Things to do in Koh Samui

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More about 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

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.


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