the woods down a small road where if you had a decently big vehicle you be pretty screwed driving through. The location itself looks like it recently updated a little. The restrooms has a small 10 Baht charge, as well they are not in the greatest of conditions . You have to pay, but we got our money back! So idk if there is an actuate thing on that! The waterfall is truly a sight to see, can travel up the stream a bit for more privacy, the water very refreshing, and tasted very good. Before tasting make sure no one near by, as well just be careful of the rocks when you jump into the water. There are elephants you can feed, last I asked they took care of them well. Updates in future if anyone knows! Was super hot when we went, and watch out for the mosquitos. Would go back again, backpacking is my thing! See more..