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. I also listed at the end of the page some good tours, excursions and activities that you can do in Koh Samui or from Koh Samui. Click here to see them.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
starstarstarstarstar 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.
starstarstarstar 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
starstarstarstar 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.
starstarstarstar 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.
starstarstarstar 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.
starstarstar 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.
starstarstar 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.
starstarstar 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.
starstar 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.
Other visits suggestions 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 to do in Koh Samui that I personally tested or were tested by people I fully trust and offers by recognized agencies or websites known for their seriousness and quality.
Offered in English The Ang Thong Marine Park near Koh Samui island is one of the most beautiful of its kind in Thailand. It is definitely a must visit if you are in Samui or Koh Phangan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This 250-meter high limestone peak is emblematic of Phatthalung city. Located behind the train station, you can see it from afar and will probably be tempted to climb it to have a dominant view...
Another big night market that settles in a street in the center of Chiang Rai beoming pedestrian to accommodate for a few hours vendors of all kinds (clothes, souvenirs, vegetables, artcrafts) and...
This lake located about sixty kilometers from the city of Udon Thani is a nice place to have lunch and spend part of the afternoon. Once there, you can rent a floating bamboo hut that a boat pulls...
UPDATE: the free event at Mae Kuan is CANCELLED (see below)
Every year, Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand, hosts grand celebrations for Loy Krathong and the Yi Peng Festival, the northern-specific festival best known for the...
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