Where to go in Koh Samui? — 10 Top, must-go & best places to visit in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the third largest island and is so famous in Thailand because of its wild and peaceful beauty. Referring to Koh Samui, tourists are referring to an island with a long, winding coastline embracing the bay and majestic cliffs to colorful coral reefs and unique shapes… so captivating. So, where to go in Koh Samui and where to visit in Koh Samui? Let’s check out our suggested top places to visit in Koh Samui, best places to go in Koh Samui, best places to see in Koh Samui including best places to visit in Koh Samui in the paradise island of Surat Thani, Thailand below! Come with Living Nomads to discover the picturesque places to visit of this land known as “coconut land”.

Koh Samui island in Surat Thani province, located off the coast of East Kra Isthmus in Thailand. This is the third largest island in Thailand after Koh Phuket and Koh Chang with an area of ​​​​228.7 km2 and a population of over 50,000 people.

This island is a paradise for honeymoon couples. Many visitors when stepping on the island must be surprised by the beauty here, a paradise far from the mainland that makes you think you are not in Thailand or Vietnam. Because of its geographical location far from Bangkok in the far south, most of the tourists coming here are foreigners. Besides, Koh Samui is also suitable for families on vacation, because its stunning beaches and not too crowded.

People here are used to calling this place “coconut’s island”. Because before, this land was just a pristine coconut island, few people lived. However, about a decade ago, Koh Samui has become one of the most attractive places in Thailand. Koh Samui thrives on leisure tourism, is loved by tourists for its wild, rustic and simple features, for its clear blue waters, or the simplicity of the coastal fishing village.

Best places to visit in Koh Samui: Ang Thong National Marine Park

Address: 45/1-2 Moo 1 Thongsala Ko Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Ang Thong National Marine Park is located in southern Thailand with a total of 43 islands and an area of ​​more than 100 square kilometers. Here you can explore many great things such as towering limestone mountains, jungle as well as white sandy beaches, clear sea water and green forests and limestone cliffs. All will make this place one of the most ideal places to do nature exploration activities of the Koh Samui region.

Spending a night of fun camping with tents set up right on the beach and delicious local food by the campfire is definitely a great way to enjoy the nature of Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Where to go in Koh Samui: Big Buddha Statue

The large Buddha statue is located in the Wat Phra Yai temple in the northeast area of ​​the island, which is the number 1 must-see spot on the island. This statue is 12 meters high, built on a hill, so visitors can see this statue from afar. Inside the area around the temple are many small shrines as well as many small and beautiful Buddha statues. There’s also a small market selling a variety of lucky charms, souvenirs, and countless food stalls next door.

But most of all, this place still has the solemnity of religion. That’s why coming here visitors are forced to wear long pants, not revealing shirt. It is also to show respect to the monks here, as well as the beliefs of the local people.

Best places to see in Koh Samui: Bophut Fishing Village (Fisherman’s Village Samui)

Address: H25J+MJ6, Thanon, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Located in the north of the island is the peaceful place of Bophut fishing village. When coming to Bophut fishing village, you will be overwhelmed by the unique architectural style. Because almost all the houses in the fishing village are made of wood. Previously, the area was inhabited by a community of fishermen, but recently, many of them have moved in search of a better life.

As one of the oldest villages on the island, the fishing village is influenced by many factors, from traditional Thai and Chinese culture to French colonialism and, most recently, the diversity of tourists coming to visit. The fishing village offers many great opportunities, attracting even the most demanding tourists.

The beach at Bophut is not as beautiful as other beaches on the island but is definitely worth a visit for tourists. Along the beach are water sports to entertain tourists, and if you head deep into the village you’ll find plenty of options for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing.

Walking on the pedestrian street of Bophut fishing village, you will be surprised by all the shops here are beautifully displayed. Although the shops on the street are open every day, the most unique night market in Bophut fishing village is only open every Friday, from 5 pm to 11 pm. There are hundreds of stalls and souvenir shops in this market.

This is a shopping paradise! Here, you can buy t-shirts, home decor, accessories, handicrafts, accessories, and more.

Best places to visit in Koh Samui: Wat Plai Laem

Address: Wat Plai Laem, Road 4171, Thailand, Thailand

Located on the northeast coast of the island, the colossal statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of mercy and compassion, serves as an example of the influence that the Chinese heritage of Thai still has today.

Colorful and interesting Wat Plai Laem is a newly built Buddhist temple. It is decorated with elaborate and ornate art, including the image of the 18-armed Guanyin and the large white Maitreya Buddha placed on the lake. The tip is that if you donate money to the temple keepers, you will get a bag of food to throw to the fish that live in that lake.

Top places to visit in Koh Samui: Chaweng Beach

The first thing to do in Samui Island is to take a dip in the cool water at the beach. You may be a little confused in choosing a beach in Samui but the easiest and most popular decision is Chaweng beach. It has everything you want in a tropical paradise: From crystal clear beaches, beautiful golden sands to palm trees swaying in the wind.

You should go to Chaweng Noi located in the south of Chaweng, one of the most bustling areas in Koh Samui of Thailand. However, this peaceful stretch of sand is nothing like the larger beach in the north.

When walking around this cape, Thai tourists will find calm and clear waters surrounded by beautiful and pristine sand. Along the beach are luxury villas set right behind towering coconut groves. The poetic, peaceful and quiet scenery is what tourists will feel when deciding to choose Chaweng Noi as a resort. There will be many fun activities here, such as scuba diving, swimming, boating, walking or simply relaxing… having fun chatting with family and close friends…

Where to visit in Koh Samui: Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)

Address: 92 84310 126/92 Moo 3 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Hours: 8:30AM–6:30PM

Located on a rocky beach between Lamai and Hua Thanon (Koh Samui island), Hin Ta and Hin Yai landscape always make visitors blush when they first visit. Over the years, this place still attracts the curiosity of not only locals but also tourists from all over the world because of its strange shapes. This natural geographical formation known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) is a large rock in the shape of a a male reproductive organ and a crevice in the shape of a female genital organ.

Contrary to the belief that this image has vulgar meaning, in fact, Hin Ta and Hin Yai are very sacred to the local people with spiritual beliefs. Hin Ta represents the father while Hin Yai represents the mother.

In addition to the strange shapes, the scenic area is also attracted by the beautiful location, in front of the blue beach in the bottom and the romantic stretch of sand. Although, the sea here is not suitable for swimming, but it will be great to sit and enjoy the scenery, enjoy the wind and watch the sunset over the sea and sipping some sundowners as well as snacks.

Namuang Waterfall

If you think that Koh Samui only has beautiful beaches, then Namuang waterfall will surprise you. The waterfall is located 12 kilometers from Nathon Bay, with two cascades. Namuang 1 fall flows directly into the natural lake. Going from here to the top of the hill about 30 minutes more will arrive at Namuang 2 waterfall, which is smaller but well worth a try.

Although there are not only a few waterfalls in Samui, but the two Na Muang waterfalls are probably the most beautiful, as beautiful as the pictures. The name Na Muang refers to the giant purple rocks in this waterfall area. Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase leading to the ground of Na Muang 1. There is also a large and natural lake located right at the foot of the waterfall.

Namuang 2 is Koh Samui’s highest waterfall, and its beauty can only be described as incomparably beautiful. You can spend a long day here with your family and friends to bathe under the waterfall, climb the mountain and organize a picnic. A few other notes are that the road to the waterfall is very slippery, so you need to prepare appropriate shoes.

Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)

Address: FXMV+5Q9, Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Hours: 9AM–6PM

People also call the Secret Buddha Garden with other names such as the Garden of Heaven or the Garden of Magic. Visiting this place will bring you a lot of new discoveries.

Perched high in the hills of Samui’s rainforest, getting to the garden can prove a challenge but is well worth the effort. The garden has many statues not only of Buddha but also various figures from Buddhist mythology. The garden is the creation of an elderly fruit farmer in Samui, Nim Thongsuk, who in 1976 began erecting a few statues and temples around his family’s fertile land.

The statues here depict animals, gods and people in different poses, including a statue of Khun Nim relaxing on a rock. If you can, visit with a Thai because every statue has a story and most Thais will know the meaning and mythology behind those artworks.

Mummy monk at Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng)

Address: Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

Wat Khunaram Temple is located in the west of Hua Thanon and southwest of Lamai beach, Koh Samui. Although the temple is not the most beautiful and majestic temple in Thailand, it is a pilgrimage site that attracts many believers. Because here is the place to worship the mummy of Monk Loung Pordaeng, a monk famous for teaching meditation techniques.

Seemingly knowing the date of his gone, he instructed on how to dispose of his body: “If my body rots, bury it. If it doesn’t stink, break, then put it in an ordinary coffin so that future generations can follow the example of Buddhism and know how to free themselves from all suffering.”

According to legend, he sat in meditation here and then passed away. Many believe that it was his ability to meditate and meditate that kept his body intact to this day.

Koh Phangan Island

If you are passionate about water sports such as boating, snorkeling, you can visit this nearby island. Here, visitors can participate in the full moon festival by the sea. Watching the moon rise, dancing to vibrant music and enjoying the drinks of the small island is an irresistible pleasure. When the moon is full, the coast of Koh Phangan is often a gathering place for thousands of people and it seems that now they will no longer be strangers but will become close people because of their love of travel.

The scenery in the top 10 places mentioned above must be said to be rare to find anywhere else. So if you want to see firsthand the sights of that paradise, don’t hesitate to make an itinerary yourself from now on. We are sure that no matter what reason you come to Koh Samui, your heart will forever turn to this peaceful island with the best images. Remember to share your Koh Samui travel experiences with us!

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Casa De Mar (Agoda, Booking)
• Vana Belle (Agoda, Booking)
• Silavadee Pool Spa Resort (Agoda, Booking)
• Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (Agoda, Booking)
• Sandalwood Luxury Villas (Agoda, Booking)
• Prana Resort Nandana (Agoda, Booking)
• SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort (Agoda, Booking)
• OZO Chaweng Samui (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in Koh Samui on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Koh Samui you can refer to

• High Park Samui Admission Ticket
• Ferry Ticket between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier/Pralarn Pier) and Koh Phangan by Lomprayah
• Ferry Ticket between Koh Samui (Pralarn Pier) and Chumphon (Thing Makham Noi Pier) by Lomprayah
• Ferry Ticket between Koh Samui and Surat Thani by Lomprayah
• Discover Koh Samui
• Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Day Tour in Koh Samui by Travstore
• Samui Bicycle Tour from Koh Samui
• Koh Samui Big Boop Boop Leisure Tour with Waterfall, Waterslides and Meal
• Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan Full Day Tour with Snorkeling Experience by Speed Boat
• Samui Island Tour By Yacht
• Off Road ATV Tours by X-Quad Samui
• Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui
• Half Day Caring Elephant in Samui
• Koh Samui Island Discovery Tour by Travstore
• Sunrise & Sunset Stand Up Paddleboarding in Koh Samui
• Discover Scuba Diving Course in Koh Samui
• Chaweng Beach Water Activities in Koh Samui
• Sightseeing and ATV Day Tour in Koh Samui
• Koh Samui Wellness Tour

Are you finding more top things to do in Koh Samui: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Koh Samui itinerary — How to spend 2 days in Koh Samui?