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Must-see places in Koh Samui

Things to see and do in Koh Samui

We usually do not go to Koh Samui for its monuments but there are still some interesting places to see like Wat Khunaram and its mummified monk.

At the end of the page, I have also listed some good tours, excursions and activities you can do in or from Koh Samui. Click here to see them.

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Map of sights in Koh Samui

Must-sees Other sights

Must-visit places in Koh Samui

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) - Koh Samui

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

วัดพระใหญ่

My opinion : 5/5

in the North of the island, close to the airport. It is quite impressive.
Wat Plai Laem - Koh Samui

Wat Plai Laem

วัดปลายแหลม

My opinion : 5/5

This Buddhist and Chinese temple is especially remarkable for its large statue of the goddess Guanyin and its 18 arms. Located near the Big Buddha, it may be interesting to add to the big Buddha visit.
Koh Taen island - Koh Samui

Koh Taen island

เกาะ แตน

My opinion : 5/5

This small island and its neighbor Koh Matsum are located in the south of Koh Samui, about twenty minutes by boat. Still wild, there is a reef where you can snorkel among multicolored fishes. It is a half day or full day trip tour still preserved from mass tourism.
Hin Ta Hin Yai - Koh Samui

Hin Ta Hin Yai

หินตา หินยาย

My opinion : 4/5

Located on the seafront between Lamai and Hua Thanon, these rocks have the shape of a penis and a vagina and attract many tourists who want to photograph them.
Koh Samui Summit - Koh Samui

Koh Samui Summit

พระพุทธ ทีปังกร

My opinion : 5/5

On the highest point of Koh Samui when the weather is good you have a magnificent view over the island. At the top, there is a temple, Wat Theepangkorn with a large standing Buddha image on a large esplanade that gives access to the view. Few people know it but the best view is not there...
Ang Thong National Marine Park - Koh Samui

Ang Thong National Marine Park

อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะอ่างทอง

My opinion : 5/5

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of about 42 islands offering breathtaking sceneries. All the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except two: Koh Paluay, inhabited by gypsies of the sea and Koh Wua Talap where the park office and the bungalows for those who would like to spend the night there are located. There are also two lovely beaches, the Buaboke Cave and the most famous viewpoint of Ang Thong. The other must-see of any excursion in the park is Thale Nai, a beautiful emerald saltwater lake. Admission to the park costs 300 baht per person. All Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao agencies offer boat trips to the Ang Thong Marine Park with snorkeling and diving but it is Koh Samui which is the nearest island.
Koh Matsum - Koh Samui

Koh Matsum

เกาะมัดสุม

My opinion : 3/5

Known now as the pig island since a small family of wild pigs has been introduced on the island to make it more popular with tourists, Ko Madsum is almost always associated with visiting or at least snorkeling off Koh Taen, the neighbor island.
Overlap Stone - Koh Samui

Overlap Stone


My opinion : 4/5

This large rock which seems to be threatening to fall into the void at any time offers a very nice viewpoint on Lamai Beach and has become one of the best known viewpoints in Ko Samui. Only problem, it is not so easy to get there.

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Other places worth visiting in Koh Samui

Samui Elephant Sanctuary - Koh Samui

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

This respectful elephant sanctuary opened in early 2018. It is the first elephant sanctuary on an island that had until then only elephants trekking camps. By going there, you will live a beautiful encounter with elephants while being sure to not involuntarily participate in their abuse.
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda - Koh Samui

Khao Hua Jook Pagoda

and its golden chedi temple close to Chaweng Beach. Perched on a hill, Kho Hua Jook pagoda offers a beautiful view on the airport runway and the lake
Khao Chedi - Koh Samui

Khao Chedi

This small temple not far from the Laem Sor Pagoda is perched on a little hill in the South of Koh Samui and doesn't lack of charm with its refined white Buddhas. It also offers beautiful views on Koh Taen and Koh Matsum islands and the Bang Kao bay.
Lamai Viewpoint - Koh Samui

Lamai Viewpoint

This small viewpoint offers stunning views over Lamai Beach. Located just above the Grandpa and Grandma rocks, many tourists miss it because its access is a bit hidden.
Koh Phangan island - Koh Samui

Koh Phangan island

Opposite Koh Samui, Koh Phangan island deserves you to stay there for several days and nights to really discover and enjoy it but it is possible to just go there fore the day and visit the main places and beaches, snorkel ect... either by tours via travel agencies or by yourself but you have to calculate it good with the ferry between Samui and Ko Phangan timetables.
Wat Khunaram - Koh Samui

Wat Khunaram

and its mummified monk with sunglasses. The building is modest but seing this well-preserved mummified monk in meditation position with his sunglasses is pretty funny.
Wat Sila Ngu - Koh Samui

Wat Sila Ngu

This small temple still little known to tourists has a red hall with magnificent relief sculptures. Located on Hua Thanon beach in the south of Koh Samui, it can be accessed from the main road or from the beach via a staircase.
Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden) - Koh Samui

Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)

This small private garden has earned a reputation in Koh Samui. In a beautiful setting with rocks, trees and waterfalls, there are statues of Buddhas and figures of Buddhism. This garden is a charming place but tis not secret anymore as every day many people visit it. But it is interesting to go there especially if you have the chance to visit it when there is nobody else.
Laem Sor Pagoda - Koh Samui

Laem Sor Pagoda

located at the southern tip of the island, on the rocky coast, it has a golden chedi and was built from thousands of golden tiles.

More suggested visits in Koh Samui

  • The coast
    is still a beautiful place with little parts preserved for tourism development.

Tours in Koh Samui and around

This selection includes tours, excursions and activities in Koh Samui that I have tested myself or that were tested by people I fully trust, as well as offers from agencies and websites known for their reliability and quality.

1 day trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed ​​Boat

1 day trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed ​​Boat

Offered in English
Off the coast of Koh Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park is undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most stunning natural gems. Between its emerald lagoon, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, the experience is as diverse as it is unforgettable. A must-do excursion not to be missed if you’re staying in Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
Details & Booking
Koh Samui out f the beaten tracks in 4×4

Koh Samui out f the beaten tracks in 4×4

Offered in English
Explore the inner beauty of Koh Samui island far from the regular tourist sites in a small group with a English guide. Discover Samui local life and the hidden places that most tourists never see.
Details & Booking
Koh Tan & Koh Matsum by Long Tail Boat

Koh Tan & Koh Matsum by Long Tail Boat

Offered in English
The small Koh Tan island is half an hour by longtail boat from Koh Samui. Prestine sand beach, seabed with multicolored fish, mangroves, temple..., with its neighbor Koh Matsum and its wild pigs, it offers a nice setting for a day trip from Samui.
Details & Booking
Koh Samui: Mix Land and Sea

Koh Samui: Mix Land and Sea

Offered in English
This offer invites you to discover the interior of Koh Samui island, its fruits plantations, a secret waterfall, the local life, amazing viewpoints and will finish the afternoon by taking you to a small neighboring island for snorkeling, an barbecue, local rhum drinking, relaxation and swimming.
Details & Booking
Traditional Thai Cooking Class

Traditional Thai Cooking Class

Offered in English
Thai cuisine is reputed to be one of the best in the world, particularly due to the variety of its flavors, ingredients and spices. A Thai Chef in Koh Samui will welcome you to her home to teach you how to choose ingredients and cook 5 traditional Thai dishes.
Details & Booking

Activities and excursions in Koh Samui

Tours from Koh Samui

Discover Koh Phangan Land & Sea
Samui Insolite

Discover Koh Phangan Land & Sea

Discover the natural beauty of Koh Phangan island differently on a day that will focus on local life and atmosphere. Departure from Koh Samui possible.
Details & Booking

Places to see elsewhere in Thailand

Ban Pa Pong Piang rice terraces

Ban Pa Pong Piang rice terraces

This tiny village in the mountains of Doi Inthanon has, it is said, the most beautiful rice terraces in Thailand. I do not know if it is true but yes, they are superb. Staying up there in spartan…


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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This is the best-known and most touristic floating market in Thailand. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, it is still pleasant to visit, especially early in the morning. It is open every day.


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Similan Isands

Similan Isands

Comprising 11 islands, the Mu Ko Similan National Park offers seascapes and beaches as well as some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand. This exceptional environment is…


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Wat Phra Ngam

Wat Phra Ngam

This small temple is very rarely mentioned in guide books but its ''Gate of Time'', a ruined arch in the roots of a tree, is probably one of the most photogenic places n Ayutthaya. I let you judge by…


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