Koh Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand and a tropical paradise with stunning white sand beaches, fantastic weather, a wealth of fascinating sights, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. As the only island in the Gulf of Thailand with an airport, it's easily accessible from Bangkok. Less developed for tourism than Phuket, the island boasts pristine jungle and areas of exceptional natural beauty. Nevertheless, it offers a fantastic range of accommodations, shopping, dining, and an exciting nightlife – a truly wonderful destination. Whether you're staying in a luxury resort, traveling on a budget in a hostel, or looking for an unforgettable family vacation, Samui has something for everyone. Here are five things you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting this beautiful island.

Visit the elephant sanctuary

The elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui is home to many beautiful elephants rescued from lives of hard work and mistreatment. A visit is an unforgettable experience and should be at the top of the list, especially for families with children. Nestled amidst a stunning natural landscape, the elephants are lovingly cared for by dedicated volunteers. You'll have the opportunity to get up close to the animals, feed them, and watch them bathe in the lake. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet. Many of the elephants have endured harsh lives in the timber, construction, or tourism industries and were mistreated. It's all the more wonderful to see them now so happy and well cared for. The sanctuary is located in Bophut, just a few kilometers from the airport. There is now also a second location in Chaweng Noi. As the sanctuary is very popular, it's recommended to book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Angthong National Marine Park

Located on the east side of the island, this breathtaking, picturesque marine park stretches across 42 pristine islands. Dense jungle, coconut palms, idyllic white sand beaches, waterfalls, caves, and crystal-clear, warm azure waters characterize the landscape. The diverse wildlife and the protected status granted by the Thai government contribute to the area's wonderfully clean and unspoiled nature. One of the islands is even home to a group of "sea nomads" who live a traditional life, isolated from the rest of the Thai population, making their living from hunting and fishing. Since only a few licensed operators have access to the area, you must book your tour through one of the numerous travel agencies on the island. The park is an absolute must-see for every visitor to Koh Samui. Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and fishing trips are also available. A full-day trip to the park costs approximately 1500 baht, plus a 300 baht parking fee, bringing the total price to 1800 baht (US$60). However, the price includes hotel pickup, refreshments, insurance, and snorkeling/kayaking.

The Great Buddha

The iconic, giant golden Buddha of Koh Samui is the island's most important and well-known landmark and is located in the north. Erected in 1972, the statue stands on the grounds of Wat Phra Yai, which is situated on a small rocky island connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. The Buddha is enormous and visible from afar; in the evenings, it is even partially illuminated. The best time to visit is early in the morning when many locals make offerings to the Buddha to gain merit. You might even have the opportunity to listen to the monks chanting in the temple. The Buddha is highly revered by the locals, and it can get very crowded on holidays such as Loy Krathong and Songkran. There are also several stalls selling jewelry and souvenirs. Please dress appropriately and remove your shoes before entering the buildings to avoid offending anyone.

Visit the fishing village

The fishing village is a beautiful part of Koh Samui. Many old, traditional Thai-style buildings and old wooden houses give the area a rustic charm. There are numerous budget-friendly hotels, as well as some excellent, authentic restaurants (and a few more modern, trendy spots) and many small boutiques selling clothing and souvenirs of all kinds. The area borders directly onto Bophut Beach, where many restaurants offer tables and chairs right on the sand – ideal for a romantic dinner with freshly caught seafood or simply a few drinks. Every Friday, a lively and exciting night market takes place here, considered one of the best on the island. The stunning beach, the shopping opportunities, and the relaxed atmosphere make it easy to spend a whole day here. And since the fishing village is only about 7 km or 15 minutes from Chaweng Beach, it's also easily accessible.

Namuang Waterfalls

Koh Samui boasts several waterfalls, but the Namuang Falls are the most impressive and definitely worth a visit (many tours and day trips include a stop here). Namuang means "purple face" and refers to the purple hue of the rocks over which the water flows. Located about a 30-minute drive from Chaweng Beach, the falls are two separate waterfalls: Namuang 1 and Namuang 2. Namuang 1 is the more imposing, as its waters cascade into a large lagoon. The second waterfall can be reached after a roughly 25-minute uphill walk. The water is very clean and clear, perfect for swimming. The surrounding jungle is lush and teeming with wildlife; you can easily spend a whole day hiking and relaxing by the lagoon. There are also several stalls selling various food, drinks, and souvenirs. Remember to bring a good pair of shoes if you plan to hike to the second waterfalls, and do not attempt to climb on the rocks as they are very slippery when wet.