Koh Samui is a stunning Thai island that blends lush jungles, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and a welcoming local atmosphere. We chose to visit Koh Samui as a family. Our aim was to discover its laid back nature. We wanted to spend some time relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Watching the sunsets in Koh Samui was a highlight. We also explored the Island’s bustling night markets and unique experiences. Koh Samui is the perfect escape for singles, couples and families and offers a laid back yet adventurous holiday. This guide breaks down the top Things to do in Koh Samui – including tours you can easily book for that perfect, easy trip.
Check out our 10 day Koh Samui Itinerary where we provide the perfect itinerary perfect family friendly trip.
Here are the Top 12 things to do in Koh Samui
1. Go on a 4×4 Jungle Safari Tour and Visit an Elephant Sanctuary
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Koh Samui’s lush landscapes is with a 4×4 Jungle Safari Tour. The tour takes you off-road through the island’s dense jungle terrain, hidden waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. This adventure provides access to lesser-known areas and hidden gems, including the Secret Buddha Garden with its enchanting statues and shrines nestled in the hills.
We booked this  4×4 Safari Tours on GetYourGuide which also included a visit to an ethical Elephant Sanctuary. There you can interact with rescued elephants in a respectful and humane environment. You will learn about the elephants’ stories, watch them roam freely, and have the opportunity to help with feeding and bathing them. These sanctuaries focus on ethical animal tourism, allowing travellers to enjoy meaningful interactions while supporting the elephants’ welfare.
We all really enjoyed this tour as it gave us an introduction to the Island and we were also lucky enough to have the whole jeep to ourselves. Definitely one of the highlights of our tour. Our kids loved riding on top of the jeep (be warned it can get bumpy). But perfect for those thrill seekers and if you are tall mind the branches 😉 check our experience here on top of the jeeps.
- Book a Koh Samui 4×4 Safari Tour with Elephant Sanctuary Visit on GetYourGuide to secure your spot on this unforgettable journey through the island’s natural beauty.
→ Book a Koh Samui 4×4 Safari Tour with Elephant Sanctuary Visit on GetYourGuide
And secure your spot on this unforgettable journey through the island’s natural beauty.
2. Relax on Koh Samui’s Best Beaches
Koh Samui is known for its idyllic beaches, and each one offers a different vibe. Here are some top choices:
- Chaweng Beach: The busiest and most popular, Chaweng Beach is famous for its nightlife, vibrant food scene, and beach bars. The beach’s soft sands and clear waters, make it perfect for a day of sunbathing and relaxing followed by a lively evening out. For adventurers, try a Snorkeling and Beach Day Tour to explore the underwater beauty.
- Lamai Beach: Lamai is a quieter alternative to Chaweng, with a family-friendly atmosphere and a more laid-back feel. This beach is ideal for those looking to unwind, enjoy a peaceful swim, or explore nearby restaurants and cafes.
- Silver Beach: Tucked between Lamai and Chaweng, Silver Beach (or Crystal Bay) is a hidden gem with calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful beach escape.
→ Book a Koh Samui Beach and Snorkeling Tour on GetYourGuide
And enjoy a stress-free day hopping between the island’s most scenic beaches.
2. Discover the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
=== == ===
The Big Buddha Temple on the island’s northeastern coast is one of Koh Samui’s most iconic landmarks. Standing 12 meters tall, the golden Buddha statue can be seen from afar, and the temple complex provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. Early morning is the best time to visit, with fewer crowds and an opportunity to observe locals offering prayers.
For an immersive cultural experience, join a Temple Tour of Koh Samui that includes Wat Phra Yai and other significant temples, where a local guide shares insights into Thai spirituality, customs, and architecture.
- Explore Koh Samui’s Temples with a Local Guide for a deeper understanding of the island’s cultural heritage.
3. Visit the Unique Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
Located near Lamai Beach, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) are natural rock formations known for their humorous resemblance to male and female anatomy. Surrounded by clear blue waters and scenic views, it’s a fun and unique spot for photography, and there are a few market stalls where you can sample and buy coconut ice cream and local souvenirs.
Consider joining a Koh Samui Island Highlights Tour, which stops at Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, as well as other popular landmarks.
4. Day Trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park one of the best things to do in koh Samui
A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the best things to do near Koh Samui. This archipelago of 42 islands offers some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, with towering limestone mountains, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. You will have time to snorkel around the coral reefs, kayak along cliffs, or hike to viewpoints that reveal breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding islands. If you decide to hike make sure you have appropriate footwear.
A Full-Day Ang Thong Marine Park Tour includes hotel pickup, boat transport, and equipment, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy this natural wonder. Some tours include the extra fee you need to pay to enter Ang Thong National Park (fees range from 300 bhat for adults and 150 bhat for kids)
- Book a Full-Day Marine Park Tour on GetYourGuide to experience the beauty of Ang Thong with expert guidance.
5. Unwind with a Spa Day in Koh Samui
No trip to Koh Samui is complete without experiencing Thailand’s famous spa culture. The island is home to some world-class spas offering everything from traditional Thai massages to luxurious aromatherapy treatments for less than what you would pay in Europe or America. Having a massage or going to the spa is one of the best things to do in Koh Samui to relax or unwind. Even our kids tried out a little thai massage and absolutely loved it. You can always tell your therapist to make sure it is not too hard if you don’t want too much pressure. Here are a couple of options you could try.
- Tamarind Springs Forest Spa: Nestled in the jungle, this eco-friendly spa features steam caves, hot stone massages, and traditional treatments surrounded by nature.
- Eranda Herbal Spa: A serene spot with expert therapists offering a range of treatments in a peaceful setting.
You can also book Spa and Wellness Packages on GetYourGuide, which include convenient transportation and spa options tailored to relaxation and rejuvenation.
6. Experience Fisherman’s Village and the Friday Night Market
Fisherman’s Village was definitely one of our favourite things to do in Koh Samui as we are a family of food lovers! We actually started and ended our trip in Bophut which was perfect as it is just 20 minutes from Koh Samui Airport. We stayed at the Maya Resort perfect for families with small kids and the beautiful Ibis Hotel. (You can check out our full reviews here). The architecture here reflects the area’s fishing village history, with narrow streets lined with boutique shops and seafood restaurants.
The Friday Night Market is one of the highlights, offering handmade goods, souvenirs, and mouthwatering street food. There are some must try dishes like the Sticky Mango rice, pancakes and delicious skewers and if you want to be adventurous you could even try the crocodile skewer!
For a guided experience, join a Food and Walking Tour of the Night Market to discover the best food stalls, enjoy tastings, and learn more about the area’s history from a local guide. If you want to see a great fire-show head to Coco Tam’s where every night depending on the weather there are 2 evening shows one at 7.30 and another at 9pm.
7. Visit the Na Muang Waterfalls
Koh Samui’s lush jungle interior hides two stunning waterfalls, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. Na Muang 1 is accessible and suitable for swimming, while Na Muang 2, located higher up, requires a short hike but rewards visitors with a more secluded experience. The waterfalls are a refreshing break from the beach, and the surrounding jungle makes for beautiful insta worthy photographs.
Many Island Tours on GetYourGuide include Na Muang Waterfalls as part of a scenic day in Koh Samui’s natural landscapes.
8. Learn Thai Cooking Skills
Thai food is one of our favourite foods, so full of flavour and richness. so if you are a foodie like us and love to discover new flavours booking a food tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Samui. Learning to cook Thai food is also an excellent way to dive into Thai culture. Many cooking classes on Koh Samui start with a market visit to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on lessons in making classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
- Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts: Offers hands-on classes with experienced chefs.
- Island Organics: Located on a sustainable farm, this experience includes a tour of their organic garden.
For a complete cooking experience, book a Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour on GetYourGuide, where you’ll learn traditional techniques from local chefs.
9. Discover Nightlife on Chaweng Walking Street
If you are looking to discover Koh Samui’s nightlife head to Chaweng Walking Street which is the center of Koh Samui’s nightlife, packed with bars, clubs, and street food vendors. Live music, beach parties, and night markets make it a vibrant evening destination. For those new to the area, a Nightlife Tour can help you navigate the best spots and even includes welcome drinks and discounts.
- Join a Bar Crawl in Koh Samui for a guided night out with fellow travelers.
10. Embrace Wellness with Yoga and Meditation
Koh Samui has become a wellness hub, with yoga studios, meditation retreats, and holistic healing centers. For an immersive wellness experience, join a retreat or day-long wellness package.
- Vikasa Yoga Retreat: This renowned retreat offers classes in a beautiful seaside setting.
- Samahita Retreat: Known for its yoga, detox, and meditation programs.
GetYourGuide offers Yoga and Meditation Retreat Packages for travelers seeking a peaceful day of inner reflection and physical relaxation.
11. Visit the Secret Buddha Garden
Hidden in Koh Samui’s forested hills, the Secret Buddha Garden is a tranquil space filled with statues, small shrines, and waterfalls. Created by a local fruit farmer, this garden provides a spiritual and scenic escape. Access requires a 4×4 vehicle, so consider booking a Jungle Tour for an easy visit to the garden and other hidden spots.
- Book a Secret Buddha Garden Tour to explore this enchanting garden.
12. Experience Muay Thai
Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai boxing, is thrilling to watch and even more exciting to try. Petchbuncha Stadium in Chaweng offers regular fights featuring professional boxers. Alternatively, you can take a beginner’s class at a local gym.
For a memorable experience, book a Muay Thai Training Session or Fight Ticket on GetYourGuide.
Our personal favourite things to do in Koh Samui
We loved our time in Koh Samui, we usually organise everything ourselves but on this trip booking the tours was a great way to explore the Island especailly with kids. We also selected our tours carefully, we wanted a more private experience rather than being herded into large groups. So all the tours we selected were more personal and as we could book online it took out the stress of organising once we got to the island. We also found the prices to be very similar to what we booked online and the fact that we had the option to cancel 24hours before made our trip stress free. Our favourite things to do in Koh Samui included the discovering the food stalls at Fishermans’s market, the 4×4 tour and visiting the Elephant sanctuary. With so many things to do in Koh Samui, the island invites you to explore at your own pace, uncovering experiences that feel both personal and unforgettable. It’s a place to slow down, take in the beauty, and come back feeling like you have had a real holiday.
If you found our article helpful please support our page by buying us a coffee 🙂
