Things to do in Koh Samui

Things to do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui might seem like your classic Thai island getaway — but look closer and it’s not hard to spot the extra polish. One minute you’re sipping coconuts in a bamboo massage hut, the next it’s sunset cocktails at a clifftop bar. You can wander temple paths barefoot in the morning, then hit a night market lit with fairy lights and fire shows. Between waterfall hikes, beachfront Muay Thai and fresh seafood by candlelight, Koh Samui makes the everyday island vibe feel a little more refined, without needing wads of cash to explore.

Unique Koh Samui things you can’t do anywhere else

• Visit the Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram: Luang Pho Daeng’s been sitting calmly in lotus pose since 1973. Still wearing sunnies. Still iconic.
• Explore the Secret Buddha Garden: Ever visited a jungle hilltop maze of mossy statues built by a retired durian farmer? Probably not - but now’s your chance.
• Tour a coconut plantation: Did you know Samui was once more famous for coconuts than cooking classes? Learn all about it on family-run farms with laid-back tours and fresh sips.
• Take a traditional Southern Thai cooking class: Market visits, coconut-heavy recipes and southern-style spice.

Best Koh Samui attractions to see

• See Wat Plai Laem and its 18-armed Guan Yin: A lakeside temple that is bright, detailed and full of giant statues. Here, it feels just as playful as they are spiritual.
• Check out Fisherman’s Village Sunday Market: Old wooden houses turned into boutique shops and bars, plus street food, lanterns and live music by the water.
• Discover Na Muang Waterfall: Double trouble with these two inland waterfalls to splash about in.
• Unwind at Lamai and Chaweng Beaches: Pick your vibe. Want lively bustle and beach clubs? Go Chaweng. For something a bit quieter (and a bit more focused on the swims) Lamai’s right there.
• Visit Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): A 12-metre golden Buddha on its own little island off Samui’s north. Classic Thailand and fabulously photogenic.

Best Koh Samui day trips and tours

• Boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park: Snorkel, kayak, and hike your way through a chain of 42 islands straight out of a movie.
• Snorkel off Koh Taen or Koh Tao: Jump off the boat into coral reefs, with tropical fish and turtles if you’re lucky. Close by but feels remote.
• Watch Muay Thai at Phetch Buncha Stadium: Sweaty, loud, thrilling. Ringside seats, live commentary and maybe a cheeky Singha in hand.
• Full-moon party at Koh Phangan: Neon paint, thumping bass and beach dancing all night. Time it right with the lunar cycle, and you can do the go-hard-or-go-home experience.

Budgeting for things to do in Koh Samui

If you’re smart, Samui won’t sting your wallet. Many of the best bits — like temple visits, beach swims and waterfall hikes — are completely free. 

Local eats come cheap too, especially if you’re happy to dine in markets and beach huts (think AU$10 or less).

Mid-range stuff like ziplining or rum tasting sits around AU$ 40–60, while snorkelling or marine park day trips will land between AU$90–150. 

Splurging? Private speedboats or spa days clock in around AU$200 or more. But a 7-Eleven coconut and sunset at Silver Beach might hit just as hard.

Free things to do in Koh Samui

• Catch sunset at Big Buddha or Wat Plai Laem: Both spots have incredible views over the glowing skies. Sunsets can feel otherworldly, even if your budget is really not.
• Swim at Silver Beach or Lipa Noi: Calm water, soft sand and no crowds? Yes please. Make a day of it with BYO snacks and towels.
• Stroll along Hua Thanon fishing village: A quiet, traditional Muslim village with colourful longtail boats and seaside mosques. You better believe that here feels a world away from Samui's resort side.
• Visit temples like Wat Ratchathammaram (Red Temple): Also called Wat Sila Ngu or Stone Snake Temple. This red‑terracotta temple sits above Hua Thanon, with its artistic carvings, snake statues, ocean views… and no real crowds. 
• Sunset yoga on the beach: Classes pop up around Lamai and Lipa Noi on occasion. But if you want to save some baht, roll out your own mat for a golden hour stretch that costs zilch.