Discover the Best Attractions in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand, located on the Gulf of Thailand and a part of the Surat Thani Province. The island is a tropical paradise with palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, Buddhist temples, and lush tropical rainforests. With sunshine, sand, and stunning views, it has become a popular destination for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, the island has something to offer for everyone.

Koh Samui is a paradise for beach lovers, offering a unique charm and a variety of places to relax and explore underwater wonderlands through snorkelling and diving. You can see barracuda, loggerhead turtles, and manta rays, or you can see the diverse and beautiful coral while snorkelling. If you are an adrenaline junkie, the island offers various adventure activities such as water sports, off-road jungle safaris, or kayaking through picturesque mangroves.

Best Koh Samui Attractions

Koh Samui is also rich in culture and tradition, featuring a variety of Buddhist temples and local markets that provide a glimpse into the local way of life and beliefs. These Koh Samui, Thailand, attractions are the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, providing a well-rounded experience for all types of travellers.

• Fisherman’s Village
• Na Muang Waterfall
• Hin-Ta & Hin-Yai
• Ang Thong National Marine Park
• Samui Elephant Sanctuary
• Wat Phra Yai
• Secret Buddha Garden
• Chaweng Beach
• Wat Khunaram
• Ao Phang Ka

Fisherman’s Village

Located on the northern coast of Koh Samui in Bophut, it is known for its well-preserved traditional wooden shop houses, giving the town a vintage ambience. It is a famous market in Koh Samui, where you can get everything from food, entertainment, souvenirs, and clothing. This is one of the Koh Samui attractions thatshould not be missed, offering a unique shopping experience that blends cultural and modern amenities. Spread across various streets, the market features boutique shops, small local shops, and vendor stalls, accompanied by live music and street performers. Every Friday, the Fisherman's Village Walking Street sets up, contributing to the lively atmosphere. The market offers a wide variety of food options, including Thai, French, Italian, and Mexican, and the delicious Thai street food alone makes it one of the best attractions in Koh Samui.

Na Muang Waterfall

Located in the heart of Koh Samui’s rainforest, this two-tiered waterfall is one of the picturesque places to visit in Koh Samui. Na Muang roughly translates to purple waterfalls, and it got its name from the water gushing down purple rocks and giving off purple tints in sunlight. The first tier, Na Muang, is a 20-meter-high waterfall that is easier to access and has a natural pool for swimming. Swimming in the cool, clear water of Na Muang waterfall is one of the popular things to do in Koh Samui to cool off from the tropical heat. Nu Muang 2, the second tier of the waterfall, cascades from a height of 80 meters, which requires a little climbing and offers gorgeous views of the island. The best time to visit this Koh Samui tourist attraction is during the rainy season to see the waterfall at its fullest and most impressive flow.

Hin-Ta & Hin-Yai

One of the most unique Koh Samui sightseeing places, Hin-Ta & Hin-Yai, are fascinating rock formations found on Lamai Beach. They are popularly known as the grandfather and grandmother rocks; these formulations resemble male and female genitalia. Seawater and heat erode the granite, resulting in these unique formulations. In addition to this, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the pristine waters and white sandy beaches. The legend behind these formations adds an intriguing cultural aspect to the visit, making it a must-visit in Koh Samui.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, offering an exotic tropical paradise. The Marine Park has limestone mountains, thick jungles, waterfalls, white-sand beaches, unexplored caves, and surreal lakes, making it one of the best Koh Samui attractions for adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving, and exploring the diverse marine life in the crystal-clear waters that surround the islands. The park aims to preserve its landscapes from the dilution of modern development and has a protected 100-square-kilometre island. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is home to a diverse range of exotic mammals, sea creatures, birds, and reptiles. This is one of the Koh Samui tourist attractions, a protected area for which only a few tour operators hold a license.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

On the southern island of Koh Samui lies the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, which is home to rescued elephants. One can visit this sanctuary on a guided tour with professional guides and interact with and feed the elephants. The opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat makes this one of the best and most unique attractions in Koh Samui, Thailand. The half-day elephant tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, allowing them to prepare food for the elephants and walk alongside them. A vegetarian Thai buffet with complimentary drinks follows the elephant interactions. Make sure to include one of the incredible Koh Samui tourist places in your Thailand tour packages.

Wat Phra Yai

Wat Phra Yai, commonly known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of the most iconic and revered Koh Samui attractions. It is located on a small island called Koh Faan. The temple has various statues of Buddha in different forms and sizes. The largest and main statue is the golden Buddha in the Mara posture, which depicts tranquility and serenity. The temple’s hilltop location gives visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The temple is among the popular Koh Samui tourist places and is a great spot for visitors to experience the spiritual and cultural aspects of Thailand.

Secret Buddha Garden

Situated atop Pom Mountain, the Secret Buddha Garden is a private sculpture park. People often refer to it as the "Heaven's Garden" or the "Magic Graden." Set amidst lush jungle foliage, waterfalls, streams, and Buddha statues hidden in plain sight, this verdant garden is one of the picturesque Koh Samui tourist attractions. A durian farmer named Nim Thongsuk created the garden, incorporating statues of animals, deities, and his parents in addition to the Buddha statues. Most of the hidden statues depict various aspects of Thai Buddhism. The garden, one of the serene and peaceful Koh Samui sightseeing places, offers a unique opportunity to learn about Thai culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the garden.

Chaweng Beach

The largest and most popular beach in Koh Samui has three sections—North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, and Chaweng Noi toward the south. The beach, with its white sand, emerald blue water, and palm trees, is among the top Koh Samui, Thailand, attractions. The beach is perfect for watersports like snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or simply relax on the shore with a refreshing drink. Additionally, a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops line Chaewang Beach, making it one of the must-visit places in Koh Samui for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Wat Khunaram

Wat Khunaram is one of the most remarkable temples of Koh Samui, which houses a mummified monk. An upright glass casket displays the body of Koh Samui's most famous monk, Loung Pordaeng, surrounded by flowers, candles, incense sticks, and fruit offerings. Though the mummy can be frightening, it gives incredible insight into the Buddhist culture and tradition. One of the unique Koh Samui tourist attractions, it is a fascinating experience that allows visitors to learn more about the spiritual practices of Thailand. This is one of the highly regarded places to visit in Koh Samui for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Ao Phang Ka

This lovely beach in the southwest of the island is a must-add to your Thailand tour packages from Mumbai. At low tide, when the water recedes to reveal a huge plateau of sand stretching to the horizon, you should see the beach. This secluded beach offers a peaceful escape from the island’s more crowded beaches. The clear blue waters and stunning views make it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. In this treasure trove of amazing natural spots, you will find some exciting hidden gems, which makes the snorkelling experience even more thrilling with its extensive range of flora and fauna.

Koh Samui has diverse attractions and experiences, which offer the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From pristine beaches and vibrant markets to hidden waterfalls and serene temples, Koh Samui, Thailand, attractions have something for every type of traveller. When planning your next tropical getaway, make sure to include Koh Samui in your vacation for an unforgettable experience.