Located on the east coast of Thailand, Koh Samui is their second-largest island after Phuket. A tropical climate, warm all year-round with an average temperature between 28-32º C or 82º to 86º Fahrenheit.
So if you’re looking for a sunny destination you can’t go wrong with Koh Samui.
So let’s have a look at the 10 Top Places To Visit in Koh Samui Thailand.
Table of contents
10. Hin Tan & Hin Yai Rocks
A pair of rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Beach called Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai), this geologic feature often raises indulgent chuckles and embarrassed titters for looking like male and female genitalia.
But aside from this humorous wonder of nature, the ocean view is no joke. Pick a good rock to sit down on, and enjoy an incredible view.
Don’t forget to check it out from the Lamai Viewpoint, a nice perch above Hin Ta and Hin Yai that many people easily miss. Trust us, the sights are worth it!
There are no admission fees, but you’ll have to pay for parking if you come by car or scooter.
9. Chaweng Noi Beach
Located in the south of Chaweng, one of the busiest areas in Koh Samui, it is a surprisingly chilled and quiet location. A beach, nothing compared to its busier neighbor to the north. So, for those looking for a place to relax, this is it! Snorkel around or wander down the beach. Chaweng Noi is perfect for older travelers and families, as opposed to energetic Chaweng which is geared toward the younger crowd.
Beautiful, less-populated, romantic Chaweng Noi is a beach with a private feel to it. No doubt, one of the more exclusive beaches on Koh Samui, since it is not accessible from the main road. You’ll need to enter through one of the resorts on the ring road. But don’t you worry, you have lots of high-end resorts and villas to choose from. The Fair House Beach Resort is one. Well-maintained and boasting of an impeccable landscape.
8. Wat Plai Laem
A Buddhist temple compound on Samui’s northeast coast, about 3 km north of Samui International Airport, 3 km east of Bophut Beach, and 7.5 km away from Chaweng Beach.
Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem features a striking white, 18-armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. It offers a unique experience of Chinese-Thai beliefs, as well as elaborate Buddhist art and architecture. Open to visitors all-day during daylight hours, it is particularly lively during festivals such as the Lunar New Year.
Since this is a sacred place, be polite and dress accordingly, during your visit. Wear shirts or scarves that cover the shoulders, trousers or long shorts, and avoid beachwear. Worshippers often don white clothing when visiting the temple.
Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
7. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
A fascinating archipelago of 42 islands covering 102 km² at the shore of the Surat Thai Province, east of Ko Samui. The islands and their waters are excellent for snorkeling, kayaking, enjoying the beaches, hiking, and more. And if you like diving, there are few diving sites on the northern islands.
Wua Ta Lap viewpoint is one of the famous attractions of the park. It takes about 30 minutes to trek this 500m steep trail but the view from the top is absolutely amazing, as you get a panoramic view of the national park. The only way to enter the park though is through licensed tour guides.
Many tour companies offer both group and private boat tours. The most affordable way is to join a group with predetermined schedules and destinations. Arrange these upon your arrival on the island. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm every day.
6. Fisherman’s Village
Located in the North of Koh Samui, it is a village in the historic part of Bophut. Picture rustic-style buildings housing boutique stores, trendy restaurants, and a small selection of hotels lining the narrow Beach Road.
And if you’re stopping by on a Monday or Friday, immerse in the local cuisine and culture by visiting the famous Fisherman’s Village Walking Street night market! Where people from across the island converge to check out a variety of wares, souvenirs, and a lively atmosphere.
There are many things to do. Stroll through the quaint streets, shop, or dine at one of the many local restaurants. And of course, enjoy the beautiful white sand and crystal blue waters of Bophut beach, right in front of Fisherman’s village!
5. Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Founded in 2018, it has one site in Bophut, and another in Chaweng Noi. The Sanctuary provides a caring home to rescued elephants. They offer Hotel pick-up from most accommodations on Koh Samui.
At the Sanctuary, you’ll start the tour by watching an informative welcome video, to get you clued in. And once you’re ready, it’s time to feed the elephants! Hey, did you know that an elephant can eat 10% of its body weight every day? Yeah I know it sounds like a lot.
Next, you’ll prepare some snacks for the elephants. Prepare to get your hands dirty, as you mix ripe bananas with cooked rice and ground-up grains. You can of course skip this step if you don’t feel like it. Once the snack is ready, let these adorable elephants munch at it!
The Sanctuary offers a morning tour between 09:00 to 11:30 AM and an afternoon tour between 1:00 to 4:00 PM. A fun experience for the family, especially the kids!
4. Lamai Beach
Located on the south coast of Koh Samui, 15 minutes south of Chaweng and 25 minutes from the airport. Lamai Beach is the second largest beach and is definitely more laid-back than Chaweng.
The beach has 3 sections, the northern part consists of mostly budget to mid-range bungalows and resorts. The central part has a nice mix of budget and mid-range, with some high-end resorts. The southern end boasts of more resorts and a few bars and restaurants.
Accommodation, shopping, and dining are cheaper in Lamai. So, you can do more here. Rent jet skis and kayaks, charter a speedboat, or have a try at windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing.
There’s also a good range of sports available. And did we mention, that the beach has crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and breathtaking views? You can also ease the stress away through one of the massage salas dotting the beachfront. Most masseurs offer Thai and oil massages, as well as aloe-vera body wraps, henna tattoos, manicures, and hair braiding. If you’re on a budget, this is for you!
Located in the north of Koh Samui Island, not far from Bophut Beach, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on this vacation island. Most accommodations are located directly on the beach so you can go straight into the water after breakfast.
3. Maenam Beach
Maenam has enough to keep the most active vacationers entertained: water sports, golf, as well as eco-friendly, cultural activities. It is one of the favorite spots for kitesurfing or kiteboarding due to its excellent location.
Samui Canopy Adventures offers an exhilarating day of fun and discovery in Maenam’s hinterland rainforest. With a 500-meter zip-line course traversing lush vegetation, centenary trees, and cool waterfalls.
Or tee off at one of the best golf courses in Thailand, Santiburi Samui Country Club. With an 18-hole course stretching across magnificent hills, coconut plantations, rock-filled valleys, streams, and waterfalls. These spectacular views of the Gulf of Thailand prove that it is indeed, a world-class golf course!
If you’re looking for a tranquil beachfront holiday, just choose one of the many resorts along the shore and you won’t regret it!
2. Choeng Mon
Located on the east side of Koh Samui, just a few minutes’ drive from Koh Samui Airport, Choeng Mon is one of the best areas to rent a Koh Samui villa.
Uniquely beautiful despite its small area and proximity to other beaches, Choeng Mon offers a relaxed vibe. Hidden away in its own bay with stunning views over the crystal blue ocean, the beach offers a sense of privacy and attracts couples, families, and those looking for peace and quiet. With soft white sand and calm waters, it is perfect for swimming and beachfront activities all year round.
Take note, this beach is rated as the best on the island!
It is bordered by high to mid-range resorts, with Thai-style restaurants in between, offering complimentary sunbeds with the purchase of food and beverage. At the west end is the 5-star Sala Samui which has a public walkway to provide access to residents of the luxury ocean-view villas nearby. At the farther end of the beach, you’ll find the islet of Ko Fan Noi.
During low tide, you can actually walk to the island – otherwise, rent a kayak to get there or circle it before heading back to your sun lounger on the main beach.
1. Silver Beach
This beautiful hidden beach is a true gem! A 250-meter-long tropical paradise set in a charming little bay just north of Lamai Beach. It faces the foothills and cliffs separating Lamai from the popular Chaweng area.
Silver Beach has fine, white, soft sand and clear waters, protected on both sides by jungle-topped hills and mountains. Enjoy many laid-back activities like snorkeling, a sea kayak, or just a relaxing Thai massage in full view of the soothing waves and swaying palm trees. It is a quiet escape, perfect for couples and those looking for a calmer getaway.
You can always grab a motorbike taxi for a 10-minute ride to Lamai beach if you yearn for a livelier destination. Along the beach, are 4 long-established hotels and restaurants.
Getting to Silver Beach can be a little misleading. It also goes by the name of Crystal Bay due to the resort that sits right at the beach. So, it may seem like you’re driving up to a hotel but if you keep going, you will find the entrance to the beach.
Include Silver beach in your Koh Samui itinerary, along with the Overlap viewpoint and the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks.
Conclusion
These are the Top 10 places to visit in Koh Samui. Have you ever been to any of these places? Which one was your favorite? I’d love to hear from you.
If you would like to watch a video showing these places in greater detail, please check my YouTube Channel.
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