Sawasdee Ka Koh Samui!🌴 Picture this…. Laying on a day bed, cocktail in hand, with emerald waters lapping at white-sand beaches, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, and endless adventures awaiting around every corner. This is your ultimate CHEAT SHEET to the best things to do in Koh Samui to make your vacation truly memorable.
We’ll dive into the best beaches, EPIC Day Trips, unforgettable Restaurants and Beach Clubs, must-sees temples, and so much more.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey because Koh Samui is calling, and we’re here to make sure you don’t miss a thing. 🌞 Let’s go!
FIRSTLY Grab out đź“Ś PINNED Google Map and save to make your trip EASY BREEZY: Best Things to do in Koh Samui
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Table of contents
Where we stayed on Koh Samui
Zazen Resort is located on a quiet beachfront stretch on Sunrise Beach, in Bophut and close to the popular Fisherman’s Village walking street & markets.
It has one of the most beautiful infinity pools, with a swim up bar, and loads of day beds to chill, and also where you will find their new beach club, The Club by Zazen.
HOTEL LINK: Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
Other facilities include use of their kayaks, Gym, Le Spa Zen Spa, wellness programs,
Including sunrise yoga sessions, detox programs, guided meditation, and more.
We stayed in a Beachfront Villa, which has to be seen to be believed! See below ⬇️
3 x Best Day Tours from Koh Samui
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do and DAY TOURS in Koh Samui. To help you narrow it down, these were our TOP 3 Day Tours and ones we would NOT MISS!
➡️ Don’t forget you can always use our discount code with Klook, to get up to 10% off – CODE: TRAVELLIVNKLOOK
1. Day Tour to Koh Madsum (aka Pig Island)
Koh Madsum is located only a short boat ride from Koh Samui. Known as Pig Island, it offers a VERY unique experience and one that would have you thinking you were in the Bahamas. You can visit Koh Madsum by booking a Day Tour, like this one we went on: Madsum Island & Koh Tan 1/2 day snorkeling tour
It was a 1/2 day tour (8am-1pm) which also included a stop at a snorkeling spot off Koh Tan.
This quirky destination is perfect for the gram, and for photography and offers crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
TOUR LINK: Madsum Island & Koh Tan 1/2 day snorkeling tour
2. Day Tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park
Another TRIP HIGHTLIGHT was the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Located about an hour by SPEED BOAT, Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning group of 42 islands.
The Day Tour we booked included the following stops:
- Snorkeling through a cave – THIS WAS AMAZING!
- Hike to view Emerald Lake.
- Lunch on a private beach.
- Kayaking and exploring the hidden coves and lagoons.
- A hike to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap for breathtaking views of the emerald waters and surrounding islands. (Be PREAPRED it is a BIG HIKE) 1 hour return AND a very steep climb.
Many tour operators offer day trips that include lunch, equipment, and guides. WE STRONGLY recommend you go with this company, I saw other big and slow tug boats that would take double the time to get there and back, meaning less time to explore. Koh Samui Ang Thong National Marine Park by Speed Boat Day Tour
3. Day Tour to Koh Tao & Nangyuan
Koh Tao, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs and is home to the most beautiful set of islands joined by a sand bank, Nang Yuan Islands.
Most tours include round-trip transportation from Koh Samui, and a visit to Nangyuan Islands. Like this one: Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan & Koh Tao by Lomlahk Khirin from Samui
Overnight in Koh Tao
We opted to do our own overnight tour and stayed at the most incredible hotel that had uninterrupted views of Nang Yuan Islands. It also offered a private boat transfer service for 300 baht, making it a very affordable way to visit the iconic islands.
EVEN better our room was only $110AUD for a FULL ISLAND VIEW and included breakfast and transfers from the pier!
CLICK HERE: Dusit Buncha Koh Tao by Riya Group
FERRY: Booking tickets to Koh Tao is easiest through 12go, they offer pickup and drop off service, which ever you need, and it is easy to search ALL available ferry options and compare prices and times. We use this all across ASIA and THAILAND!
Getting around Koh Samui
Taxis or Grabs are easy to find in Koh Samui, although not the cheapest. If you are planning on doing some exploring, you could consider one of these options:
- Bike Hire – 300-400 Baht
- Car Hire – 1000 Baht (you can compare ALL rental companies through Klook)
- Private Driver – 3000 Baht
FERRYS: To look up ALL Ferry options we used 12go.com
Top 10 Things to do ON Koh Samui
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem features a striking 18-arm statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, a Giant Budda, and other colorful sculptures and serene water features. It was alot bigger than I was expecting.
Big Budda
One of the island’s most iconic landmarks, the Big Buddha statue (Wat Phra Yai) stands at 12 meters tall.
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
A beautiful Terracotta Red Temple located by the sea, decorated with sculptures of sea monsters and warriors.
Chaweng Beach
Shop, dine and relax at a Beach Club, along the popular stretch of beach, in Chaweng
Silver Beach
In my opinion, one of the BEST beaches in Koh Samui, go for lunch, a massage and a swim.
Grandmother rock and Grandfather rock
Another beautiful beach area, with rocks that oddly resemble the body parts of a man and female genitalia….lol
Overlap Stone 1 and 2
Located on top of the mountainside, you will find a huge rock and lookout. Be prepared for a hike up, BUT when you reach the top the view is worth it.
COST: 200 baht which includes a drink.
Visit one of Koh Samui’s Elephant Sanctuaries
Enjoy Koh Samui’s NIGHTLIFE:
- Chaweng walking street and night market
- Fire shows along Chaweng or Bophut Beach.
- Cabaret Show at Paris Fillies in Chaweng Beach
- Lamai Walking Street and Night Markets
- Bophut’s Fishermans Village markets.
- Bar hopping along Chaweng.
Visit Bophut’s Walking Street and Night Markets
Bophut’s famous Fisherman Village night markets, run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with Fridays being the biggest night.
Lad Koh View Point
Visit Lad Koh View point for stunning view up the Koh Samui’s Coastline.
Best Koh Samui Beach clubs & Restaurants
- Cocoon Viewpoint Restaurant
- Pi Samui (Beach club)
- Coco tams (Beach club)
- 79 (Beach club)
- Jungle Club (Viewpoint Restaurant)
- Anantara Beach Club
- The Club, by Zazen
- #LOVE (Beach Club)
- Elephant (Beach Club)
Return to HOMEPAGE
