Things to do in  Koh Samui

Nestled among Koh Samui’s central mountains, the Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: a lower stretch that’s easily reachable and falls into a lovely natural pool, and a higher tier that requires a 30-minute hike. The falls are set among lush jungle surroundings, and access to the site is free.

The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park) in the Gulf of Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometers). These limestone pinnacles harbor secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.

In stark contrast to its famed northerly neighbor, tiny and sleepy Koh Tan tempts visitors with empty beaches and vehicle-less roads just three miles and a 15-minute boat ride south of Koh Samui’s southern tip. Koh Tan (also spelled Koh Taen, Ko Taen, and Ko Tan) is sometimes also called Coral Island for its diversity of colorful hard and soft corals, and it often serves as a popular day-long escape for snorkel or kayak excursions through its clear inshore waters. Though the island doesn’t have quite the aquatic diversity of other more remote locations, it still affords excellent snorkeling, relatively empty beaches and navigable mangrove swamps all very close to a major tourist hub. Longboats make the crossing daily and usually stop at several unique coral spots around the island. On land, Koh Tan spans only three square miles, and its population barely tops 30 people; their rustic lifestyle with limited electricity affords a glimpse of what much of Thai Island-living was like decades ago. Koh Tan also has a thriving population of monitor lizards, a boardwalk through a mangrove forest, a quaint local temple, a handful of local restaurants and a cluster of bungalow-style accommodations.

Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (also known as Hin Yai and Hin Ta) are rocky outcrops located on Lamai Beach. The often-photographed, commented-upon, and giggled-about rock formations bear an uncanny resemblance to male and female genitalia, making them a must-see attraction for many tourists. Plus, the rocks are set on a lovely stretch of beach and create tranquil tide pools.

Deep in Koh Samui’s jungle-clad hills is the Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden), where a waterfall tumbles past stone sculptures of the Buddha. The oasis was created by local durian farmer Nim Thongsuk, whose tomb sits among the carvings of Buddhist spirits, musicians, and animals.

Located in Koh Samui, Wat Khunaram is a functioning temple in the southern portion of the island. It’s most famous for the mummified remains of former abbot and monk, Loung Pordaeng, which have been displayed in a vertical glass casket since his death in 1973. It’s a popular, if unusual, attraction with both locals and visitors.

Apart from the beaches, Koh Samui’s most distinctive attraction is the golden Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) visible above the red-tiled rooftops on the island’s north coast. The 40-foot (12-meter) Buddha statue can be seen from several miles away—even from a plane—and the site is an active place of worship.

The landscaped hillside grounds at Butterfly Hill in Koh Samui are home to hundreds of colorful butterflies, as well as insects, moths, and bees. Tropical flowers add to the Garden of Eden–like setting, and picturesque views from its hilltop position showcase the island and the sea. Plus, you can take a walk to a nearby waterfall to cool off.

Seclusion and solitude might be hard to find on Koh Tao, one of Thailand’s most popular islands, but on its southeastern side, between Sai Daeng Beach to the north and Tanote Beach to the south, lies the 65-foot-long (20-meter Aow Leuk Beach. This stretch of sand is slightly more remote so the large crowds stay away.

Chaweng Beach (Hat Chaweng) is Koh Samui’s longest, and perhaps loveliest, beach. A clear blue-green sea, palm trees, coral reefs, and a lively nightlife scene come together to create a laid-back party vibe at Chaweng, the second-biggest resort hub on the island. Ideal for swimming and water sports, the 3-mile (5-kilometer) crescent of white sand is bookended by rocky headlands.

Lamai Beach vies with Chaweng Beach for the title of Koh Samui’s prettiest beach, especially along its less coral-strewn southern stretches. Less developed than Chaweng, and therefore more relaxed, Lamai offers year-round swimming, and boasts the granite rock formations known as Grandmother and Grandfather. As Lamai has grown in popularity, the backpacking crowd has been replaced with resort seekers.

Set on a hill in Chaweng, High Park Samui is a small water park with an adventure zone that also hosts regular pool parties and foam parties. Besides several pools, two large slides, two climbing walls, a zipline, a freefall vertical drop, and bumper-car drift racing, enjoy massages, sunset views, DJs, and food and drink.

For a relaxing beach day, head to Maenam Beach. This isn’t a party atmosphere like you’ll find on other Koh Samui beaches like Chaweng or Lamai. Grab a lounge chair and a good book, and enjoy the gorgeous caramel-colored 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of beach. This is one of the best spots on the island to relax, but still close to excellent restaurants and resources.

Samui Water Park Pink Elephant boasts an impressive 15 slides, including the Twister and Superbowl high slides. With a wave pool, lazy river, food and drink outlets, and Jacuzzis, it’s the island’s dominant water park. This family-friendly venue has plenty to offer younger children in particular.