We spent an amazing 10 days in Koh Samui. We want to share exactly where we stayed, as well as sharing our top attractions in Koh Samui we visited and our overall experience. Please feel free to use or take bits from our Koh Samui 10-day travel itinerary. Firstly we definitely recommend Koh Samui to families because there are many family friendly activities to do in Koh Samui, we found it to be safe and friendly and also easy to organise. There are beautiful beaches, relaxed island vibes, cultural activities to take part in and activities for the whole family to take part in.
This itinerary guides you through the top attractions in Koh Samui, with stays in scenic Bophut and tranquil Lipa Noi, before heading to nearby Koh Phangan and back to Koh Samui. We will also offer you our top tips to navigate around the island and amazing tour recommendations, and family-friendly accommodations that we personally used.
If you find our guide helped you to organise your own Koh Samui trip please do support our work and website by buying us a coffee 😉 which would help us to run this site.
Getting to Koh Samui
Reaching Koh Samui is a seamless experience when planned properly. Travelers can fly directly to Koh Samui Airport, which offers convenient connections from major cities in Thailand and other international hubs. To make your journey even smoother, consider using Travel Thru, a service we found incredibly reliable and convenient during our trip.
Travel Thru allowed us to pre-book airport transfers, making the transition from our home in the UK to the airport and then from Koh Samui Airport to our hotel effortless. Pre-booking transfers with Travel Thru eliminates the hassle of finding transportation upon arrival, ensures timely pickups, and provides peace of mind, especially in an unfamiliar destination. They also operate globally in over 150+ destinations making it easier to book and organise across continents. We highly recommend arranging transfers ahead of time to enjoy a stress-free start and end to your vacation!
10-Day Koh Samui Itinerary including Top attractions in Koh Samui
Days 1-3: Bophut Beach – Relaxing Start at Maya Resort
Begin your trip in Bophut, one of the most family-friendly and popular areas on the island. It is also 20 minutes away from the airport making it a practical and easy place to start and end your Koh Samui trip. Check in at the Maya Resort Bophut, a peaceful, family-friendly resort just a short walk from the beach and the famous Fisherman’s Village. Maya Resort offers a quiet, relaxed setting with a tropical garden, spacious rooms, and easy access to the best attractions in Koh Samui.
Day 1: Beach Day in Bophut
- Bophut Beach: Start your stay with a relaxing day on Bophut Beach, known for its calm waters and soft sands. The area is family-friendly and has a laid-back vibe, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the scenery.
- Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple): In the afternoon, head to one of the most iconic attractions in Koh Samui, the Big Buddha Temple. The 12-meter golden Buddha statue sits on a small island connected by a causeway. Climb up the steps to see breathtaking views and learn about the spiritual significance of this landmark.
Day 2: Adventure and Culture
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Take a full-day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park, a stunning archipelago of 42 islands. The park’s limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and snorkeling sites make it one of the most sought-after attractions near Koh Samui. Many tour operators offer family-friendly packages that include snorkeling, kayaking, and lunch on the beach. These tours are great because everything is organised for you including pick up and drop off to your hotel. You can also choose more private tours if you don’t want to be in a big group. Make sure to have a good pair of walking shoes as part of the tour does include a hike to see the viewpoint, (you also have the option of not doing the hike if you are travelling with smaller kids).
- Evening in Fisherman’s Village: After returning from Ang Thong, spend the evening at Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, where you can enjoy street food, visit local shops, and walk along the beachfront. This lively area has plenty of dining options, we absolutely loved the food stalls which included lots of delicacies including Mango sticky rice, the famous pancakes, street food and for the more adventurous crocodile skewers and even bbq scorpions! Try to go on Friday as that is when all the stalls and markets are open. We also recommend going to Coco Tams to see the fire show which happens twice daily at 7pm and 9pm.
Day 3: Day at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary
- Samui Elephant Sanctuary: Visit the Samui Elephant Sanctuary for an ethical elephant experience. This sanctuary focuses on caring for rescued elephants and allows visitors to learn about the animals and feed them without rides. It’s a meaningful and family-friendly activity that’s also one of the top attractions in Koh Samui for animal lovers.
- Relax at Maya Resort: End the day with some pool time back at the resort, letting the kids unwind before heading to your next destination.
Days 4-6: Lipa Loi – Serene Escape at Kanok Buri Resort
Next, head over to the quiet, scenic area of Lipa Noi, where you’ll stay at the Kanok Buri Resort for three nights. This beachfront resort offers a serene atmosphere with family-friendly Connecting rooms with a private pool, a private beach area, and easy access to more secluded attractions in Koh Samui.
If you are looking for a more lively place to stay then another option could be Chaweng. What is great about Koh Samui is that it is not a huge island and therefore getting from one place to another is easy.
Day 4: Arrival and Beach Time at Lipa Noi
- Kanok Buri Beach: Take a relaxing day to explore the private beach at Kanok Buri Resort. With shallow waters and tranquil surroundings, it’s a perfect spot for families to relax.
- Sunset Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the resort’s beachfront restaurant, watching the sunset over the ocean. Lipa Noi is known for its beautiful, less-crowded beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful evening. There are also other cafes and restaurants nearby with a beach view.
Day 5: Island Safari and Na Muang Waterfalls
- One of the best tours we did in Koh Samui was the 4×4 Island Safari Tour: Set out on a 4×4 jungle safari to explore Koh Samui’s interior. This guided tour takes you off the beaten path to several of the top attractions in Koh Samui, including the Secret Buddha Garden, where you can see hidden statues surrounded by lush greenery.
- Na Muang Waterfalls: Visit Na Muang 1 and 2, two of Koh Samui’s most famous waterfalls. The first is easily accessible and offers a large natural pool for swimming, while the second waterfall requires a short hike but rewards you with a secluded, beautiful view. Both are fantastic for family photos and a refreshing swim.
- We absolutely loved this tour and especially having the opportunity to sit on the top of the jeep, be ready for a bumpy, adventurous ride.
Day 6: Cultural Exploration in Lamai
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: Drive to Lamai to visit the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. These “Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks” are unique rock formations that have become a quirky yet popular attraction in Koh Samui. Kids will enjoy the fun shapes, and the area has great sea views. You can also go for a swim near the rocks. Some tours include a quick visit here but you can spend longer to discover more of the area.
- Lamai Beach: Spend the afternoon on Lamai Beach, where the family can relax, swim, and enjoy lunch at one of the many beachside cafes. Lamai is a bit quieter than Bophut, making it a lovely spot for a relaxing beach day.
Days 7-8: Koh Phangan – Beach Stay at Cookies Salad Resort
Travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by ferry for a short two-night stay at Cookies Salad Resort on Salad Beach. This resort is family-friendly and offers direct beach access, with comfortable rooms and a laid-back vibe. We advise booking your ferry in advance (it is the same price as booking at the stalls at the pier) but at least you have piece of mind that the tickets will not all get booked especially during peak travel season. Also bear in mind the full moon party dates as you probably want to avoid that timing unless you want to experience the full moon party!
Day 7: Arrival and Salad Beach
- Salad Beach: Spend your first day on Salad Beach, known for its clear waters and soft sands. The beach is shallow and calm, ideal for kids to swim and play. Cookies Salad Resort offers equipment for snorkeling and kayaking, so take advantage of the beachside activities.
- Evening by the Beach: Enjoy dinner at the resort’s restaurant, with its beautiful ocean views and relaxed atmosphere. We absolutely loved the terrace view of the resort and the food was also delicious. (Try the avacado chick pea toast and the macha or thai tea coconut milk drink).
Day 8: Snorkeling Tour to Koh Ma and Bottle Beach
- Snorkeling at Koh Ma: Join a snorkeling tour to Koh Ma, a small island off the northwest coast of Koh Phangan. Known for its vibrant coral reefs and clear waters, Koh Ma is one of the best attractions near Koh Samui and Koh Phangan for snorkeling.
- Bottle Beach: After snorkeling, visit Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat), a secluded beach that’s accessible only by boat or a challenging hike. The beach’s serene surroundings make it perfect for a peaceful day of relaxation before returning to the resort.
- Food tip – If you would like to try something a bit different head to the ‘Rolling Pin’ restaurant for freshly made Italian pasta (you can even watch them making the fresh pasta). There are also a good selection of wines.
- You can also indulge in a massage on the beach, we went to Mymassage, unfortunately I didn’t have a good experience when I asked for a pedicure from one of the employees but the older lady was wonderful and she gave Denis an amazing thai massage.
Days 9-10: Return to Bophut – Final Stay at Ibis Bophut Samui
Head back to Koh Samui by ferry and check in to the Ibis Bophut Samui. This family-friendly hotel offers great amenities, with easy access to some of the final attractions in Koh Samui on your itinerary. We had a wonderful time at this hotel and it was the perfect place to end our 10 day trip around Koh Samui. The included breakfast was definitely the best we had experienced compared to all the resorts. There were a lot of food choices and the doughnuts were definitely a hit with our kids. Other experiences we really enjoyed were the outdoor massage whist listening to the sea waves and the lovely seafood/bbq dinner. You can check out our full review here.
Day 9: Relaxation and Local Shopping
- Maenam Walking Street: Take a short trip to Maenam Walking Street, where you can explore local shops, enjoy street food, and pick up unique souvenirs. The market has a friendly, bustling atmosphere that’s a great cultural experience for all ages.
- Beach Day at Ibis Bophut: Spend your afternoon unwinding on the beach or by the pool at the Ibis Bophut, giving the kids some time to play and relax after the island-hopping adventure. They also have happy hour twice a day with options for non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Or choose to have an outdoor massage provided by the resort.
Day 10: Final Day and Departure
- Bophut Night Market: If your flight allows, head to Bophut Night Market for a final taste of Koh Samui’s lively street market scene. The market is filled with food stalls, local artisans, and live entertainment, making it a memorable last experience of the attractions in Koh Samui.
Extra Tips for Exploring Attractions in Koh Samui
- Travel Insurance: If you’re exploring natural attractions in Koh Samui like waterfalls and marine parks, ensure you have travel insurance that covers adventure activities.
- Sea Conditions: When traveling between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, check sea conditions to avoid seasickness. Ferries and speedboats run frequently, but rough waters can affect schedules.
- Dress Code for Temples: When visiting temples like Wat Phra Yai, dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Download the indrive app to get access to more reasonable taxis.
From the vibrant scenes of Bophut to the peaceful shores of Lipa Noi, Koh Samui offers diverse experiences that cater to families, couples, and adventure seekers alike. With this 10-day itinerary, you’ll explore the best attractions in Koh Samui and nearby Koh Phangan. Soak in the sunsets, discover the cultural landmarks, and enjoy all that these beautiful islands have to offer. We hope you enjoy our Koh Samui Itinerary. If you did, we would love if you supported us by buying a coffee;)
