Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It has soft beaches, palm trees, waterfalls, and a fun island vibe. Whether you want to relax by the sea, eat tasty Thai food, or explore nature, this island has something for everyone. I visited Koh Samui for one week, and I can say it’s one of those places that feels like a dream. Here are some of the best things to do in Koh Samui that made my trip unforgettable.
Relax on Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is the most famous beach on the island. It’s long, sandy, and great for swimming. The water is clear and warm, and there are palm trees everywhere. During the day, it’s the perfect place to sunbathe or read a book under an umbrella. At night, the beach becomes lively with bars, music, and fire shows.
If you want to try water sports, you can rent a paddleboard, go jet skiing, or try banana boat rides. There are also many beachside cafes and restaurants where you can eat fresh seafood while looking at the ocean.
Visit Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
One of the most famous landmarks in Koh Samui is the Big Buddha statue. It’s located on a small island connected by a bridge. The golden Buddha is 12 meters tall and can be seen from far away. When I climbed the steps and stood next to it, I felt peaceful.
Around the temple, you’ll find smaller statues, bells, and stalls selling souvenirs and drinks. It’s a nice place to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the view of the sea from the top.
Make sure to dress modestly when visiting temples. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. If you forget, some shops near the entrance rent scarves and wraps.
Explore Secret Buddha Garden
Hidden in the hills of Koh Samui is the Secret Buddha Garden. It’s a peaceful place full of stone statues, trees, and streams. An old farmer created this garden many years ago as a place for meditation and reflection.
To get there, you need to drive up a winding road. It’s best to go with a 4×4 or join a tour because the road is steep. When I reached the top, the view of the island was incredible. Inside the garden, there are statues of animals, monks, and mythical creatures. It feels quiet and mysterious.
Swim at Na Muang Waterfalls
Na Muang Waterfalls are two beautiful waterfalls located in the jungle. Na Muang 1 is easy to reach and has a natural pool where you can swim. The water is cool and refreshing, perfect after a hot day.
Na Muang 2 is higher up and requires a bit of a hike. The walk is not too hard, but wear good shoes because the path can be slippery. The view from the top is worth it. You’ll see trees all around and hear the sound of water rushing down the rocks.
There are also small shops nearby where you can buy snacks and drinks. Some tours include elephant shows here, but I didn’t support that because I prefer ethical animal tourism.
Watch the Sunset at Lamai Viewpoint
If you love sunsets, you need to visit Lamai Viewpoint. It’s a spot above the beach that gives you a wide view of the ocean and mountains. You can reach it by climbing a staircase or taking a short ride on a cable car.
At the top, there’s a small garden, a fish spa, and a bar where you can have a cold drink. I arrived around 5:30 PM and waited until the sun began to set. The sky turned orange and pink, and the view was stunning. Bring your camera and arrive early to find a good spot.
Try Thai Cooking Classes
One of the most fun things I did in Koh Samui was joining a Thai cooking class. Thai food is famous for its flavors, and learning to cook it was a great experience. The class started with a visit to a local market. The teacher showed us fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices.
Back at the kitchen, we learned how to make curry paste from scratch, cook pad thai, and prepare mango sticky rice. Everyone got their own cooking station. The best part was eating everything we made. It tasted even better because we cooked it ourselves.
Many schools offer classes, and you can choose half-day or full-day lessons. It’s a fun activity for solo travelers, couples, or families.
Visit Ang Thong Marine Park
If you love nature and the sea, you must visit Ang Thong National Marine Park. It’s a group of 42 small islands with green hills, beaches, and caves. You can join a boat tour from Koh Samui that includes snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.
When I went, we first stopped to snorkel near coral reefs. The water was clear, and I saw colorful fish. After that, we visited a lagoon called Emerald Lake. We climbed steps to the top for a perfect view of the lake inside the island.
Then we kayaked around cliffs and through caves. It felt like exploring a hidden world. The tour included lunch and time to relax on a quiet beach. It was one of the best days of my trip.
Walk Around Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is in Bophut, and it has a different feel from the rest of the island. It’s a quiet street near the beach, full of cute shops, cafes, and bars. The buildings have a mix of Thai and French styles.
Every Friday, the village turns into a night market. Stalls line the street selling clothes, souvenirs, food, and handmade crafts. I walked slowly, tasted grilled meat, bought a coconut ice cream, and listened to live music. It’s a great place to spend the evening.
There are also nice restaurants by the sea where you can have dinner while watching the waves.
Get a Beach Massage
Thailand is known for its massages, and Koh Samui is no different. One of the best things to do is get a massage on the beach. You’ll find massage beds set up in small huts right by the sea.
The prices are cheap compared to other countries. You can choose a Thai massage, oil massage, or foot massage. The sound of the waves and the gentle breeze make it even more relaxing. After walking all day or hiking to waterfalls, this is a perfect way to unwind.
You can also visit a spa for a more private experience with herbal steam rooms and long treatments.
Visit Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is another colorful temple near the Big Buddha. It has a large statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, with 18 arms. It sits on a lake, and there’s a peaceful vibe all around.
You can walk on the bridge around the temple, feed the fish, or sit quietly and watch people pray. The details on the statues and paintings are beautiful. I went early in the morning when it was quiet. It felt calm and spiritual.
There’s no entrance fee, but donations are welcome. It’s a nice stop if you enjoy learning about local religion and culture.
Join a Muay Thai Class or Watch a Match
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. If you want to learn something new and burn some calories, try a beginner class. Many gyms on the island offer training for visitors. The trainers are friendly and help you learn the basics.
Even if you don’t want to train, watching a live Muay Thai match is exciting. The energy, the music, the crowd—it’s very different from anything I had seen before. Matches are usually held in the evening, and tickets are easy to buy.
It’s a good way to see part of Thai culture and enjoy a night out with something unique.
Taste Street Food at Local Markets
Koh Samui has many local markets where you can try tasty street food. Some of the best ones are in Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam. In the evenings, these markets come alive with lights and smells.
You’ll find grilled meat on sticks, fried chicken, pad thai, spicy soups, fresh fruit, and sweet treats like roti pancakes. Most dishes cost just a few dollars. I loved trying something new every night.
The markets are also a good place to buy cheap clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to try the coconut water—it’s fresh and cold, perfect for hot days.
Ride Around the Island on a Scooter
If you feel confident, renting a scooter is a fun way to explore Koh Samui. The island is small enough to drive around in a few hours. You can stop at hidden beaches, viewpoints, small temples, and local food stalls.
Just make sure you wear a helmet, carry your license, and drive carefully. Some roads are steep or have sharp turns. I loved the freedom of stopping anywhere I liked and discovering quiet spots with no crowds.
There are many rental shops, and prices are low. It’s a simple way to see more of the island at your own pace.
Koh Samui is full of surprises and peaceful places. Whether you want to relax, explore nature, or learn about Thai culture, the island offers it all. Every day feels like a mix of adventure and calm, with smiling people, tasty food, and endless sea views.
