Koh Samui attractions - The island of Koh Samui, off the south of Thailand, offers many unique sights beyond its picturesque beaches and party strips. Around this 233-square-kilometre island, you'll find fascinating spots for day trips both on land and on the water.
You can easily drive around the entire island in about 3 hours by car or scooter. Route 4169, often called the "Ring Road" or "main road", takes you all the way around Koh Samui. In this post we've put together our top 10 Koh Samui attractions for you.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocksTop 10 attractions
Hin Ta and Hin Yai is a fascinating rock formation on the south coast of Koh Samui. The spot was discovered by locals many years ago. The rocks, known as the Grandfather (Ta) and Grandmother (Yai) Stone (Hin), look like male and female genitalia.
The rock formation lies on the coast between Lamai and Hua Thanon and is a very famous, well-known tourist spot for locals and foreigners alike.
Countless visitors from all over the world come here every day to take holiday photos. For most visitors, the unusual yet interesting sight brings a broad smile to their face. The wonderful view of the coast and surrounding area is spectacular and stretches all the way to the nearby islands.
There are many small stalls selling postcards, souvenirs, delicious coconut ice cream and the distinctive, colourful caramel sweets. It's also said that a visit works wonders if you're wishing for a child.
Koh MudsumTop 10 attractions
Like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Koh Mudsum and Koh Taen belong to the Samui archipelago (Mu Koh Samui), which consists of around 69 islands.
Koh Mudsum is a small island in the archipelago with an incredible beach and a special highlight: wild pigs roaming free. The island is currently still practically uninhabited, and there are wonderful little coves with crystal-clear water. The larger neighbouring island of Koh Taen is only a few minutes away by boat.
You can conveniently book your excursion here: Hidden Islands Koh Taen & Koh Mudsum
Samui AirportTop 10 attractions
Samui Airport is considered the most beautiful and impressive airport in the world. Samui Airport is located in the north of the island, is privately owned by Bangkok Airways, and sits in a wonderful natural setting. Definitely a Koh Samui attraction in its own right! Read more about this dreamlike airport here!
Over the next 2 years, Bangkok Airways is planning to build a second international air hub on Samui.
The nightlifeTop 10 attractions
Chaweng is the biggest party strip on Koh Samui. Some tourists compare Chaweng's nightlife to Ibiza, Mallorca or Pattaya. Every evening the night and party scene draws in young people, and the young at heart, to party the night away to loud music and a great atmosphere.
Along the one-way street there are countless bars and pubs inviting you in for a drink or a good chat. Many beach bars regularly host advertised parties. In the various venues you can experience international DJs from all over the world.
The epicentre is without doubt Soi Green Mango in central Chaweng. Try it out for yourself and turn night into day.
The Jungle ClubTop 10 attractions
Surrounded by the green hills of Chaweng Noi, the Jungle Club offers an impressive view of the island and the Chaweng coastline.
The Jungle Club was founded and built by a French-Thai family using traditional materials, in harmony with the natural landscape. Relax in comfy beanbags on the large wooden terrace with delicious food and drinks.
In good weather you get a 180-degree panoramic view over the entire coastline and can see the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan in the distance.
In April and May, the colourful water and the jet skis riding across it create a truly incredible play of colours. Besides the bar and restaurant, there's also an infinity pool for hotel guests staying at the Jungle Club.
If you're planning to visit the Jungle Club by scooter, get ready for a short but steep drive up. Less experienced riders have the option of being driven up by the in-house taxi for an extra fee. On the hillside you'll find a sign with the phone number +66818918263. Just give them a call and you'll get up to the paradise-like Jungle Club safely and without any mishaps.
Fisherman's VillageTop 10 attractions
Fisherman's Village is a historic spot on the island of Koh Samui. It's located in Bophut, not far from the airport and the Big Buddha Temple, close to the beach. In the colonial-style buildings along the beachfront promenade, you'll find boutiques, trendy restaurants, massage parlours and a small selection of great hotels.
Every Friday the entire street becomes the venue for the Fisherman's Village Walking Street market. There you'll find a large number of stalls with an amazing variety of goods & souvenirs. Live music keeps the atmosphere lively.
TemplesTop 10 attractions
The more than 20 temple complexes and pagodas, each with their own individual style and magnificent ornaments in shimmering colours and lines, are an incredible wonder of architectural history and definitely belong in the category of Koh Samui attractions.
There are many reasons to visit a temple. Whether out of personal interest, curiosity, a sense of aesthetics, or the pursuit of enlightenment. As soon as you step into a temple complex, you're sure to find answers to your questions!
Please respect these sacred sites as you would at home, and dress appropriately! Your clothing should always fully cover your shoulders and knees.
Here you'll find our: Top 10 Temples on Koh Samui
Koh Nang YuanTop 10 attractions
Koh Nang Yuan is the small neighbouring island, well-known from many lifestyle magazines, just off Koh Tao. Looked at more closely, Koh Nang Yuan actually consists of 3 small islands (Koh Hang Tao, Koh Nang Yuan Lek, Koh Nang Yuan), connected by a stunning sandbank.
Most visitors come to Koh Nang Yuan on a day trip from Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. There's also the option of staying overnight on the island.
To help keep the island clean and pristine, an entrance fee of 100 THB is charged at the end of the jetty, and any cans and bottles you bring must be disposed of there. But don't worry, you can buy refreshing drinks and tasty food on site.
Besides the enchanting beach, Koh Nang Yuan has a unique viewpoint that you'll no doubt recognise from glossy magazines, holiday photos or postcards. You have to see this indescribable dream for yourself. Always keep left, cross the entire sandbank, and follow the wooden walkway all the way up to the dreamlike viewpoint.
Book your excursion here: Boat tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
Stunning beachesTop 10 attractions
Paradise-like Koh Samui offers more than 25 beautiful sand and pebble beaches. On this tropical coconut island you'll find picturesque white sandy beaches perfect for chilling out. There's also a huge selection of beaches in hidden coves for families, package holidaymakers, backpackers and luxury travellers alike, ideal for snorkelling in the warm water.
Every beach is unique and differs in its sand quality, size, character and location. Want to know where the most beautiful beaches are? Then read our article: Top 10 Beaches on Koh Samui.
Ang Thong Marine ParkTop 10 attractions
Our number one Koh Samui attraction is Ang Thong, also known as the golden basin, located in the Gulf of Thailand. In 1980 the archipelago was declared one of Thailand's 22 marine national parks in total. Officially named Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, it covers 102 square kilometres and includes 42 small, mostly uninhabited islands.
Some of the largest islands in the national park include: Koh Wua Ta Lap (Island of the Sleeping Cow's Eye), Koh Phaluai (a proper name), Koh Hin Dap (Flint Stone Island), Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island), Koh Nai Phut (Mr Phut's Island), Koh Sam Sao (Triangle Island), and Koh Phai Luak (Cooked Bamboo Island). The islands were named after their rock formations, their discoverers, or the animals found there.
Discover the picturesque islands from a distance, swim at secluded beaches, and hike up to the Blue Lagoon. Visiting the marine park is an absolute must for every Samui traveller - you can book your trip directly here: Angthong Marine Park Boat TourThe best tours on Koh Samui Explore now
Hin Ta and Hin Yai is a fascinating rock formation on the south coast of Koh Samui. The spot was discovered by locals many years ago. The rocks, known as the Grandfather (Ta) and Grandmother (Yai) Stone (Hin), look like male and female genitalia.
The rock formation lies on the coast between Lamai and Hua Thanon and is a very famous, well-known tourist spot for locals and foreigners alike.
Countless visitors from all over the world come here every day to take holiday photos. For most visitors, the unusual yet interesting sight brings a broad smile to their face. The wonderful view of the coast and surrounding area is spectacular and stretches all the way to the nearby islands.
There are many small stalls selling postcards, souvenirs, delicious coconut ice cream and the distinctive, colourful caramel sweets. It's also said that a visit works wonders if you're wishing for a child.
Like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Koh Mudsum and Koh Taen belong to the Samui archipelago (Mu Koh Samui), which consists of around 69 islands.
Koh Mudsum is a small island in the archipelago with an incredible beach and a special highlight: wild pigs roaming free. The island is currently still practically uninhabited, and there are wonderful little coves with crystal-clear water. The larger neighbouring island of Koh Taen is only a few minutes away by boat.
You can conveniently book your excursion here: Hidden Islands Koh Taen & Koh Mudsum
Samui Airport is considered the most beautiful and impressive airport in the world. Samui Airport is located in the north of the island, is privately owned by Bangkok Airways, and sits in a wonderful natural setting. Definitely a Koh Samui attraction in its own right! Read more about this dreamlike airport here!
Over the next 2 years, Bangkok Airways is planning to build a second international air hub on Samui.
Chaweng is the biggest party strip on Koh Samui. Some tourists compare Chaweng's nightlife to Ibiza, Mallorca or Pattaya. Every evening the night and party scene draws in young people, and the young at heart, to party the night away to loud music and a great atmosphere.
Along the one-way street there are countless bars and pubs inviting you in for a drink or a good chat. Many beach bars regularly host advertised parties. In the various venues you can experience international DJs from all over the world.
The epicentre is without doubt Soi Green Mango in central Chaweng. Try it out for yourself and turn night into day.
Surrounded by the green hills of Chaweng Noi, the Jungle Club offers an impressive view of the island and the Chaweng coastline.
The Jungle Club was founded and built by a French-Thai family using traditional materials, in harmony with the natural landscape. Relax in comfy beanbags on the large wooden terrace with delicious food and drinks.
In good weather you get a 180-degree panoramic view over the entire coastline and can see the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan in the distance.
In April and May, the colourful water and the jet skis riding across it create a truly incredible play of colours. Besides the bar and restaurant, there's also an infinity pool for hotel guests staying at the Jungle Club.
If you're planning to visit the Jungle Club by scooter, get ready for a short but steep drive up. Less experienced riders have the option of being driven up by the in-house taxi for an extra fee. On the hillside you'll find a sign with the phone number +66818918263. Just give them a call and you'll get up to the paradise-like Jungle Club safely and without any mishaps.
Fisherman's Village is a historic spot on the island of Koh Samui. It's located in Bophut, not far from the airport and the Big Buddha Temple, close to the beach. In the colonial-style buildings along the beachfront promenade, you'll find boutiques, trendy restaurants, massage parlours and a small selection of great hotels.
Every Friday the entire street becomes the venue for the Fisherman's Village Walking Street market. There you'll find a large number of stalls with an amazing variety of goods & souvenirs. Live music keeps the atmosphere lively.
The more than 20 temple complexes and pagodas, each with their own individual style and magnificent ornaments in shimmering colours and lines, are an incredible wonder of architectural history and definitely belong in the category of Koh Samui attractions.
There are many reasons to visit a temple. Whether out of personal interest, curiosity, a sense of aesthetics, or the pursuit of enlightenment. As soon as you step into a temple complex, you're sure to find answers to your questions!
Please respect these sacred sites as you would at home, and dress appropriately! Your clothing should always fully cover your shoulders and knees.
Here you'll find our: Top 10 Temples on Koh Samui
Koh Nang Yuan is the small neighbouring island, well-known from many lifestyle magazines, just off Koh Tao. Looked at more closely, Koh Nang Yuan actually consists of 3 small islands (Koh Hang Tao, Koh Nang Yuan Lek, Koh Nang Yuan), connected by a stunning sandbank.
Most visitors come to Koh Nang Yuan on a day trip from Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. There's also the option of staying overnight on the island.
To help keep the island clean and pristine, an entrance fee of 100 THB is charged at the end of the jetty, and any cans and bottles you bring must be disposed of there. But don't worry, you can buy refreshing drinks and tasty food on site.
Besides the enchanting beach, Koh Nang Yuan has a unique viewpoint that you'll no doubt recognise from glossy magazines, holiday photos or postcards. You have to see this indescribable dream for yourself. Always keep left, cross the entire sandbank, and follow the wooden walkway all the way up to the dreamlike viewpoint.
Book your excursion here: Boat tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
Paradise-like Koh Samui offers more than 25 beautiful sand and pebble beaches. On this tropical coconut island you'll find picturesque white sandy beaches perfect for chilling out. There's also a huge selection of beaches in hidden coves for families, package holidaymakers, backpackers and luxury travellers alike, ideal for snorkelling in the warm water.
Every beach is unique and differs in its sand quality, size, character and location. Want to know where the most beautiful beaches are? Then read our article: Top 10 Beaches on Koh Samui.
Our number one Koh Samui attraction is Ang Thong, also known as the golden basin, located in the Gulf of Thailand. In 1980 the archipelago was declared one of Thailand's 22 marine national parks in total. Officially named Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, it covers 102 square kilometres and includes 42 small, mostly uninhabited islands.
Some of the largest islands in the national park include: Koh Wua Ta Lap (Island of the Sleeping Cow's Eye), Koh Phaluai (a proper name), Koh Hin Dap (Flint Stone Island), Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island), Koh Nai Phut (Mr Phut's Island), Koh Sam Sao (Triangle Island), and Koh Phai Luak (Cooked Bamboo Island). The islands were named after their rock formations, their discoverers, or the animals found there.
Discover the picturesque islands from a distance, swim at secluded beaches, and hike up to the Blue Lagoon. Visiting the marine park is an absolute must for every Samui traveller - you can book your trip directly here: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour
