---
title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Ko Samui, Thailand | Wimup"
description: "Ko Samui, Thailand in one page: the Big Buddha, Ang Thong's 42 islands, Fisherman's Village, Na Muang's falls and Bib Gourmand crab curry, plus festivals and ferries."
url: https://wimup.com/city/ko-samui
type: City guide
updated: 2026-10-23
publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com)
---

# Top 10 Things To Do in Ko Samui

Ko Samui, Thailand · Asia · By Wimup Editorial, 14 min read

Thailand's second-largest island sits in the Gulf of Thailand off Surat Thani, a jungled hill core ringed by one 51 km coast road. Chaweng and Lamai carry the crowds and the nightlife, the north coast holds the temples and Fisherman's Village, and the west coast keeps the sunsets.

## Quick answer

Give the first day to the northeast: the Big Buddha on Ko Fan, Wat Plai Laem next door, then dinner at Fisherman's Village in Bophut. Spend the second on a boat to Ang Thong Marine Park. Use the third for the south: the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks at Lamai, the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram and a swim under Na Muang. A fourth day buys Ko Pha-ngan or Ko Tao by fast boat.

## Quick facts

- **Best months:** Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
- **Ideal length:** 4 to 5 days
- **Budget per day:** $50–120
- **Language:** Thai, with Southern Thai spoken locally
- **Getting around:** Songthaews, taxis, Grab and rented scooters
- **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.tourismthailand.org/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## The 10 best things to do in Ko Samui

### 1. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Marine park · Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Gulf of Thailand

A marine park of 42 islands west of Samui, with limestone cliffs, kayak routes and the Emerald Lake on Ko Mae Ko. Only licensed tour boats go in, so choose a smaller operator and give it the whole day; the park fee is paid on top of the tour.

- **Time:** Full day
- **Cost:** 300 THB park fee
- **Best at:** Calm seas
- **Tip:** The park usually closes to boats from about November to mid-December

Links: [National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 2. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Buddhist temple · Ko Fan, Bang Rak, Bo Phut, Ko Samui

A 12-metre gold Buddha built in 1972 on Ko Fan, an islet tied to the northeast coast by a causeway. It is the island's emblem and its busiest temple; come early, ahead of the tour vans, and look back over Bang Rak from the terrace.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Early morning
- **Tip:** Cover shoulders and knees, as at every working temple

### 3. Wat Plai Laem

Buddhist temple · Plai Laem, Bo Phut, Ko Samui

A lake temple near Choeng Mon, with a white 18-armed Guanyin and a laughing Buddha standing over the water. Pair it with the Big Buddha a short ride west, and buy a bag of fish food at the gate for the catfish and turtles.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Donations are welcome; dress as for any temple

### 4. Fisherman's Village, Bophut

Village and night market · Bophut Beach Road, Bo Phut, Ko Samui

Bophut's old wooden shophouses on the beachfront, now restaurants, boutiques and sunset bars. Friday evening brings the Walking Street market, the island's best; arrive early or by taxi, because parking on the strip fills fast.

- **Time:** 2 to 3 hours
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Friday evening
- **Tip:** Eat at the stalls, then walk the beach for the sunset bars

### 5. Wat Khunaram

Buddhist temple · Ring road (Route 4169), south of Lamai, Ko Samui

The temple keeps Luang Pho Daeng, a Samui-born monk who died in meditation in 1973, seated in a glass case in sunglasses. He asked to be shown as a lesson in impermanence; visit quietly on the way to Na Muang.

- **Time:** 20 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Cover shoulders and knees, and keep voices low in the hall

### 6. Na Muang Waterfalls

Waterfall · Na Mueang, Ko Samui

Two falls in the island's south. Na Muang 1, about 18 metres, sits five minutes from the car park with a pool to swim in; Na Muang 2, near 80 metres and Samui's tallest, is a steep 30-minute climb, so wear shoes with grip.

- **Time:** 2 hours
- **Cost:** Free, parking extra
- **Best at:** After rain
- **Tip:** The rocks stay slick all year; skip flip-flops

### 7. Hin Ta and Hin Yai

Rock formation · South end of Lamai Beach, Ko Samui

Two sea-worn rocks at the south end of Lamai, Grandfather and Grandmother, named for their unmistakable anatomy. The legend has an old couple drowned on the way to arrange their son's wedding; come late in the day, when the light is low.

- **Time:** 30 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Combine it with Wat Khunaram and Na Muang on one southern loop

### 8. Secret Buddha Garden

Sculpture garden · Hills of central Ko Samui

A hillside garden of statues and shrines that the fruit farmer Nim Thongsuk began in 1976 and kept building until his death. The road up is steep and rough, so go by four-wheel drive or on a tour; the cooler air up top is half the reward.

- **Time:** 1 hour
- **Cost:** 80 THB
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Pay the entry in cash at the gate

### 9. Chaweng Beach

Beach · Chaweng, Bo Phut, Ko Samui

The island's busiest beach, with most of its hotels, bars and beach clubs behind the pale sand. Swim at the calmer north end in the morning, then come back after dark, when the beach clubs take over.

- **Time:** Half a day
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Morning swim
- **Tip:** Respect red flags; the surf builds in the rainy season

### 10. Lad Koh Viewpoint

Viewpoint · Ring road between Chaweng and Lamai, Ko Samui

A free roadside lookout on the ring road between Chaweng and Lamai, with stone steps down to boulders at the water's edge. It is the quickest coast view on the island; stop at sunrise, when the east-facing light is best.

- **Time:** 20 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Sunrise
- **Tip:** Park at the top; stalls sell drinks but nothing more

## Best beaches in Ko Samui

Busy, family-calm or sunset-facing: each coast swims differently.

1. **Chaweng** (Liveliest · East coast): The busiest beach, with hotels and clubs all along the sand.
2. **Lamai** (Relaxed · East coast): Calmer than Chaweng, with the Grandfather rocks at its south end.
3. **Choeng Mon** (Family · Northeast): A sheltered bay of about 700 metres, favoured by families.
4. **Silver Beach** (Snorkelling · East coast): A small cove between Chaweng and Lamai, good for snorkelling.
5. **Maenam** (Quiet · North coast): About seven kilometres of quieter sand facing Ko Pha-ngan.
6. **Bophut** (Village · North coast): A narrow beach in front of Fisherman's Village, best at sunset.
7. **Big Buddha Beach** (Ferry piers · North coast): Bang Rak, with the Big Buddha and the Haad Rin boats at its end.
8. **Lipa Noi** (Sunset · West coast): Fine sand and very shallow water on the west coast, with sunsets.

## Best temples & landmarks in Ko Samui

Gold Buddhas, a monk in sunglasses and two rocks with a story.

1. **Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)** (Island emblem · Bang Rak): The 12-metre gold Buddha on Ko Fan, built in 1972.
2. **Wat Plai Laem** (Lake temple · Plai Laem): A lake temple with an 18-armed Guanyin and a laughing Buddha.
3. **Wat Khunaram** (Mummified monk · South of Lamai): Luang Pho Daeng, who died in meditation in 1973, on display.
4. **Wat Sila Ngu** (Red temple · Hua Thanon): The red-brick temple near Hua Thanon, with a gold chedi by the sea.
5. **Hin Ta and Hin Yai** (Legend · Lamai): The Grandfather and Grandmother rocks at the south end of Lamai.
6. **Secret Buddha Garden** (80 THB · Central hills): Nim Thongsuk's hillside statue garden, begun in 1976.

## Best restaurants in Ko Samui

Six names from the Michelin Guide's Samui selection, from crab curry to island dining.

1. **Jun Hom** (Bib Gourmand · Mae Nam): Bib Gourmand Southern Thai; order the crab curry in coconut milk. [Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/jun-hom?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Baan Suan Lung Khai** (Bib Gourmand · Taling Ngam): Bib Gourmand seafood on a coconut plantation; booking required. [Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/baan-suan-lung-khai?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Phensiri** (Michelin Selected · Bo Phut): Chef-owned Southern Thai, with the heat set to your taste. [Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/phensiri?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Khao Horm** (Michelin Selected · Bo Phut): Family-recipe Southern Thai, five minutes from the airport. [Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/khao-horm?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Long Dtai** (Michelin Selected · Northeast coast): Southern Thai at the Cape Fahn Hotel, on its own islet.
6. **Saffron** (Michelin Selected · North of Lamai): Thai cooking at the Banyan Tree, on its own bay above Lamai. [Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/saffron-1206156?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best bars & beach clubs in Ko Samui

Chaweng's clubs, Lamai's day beds and Bophut's sunsets.

1. **CLUB SEEN Koh Samui** (DJ Mag Top 100 · Chaweng): Chaweng's two-pool beach club, No. 52 in DJ Mag's 2026 Top 100. [Minor Hotels](https://www.minorhotels.com/en/destinations/thailand/koh-samui/avani-chaweng-samui-hotel-and-beach-club?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Ark Bar** (Beach bar · Chaweng): The long-running beach bar mid-Chaweng, busiest after dark.
3. **Coco Tam's** (Sunset · Bophut): Bean bags on the sand and fire shows at Fisherman's Village.
4. **Beach Republic** (Day club · Lamai): Lamai's beach club, with day beds, DJs and a single-malt bar.
5. **The Jungle Club** (Views · Chaweng Noi): A hillside deck over Chaweng Bay; book the 4x4 pickup.

## Best waterfalls & viewpoints in Ko Samui

Jungle falls and coast lookouts off the ring road.

1. **Na Muang 1** (Easy · Na Mueang): An 18-metre fall with a pool, five minutes from the car park.
2. **Na Muang 2** (Steep hike · Na Mueang): About 80 metres, Samui's tallest, up a steep jungle path.
3. **Hin Lad Waterfall** (Trek · Near Nathon): A rocky jungle trail south of Nathon, from a forest temple.
4. **Lad Koh Viewpoint** (Free · Chaweng to Lamai): A free ring-road lookout over the east-coast boulders.

## Best neighborhoods in Ko Samui

Pick a coast first: nightlife east, villages north, sunsets west.

1. **Chaweng** (Nightlife · East coast): Most of the hotels, clubs and restaurants, and most of the noise.
2. **Lamai** (Mid-range · East coast): Chaweng's smaller, calmer neighbour, with its own bars.
3. **Bophut** (Village · North coast): Fisherman's Village and the north coast's best restaurants.
4. **Maenam** (Budget · North coast): A long quiet beach, cheap bungalows and boats to the islands.
5. **Choeng Mon** (Families · Northeast): A sheltered bay and resort hotels close to the temples.
6. **Nathon** (Town · West coast): The island's town and main port, with ferries to the mainland.

## Best day trips in Ko Samui

A marine park, two sister islands and a short hop south.

1. **Ang Thong National Marine Park** (Full day · West of Samui): 42 islands, kayaking and the Emerald Lake, by tour boat only.
2. **Ko Pha-ngan** (50 min by boat · North): Haad Rin's Full Moon Party, about 50 minutes from Big Buddha pier.
3. **Ko Tao** (2 hr by boat · North): Diving and snorkelling, around two hours by fast catamaran.
4. **Ko Tan and Ko Madsum** (Longtail · South): Snorkelling and Pig Island by longtail from Thong Krut pier.

## Festivals & annual events in Ko Samui (2026)

- **Samui Balloon of Love** (14–15 February): Hot-air balloons and a beach fair on Nathon's seafront.
- **Makha Bucha** (February or March): Candlelit processions around temple halls on the full moon.
- **Songkran** (13–15 April): Thai New Year: water fights on the main roads, merit at the temples.
- **Samui Regatta** (Late May): A week of yacht racing off Chaweng; the 23rd edition ran in 2026.
- **Samui Half Marathon** (June): Bangkok Airways' road race, starting from Phru Chaweng Park.
- **Full Moon Party** (Monthly): Haad Rin on Ko Pha-ngan, with extra boats from Big Buddha pier.
- **Chak Phra** (October): Surat Thani tows its Buddha images on the Tapi to close Buddhist Lent.
- **Loy Krathong** (November): Candlelit krathong floats set on the sea and ponds at the full moon.

## Must-try dishes in Ko Samui, Thailand

- **Kaeng tai pla**: Fiery Southern curry of fermented fish innards, vegetables and turmeric.
- **Kaeng som**: Sour, turmeric-yellow Southern curry, usually with fish.
- **Khua kling**: Dry-fried minced meat with turmeric, lime leaf and plenty of chilli.
- **Khao yam**: Southern rice salad with herbs, toasted coconut and budu fish sauce.
- **Khanom chin nam ya**: Fresh rice noodles under a fish curry, with raw vegetables on the side.
- **Kaeng pu**: Crab simmered in coconut-milk curry, a north-coast speciality.
- **Pla muek yang**: Grilled squid from the night-market grills, with a lime and chilli dip.
- **Young coconut**: Cut open to drink: Samui farmed coconuts long before it farmed tourists.

## Ko Samui transport & airports

- **Samui International Airport** (USM): Privately owned by Bangkok Airways, in Bo Phut near Chaweng, with flights from Bangkok and Singapore. Fares run higher than to Surat Thani on the mainland, the cheaper route by ferry. [Bangkok Airways](https://www.bangkokair.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Ferries from Donsak** (Ferry): Raja car ferries cross from Donsak to Lipa Noi in about 90 minutes; Seatran and Lomprayah land at Nathon. Combined bus and boat tickets run from Surat Thani. [Raja Ferry](https://www.rajaferryport.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) · [Seatran](https://www.seatranferry.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Island catamarans** (Boat): Lomprayah catamarans link Maenam and Nathon with Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao, about two hours to Tao. The Haad Rin Queen runs from Big Buddha pier to Haad Rin in about 50 minutes. [Lomprayah](https://www.lomprayah.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Songthaews, taxis and scooters** (Road): Shared songthaews run the ring road by day; taxis rarely use the meter, so agree the fare first. Grab operates on the island. Ride a scooter only with a motorcycle licence and a helmet. [Grab](https://www.grab.com/th/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Ko Samui at a glance

- **Country:** Thailand
- **Region:** Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province
- **Population:** 70,059 (2019)
- **Founded:** City municipality since 2012
- **Nickname:** Coconut Island
- **Language:** Thai, with Southern Thai spoken locally
- **Currency:** Thai baht (THB)
- **Time zone:** ICT (UTC+7)
- **Calling code:** +66 (77)
- **Airports:** Samui International (USM); Surat Thani (URT) on the mainland
- **Power:** 220 V, 50 Hz; type A, B, C and O plugs
- **Emergency:** Police 191, ambulance 1669, tourist police 1155

## Interesting facts

- At 228.7 km², Ko Samui is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket.
- One 51 km ring road, Route 4169, circles the island and links every beach.
- Khao Pom, the island's highest point, rises to 635 metres in the jungle interior.
- Samui Airport opened in 1989 and is owned and run by Bangkok Airways.
- Mu Ko Ang Thong, the marine park west of Samui, groups 42 islands.

## Ko Samui travel FAQ

### When is the best time to visit Ko Samui?

January to April is the driest, calmest stretch, with February and March the sunniest. Samui's rain peaks in October and November, later than on the Andaman coast, so it stays a good bet in July and August. Ang Thong usually closes to boats from about November to mid-December.

### How do I get to Ko Samui?

Fly into Samui International on Bangkok Airways from Bangkok or Singapore; it is the quickest and the dearest way. For less, fly or take the train to Surat Thani, then a combined bus and ferry ticket via Donsak to Nathon or Lipa Noi.

### Where should I stay on Ko Samui?

Chaweng for nightlife and choice, Lamai for the same at a calmer pitch, Bophut or Choeng Mon for families and restaurants, Maenam for quiet and value. The west coast around Lipa Noi suits a sunset villa stay but needs a car.

### How many days do I need on Ko Samui?

Four or five days covers the temples, a day in Ang Thong and a beach of your choice. Add two more for Ko Pha-ngan or Ko Tao by boat.

### How do I get around Ko Samui?

There is no bus network beyond shared songthaews on the ring road. Taxis rarely run the meter, so agree the fare before you get in; Grab is the simplest alternative. Scooters are cheap to rent but need a motorcycle licence and a helmet, and the hill roads are steep.

## Nearby guides

- [Sihanoukville](https://wimup.com/city/sihanoukville.md): Cambodia · 10 picks
- [Penang](https://wimup.com/city/penang.md): Malaysia · 10 picks
- [Bangkok](https://wimup.com/city/bangkok.md): Thailand · 10 picks
- [All of Asia →](https://wimup.com/asia): 99 cities

Part of the [Thailand guide](https://wimup.com/country/thailand.md) · [Asia](https://wimup.com/asia.md)

## Sources

- [Ko Samui tourism board](https://www.tourismthailand.org/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Ang Thong National Marine Park: National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Jun Hom: Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/jun-hom?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Baan Suan Lung Khai: Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/baan-suan-lung-khai?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Phensiri: Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/phensiri?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Khao Horm: Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/khao-horm?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Saffron: Michelin Guide](https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/cchanghwad-suraasdrthaanii/koh-samui_7770005/restaurant/saffron-1206156?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [CLUB SEEN Koh Samui: Minor Hotels](https://www.minorhotels.com/en/destinations/thailand/koh-samui/avani-chaweng-samui-hotel-and-beach-club?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Samui International Airport: Bangkok Airways](https://www.bangkokair.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Ferries from Donsak: Raja Ferry](https://www.rajaferryport.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Ferries from Donsak: Seatran](https://www.seatranferry.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Island catamarans: Lomprayah](https://www.lomprayah.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Songthaews, taxis and scooters: Grab](https://www.grab.com/th/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.