The most well-known island in Thailand is Koh Samui. A tropical paradise known for its gorgeous palm tree-lined beaches and clear turquoise waters.  

On Koh Samui, there is something for every type of traveller, and you will find it extremely difficult to fit everything in if you are only visiting for a couple of days. The following are the top ten must-see attractions in Koh Samui. 

Getting to Koh Samui

If you are travelling from Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi you can get to Koh Samui by plane or bus and ferry. Book your transfers on 12go.Asia for the cheapest price. If your hotel does not provide free pick-up from the boat harbour, I recommend finding the shuttle buses at the end of the dock to take you to the hotel. Taxis on Koh Samui are very expensive! 

Getting around Koh Samui

The cheapest way to get around Koh Samui is by scooter. I recommend Hakuna Matata Rental Company as they are reliable and trustworthy. There is a cash deposit of 3000 Baht required (which will be returned if there is no damage to the bike), but you don’t have to leave your passport with this company.

10 Must-Visit Places in Koh Samui

1. Big Buddha

The 12-meter-tall Big Buddha, located inside the temple grounds of Wat Phra Yai, is one of Koh Samui’s most impressive landmarks and one that is difficult to miss. 

The grounds are free to enter, but modest attire is required (knees and shoulders need to be covered) 

Visit in the early morning before it becomes too hot and crowded. The stairway leads up to where you can get a closer view of the Buddha and a beautiful view of the surrounding beaches. 

2. Samui Elephant Haven

Samui Elephant Haven is an ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants. These elephants were rescued from logging, elephant riding, and circus performances. 

There are two half-day programs available (9 am-noon and 2 pm – 5 pm) The half-day program costs 3000 Baht for adults and 1,500 Baht for children under the age of 12. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, English-speaking guide, elephant snack and food for feeding, Thai vegetarian buffet, complimentary filtered water, coffee, and tea are all included in the price. Make sure to book in advance. 

3. Jungle Club

The Jungle Club on Koh Samui is a restaurant/bar with a view of Chaweng Bay. It has one of the most impressive views on the island. Sunset is the best time to visit, but it is also the most popular. Make a reservation ahead of time. 

This multilevel restaurant has several dining areas, including a wooden deck with cushions and individual thatch-and-bamboo pavilions. The jungle club menu is mostly French, but there are some Thai local dishes to choose from as well. 

4. Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is a brightly coloured temple complex that consists of a smiling Buddha, an 18-armed Buddha, and a large temple in between the two statues. The statues are situated in the middle of a pond, and you can get a closer look at them by crossing the colourful bridges. 

The grounds are free to enter, but modest attire is required (knees and shoulders need to be covered) 

5. The Cocoon

The Cocoon is a bamboo-style restaurant with large open windows that provide a stunning view of the ocean and the island below. You can also sit outside to enjoy the view, but you should arrive early to secure a table with a great view because it gets busy.  

The views are breathtaking, the atmosphere is vacation-like, and the food and drinks are delicious! 

6. Pig Beach

Pig Beach is on the island of Koh Mat Sum. It takes about 20 minutes from Koh Samui to get to this island and I highly recommend booking a half-day tour through GetYourGuide. 

The tour begins with a visit to Pig Islands, where the tour guide takes you to a viewpoint (to be honest, I would skip the viewpoint and spend more time with the pigs on the beach); there are better viewpoints on Koh Samui. 

Feeding the pigs costs 30 Baht, and there are many of them laying around on the beach, including cute little piglets! 

After that, you’ll be taken to Koh Tean, where you can snorkel near the island before enjoying a delicious Thai lunch on Koh Tean. 

After lunch, you can kayak to nearby beaches before returning to Koh Samui. 

7. Lamai Viewpoint

Overlap Stone Viewpoint is located about a 5-minute drive away from Lamai Beach on Koh Samui. 

The viewpoint is situated on a local’s property and the entrance fee is 50 Baht per person. 

There will be signs directing motorcycles to stop and park rather than continue on the road because it is dangerous. It’s steep, but you can drive your scooter up further and avoid paying 20 Baht for parking. You can, however, park here if you feel more comfortable. 

To get to the viewpoint from the top of the hill it’s only a 5-minute walk from there. 

Take care when walking around the large stone as there are no railings to stop you from falling and the property owner has signs around the place notifying visitors that they are not responsible for any accidents.  

8. The Deck

The Deck Beach Club is a newly discovered beach club on Koh Samui that is ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean. 

Excellent service, delicious food and cocktails, a gorgeous pool, relaxing sunbeds, and a stunning view of the ocean! 

9. Ang Thong National Marine Park

When visiting Koh Samui, a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must. For an affordable price, book with Koh Samui Tours. Koh Samui Tours has the most affordable tour Without kayaking, it costs 1,250 Baht per person. 

Kayaking around Koh Mae Koh (where the Blue Lagoon is) costs an additional 550 Baht per person. 

The entrance fee to the national park is 300 Baht per person and is not included in the tour price. The price includes a light breakfast, lunch, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. 

You can snorkel (snorkelling equipment is provided), relax on the white sandy tropical beach, explore a stalagmite cave, or hike to the most stunning viewpoint in the Gulf of Thailand on Ko Wua Ta Lap! 

It takes about half an hour to get to the viewpoint, with many viewpoints along the way. Make sure you bring plenty of water. It’s not an easy hike as there are many large steep steps and the heat makes it difficult but it’s worth it! 

10. Fire Show at Coco Tams

Coco Tams has the best fire show! The fire show is held two times every day at 7:30 pm and 9 pm. Make sure to arrive early or make a reservation, if possible, to avoid missing the show as there is usually a wait. 

Koh Samui, along with the nearby islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, offers plenty of mesmerizing places to explore. If you’re seeking the ultimate Koh Tao or Koh Phangan adventure, make sure to check out my other blog posts: Complete Guide to Koh Tao and Things to do on Koh Phangan.