In this article, you’re going to know about the best places in Koh Samui. Koh Samui has beautiful and gorgeous beaches, diverse culture and has many different activities in which visitors can engage. Apart from the beautiful beaches and the vibrant nightlife, the city also has wonderful waterfalls, dense mountainous rainforest and historical temples.
So, if you are travelling to Koh Samui for the first time, you can explore places like Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Wat Plai Laem, Secret Buddha Garden, Fisherman’s Village, Na Muang Waterfall, Chaweng Beach and Paradise Park Farm in Koh Samui.
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1. Big Buddha Temple
Big Buddha Temple is one of the top tourist destinations in Koh Samui and is also known as the Wat Phra Yai temple. People from all around the world flock to this tourist destination as it houses the 12 metre high gold painted Buddha statue. The temple is mounted on the island Koh Fan which is connected to Koh Samui by a roadway making it easily accessible for people to travel. The statue was built in 1972. It was built to celebrate the victory of Budhha over the evil forces. If you observe the statue carefully you will find Budhha in a very pure, calm and resolved state.
Activities to do in the Big Buddha Temple
- Climb the staircase with the dragon design to reach the platform where the 12-meter-high Buddha statue sits.
- Wander through the temple grounds, which include two additional Buddha images in pavilions.
- Shop for Souvenirs like the amulets, clothing, and other souvenirs.
- You can visit other nearby attraction like Bangrak Market, Fisherman’s Village, Chaweng Beach and Maenam Beach.
Opening hour
The temple is open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. It would be best to visit the Big Buddha Temple in the morning time when the climate will be pleasant and it will be less crowded.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to enter the temple. However, donations are appreciated.
Direction
The best way to reach the Big Buddha Temple would be to take a private cab which would take around 1 hour to reach the destination. Alternatively you can also take the scooter or songthaews to reach the location.
2. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks is also famously known as the grandmother and grandfather rocks. It is called the grandfather and grandmother rocks due to its resemblance to the human genitalia. There is an interesting story behind the granite formation. It’s one of the top places to visit in Koh Samui.
It is said that in a nearby village in Nakhon Si Thammarat lived an elderly couple named Ta and Yai. They were looking for a bride for their son. They found someone in the province of Prachuap Kiri Khan which was really far. So they decided to use their wooden boat to reach the place. However, the strong winds and waves had other plans. They tossed the little boat. The couple drowned in the sea. People say that their bodies were transformed into rocks and what we know today as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks.
Activities to do in the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
- Learn about the history of the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks.
- Relax on the lamai beach which provides a laid back atmosphere to swim and dine.
- You can go for snorkelling and discover the underworld coral reef.
- You can visit the nearby attraction lamai beach.
Opening hour
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks are open all throughout the year and have no fixed opening or closing times as they are part of the natural landscape.
Direction
If you are staying on the island then you can take a private cab, taxi or shared local taxi ( Songthaews) to reach the location. You might also consider booking a guided tour that includes Hin Ta and Hin Yai in its itinerary which will be the best option.
3. Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Tong also means Golden bassin, is among the beautiful places in Koh Samui you can visit. It is an enchanting marine park made up of 42 islands of varying shapes and sizes. Renowned for having the emerald lagoon, limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches the park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure.
If you get bored lounging on the sand then you can try snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. To take the tour of the park you can take the speed boat cruise. You will be mesmerised by the beauty of the park. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast seeking serenity or an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill, Ang Thong Marine Park promises an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.
Activities to do in the Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life in the crystal-clear waters.
- Hike to the top of Wua Talap Hill for stunning views of the archipelago.
- Visit Bua Bok Cave, a cave with stalagmite and stalactite formations, accessible by a 1 km hike.
- You can visit nearby attraction like the Ko Wua Ta Lap.
Opening hour
Ang Thong National Marine Park is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The park is closed annually from October 20th to December 20th.
Entry Fee
Yes, there is an entrance fee of 300 baht for the foreigners while for the kids the fee is 150 Baht.
Direction
The most common and efficient way to reach Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui is by speedboat tour. These tours are readily available and offer a relatively quick and comfortable journey.
4. Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is another famous Buddhist temple after the Big Buddha temple. It is designed by the renowned Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming. The architecture and design of the temple is a mix of both Chinese and Thai tradition. It consists of the smiling Buddha and the 18 armed Buddha. The 18 armed Buddha statue is called Guanyin in Chinese. It is believed that she gives healthy children and protects the people from all sorts of danger. Nearby, the Smiling Buddha symbolizes happiness and prosperity, radiating joy to all who visit.
Activities to do in the Wat Plai Laem
- Wander through the temple complex, admiring the intricate carvings, colorful temples, and serene atmosphere.
- The murals and paintings tells the story of Budhha which can be interesting to learn about.
- You can purchase food for the fish and turtles and feed them.
- You can visit other attraction like the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Choeng Mon Beach, and the Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Opening hour
Wat Plai Laem is open everyday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.It would be best to visit the Big Buddha Temple in the morning time when the climate will be pleasant and it will be less crowded.
Entry Fee
No, there is no entry fee to enter Wat Plai Laem.
Direction
The best way to reach Wat Plai Laem is by hiring a private taxi which will take 30 – 40 minutes. Alternatively you can also use the bus route and local taxi songthaews to reach the destination.
5. Secret Buddha Garden
Secret Buddha Garden is also known as the magic garden due to its wonderful atmosphere. If you are visiting this garden you will find lines of crafted statues and sculptures. Each art piece has their own share of story. The laid back atmosphere and the magical vibe of the place makes it a must visit destination for the tourist. This place holds a deep spiritual and cultural significance among the people of Koh Samui. It was created by a person called Nim Thongsu who was a local farmer, in 1976. He designed the statues one by one with total compassion and care.
Activities to do in the Secret Buddha Garden
- Wander through the garden, admiring the intricate statues and sculptures of deities and figures.
- Take photographs of the architecture and the unique sculptures.
- You can find a quiet place and meditate as well.
- You can visit other attraction like Na Muang Waterfall, Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk), Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks.
Opening hour
Secret Buddha Garden is open everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry Fee
The entrance fee to the Secret Buddha Garden is 80 Thai baht per person. This fee is for individual visitors. If you choose to visit with a tour, the price can vary.
Direction
The only way to reach the Secret Buddha Garden would be by navigating through winding roads and steep inclines. It is best to hire a local guide or rent a scooty to reach the destination. However the journey is going to be adventurous and filled with fun.
6. Fisherman Village
It was a thriving fishing hub. Today it has turned into a popular tourist destination. Located along a beachside main street lined with old wooden shop houses, the village offers a unique mix of traditional character and modern amenities. You will find almost the same thing in all the shops. You get everything from T-shirts, simple jewelry, purses, sunglasses, beer cosies, souvenirs, watches, clothes, and electrical goods. Visitors can enjoy seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and a vibrant night market.
Activities to do in the Fisherman Village
- You can visit the Fisherman night market which is a must-visit every Friday evening. It features a blend of old-world charm, modern boutiques, and numerous food stalls.
- You can indulge in the delicious seafood.
- Explore the local shops for gifts and souvenirs.
- You can explore other attraction like the Big Buddha, Wame Thong Beach, and Chong Beach.
Opening hour
The Fisherman’s Village is a walking street that transforms into a vibrant night market every Friday evening from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Direction
The best way to reach the Fisherman Village would be to take a private cab which would take around 30 minutes to reach the destination. Alternatively you can also take the scooter or songthaews to reach the location.
7. Lamai Night Market
This night market, one of the must visit tourist places in Koh Samu, is the place to be in if you are really on a shopping spree. It is the centre of attraction for the Koh Samui town. The main fun is the game of bargaining, if you are not beginning here you are losing out on a lot of fun. You get almost everything in this market from the fans, wooden elephants in varying sizes from the mainland, ever-useful sarongs, attractive purses, bags, belts, witty (and not so witty) T-shirts, rolling luggage, striking and colourful lamps, bed covers, Buddha images and electronics goods
Activities to do in the Lamai Night Market
- You can indulge in the traditional thai cuisine that the market has to offer like the pad thai, spring rolls, and mango sticky rice
- Stalls selling souvenirs and handmade crafts are a common sight
- For football fans, the market often has a large projector showing live matches
- You can visit the lamai beach which is the major source of attraction near the market
Opening hour
The Lamai Night Market is open from 3:00 pm to 11:59 pm. It would be best to visit the place in the afternoon when there is less crowd however if you want to enjoy the vibe of the place it would be better to visit at night
Direction
The best way to reach the Lamai Night Market would be to hire a local taxi which would take approximately 40 minutes to reach the location.
8. Elephant Sanctuary
It is the first elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui. Just like Pattaya has the tiger kingdom where people are allowed to get friendly with the tiger, pet them and take pictures. In the same way this sanctuary allows the visitor to get close to the elephants in a safe environment. Elephants who have slogged and worked in the jungle for years can easily retire in this sanctuary. You are allowed to feed the elephants and observe these gentle giants as they roam, socialise, bathe, play in the mud, and enjoy the peaceful life that they deserve.Do not miss this truly memorable, once in a lifetime experience.
Activities to do in the Elephant sanctuary
- You can feed the elephants with their favourite food like fruit or bamboo
- Elephants enjoy water, and bathing them can be a fun and engaging activity
- You can also take an elephant ride and view the village from the top
- Visit the nearby attraction like the Fisherman’s Village , Wat Khao Hua Jook temple, and Wat Phra Yai
Opening hour
The Elephant Sanctuary generally opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. They offer both morning and afternoon tours, with the morning tour typically starting around 9:00 AM and the afternoon tour around 2:00 PM
Entry Fee
The entry fee to the place might differ depending on what package you are taking. It ranges between 80 to 2400 baht.
Direction
Take the taxi from Koh Samui Nathon Pier to Samui Elephant Sanctuary which is 18.7km and will take approximately an hour to reach the location. Alternatively you can take a minivan or a bus to reach the location.
9. Chaweng Beach
It is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui thanks to its stunning beachside beauty, wide variety of activities, and excellent atmosphere.Chaweng Beach is approximately 7 km long, and .it holds the title of the longest beach on the east coast It is divided into 4 main zones, the North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, South Chaweng and Chaweng Noi- each offering its own unique charm and vibe.People from all walk of life come here whether you are a backpacker on a budget or a family on luxury budget, there is something for everyone. People come to this beach because it has many restaurants, shops, affordable accommodation,water sports and many places to get a Thai massage. It is the perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.
Activities to do in the Chaweng Beach
- You can swim in the clear water and soft and powdery sand of Chaweng Beach.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, lined with coconut trees.
- Engage in jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides for an adrenaline rush.
- Visit nearby attractions like Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Fisherman’s Village, and Big Buddha Temple.
Opening hour
The Chaweng Beach is open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.
Entry Fee
Chaweng Beach is a public beach, so there is no entry fee to visit and enjoy it.
Direction
You have several options to reach the Chaweng Beach. You can you take a songthaew (shared taxi), taxi, or a bus to reach the Chaweng Beach.
10. Paradise Park Farm
This paradise park is a feast for the eyes. It occupies a space of 8 acres of land and is situated on the top of the mountain pom. From there you can see the picturesque view of the Koh Samui and nearby islands. The park is adorned with lush tropical vegetation, vibrant flower gardens and rows of grass arranged parallely to each other. Along with the beautiful view you also get to notice diverse species of animals and birds who adds to the charm of the park.
Activities to do in the Paradise Park Farm
- You can view many animals like parrots, monkeys, deer, goats, and other animals on the farm’s expansive property.
- Enjoy stunning views of the rainforest and the Gulf of Five Islands from the farm.
- Enjoy the different tours like the Pig Island Tour by Speedboat and Jungle Safari.
- You can visit nearby attractions like the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Lamai Viewpoint & Valentine Stone, Lamai Night Market, and Chaweng Beach.
Opening hour
Paradise Park Farm in Ko Samui is open everyday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Entry Fee
The entry fee for Paradise Park Farm is typically 400 baht per person. Children below 120cm have a reduced entry fee and this fee includes the access to the pool.
Direction
The best way to reach Paradise Park Farm would be to take a private cab which would take around 30 minutes to reach the destination. Alternatively you can also take the scooter or songthaews to reach the location.
Conclusion
Koh Samui is a unique place with a plethora of options to go around. You have options to visit places like the parks, historical temples, caves, rock formation to the beaches and the night market in koh Samui which will definitely create an unforgettable experience for the visitors. So, if you are travelling to Thailand, do not forget to add Koh Samui in your itinerary 2025 while booking packages for Thailand.
