Are you planning your first time trip to Koh Samui? From the buzziest Chaweng Beach to exquisite spas to relax, from majestic Na Muang Waterfall to the fun night at Fisherman’s Village Walking Street, there is nothing that can stop you from having a blast.
The second largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui is one of the best places to visit in Thailand that can question your idea of what’s wonderful in life. Dive, dance and drink can well describe the vibe of here. Lying in the Gulf of Thailand off Kra Isthmus’ east coast, the island will drive you crazy with its fascinating options.
What To Do in Koh Samui?
Feeling the holiday vibes? Go beach hopping! Feeling adventurous? Go chase some waterfalls! Feeling tired? You have the best spas. Feeling romantic? Dine on the sunset cruise.
Koh Samui has no dearth of options for whatever you want to do. And thus, you can’t go wrong!
For knowing the best things to do in Koh Samui, here is a breakdown of categories
Things To Do in Koh Samui for couples
1. Have fun at Angthong National Marine Park
Angthong National Marine Park is among the best National Parks in Thailand. Distanced 28 kilometres from Samui, this is a pristine archipelago which covers 42 islands in the Gulf of Island. It is alluring to find this chain of small, uninhabited and gorgeous islands that are open to being explored. There is a wide array of things to do starting from snorkelling, kayaking, diving and hiking to camping and staying in the park itself. The undisturbed forest contains magnificent species of animals such as langurs, Hairy-nosed otters, bats, Pacific reef-egret, Brahminy kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Common Sandpiper.
Location: Baan Don, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Thailand
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: 200 Bahts for foreigners and 40 Baht for Thai citizens. The entry fee is less for children.
2. Relax on The Beaches
The beaches in Koh Samui are surreal- they are just like the ones you see in the films, or you have ever dreamt of visiting and desire to dive in. They have fine white sand, and crystal-clear water, angled by white limestone mountains, and hemmed by nodding coconut trees. Chaweng is busiest, Lamai is great for sunbathing, Bophut is for all kinds of budget and Maenam is peaceful. You can plan a Girl’s Trip to Thailand with a visit to Koh Samui’s stunning beaches, where you can enjoy beachfront cocktails and indulge in thrilling water sports.
Location: Multiple locations
Timing: The best time to visit is late afternoon or early evening.
Entry Fee: None
3. Relish sunset cruising
Want to pop the question or plan your first anniversary? Go sailing in the sunset. In the rustic sailing vessel, set up a romantic evening date, dine on a delicious traditional Thai buffet and admire the tropical charm of the northern island.
Some tempting options include-
- Sunset Dinner Cruise on a Traditional Junk Ship over the Andaman Sea
- Red Baron Junk Sail
4. Lounge in world recognised spas
Give your weary self the right amount of inner peace and relaxation by the professional spa therapist. Either settle in a resort overlooking the beach or book a famous spa and let the luxurious day begin. A floral foot bath, an aromatherapy oil massage, smoothening of skin, an invigorating herbal steam bath and different ways are brought into action that ease the muscles and release the tension.
Location: Multiple locations
Entry Fee: None
5. Have a Dinner Date by The Beach
Koh Samui is awe-inspiring. And it’s nothing less than the Maldives when it comes to keeping the couple happy. With several picturesque locations, you can stage your dinner exclusively decorated by experts. And since the highlight of the eve is the gastronomical delight, the skilled chef prepares the best of cuisines from all over the world and shares it with you.
Here are some of the many romantic dinner ideas-
- 7-course dinner on the beach at Chaweng Regent Hotel
- Discover culinary wonders at OZO Chaweng
- 4-course dining at Amari Koh Samui
Location: Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand
Timing: Daily from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm
Entry Fee: None. You have to pay for the dinner based on the menu
6. Go to Koh Tao
If you are looking for a fantastic experience on Koh Samui, practically just put on your scuba diving gear and travel to Koh Tao. Koh Tao will all at once put a smile on your face and sparkle your eye from its multicolor coral reefs and pristine white sand beaches. Would not the feeling of wanting to stay unsettle you? There are so many exciting things to do here that you will be looking for more not to remain there.
Divers, explorers, and tourists all find the location to be a fantastic destination and a natural lover’s paradise. It provides a pleasant visit and a lovely setting, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an adventure escape or a refreshing beach vacation.
Location: Koh Tao is situated in Thailand’s Western Gulf.
Price: THB 500 or INR 1100.
7. Investigate the Hidden Buddha Garden
Secret Buddha Garden is one of the best places to visit in Koh Samui. This hidden paradise is situated in the picturesque and hilly part of the island. This piece of land not only provides the most radiating and spectacular view of Koh Samui but also is the point that resembles heaven on earth and has been called the Magic Garden and Heaven’s Garden. It is more than just the impressive collection that the park boasts but also the surrounding lush, evergreen rainforest.
With the waterfall and streams meandering through the jungles, one may anticipate experiencing tranquility here and enjoying a delightful stroll around the gardens. With each of the sculptures telling a unique story, the site is full of surprises.
Location: Surat Thani 84140, Thailand; Na Mueang, Ko Samui District
Price: INR 175 or THB 80
8. Enjoy a meal at Chaweng’s Tree Tops Restaurant.
When you eat at Tree Tops Restaurant in Chaweng, get ready for one of the greatest gastronomic experiences of your life. It is renowned for its delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine dishes, which are sure to thrill your palate. This restaurant’s cuisine is creative and guarantees to wow you with a dinner you will always remember.
When on vacation in Koh Samui, you should try the unique tree house experience, where you may dine and drink with your significant other and have some romantic moments.
Location: Chang Wat Surat Thani, Amphoe Ko Samui
Cost: INR 5240/THB 2400 for a three-course dinner
9. Elephant Riding Adventures
Ever consider taking a hike while riding an elephant? This is a unique journey that allows you to walk across the region’s confusing forests and discover them. The powerful elephant represents Thailand’s force and regal status. Nothing compares to riding on the large backs of elephants and taking in the green lushness!
Location: Elephant trekking and forest excursions are offered by Namuang Safari Park. Along the journey, elephants travel through diverse plants and animals and pause at cool waterfalls, such as Namuang 1, the island’s most well-known waterfall, where you may get off the elephant and have a refreshing swim.
Costs: You will be charged for the duration of the ride, whether it lasts 30 minutes or an hour. For adults, a half-hour is priced at 600 Baht, while children pay 300 Baht. For adults and children, one hour is priced at 1300 and 800 Baht, respectively.
10. Surfing The Wind
Koh Samui will never lack many choices for relaxation that those who wish to do windsurfing can also choose as a way to enjoy. This is also a reason which caused it to be loved by many vacation visitors throughout the year.
Water in Koh Samui is temperature, visibility, and sound of the sea that creates a perfect place for windsurfing, an attraction that makes the place interesting in many ways to divers. Simply grab a sailboard and head out into the waters of Thailand.
11. See a Crocodile Exhibition
Attending a crocodile show would make your day on Koh Samui unforgettable if you’re an adrenaline addict. Furthermore, there are microworlds and organisms with distinct hunting and eating habits, for instance, this is the place of knee-height caimans, Siamese crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys, and others. Take home some of the most memorable moments from your Koh Samui holiday with you thanks to the thrilling and exciting crocodile show.
Location: Samui crocodile farm, Lamai crocodile live performance, etc.
Cost: Prices start at INR 1300 or THB 600.
12. Using a Jet Ski
Jet skiing is a great way to enjoy Koh Samui, which is gorgeous. Jet-skiing excursions, lessons, and activities are flourishing since the location has been in the tourism industry longer than any other Thai island. Jet skiers may have a true maritime adventure on the beautiful island.
The safaris last three hours on average, during which you get to soar above the horizon and the sea while taking in the stunning views of the neighboring small, uninhabited islands. Snorkeling and other water sports are also available at pristine beaches.
Location: You may take a jet skiing excursion to Koh Tan, Koh Mudsum, and the Five Islands, starting from any beach on Koh Samui. During the tour, you could also view Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks.
Cost: For two persons, the cost is 8000–10,000 Baht, which includes refreshments and snorkeling gear.
13. Playing golf
Do you enjoy playing golf? Given that it has an exceptional collection of golf courses with single to six-course courts, this location is truly heaven. Enjoy a luxury lifestyle and an unforgettable trip to Koh Samui by playing golf.
There are nine holes on the golf courses, so players of all skill levels may enjoy the game. In addition, four-wheel drive cars have been adopted for safety reasons. The greatest golf courses are those that are situated at the top of the mountain because they offer a bird’s eye perspective when you play.
Where: Throughout Koh Samui.
Cost: The fee per person in country clubs can range from 2100 to 5600 Baht. These costs might be lowered or come with several advantages.
14. Riding in the Mountains
Discover Thailand in ways you never would have thought possible! Mountain bike rides are a great way to take in Koh Samui’s breathtaking views. One of the greatest pastimes, mountain riding revolves around rainforests, beaches, small towns, and farms.
The entire island is about ninety kilometers, although the trip can range from twenty to seventy kilometers, depending on the degree of difficulty. Tours are frequently conducted on off-beaten paths to encourage more intimate contact with nature and to infuse the experience with a hint of excitement.
Location: Choose the Maenam Valley location for its varied landscape. If you want to explore the steep slopes, go for the Chaweng and Lamai areas. Head south of Nathon for actual testing and professional activity.
Cost: Tours lasting half a day typically cost 2,000 Baht. Customized trips are more costly, with full-day tours starting at 5000 Baht.
15. Paddling a Canoe
Koh Samui is more than just the group of islands you see when you first arrive by plane. You will be enthralled with the location due to its stunning scenery and azure waves. What could be more fulfilling than using Sea Canoe activities to explore those seas and enhance your trip?
Take a fully furnished boat ride around Koh Mae Koh’s shoreline, the most well-liked canoeing location. While canoeing, you will also be able to see the area’s lush rainforests and occasionally see dolphins, sea turtles, and other aquatic life.
Location: The Ang Thong National Marine Park is often the tour’s destination. During the tour, you could also get to see Koh Wao or Tai Plao.
The daily expenses for a single canoeing excursion might vary based on the boat used and the number of participants, ranging from 1300 to 2500 Baht per person.
16. Taking Off and Paddling
Launching Samui’s Marine Services not long ago is a new activity for a person who is standing on the board with a paddle. Thai’s Koh Samui Island, which is among the most beautiful islands in the country, is the perfect place to not only learn but practice stand-up paddling also. Unlike surfing, it doesn’t feast on waves directly; thus, being not dangerous at all.
You only need to be a beach bum! It entails standing and paddling on large surfboards. Since the bigger waves are not an issue, they are rather steady. You may go to smaller, quicker boards as you gain experience. Additionally, for added adaptability, some of them incorporate clip-in sail capabilities.
Location: Ban Tai, Big Buddha Beach, Taling Ngam Beach, and Lamai Beach are excellent for stand-up paddling.
Cost: The rental price for Stand-up paddling is about 200 Baht an hour.
Adventurous Places in Koh Samui
These remain common centres of tourism, but if you are a couple or solo traveller and seeks adventurous quotient, here are some quite interesting places in Koh Samui to quench your thirst-
1. Snorkelling and scuba diving: In the clear water, fresh coral reefs you can experience diving like nowhere else. It is the extent of tranquillity as you glide in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand and meet the exotic marine life.
Location: For diving, Sail Rock is the prime place with colorful coral gardens. Chumphon is another place, which is recommended for advanced divers.
Cost: Prices vary from 5000 to 15000 Baht, depending on diving courses. Certified divers can pay from 4000-6000 Baht for two dives
2. Kitesurfing: Have you ever ran on water? Well, this is a kind of it. It’s the coolest sport, which is won-powered and uses kite and board to propel or surf on the flat and shallow water.
3. Kayaking: Among the most popular sports on the island is Kayaking. Sit on a canoe and glide it in the direction you want and watch the untouched beauty of the place.
Location: Coral Island, as well as the Ang Thong National Park, is the place to go as these sites have warm and clear water, overhanging cliffs, and caves that are just perfect for sea walking.
Costs: Prices are variable, but be prepared to pay, somewhere around 2000 Baht for adults and 1300 Baht for children.
4. Flyboard: Other than the usual water sports that you have already heard of, try your legs on this. You are strapped into and stood on board, which rises above when the water is forced into jet nozzle boots underneath the board.
Location: Multiple locations
Costs: It is a bit expensive.
5. Cycle tour: When you want to get above water and travel on road, cherish the views on a cycle tour.
6. 4WD Safari Tour: You can cover the landmarks of the island on jeep safaris.
7. Sky Fox Ferris: Take a ride on Koh Samui’s Sky Fox Ride to experience the skies. These extraordinary zip-line cable excursions offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the stunning Thai island while gaining a bird’s eye perspective of the surroundings. Here, zipline rides reach breathtaking heights and provide a sense of excitement.
People are transported from one station to the next via an overhead network of thick wires. You will thus be racing through the trees at a very high pace. The trip includes safety equipment and cable, and you may insist on having complete insurance for this exhilarating experience.
Location: Well-liked places include Maenam, Bophut, and Choeng. There are more places like Lamai and Chaweng.
Cost: The pricing range for six rides is between $1300 and $1500.
8. Kiteboarding: It is more or less common knowledge that Koh Samui is spectacular for its attractive beaches and standing tall, coconut plantations. This place is a favorite and hence, it is a popular travel spot across the globe. Now kiteboarding, the otherworldly kind of surface waterboarding that combines snowboarding, surfing, and paragliding comes from these exclusive waters. You may feel the chilly, fresh wind tingling all over your face while participating in this exercise, and sprays of icy water are a bonus!
More specifically, you use a giant kite to drive yourself forward on a little surfboard in this pastime. That is the kite that you will be tied to now. Seems intriguing? It turns out to be far funnier than it seems!
Location: Maenan, Bophut, and other areas are among the greatest places to visit Koh Samui. If you’re unsure where to go kiteboarding, ask an instructor for advice. Locations with the ideal wind kind are what you seek.
Cost: Depending on what you want, renting kiteboarding equipment will run you anywhere from 4,000 to 12,000 Baht each day. Renting a board and harness is less expensive.
9.Parasailing: Soar in the skies and feel the magic of the awesomeness that surrounds you! The facility to fly like a bird over Koh Samui Island gives you the ability to parascend.
In Thailand, parasailing is a unique pastime. It’s especially popular in Koh Samui, where water activities are popular because they’re thrilling and high-octane.
Do you feel uneasy about jumping out of a plane? Then, take advantage of this captivating opportunity to soar with two or three other people.
Location: Bophut Beach, Lamai Beach, and Maenam Beach are some of the best beaches in Koh Samui for parasailing.
Cost: 200–2000 Baht per person on average.
Free things to do in Koh Samui
There are travellers who keep a count on what money flows our from their pocket and are restricted to their budget. Well, travellers on a budget are going to love this part, here are the Freebies!
- The elegant, famous and impressive Samui Big Buddha is a 12-metre statue that sits on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner. And yes, it has free entry. Hours: Open all day, every day
- The secret beaches like Samrong, Thong Krut, Laem Yai, Ban Tai are open at no cost, except the motorbike rental.
- Visit the temple based Chinese Buddhism custom, Was Plai Laem. Location: Wat Plai Laem, Road 4171, Thailand, Thailand Cost: Free.
- Unravel the story of Bophut’s fisherman’s village which has opulent mansions, great restaurants and different entertainment zones.
- The Na Muang Waterfall invites you for free swimming and fresh picnic morning. Location: Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand Cost: Free Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm, open every day
- Located high in the hills in Koh Samui’s interior is the Secret Buddha Garden that exhibits a surprising collection of statues, surrounded by lush jungle.
- Thailand keeps surprising you and the quirkiest is the Hin Ta(Grandpa) and Hin Yai(Grandma) rocks which looks like the male and female genitalia.
- Visit Wat Khunaram’s Mummy Monk Shrine. A visit to Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram ought to be high on your list of interesting things to do in Koh Samui. It provides an amazing look into Thai and Buddhist culture, with the corpse of monk Luong Pordaeng on exhibit. Location: Wat Khunaram is situated southwest of Lamai Beach and west of Hua Thanon. Expense: None
What to do in Koh Samui at Night?
Well, the day’s activities are thrilling and it’s equally exciting in the night. Here is a little brief of the nightly rituals in Koh Samui-
- Join the happening crowd at Ark Bar, Legends Bar, Bar Solo and Woo Bar that plays latest live mixes, fire shows and dances.
- Keep it classic with a night out in Soi Green Mango.
- Shop till you drop at the versatile Chaweng Night Market.
- Make it filmy with relaxing on the beachside bar in Coco Tams.
- Enjoy the sparkling evening at the Ladyboys Cabaret Show.
All about shopping in Koh Samui
Not to underestimate the idea of shopping on this island. Whether you want a triangular cushion or wooden elephant, jewellery or sportswear, sneakers or cameras, food or drink- you get it all here. Plus, it never hurts to bargain.
Drop off at the unique, open-air shopping centre, the Central Festival, stands as the 7-storey building, holding 200 outlets and boutiques along with fancy restaurants, along the beach. There is a long display of street markets, among which the popular ones are- Chaweng Beach Road shopping, Fisherman’s Village Walking street, Maenam Walking Street and Lamai Night Plaza.
Things to do in Koh Samui when it rains
We all know it’s a tropical island, but what when it rains out of the course? These random things can get your tour enthusiasm back to track-
- Thai cuisine is filled with flavours and to know it deeper you can learn in the Thai Cooking Class.
- Indulge in a relishing spa.
- Learn the basics of the skilful fruit carving.
- Do bowling and watch a movie at Tesco Lotus.
- Get your kids to play at Fairways Samui.
Koh Samui is a lovely holiday destination irrespective of what you crave on the vacation. It is interesting to wander here for both lazy beach days or pumped up go-karting scenes. For more detailed information and to book Thailand Visa, contact us online today.
FAQs
Q1. Is a trip to Koh Samui worthwhile?
Ans- The most well-known of Thailand’s stunning islands, Koh Samui, is well worth a visit. You will be drawn to the stunning island by its long expanses of white sand beach that is broken up by coconut trees, swaying palms, and waves that break the shore.
Q2. Is Koh Samui a pricey place?
Ans- No, the cost of Koh Samui is not particularly high. A week-long vacation to this stunning island would set you back about? 11,301 per person. When traveling with kids, you may save money on some things, such as the minimal amount of extra money you spend at the hotel or the cost of renting a car.
Q3. For what reason is Koh Samui well-known?
Ans- The island of Koh Samui is well known for its palm-lined beaches, opulent resorts, exciting nightlife, active marketplaces, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Q4. Can I travel from Koh Samui to neighboring islands?
Ans- Yes, you can go on day trips to Koh Tao, which is well-known for diving and snorkeling, and Koh Phangan, which is known for its Full Moon Parties.
Q5. What water-based activities are available in Koh Samui?
Ans- Visitors to Koh Samui can take pleasure in jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The ideal location for marine activities is Ang Thong National Marine Park.