10 Top Things to do on Koh Samui, Thailand

Crystal-clear sparkling waters, numerous luxurious resorts that boast powdery white beaches and the unlimited possibilities of exciting adventure – this is what’s on the menu for visitors of one of Thailand’s top tropical islands — Koh Samui.

The island is the country’s second biggest and considered as favourite playground of international travellers seeking to bask under the sun. Koh (meaning island) Samui is easily accessible too as travel time from capital Bangkok is under one hour, suggesting that fun time in the island is ready for the taking.

For tourists looking to discover what precisely the Gulf of Thailand, where the island paradise of Koh Samui lies, has to offer, here’s a quick rundown of the great pleasures that await them:

Buddha Welcome

Flying in to Koh Samui, visitors will be greeted by the 12-metre high and gold-laced Big Buddha that is the island’s most popular landmark. The majestic monument can be seen from miles away and points to similar though smaller structures further inland.

One example is the Secret Buddha Garden that according to StylishTravelTips.com is “an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds.” For first hand appreciation of the site, one has to travel to the Magic Garden and the road leading to the place “is very steep and requires good driving skills.”

All-Day Fishing Tour

Past the point of entry to Koh Samui, the island’s all-day fishing tours beckon. These organised fishing expeditions give tourists the chance to prowl through the Gulf of Thailand and take home exotic catches like barracuda and snappers. Such offerings normally include shuttle and lunch accommodations, ensuring that the adventure is both enjoyable and comfortable.

Beach and Island Hopping

It’s a must too for visitors to check out the island tour offered by Five Islands restaurant. “The tour takes you on a tour around small islands just off the coast of Koh Samui that are fiercely guarded by Sea Gypsies from poachers. Sights include caves, remote dwellings, hidden beaches and people collecting birds spit nests for Chinese cuisine. The tour includes snorkelling,” according to blog site KohSamuiLife.SamuiAccommodation.info.

Or visitors can just head out to Koh Samui’s best beaches, which TheiTravelChannel.tv listed as the following – Chaweng Cove, Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach. It is the latter that is the most popular among the three, frequented by foreign tourists for its white soft sand, variety of restaurants, bars, shopping areas and numerous water activities such as jet skiing, banana boating, canoeing, and windsurfing boards.

Other Pristine Beach Options

True to its paradise island label, Koh Samui also draws in visitors looking to get a taste of nearly untouched beach features. Likely the best of this kind in the island is the Silver Beach, “an enchanting bay between Lamai Beach to the North east and the more popular bustling beach at Chaweng. It is a mid-point of sorts that offers spectacular views of Koh Samui.” Silver Beach is the place to be for tourists planning to go kayaking or snorkelling, according to StylishTravelTips.com.

Koh Samui Viewpoints

Found in the south coast of Koh Samui are the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks (also known Grandpa and Grandma Rocks). Dubbed as among the most popular tourist spots in the island, the rock formations easily remind of the human genitalia that certainly piques the curiosity of many visitors. But more importantly, the place’s viewpoint and unique characteristics make it a perfect photo spot.

Sharing the same attribute is The Jungle Club, which TheiTravelChannel.tv said, is the best location to catch a panoramic view of Koh Samui.

Na Muang

Also on the southern part of Koh Samui is the Na Muang Safari Park that promises loads of adventures and majestic sceneries for tourists and families alike. The foremost attraction is the Na Muang Waterfall, described by StylishTravelTips.com as the “best hidden secret,” in the island. To marvel at the breath-taking beauty of the fall, one has to endure a 30-minute hike but all the trouble will disappear into thin air once the destination is reached.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Within Koh Samui, the sprawling Ang Thong National Marine Park offers a collection of 42 mini-islands that feature of unique experience for each stop. It is “stunning oasis that consists of … limestone massifs, breath-taking coastlines and verdant tropical rain forests,” writes StylishTravelTips.com.

Mummified Monk

And to deviate a bit from the usual Koh Samui tour experience, visitors can get a touch of history by dropping by on the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram. X2Resorts.com provided a brief of the historical attraction: “Monk Luong Pordaeng died almost 30 years ago and on his death asked the other monks at the Wat Khunaram temple to cremate his body if he began to decompose or display it if it did not. And so that is how the monk donned the ray brands and became a huge tourist attraction. Please bear in mind this is a religious site so covering of the knees and shoulders is expected.”

Cooking Class

Another diversion from the normal routine in Koh Samui is to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, or better yet learn a thing or two on the unique and delicious dishes. On this, the place to begin with is Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts where 3-hour courses are available. The lessons mostly focused on “the royal art of carving fruits and vegetables in intricate floral designs,” KohSamuiLife.SamuiAccommodation.info said on its report. At every course’s completion, students can then share the fruits of their labour to friends and family.

Bohput Fisherman’s Village

Lastly, if one prefers to instead sit back and relish Thai food, a trip to Bohput Fisherman’s Village can never go wrong, especially true for those craving for seafood. StylishTravelTips.com best described why Fisherman’s Village remains a favourite by local and international tourists alike: “This beautiful and quaint village has a charming vintage touch with its wooden houses (built by Chinese immigrants), its fishing pier, and its cool beach. The serene village Bophut also has a pleasant but crowded “walking street” with local handicrafts, clothing and delicious street food sold in dozens of stalls lining the main street.”