Bangkok Airways Round Up
- Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is renowned for its beautiful beaches lined with stunning palm trees and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best destinations for anyone seeking natural retreats. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this paradise offers not only the beauty of a tropical island but also numerous unforgettable local and cultural experiences.
- As a large island surrounded by white beaches and home to dense rainforests, Koh Samui offers many activities and places to visit both at sea and on land, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, visiting a famous waterfall, or discovering the lush jungle through an ATV adventure. For cultural enthusiasts, you can join aMuay Thai Class and visit must-see landmarks like a Fisherman’s village and the Big Buddha Temple.
Koh Samui: The Ultimate Island Paradise
Known as Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui is undeniably one of the top destinations for travelers from around the globe. The reason is simple: it is an all-in-one destination packed with natural, cultural, and local experiences no matter where you step.
Koh Samui offers a wide range of activities and attractions for every type of traveler. This island is known to be a hub for water activities. Nature lovers can enjoy snorkeling, diving in the greenish blue water to witness a variety of vibrant corals and fish, or join a trip to other nearby islands within the archipelago consisting of over 40 islands.
For those looking for a taste of real culture and history, there are many famous temples with remarkable architecture. Don’t forget to visit a night market and a fisherman’s village, where you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Here, you will discover 8 must-do activities and 10 must-see attractions in Koh Samui.
8 Things to Do in Koh Samui
Discover top 8 activities to do in Koh Samui that will leave you with great experiences and memories. These are activities you can enjoy with anyone, whether it is your family, friends, partner, or even by yourself.
1. Diving
Koh Samui is one of the most popular diving sites in the Gulf of Thailand. With its serene waters and warm weather, travelers can join diving activities throughout the year. Under the water, there is a huge variety of marine life, like beautiful stingrays, sea turtles, barracuda, colorful coral reefs, vibrant sponges, anemones, multispecies schools of fish, and unique rock formations. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot a whale shark.
2. Chilling at the Beach
Koh Samui is packed with more than 40 beaches along its coastline; for example, some of the major beaches include Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Maenam Beach. During the day, you can have some splashing fun in the gentle water or just chill under the shade of palm trees. At night, there are a number of restaurants and bars for a nightlife lover and partygoers, as well as a magnificent fire show to watch with your loved ones.
3. Paddleboard
Another coastal activity you should try is stand-up paddleboarding, known as SUP. It is a relaxing activity to enjoy marine life beneath the board while enjoying a peaceful moment. There are also SUP tours, which allow you to watch the sunrise and sunset. If you’ve never tried SUP before, you can take a short lesson with an experienced instructor. It is a quiet but enjoyable activity suitable for all ages.
4. Meditation & Yoga
Meditation and yoga are among the top activities for recharging your energy in Koh Samui. It is simple and can be done anywhere. All you have to do is sit on the beach, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shores. It’s an easy yet effective way to learn ways to find peace of mind and escape from everyday stresses.
5. Muay Thai Class
One of the best ways to truly experience Thai culture is by participating in Muay Thai Class, Thailand’s traditional sport that has been around for centuries. In Koh Samui, there are many world-class training camps and world-champion trainers available for all levels, whether you’re a first-timer or a professional fighter. You can also customize the course to suit your preferences and experience.
6. Elephant Sanctuary
Connect with nature at the Elephant Sanctuary in Koh Samui, where these beautiful creatures live a peaceful, healthy, and natural life after being rescued from an abusive environment.
Experience heartwarming moments as you feed the elephants and watch them walk, sleep, play, and socialize. If you’re interested in volunteering, various programs are available at different sanctuaries. Feel free to discuss with the staff, as they are very informative and knowledgeable.
7. ATV Adventure
Are you the adventurous type? If so, you shouldn’t miss the ATV adventure. With this off-road vehicle, a guide will take you around the island through the dense jungle of Koh Samui. Depending on the tour option you select, you might reach a hidden waterfall or even the tallest mountain viewpoint. The tracks become more challenging as you ride deeper and deeper into the heart of the island, making it an unforgettable moment for those yearning for thrilling experiences.
8. Lamai Viewpoint Zip Lining with Cable Car and Panoramic View
This tropical paradise, Koh Samui, offers not only great experiences in water and on land but also in the sky. Take a cable car to the Lamai Viewpoint, a popular Instagrammable place with a panoramic view of the jungle and coastline. At the viewpoint, order some drinks, some food, and leisurely enjoy the impressive 360-degree view as long as you wish. To make your trip even more exciting, head to the zipline station to glide across the forest while breathing in fresh, salty air. Don’t forget to take some pictures while flying.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Pn51p1aaZ7XXbrM8
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Besides thrilling activities, here are some unique places both inside and outside of Koh Samui that you shouldn’t miss, from natural escapes to local landmarks and historical sites.
10 Attractions in Koh Samui
1. Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach, located on Koh Samui’s east coast, is the longest beach, stretching over 6 kilometers. It is also the liveliest and busiest beach offering a range of beach sports, hotels, villas, restaurants, and bars that are available both during the day and night.
Some of the popular coastal sports you should try during the day to beat the heat are kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. For more relaxing activities, sunbathing on the shore and swimming are also excellent choices to enjoy the gentle waves and shimmering sand.
At night, don’t miss delectable cuisine and beverages offered by a variety of beachside restaurants and bars, where pleasant live music and spectacular fire shows keep the town awake all night long.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGYjS2LFv1NgR9Qx5
Opening Hours: 24 Hours.
2. Lamai Beach & Hin Ta Hin Yai Rocks
If you’re looking for a quieter, peaceful beach on Koh Samui, Lamai Beach might be the perfect choice. Located on the southeast coast of the island, it is a perfect place to stroll and let your mind wander. There are many beachside restaurants catering to all budgets. At the southern end of the beach, you will find the renowned Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks, a combination of uniquely shaped boulders that will leave you with giggles and unforgettable moments.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BfFaivr3tKkKF2KC9
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
3. Na Muang Waterfall (the Purple Waterfall)
Surrounded by lush jungle bathed in bright natural light, Na Muang Waterfall is a must-see for photography enthusiasts, as it is one of the most picturesque landmarks on Koh Samui. Located in the middle of a mountain, it comes with two tiers, the first one is easy to access, while the second one is more adventurous to reach. At the base of the waterfall, there is a pond where you can take a dip to cool off. Be careful, as the rocks might get slippery.
The perfect time to visit Na Muang Waterfall is from September to November, as it’s the season when water flows will be at its peak, creating a visually stunning scene of a gushing waterfall embraced by the greenery.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RfybSgNhtCU1mJ2E7
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
4. Fisherman’s Village Bophut
Previously serving as the community’s fish trading market, Fisherman’s Village Bophut in Koh Samui has transformed into a vibrant area filled with eateries and shops, all while preserving its magnificent, rustic buildings and old-style architecture made of wood and metal.
On Friday, make your evening even more delightful by visiting the night market, where tons of local food stalls and souvenir shops emerge from their sleep to light up the town with their diverse selection of cuisine and unique handicrafts.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1H5ngkGQtQY43zT7
Opening Hours: Each business starts at various times from early morning until late at night / The night market is open from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
5. Lamai Night Market
Unlike Bophut Night Market, Lamai Night Market in Koh Samui is smaller and less crowded, allowing visitors to fully experience the unique Thai atmosphere. However, it still offers a great variety of food choices, including Thai dishes, Western cuisine like BBQ and pizza, and iconic sweets like mango sticky rice. Here, you can relax and enjoy the flow of pleasant nightly live music, the aroma of grilled meat, and the chatter of the locals.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGMsCHTcZLVos6wC7
Opening Hours: Daily, 3.00 pm – 12.00 am.
6. Tarnim Magic Garden (Secret Buddha Garden)
Despite being famous for its powdery beaches and beautiful sea, Koh Samui still has much more to offer. Hidden in the heart of the jungle, Ta Nim Magic Garden is a mystical wonderland with unique features that cultural explorers shouldn’t miss at all costs.
Inside this serene garden, you will discover a large number of Buddha statues and sculptures in various poses and sizes—each believed to hold its own meaning—scattered throughout the area with little waterfalls and streams flowing peacefully. This enchanting landmark will make you feel as though you have entered another world entirely.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/91eYc1vybTMs19Sf7
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: 80 Baht / Person
7. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), built in 1972, is one of the main attractions onKoh Samui, famous for its massive golden Buddha statue, which stands 12 meters tall. The colorful Naga-shaped staircase leads you to the top platform, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding beaches.
In the temple, feel free to experience authenticThai culture like a local by making merit, offering fruits, flowers, and lighting incense. If you have some spare time, take a moment to meditate, as a temple is a place where peaceful environments are found.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YMcTXwJdn2dquymw6
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
8. Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem, another unique cultural landmark onKoh Samui, was built around 2004, featuring modern-style architecture. What makes this temple stand out is the harmonious mix of Thai and Chinese culture. There are two highlight statues you should visit: the 20-meter-tall Guanyin statue with 18 hands and the gigantic Chinese Smiling Budha, also 20 meters tall, painted in vibrant colors.
After appreciating the main highlights of the temple, continue your journey by discovering the beauty of the surrounding area, including the large pond filled with lotus flowers, the decorations in a variety of colors, and the architecture rich in culture and history. The best time to visit is in the early morning as there are fewer people, providing the ideal conditions to truly live in the moment.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvuE14oMrcJYwFyZ6
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
9. Ang Thong National Marine Park
If you think all the fun is only in Koh Samui, let us introduce you to Ang Thong National Marine Park, a highly popular tourist destination, particularly among island-hopping adventurers. Established as a marine national park in 1980, it is a large archipelago only 20 kilometers away from Koh Samui, consisting of 42 islands of all sizes, all of which are covered in evergreen forest.
As the islands are mostly steep hills, it looks like they simply emerge from the sea. The only way to access the park is by traveling with a licensed tour, where a professional, friendly guide will take care of you throughout the day.
Some of the major islands include Koh Phaluai, Koh Wua Ta Lap, and Koh Mae Ko, where water sports such as snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, exploring sinkholes, coves, and lakes are available. Get a sense of the park’s size, visit the Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint, a jaw-dropping panoramic spot where you can capture the whole archipelago from above. Be aware that the trail is steep and requires a 30-minute hike. Surely, this adventure will leave you with memories that last a lifetime..
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b5jTANbh7bkGA2cu8
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (Closed from 20th Oct – 20th Dec Every Year)
Entrance Fee: 200 Baht / Adult or 100 Baht / Child
10. Blue Lagoon (Emerald Lake)
Blue Lagoon, also known as Emerald Lake, is a remarkable lake dyed with a glittering, bright mint-blue color. It is an inner saltwater lake located in the heart of Koh Mae Ko, one of the highlight islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park. The way the lake is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs makes it even more picturesque.
You can take in the stunning scenery of the lake at the viewpoint platform,which is just a short walk from the beach. Despite the steep, narrow path, you will not be disappointed with the final result. One thing to note is that no water activities are allowed in the lake, as it is a preserved area.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rLpggFru3KfW3csw7
Opening Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM (Closed from 20th Oct – 20th Dec Every Year)
Explore More Travel Destinations in Koh Samui
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- 8 Best Pizza Places in Koh Samui: Your Ultimate Pizza Hunt
- Wellness Retreats in Koh Samui: Yoga, Spa, and Detox Centers
Pack Your Bags and Hop on a flight to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways
Here are 8 things to do and 10 places to visit in Koh Samui, a magnificent tropical island with the perfect combination of relaxing escapes and thrilling adventures. Let Bangkok Airways accompany you to the destination with ease and grace with direct flights from Bangkok to Samui.
Bangkok Airways: Experience Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience
Embark on seamless travel adventures with Bangkok Airways’ extensive network of flights connecting you to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. Additionally, enjoy flights with Bangkok Airways’ three private airports in Koh Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat.
- Seat Selection: Choose your preferred seat on your flight to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Baggage Allowance Included: Enjoy up to 20 kg of checked baggage, allowing you to bring along your essentials without worry.
- In-flight Meals: Savor delicious and satisfying meals on board, tailored to your taste preferences.
- Airport Lounge Access: Relax and unwind in our exclusive airport lounges before your flight.
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