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Things to do
wellness
beach
outdoors
nightlife
food & wine
fishing
rainforest
flora
boating
surfing, wind/kitesurfing
beach
outdoors
nightlife
food & wine
fishing
rainforest
flora
boating
surfing, wind/kitesurfing
*Soak up the sun on the island's many beaches, from busy Chaweng to quiet Choengmon
*Get pampered at a spa retreat
*Dive and snorkel with sharks, manta rays and barracuda at the Ang Thong Marine National Park
*Swim in Samui's two main waterfalls - Namtok Na Mueng and Namtok Hin Lat
*Visit the mummified monk and other shrines around the island
*Get pampered at a spa retreat
*Dive and snorkel with sharks, manta rays and barracuda at the Ang Thong Marine National Park
*Swim in Samui's two main waterfalls - Namtok Na Mueng and Namtok Hin Lat
*Visit the mummified monk and other shrines around the island
Attractions and sights
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Luxurious spa retreats
There are numerous retreats on the islands that focus on health and relaxation. The Spa Samui Beach Resort focuses on detox cleansing, yoga and meditation; the spa at the Anantara Lawana island retreat has a full range of rejuvenation and relaxation treatments, while the mountaintop sanctuary Six Senses Samui combine locally-inspired treatments and traditional hot stone massages with Pilates, yoga and Reiki.
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Ko Samui's beaches
The island's two main beaches are Chaweng and Lamai; both have restaurants, bars and raucous nightlife, though Lamai doesn't get as crowded. Big Buddha Beach is good for swimming, Lipa Noi beach and Phang Ka bay are particularly good for sunset-watching, while the quiet Choengmon and Tailing Ngam beaches are best for relaxation.
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Diving in Ang Thong Marine Park
The rich underwater landscape of this 42-island park consists of coral gardens, underwater mountains and rock formations. Samran Pinnacles attract barracuda and jackfish, at Ko Krah and Ko Losin islands you can spot blacktip and whale sharks, manta rays, and loggerhead turtles, and Ko Tan is great for snorkeling. Lamai Scuba Divers and The Dive Academy are respected diving outfits.
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Gorging on fresh seafood
The best of Ko Samui's eating scene involves locally caught fresh fish and seafood. Join the locals right by the water at the likes of shabby Bang Po for curried squid or flying fish in coconut milk, or book a table at Dining on the Rocks where the refined Thai and international dishes are served in an unusual terraced deck setting.
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Na Mueng & Hin Lat waterfalls
Ko Samui has two main waterfalls: Namtok Hin Lat, its numerous levels with large water holes for swimming in, and Namtok Na Mueang, which consists of two waterfalls. At the second waterfall, water gushes down from an impressive 79m onto the purple rocks.
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Wat Khunaram temple
Ko Samui's most visited temple, Wat Khunaram, is famous for the mummified body of Luong Pordaeng, a revered former abbot able to predict his own death. The mummy sits on display in a glass casket, with the faithful bringing him offerings of incense and flowers.
More attractions
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More attractions and sights
*Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha Temple, is famous for its 15m-tall golden statue of the deity. Nearby is Wat Plai Laem, featuring an 18-armed Guanyin - goddess of mercy.
*Hidden high in the hills, the Secret Buddha Garden consists of numerous deity statues sitting amidst jungle greenery, collected by a local farmer. Good views of the island from above.
*The Samui Insitute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA) offers daily Thai cooking classes, courses, and tutorials on how to procure Thai ingredients in your home country; you get to eat your creations at the end of the lesson.
*The annual Ko Samui Regatta in May attracts competitors from all over the world who come for five days of sailing and seven nights of post-sail partying.
*The Ten Stars Samui Art Party is a bi-monthly event that brings together Thai and international artists, who showcase their contemporary works in various resorts, and people who love art
*The Buffalo Fighting Festival held on New Year's Day and during the Songkran festival in April, consists of buffalo, decorated with ribbons and gold-plated leaves and blessed by monks, fighting each other.
*On Chaweng Beach several venues, including Starz Cabaret, offer ladyboy cabaret shows, with pre- and post-op 'ladies' putting on a raucous show. Some audience participation.
*Hidden high in the hills, the Secret Buddha Garden consists of numerous deity statues sitting amidst jungle greenery, collected by a local farmer. Good views of the island from above.
*The Samui Insitute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA) offers daily Thai cooking classes, courses, and tutorials on how to procure Thai ingredients in your home country; you get to eat your creations at the end of the lesson.
*The annual Ko Samui Regatta in May attracts competitors from all over the world who come for five days of sailing and seven nights of post-sail partying.
*The Ten Stars Samui Art Party is a bi-monthly event that brings together Thai and international artists, who showcase their contemporary works in various resorts, and people who love art
*The Buffalo Fighting Festival held on New Year's Day and during the Songkran festival in April, consists of buffalo, decorated with ribbons and gold-plated leaves and blessed by monks, fighting each other.
*On Chaweng Beach several venues, including Starz Cabaret, offer ladyboy cabaret shows, with pre- and post-op 'ladies' putting on a raucous show. Some audience participation.
More about Koh Samui
Ask friends for recommendations
When to go
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Best time to go:
Dry season is between December and February; in spring there is a lot of sunshine but it's also the hottest time of year. Diving conditions are best between March and July.
Where to stay
Ask friends for recommendations
How to get there
Fly directly to Samui airport, or else take a combined bus-boat service from Surat Thani or Bangkok.
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