When you think of Koh Samui you probably think of excellent scuba diving, having a blast on jet skis or zip lining through the mountains. And you would be right. All of these activities are available and are some of the best in the world. But there is so much more to Koh Samui than just this. In this post I’m going to give you some of the top things to do in Koh Samui many that are 100% free.
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An Island Paradise
Koh Samui is the second largest Island in Thailand, and is known by it’s moniker Coconut Island. Until the late 20th century Koh Samui was relatively cut off from most of Thailand. It’s abundant coconut palms made Koh Samui a major producer of the fruit, hence the name Coconut island. Today the island is bursting with tourism and offers lush jungles, mountains and some of the world’s best beaches.
The island is filled with luxurious resorts and excellent nightlife so be prepared to have an amazing time. Beyond this, Koh Samui offers a variety of activities on the island without having to jump on a boat to a neighbouring island. Here are some of the top things to do in Koh Samui.
Top 10 things to do in Koh Samui – Wat Phra Yai
Wat Phra Yai is home to the famous giant Buddha in Koh Samui. This impressive 12 meter statue was started after some local fisherman found a broken Buddha image washed ashore. The Wat was built to house the broken image in 1972 and was entirely built with donations from locals and visitors. This is a truly remarkable structure and make a point to check out the Nagas, The serpent like creatures protecting the staircase leading to the the big Buddha. As with any Buddhist temple, dress appropriately when visiting. Don’t be that person that has no sense of awareness when travelling. There is no entrance fee, but donations are greatly appreciated. You will need to pay a small fee to park your car or scooter
Lad Koh View Point
With panoramic views of lush greenery and Koh Samui’s Chawang beach this is your instagram moment. Visit in the early morning to catch a sunrise for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. If you’re not an early morning person, anytime of day is worth a visit as the turquoise waters and mountains in the background are stunning. No swimming in the area but sun bathing is acceptable on the rocky cliffs along the water line. There is no entrance fee
Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks
Located on the southern end of the island this has become a popular tourist attraction. The natural rock formations here are notable for their resemblance to a bit of human anatomy. Specifically, they are very similar to male and female genitalia. Hin ta and Hin Yai translates to Grandfather and Grandmother respectively. Legend it an elderly couple’s bodies transformed into these rocks after a tragic shipwreck. The reality is the formation is the result of millions of years of erosion.
While the rocks might seem humorous, they hold cultural significance for the local people. It’s important to approach the site with respect and avoid inappropriate behavior. This attraction is free of charge, but you will need to pay a small fee to park your car or scooter
Where to Stay When Visiting Koh Samui
- Luxury Accommodations – Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort – A unique hotel brand located in Koh Samui. With the mission to provide to travellers, the best hotel experience, in an eco-friendly and luxury way.
- Mid Range Accommodations – U Samui – The Resort consists of 51 rooms and villas . All accommodation will feature free Wi-Fi, in-room luxury amenities and other U’s unique touches.
- Budget Accommodations – Aforetime House @ Samui – Situated in Taling Ngam Beach, Aforetime House @ Samui offers beachfront accommodation a few steps from Taling Ngam Beach and features various facilities, such as a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar.
For more places to stay, you can check the latest prices below
Read next: 14 Must Eat Thai Foods in Bangkok
Waterfalls in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is littered with waterfalls and many of these are free of charge and those that have a fee cost very little. There are some things to take note of with waterfalls in Koh Samui. Most of them are located in the mountain jungles of the island and some of them can be challenging to reach, so do your research well. One other thing to note will be the time of year you visit. If your visit is between March and August there is a good chance these waterfalls will be close to dry with nothing to see. Rainy season is between September and November in Koh Samui, so your best bet to see a nice waterfall will be during the rainy season or just after. Keep in ming that the climbs will be even more treacherous during rainy season.
Some of the more well known waterfalls to see are:
Na Mueang:
There are actually two falls here, but Na Mueang 2 will have the best view from the lookout. It is a little more challenging to reach so it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.
Tan Rua
This waterfall is positioned deep in the jungles of Koh Samui. The roads leading to it are steep so you need to be an experienced driver to reach the location. If you rent a scooter, be sure to get one powerful enough to handle the roads.
Tan Rua is a gorgeous setting with a zip-line adventure near by as well as a bar at the top of the lookout. The hike to the falls is short and easy and the views from the lookout are phenomenal. But this waterfall doesn’t have an area you can really swim in.
Hin Lad
Hin Lad will be a 45 minute hike or so to reach so be sure to have drinking water with you. Not the most spectacular waterfall you will ever see and there is no view point to speak of. But if you like hiking, the trails are nice and there are a lot of swimming areas along the way to the falls.
Many Tour Operators on Koh Samui Include Waterfalls on their Day Trips:
Top 10 things to do in Koh Samui –Samui Elephant Sanctuary
I am normally not the person to recommend anybody visit an Elephant Sanctuary. I find most of the so called ethical ones still have issues. Samui Elephant Sanctuary on the other hand is an award winning establishment that limits all human interaction. Your visit to Samui Elephant Sanctuary will consist of learning about these majestic animals, walking with the herd, and some feeding if the elephants want to take from you, that’s it. In turn your entry fee and any donations made will help the sanctuary to continue to expand and save even more elephants from lives in the logging and tourism industries.
There are many Elephant sanctuaries on Koh Samui, so do your research well if you truly want the best for these animals. The Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers half day tours at one of their two locations for $85 for adults and $42.50 for Children
Koh Samui Wat Phra Chedi Laem So
Wat Phra Chedi Laem So is located on the southern tip of Koh Samui. It is not as well known as many other Wats and Temples on Koh Samui but if you’re looking for peace and tranquility this should be on your must see list. The site is magnificent with it’s golden pagoda and the backdrop of the ocean. The surrounding area is like a large park and the best thing is, it is almost always empty of tourists. The seawall surrounding it has seen better days but it is an extremely peaceful place. No entrance fee
Wat Kunaram
Wat Kunaram is a small temple and at first glance you won’t think much of it. But inside the temple the energy is palpable. That’s because inside the temple you will find the mummified remains of Luang Pho Daeng. Daeng was a devout Buddhist monk that left his body in 1973. He asked that his body be preserved as a constant reminder of the impermanence of life. I assure you that a visit to Wat Kunaram will raise many questions for you regardless of your belief or disbelief in any religion. No entrance fee
Koh Samui Silver Beach
There are countless beaches to choose from on Koh Samui, but one of my favourites is Silver Beach. One of the reasons I love it is because I am older now and don’t want to deal with the drunk 20 somethings that you find on Chewang and Lamai beaches. When it’s time to escape the crowds, head to the south eastern end of the island for a much more relaxed atmosphere. The waters are gorgeous and food & beverages are available as well as sun bed rentals. No entrance fee for the beach, but you will need to pay a small fee to park your car or scooter
Fishermans Village Night Market
As someone that literally travels for food, this is one of my favourite spots on Koh Samui. The market consists of more than just food though. You will find everything you can imagine here from clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, and more. Bring your bargaining skills, get your fill of tasty street foods and enjoy an adult beverage while watching some live music. There is no entrance fee, only money spent on your souvenir’s and food.
Lexi Adventures Samui ATV Quad Bike Tour
Jump on a quad bike with amazing tour guides and explore the jungles of Koh Samui. These ATV’s will get you to areas on the island that other forms of transport just can’t get to. You’re assured of a waterfall and an excellent cafe. And Lexi Adventures prides themselves on their guests safety. There is a reason they have hundreds of 5 star reviews. Two hour tours start at $40 as a passenger and $80 as a driver.
Top 10 Things to Do in Koh Samui Conclusion
As you can see there is a lot to do on the island of Koh Samui without having to take a day trip to another Island. Having said that, you should definitely check out islands like Koh Mudsum(pig island), Koh Phangan and Ang Thong National Marine Park because they are gorgeous. But they’re are plenty of options for things to do in Koh Samui without having to jump on a boat.
If you’re planning a visit to Koh Samui and want to find some great food, have a loot at my Where to Eat in Koh Samui article.
Have you ever been to Koh Samui? Do you have other tips or tricks for visiting this amazing location? Leave a comment down below and let ,e know and help other travellers who are thinking of visiting Coconut Island.
