When it comes to tropical beach vacations, Thailand has been one of the top destinations for travelers! With beautiful places like Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands and of course Koh Samui, it’s no surprise why visitors from across the world flock to Thailand every year.

Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand is the 2nd largest island in Thailand. It offers the perfect Thailand experience, with its perfect mix of stunning beaches, serene temples and bustling nightlife. So if you are planning to visit Koh Samui, this ultimate guide is for you as we will discuss all the amazing things you can do in Koh Samui!

Beaches in Koh Samui

The beaches in Thailand are so picturesque that it is only fair to start this guide by talking about the beaches of Koh Samui!

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is the most popular and busiest beach on the island of Koh Samui. This beach offers beautiful sandy shores and a lively atmosphere. With night markets and beach clubs like ARKbar near the beach, you will definitely have a great time. For ocean lovers, there are a lot of water sports activities available!

Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is another popular beach in Koh Samui that is known for its crystal clear waters and soft white sand. This beach is great for swimming and sunbathing. It also has a lot of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Thai food while admiring the stunning view.

If you are an early riser, make sure to watch the sunrise at this beach!

Bo Phut Beach

If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe, then Bophut Beach is the perfect spot for you! This peaceful and tranquil beach offers calm waters, making it ideal for swimming. The Fisherman’s Village nearby is a must-visit as it has an array of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.

Lipa Noi Beach

If you want to watch the sunset in Koh Samui, then Lipa Noi Beach is the place to be! This quiet and secluded beach is perfect for couples or anyone looking for some peace and quiet. You can also find some great seafood restaurants here serving fresh catches of the day.

Temples in Koh Samui

Apart from beaches, Koh Samui also offers a rich Thai culture and history which can be explored through its beautiful temples!

Big Buddha Temple

The Big Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Yai is one of the most famous landmarks in Koh Samui. The 12-meter tall golden statue of Buddha is a sight to behold. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. The best part is that you can visit this beautiful temple for free!

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is another landmark to visit in Koh Samui! This colorful and vibrant temple features an 18-arm statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. This temple also has a huge fish pond where visitors can feed the fish for good luck.

Wat Khunaram

Known as the mummified monk temple, Wat Khunaram houses the body of Loung Pordaeng, a highly revered monk who passed away in 1973 while meditating in the lotus position. His body is still well-preserved and visitors can pay their respects at this unique and spiritual temple.

These were the top picks for temples to visit in Koh Samui, with each landmark offering something unique to the visitors!

Nightlife in Koh Samui

Thailand is known for its buzzing parties and nightlife and Koh Samui is no exception! From beach parties to live music and fire shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

ARKBar Beach Club, Chaweng Beach

Located on Chaweng Beach, ARKbar is a popular party spot among the tourists. This beach club offers great music, drinks, food and an incredible atmosphere. Don’t miss out on their famous fire shows which take place every night!

Green Mango Club

Green Mango is a legendary nightclub in Koh Samui has been around since the 1990s! It hosts one of the best parties on the island. This club offers a great outdoor area for dancing, pool tables and iconic cocktail buckets, guaranteeing the perfect night out.

Fisherman’s Village Walking Street

If you are looking for a more chilled-out vibe than the clubs, head to the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street on Bophut Beach. This market offers live music, delicious street food, cocktails and an array of stalls selling souvenirs and other items.

Other Must-Do Activities in Koh Samui

Apart from the beaches, temples and nightlife, there are other activities that you must not miss out on in Koh Samui.

Muay Thai Boxing

Muay Thai is a traditional martial art form of Thailand and watching a live match is an experience in itself. You can catch a fight at the Lamai Boxing Stadium or take a class and learn how to fight like a pro.

Na Mueang Waterfall

Koh Samui also offers beautiful waterfalls, and the Na Mueang Waterfall is a must-visit. It offers a scenic trek through the jungle and two stunning waterfall levels where you can swim or simply relax in the natural pools.

If you love to hike there are a lot of other landmarks you can hike to and get a serene view of the island and the ocean from above!

Samui Elephant Home

A visit to Koh Samui is not complete without interacting with the famous Thai elephants. The Samui Elephant Home is an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can spend half a day feeding, bathing and learning about these gentle giants.

Learn about their half-day caring elephants program here!

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Tours

Koh Samui has some of the best dive spots in Thailand and offers tours for both beginners and experienced divers. Don’t miss out on exploring the colorful underwater world of this island.

So this was our guide to Koh Samui and what are the best things to experience on this island! As you read, Koh Samui has something in store for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or just a good time, this island has got it covered.



So pack your bags and get ready to have the ultimate Thailand vacation in Koh Samui!