Sights and activities on Koh Samui: While monuments aren't usually the main reason to visit Koh Samui, there are still some interesting places to discover, such as Wat Khunaram with its mummy. At the bottom of the page, you'll also find a list of recommended tours, excursions, and activities you can do on or from Koh Samui. Click here to view them.

Sights on Koh Samui: Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) My rating: 5/5 stars. In the north of the island, near the airport. Very impressive. Wat Plai Laem My rating: 5/5 stars. This Buddhist-Chinese temple is particularly known for its large statue of the goddess Guanyin with her 18 arms. As it is located near the Big Buddha, a visit here is an interesting addition. Koh Taen Island My rating: 5/5 stars. This small island and its neighboring island Koh Matsum are located in the south of Koh Samui and can be reached by boat in about 20 minutes. Still untouched, there's a reef here where you can snorkel among colorful fish. It's a half-day or full-day excursion that has remained untouched by mass tourism. Hin Ta Hin Yai (หินตา หินยาย) My rating: 4/5 stars. These rocks, located on the coast between Lamai and Hua Thanon, are shaped like a penis and a vagina and attract many tourists who want to photograph them. Koh Samui Summit (พระพุทธ ทีปังกร) My rating: 5/5 stars. From the highest point of Koh Samui, you have a magnificent view of the island when the weather is good. At the top is the Wat Theepangkorn temple with a large standing Buddha statue on a wide promenade that provides access to the viewpoint. Few people know it, but the best view isn't there... Ang Thong National Marine Park My opinion: 5/5 stars. Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of about 42 islands with breathtaking scenery. All the islands are uninhabited and pristine, except for two: Koh Paluay, inhabited by the "sea nomads," and Koh Wua Talap, where the park headquarters and bungalows for overnight guests are located. There are also two beautiful beaches, the Buaboke Cave, and Ang Thong's most famous viewpoint. Another highlight of any park visit is Thale Nai, a beautiful emerald-green saltwater lake. Entry costs 300 baht per person. All travel agencies on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao offer boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park with snorkeling and diving, with Koh Samui being the closest island. Koh Matsum (เกาะมัดสุม): My rating: 3/5 stars. Koh Matsum, now also known as Pig Island because a small family of wild boars was released there to make the island more popular with tourists, is almost always associated with a visit to, or at least a snorkeling trip off, the neighboring island of Koh Taen. Overlap Stone (My rating: 4/5 stars): This large rock, which seems about to plunge into the depths, offers a beautiful viewpoint on Lamai Beach and has become one of the most famous viewpoints on Koh Samui. The only problem is that it's not so easy to get there.

Other places worth seeing on Koh Samui: Samui Elephant Sanctuary (5 stars): This respectful elephant sanctuary opened in early 2018. It is the first elephant sanctuary on an island that previously only had elephant trekking camps. Here you can experience a wonderful encounter with elephants without being involuntarily involved in their mistreatment. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda (5 stars) and its golden chedi temple near Chaweng Beach. Situated on a hill, the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda offers a beautiful view of the airport runway and the lake. Khao Chedi (5 stars): This small temple, not far from the Laem Sor Pagoda, is located on a small hill in the south of Koh Samui and impresses with its elegant white Buddha statues. From here you also have a magnificent view of the islands of Koh Taen and Koh Matsum, as well as Bang Kao Bay. Lamai Viewpoint (5 stars): This small viewpoint offers a breathtaking view over Lamai Beach. Located directly above the Grandpa and Grandma Rocks, this spot is often overlooked by tourists due to its somewhat hidden access. The island of Koh Phangan (★★★★), opposite Koh Samui, is so captivating that you should definitely spend several days and nights there to truly explore and enjoy it. However, it's also possible to take a day trip and visit the main sights and beaches, go snorkeling, etc. – either as part of a tour through travel agencies or independently. Be sure to check the ferry schedules between Samui and Koh Phangan. Wat Khunaram (★★★) and its mummified monk wearing sunglasses. The building is simple, but the sight of the well-preserved, mummified monk in a meditative pose with sunglasses is quite amusing. Wat Sila Ngu (★★★★) This small temple is still a hidden gem among tourists and features a red hall with magnificent relief sculptures. It's located on Hua Thanon Beach in the south of Koh Samui and can be reached from the main road or the beach via a staircase. Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden) This small, private garden has made a name for itself on Koh Samui. Amidst a beautiful landscape of rocks, trees, and waterfalls are Buddha statues and Buddhist figures. The garden is an enchanting place, but it's no longer a secret, as it's visited by many people daily. However, a visit is especially worthwhile if you have the opportunity to experience it all to yourself. Laem Sor Pagoda Located on the rocky coast at the southern tip of the island, it houses a golden chedi and was built from thousands of golden bricks.

Further excursion tips on Koh Samui: The coast is still a beautiful place where small areas have been preserved for tourist development.

Tours in and around Koh Samui: This selection includes tours, excursions, and activities in Koh Samui that I have personally tested or that have been tested by people I fully trust. You will also find offers from agencies and websites known for their reliability and quality. 1-Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park by Speedboat (English-Speaking Guide): Off the coast of Koh Samui lies Ang Thong Marine Park, undoubtedly one of Thailand's most breathtaking natural gems. With its emerald-green lagoon, imposing cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, it offers a diverse and unforgettable experience. An absolute must for any Koh Samui or Koh Phangan visitor. Details & Booking: Koh Samui Off the Beaten Track by Jeep (English-Speaking Guide): Discover the hidden beauty of Koh Samui, far from the usual tourist attractions, in a small group with an English-speaking guide. Experience local life on Samui and the hidden spots that remain unseen by most tourists. Details & Booking Koh Tan & Koh Matsum by Longtail Boat (English-speaking guide) The small island of Koh Tan can be reached from Koh Samui in half an hour by longtail boat. Pristine sandy beaches, a seabed teeming with colorful fish, mangroves, a temple, and the neighboring island of Koh Matsum with its wild boars make it an ideal destination for a day trip from Samui. Details & Booking Koh Samui: Land and Sea United (English-speaking guide) Discover the interior of Koh Samui with its fruit plantations, a hidden waterfall, local life, and breathtaking viewpoints. The afternoon concludes with a trip to a small neighboring island for snorkeling, a barbecue, rum drinking, relaxation, and swimming. Details & Booking Traditional Thai Cooking Class (English-speaking guide) Thai cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, particularly due to the diversity of its flavors, ingredients, and spices. A Thai chef on Koh Samui will welcome you to her home and show you how to select ingredients and prepare five traditional Thai dishes. Details & Booking Activities and Excursions on Koh Samui

Tours from Koh Samui: Samui Insolite – Discover Koh Phangan – Land & Sea. Experience the natural beauty of Koh Phangan in a whole new way on a day dedicated entirely to local life and atmosphere. Departure from Koh Samui is possible. Details & booking.

Other sights in Thailand: Wat Sri Panton: This entirely golden temple is the second monochrome temple in Nan. It's just a short walk from the White Temple of Nan. [arrow_circle_right] View details for Wat Sri Panton. Chicken Coop Spa: If you're looking for something surprising and relaxing near Nan, this is the place! Located in a small community 15 kilometers from the city, the spa features unusual little saunas… [arrow_circle_right] View details for Chicken Coop Spa. Doi Inthanon: Thailand's highest mountain and a very interesting national park near Chiang Mai. It's especially popular for hiking and discovering nature, birds, flowers, and waterfalls… [arrow_circle_right] View details for Doi Inthanon. Amphawa Community Live Museum: This small museum in the middle of Amphawa's floating market is interesting because every weekend two talented women make bamboo or coconut shell hats and other objects right in front of visitors… [arrow_circle_right] View details about the Amphawa Community Live Museum.