Best places to visit on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand and there are many great places to visit. Some of the best places to visit in Koh Samui include:

1. Chaweng Beach is the most popular and busiest beach on the island of Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, clear blue water, and vibrant nightlife.

Chaweng Beach is located on the east coast of the island and is around 7 kilometers long, making it one of the largest and most developed beaches in Koh Samui. The beach is divided into three sections: north, central, and south, each with its own distinct atmosphere and attractions.

The central section of Chaweng Beach is the most popular and busiest, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops lining the beach. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of water sports activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

At night, the beach comes alive with numerous bars and nightclubs, making it a popular spot for partygoers. However, visitors seeking a quieter atmosphere can head to the north or south sections of the beach, where the crowds are fewer and the atmosphere is more laid-back.

Chaweng Beach is easily accessible by car or scooter, and there are also regular taxi and songthaew (shared taxi) services available on the island. Many hotels and resorts are also located along the beachfront, providing easy access to the beach and its many attractions.

2. The Big Buddha Temple, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. The temple is named after its main attraction, a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue that is visible from afar and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Koh Samui.

The temple complex also includes several other smaller Buddha statues, shrines, and prayer halls. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, take photos of the impressive golden Buddha statue, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding areas from the top of the hill.

The Big Buddha Temple is open to visitors every day from early morning until late afternoon, and admission is free. However, visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple grounds as a sign of respect.

The temple is located on a small island connected to Koh Samui by a causeway, making it easily accessible by car or scooter. There are also several tour operators on the island that offer guided tours to the temple, often combined with other popular attractions on Koh Samui.

3. Fisherman’s Village is a charming and picturesque area located on the north-east coast of the island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. The village is known for its traditional Thai-Chinese architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant night market.

Originally a fishing village, Fisherman’s Village has retained much of its old-world charm, with traditional wooden shop-houses, boutique hotels, and seafood restaurants lining the streets. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets, browsing the shops and markets, or stop for a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants.

The village is also home to a weekly night market, held every Friday, where visitors can sample local food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy live music and entertainment. The night market is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike, and is a great place to soak up the lively atmosphere of the village.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Fisherman’s Village is also known for its beautiful beach, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Fisherman’s Village is easily accessible by car or scooter, and there are also regular taxi and songthaew (shared taxi) services available on the island. Many hotels and resorts are also located in and around the village, making it a convenient and popular destination for visitors to Koh Samui.

4. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, are natural rock formations located on the southern coast of Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand. The rocks are known for their unique and striking shapes, which resemble male and female genitalia.

According to local legend, the rocks were formed when an elderly couple shipwrecked in the area and were transformed into the rocks as a symbol of their love and devotion to each other.

The rocks have become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming to take photos and marvel at their unusual shapes. The surrounding area is also home to several restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a popular spot for tourists to visit.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks are easily accessible by car or scooter, and there are also regular taxi and songthaew (shared taxi) services available on the island. Visitors should be aware that there is a small admission fee to visit the rocks, and it is important to dress modestly and respect the local culture and traditions.

5. Namuang Waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions on the island of Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. The waterfall is located in the interior of the island, surrounded by lush tropical forests and scenic views.

There are two Namuang waterfalls, with the larger and more impressive Namuang Waterfall 1 being the most popular. The waterfall is around 30 meters high and flows into a large pool, which is popular with visitors who want to take a refreshing swim in the cool water.

Visitors can hike to the waterfall along a well-marked trail, which takes around 20-30 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle. There are also several small restaurants and shops near the waterfall, selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

Namuang Waterfall is easily accessible by car or scooter, and there are also regular taxi and songthaew (shared taxi) services available on the island. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the hike to the waterfall can be steep and challenging in places. It is also important to respect the natural environment and not litter or damage the surrounding flora and fauna.

6. The Secret Buddha Garden, also known as Tarnim Magic Garden, is a hidden gem located in the hills of Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand. The garden is filled with stunning sculptures, statues, and water features, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

The garden was created by a local farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who began building the sculptures in 1976 as a way to honor his family and ancestors. Over the years, the garden has grown to include more than 80 statues and sculptures, including representations of Buddha, animals, and mythical creatures.

Visitors can explore the garden along a well-marked trail, which winds its way through the forest and up the hillside. Along the way, visitors can admire the intricate details of the sculptures and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Secret Buddha Garden is located in the interior of the island and can be reached by car or scooter, although the road can be steep and challenging in places. It is also possible to arrange a guided tour of the garden through local tour operators.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be steep and challenging in places. It is also important to respect the natural environment and not litter or damage the surrounding flora and fauna.

7. Koh Tao is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is part of the Chumphon Archipelago and is located in the province of Surat Thani. Koh Tao is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.

The island is relatively small, with a population of around 2,000 people. The main town on the island is called Mae Haad, which is also the location of the main ferry pier. Other popular areas on the island include Sairee Beach, Chalok Baan Kao Bay, and Shark Bay.

In addition to snorkeling and diving, Koh Tao offers a range of other activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and yoga. The island also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants catering to tourists.

Despite its small size, Koh Tao has a diverse range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The island can be reached by ferry from the nearby islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, as well as from the mainland town of Chumphon.

These are just a few of the many great places to visit in Koh Samui. There are also many other beaches, temples, waterfalls, and scenic spots to explore on the island.