Have you been dreaming of combining beach parties, swimming, heaven-like SPA sessions, great nature, and world-class cuisine? Then we found a place for you, Koh Samui, Thailand.
To get the utmost out of your stay on Koh Samui, check out the top ten things to do in Koh Samui.
Situated close to Chaweng Lake, Chaweng Beach is a long stretch of pearl-white satin sand, washed by the transparent waters of the Gulf of Siam. The long stretch of silk-like sand is renowned for the island’s best sunrises, and great swimming at sunset when the sky glows orange and pink.
Stretching for miles, it is home to both luxurious and artsy hotels, reggae bars, and luxurious beach clubs. After a pool party, you can head for a swim in the sea and dine in at one of the beach restaurants.
Apart from upscale restaurants, you can also find a lot of street food hawkers, in their broad-sided conical bamboo hats and with their portable grills right on the beach, selling rice, noodles, and chicken satay.
Situated on Chaweng beach, but a bit further inland is Green Mango club.
Known well beyond Koh Samui, the club works throughout the night. The revered night establishment is known as a meeting place for the island’s locals, tourists, ex-pats, gap year students, and the like. This club can satisfy the most insatiable party animals.
One of the best things to do on Ko Samui is going on a hike. You can be spoiled for choice since it is so rich in natural marvels.
Nevertheless, there is one unique place that seems to have been created for you to have a perfect spot for communion with nature. Go to Hin Lad Waterfall Trail, to see not just a gushing cascade amidst rank and moist jungle, but also unique flora and fauna.
The trail follows the river through the thick, evergreen rainforest which offers plenty of shade, coolness, and some wonderful views. Spend about 20 minutes at the Hin Lad Waterfall to explore the impressive landscape and even take a refreshing dip in the rockpool.
Even though Samui is not a match to Bangkok in terms of its shopping mall capacity, it is still a dangerous spot for a shopping addict.
Central Festival Samui is one of the most complete and largest lifestyle complexes in Koh Samui, set in the prime east coast resort town of Samui Island, between Chaweng Lake and Chaweng Beach Road. It has a beautifully landscaped garden, complete with benches, a kid’s playground, and countless shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to take a break from the sun and sands.
One of the towns most beloved by locals and ex-pats is Fisherman’s village, a beautiful walking street of hipster cafes and boutique shops. It is located in Northern coast and is just a short 30-minute drive up from the popular tourist area such as Chaweng. Head here for your weekend night out, and check out the vast amount of great eateries like its cosy L’Italiano, and great beach with a splendid beach bar, Coco Tam’s. Keep in mind that there are also occasional night markets, Thai boxing fights and fire shows to attend.
Koh Samui is home to some stunning Buddhist monuments and temples. One of them is Big Buddha Temple Samui, aka Wat Phra Yai, a statue of Buddha perched atop a scenic staircase, and surrounded by authentically Thai architectural marvels. You can have a great view at the tranquil blue of the sea, especially beautiful at sunset.
Wat Plai Laem is a temple dedicated not to Buddha but to Guanyin (or Kuan Yin). The Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy is depicted with eighteen arms. The temple is surrounded by a lake on all sides, and if you donate money to the temple, you may receive fish food to feed those in the lake.
Unlike Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach is a lot quieter and not as busy. The beach is just as beautiful. If you like the quieter life, this is the place to head. Go to Lamai to take delight in the island’s unique distillery Koh Samui Rum’s spirits, the only one in Thailand to make rum, including potent and rare coconut rum.
You can head for some hours in the shade at Tamarind Springs, a collection of villas and SPA studios hidden inside a real coconut plantation.
Feel tired, irritable, and have headaches often? Do consider taking a detox retreat during your trip to Koh Samu to help you reset and rejuvenate. Koh Samui has a growing reputation as a wellness destination. There are a dozen of good wellness centers and resorts.
The most famous one is Kamalaya, a multi-award-winning wellness resort, with a beautiful private beach. It offers various holistic health programs, ranging from a 3-day introduction to detox to a 21-day comprehensive retreat. You can enjoy the amazing views, personalized training, healthy food, invigorating treatments, and relaxing massages during your retreat.
If you are staying in Koh Samui and taking only one sightseeing tour, make sure it is to Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Ang Thong Marine National Park is a cluster of 42 rugged islands, with secret caves, breath-snatching arches, and steep limestone cliffs. Here you can do hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint is the park’s main attraction, providing a breathtaking view of all islands. The trail leading to the viewpoint is around 500 meters and very steep. Make sure you bring your water bottles and proper trekking shoes during your tour.
Head to Ko Phangan island, an hour’s ferry ride away from Koh Samui. Here you can dance yourself under the table at the Full Moon Party, arguably the biggest and wildest party in Asia. The party begins at dusk when the round moon makes its appearance over the white sand beach and lasts until sunrise. Expect dancers, jugglers, and other games like limbo and fire rope jumping tournaments at the event. This is a lifetime experience that you would not want to miss.
Enjoy your trip to Koh Samui!