Discover 50+ beaches, islands, temples, waterfalls, diving sites, shopping, and adventures across Thailand's tropical paradise island - complete 2025 guide
Koh Samui offers the perfect blend of stunning beaches, cultural temples, natural wonders, and adventure activities. From the famous Chaweng Beach party scene to peaceful Lipa Noi sunsets, from Big Buddha temple to Secret Buddha Garden, from diving Koh Tao to Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan - Samui is your gateway to Gulf of Thailand paradise.
This comprehensive guide covers 50+ things to do: 7 major beaches, 4 nearby islands, cultural temples, waterfalls, diving schools, shopping markets, day trip operators, and adventure activities with real prices, contact details, and insider tips for 2025.
Quick Samui Overview 2025:
Samui has 25+ beaches ranging from party hotspots to secluded hideaways. Here are the top 7 you need to know, each with unique character, facilities, and best-for recommendations.
Samui's most famous beach - long stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and endless action. The island's nightlife hub with beach clubs, restaurants, water sports, and shopping. Beautiful but busy.
Samui's second-largest beach offers a more laid-back alternative to Chaweng. Cleaner water, less crowds, but still good restaurants, bars, and water sports. Great mid-range hotels and resorts.
Charming beach with the famous Fisherman's Village - old wooden houses converted to boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Friday night walking street market. Calm water, family-friendly, boutique hotel zone.
Peaceful, undeveloped beach with shallow water and fewer tourists. Perfect for families with kids, long walks, and budget to mid-range resorts. Local vibe with authentic Thai restaurants.
Small, beautiful crescent bay with luxury resorts (Six Senses, Melati), calm clear water, and coral reefs for snorkeling. Upscale and peaceful with excellent restaurants. Great for couples.
Quiet west coast beach famous for spectacular sunsets. Shallow water at low tide (not ideal for swimming), but peaceful atmosphere with boutique resorts. Locals favorite for sunset watching.
Hidden gem tucked between rocks - small, pristine beach with crystal-clear water, white sand, and excellent snorkeling. Less developed with only a few restaurants. Perfect for escaping crowds.
Koh Samui is perfectly positioned to explore the Gulf of Thailand's most spectacular islands. From world-class diving at Koh Tao to legendary Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan, to pristine Ang Thong Marine Park - your island-hopping adventure starts here.
12km north (30-45 min ferry)
Famous for Full Moon Party but offers much more - stunning beaches (Bottle Beach, Haad Yuan), waterfalls (Than Sadet, Phaeng), viewpoints, yoga retreats, and jungle adventures. More hippie/backpacker vibe than Samui.
45km north (2-2.5 hours)
World-renowned diving and snorkeling destination. Crystal-clear water, diverse marine life (turtles, reef sharks), white beaches, and relaxed vibe. Backpacker and diver paradise. Cheapest place in Thailand to get PADI certified.
30km northwest
Spectacular archipelago of 42 islands - limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, caves, pristine beaches. The crown jewel of Gulf of Thailand. Full-day tours include kayaking, snorkeling, Emerald Lake hike, and beach time.
50km north (often combined with Koh Tao)
Instagram-famous triple island connected by sandbars. Pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, excellent snorkeling, and iconic viewpoint. Private island with day-use fee. No plastic allowed to preserve nature.
Koh Samui's temples blend Thai Buddhist architecture with Chinese influences and unique island character. From the iconic Big Buddha to the colorful Wat Plai Laem and the famous Mummified Monk - these spiritual sites offer culture, history, and stunning photography.
12-meter golden Buddha statue sitting atop a small hill. Samui's most iconic landmark visible from planes. Climb the dragon staircase for panoramic ocean views. Active temple with monks and worshippers.
Stunning Chinese-Thai temple with 18-arm Guanyin statue surrounded by lake. Colorful, ornate architecture with dragons, deities, and feeding fish. Less touristy than Big Buddha but equally beautiful.
Famous Buddhist temple housing the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, a revered monk who died in 1973 while meditating. His body has not decomposed. Unique cultural and spiritual experience.
Samui's most famous waterfall - 30m cascade into natural pool. Easy 10-minute walk from parking. Swimming allowed in the pool at base. More impressive in rainy season (Jun-Nov). Popular with families.
More dramatic than Na Muang 1 - taller cascade into pool surrounded by jungle. Requires 30-minute steep hike. Fewer tourists, more adventurous. Can swim in the pool. Best combined with Na Muang 1 visit.
Famous "Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks" - natural rock formations resembling male and female genitalia. Popular photo spot and local legend. Beach viewpoint with food stalls. Amusing cultural attraction.
Hidden jungle garden built by elderly fruit farmer filled with Buddha statues, deities, and sculptures in lush tropical setting. Mystical atmosphere with 360° mountain views. Requires 4x4 or tour - steep rough road.
Koh Samui offers excellent diving and snorkeling both locally and as a gateway to world-class sites like Koh Tao and Sail Rock. PADI-certified dive schools offer courses from beginner to instructor level, plus daily dive trips.
Well-established PADI 5-star dive center since 1995. Daily trips to Sail Rock and Koh Tao. All courses from beginner to instructor. Small groups, experienced instructors, equipment included.
Long-running dive school in prime Chaweng location. Daily boats to Koh Tao and Sail Rock. Full PADI range plus technical diving. Free pool training sessions. Good for beginners and advanced.
Part of Koh Tao's largest dive school network. Samui office books day trips to Koh Tao for diving. Great for courses (do classroom in Samui, diving on Tao). Budget-friendly options.
Ride around the bay or along coast. Operators line Chaweng and Lamai. Negotiate price, check insurance. Damage deposits ฿3,000-5,000. Fun but watch for scams (pre-existing damage claims).
Calm bays perfect for SUP - Bophut and Choeng Mon best. Rent boards from beach vendors or resorts. Easy to learn, great morning activity. Some operators offer SUP yoga sessions.
Rent kayaks from beaches or join guided tours. Explore coastline, visit nearby rocks and coves. Ang Thong Marine Park tours include kayaking through caves and lagoons. Good family activity.
Soar 50-80 meters above Chaweng Beach towed by speedboat. Spectacular aerial views of Samui coastline. 10-15 minute flights. Safe operators with life jackets. Can go solo or tandem.
Classic fun ride on inflatable banana towed by speedboat. Guaranteed laughter when it flips. Groups of 4-6 people. Great for families and groups. Lots of splashing and fun.
Best kitesurfing on Samui at Maenam Beach. Consistent winds Feb-Sep. Multiple schools offer lessons from beginner to advanced. Shallow water perfect for learning. Equipment rental available.
Ride through Samui interior - jungle trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, and rubber plantations. Various routes from easy to challenging. Single or double ATVs. Includes safety gear and guide.
Fly through jungle canopy on zip-lines, sky bridges, and abseiling. Multiple platforms high in trees. Views of jungle and coast. Safe professional operation. Fun for families (min age 4).
Train authentic Muay Thai at renowned gyms. Drop-in classes or multi-day packages. Professional trainers, beginner-friendly. Great workout and cultural experience. Some gyms offer accommodations.
Indoor go-kart track in Lamai. Fast electric karts, timing system, safe family fun. Day and night sessions. Good rainy-day activity. Also has arcade games.
Ethical elephant sanctuary (no riding). Feed, bathe, and walk with rescued elephants in natural habitat. Educational experience about elephant welfare. Mud baths and jungle walk included.
Charter private longtail or speedboat for custom island exploration. Visit multiple islands, snorkel spots, beaches. Flexible itinerary. Perfect for groups, families, special occasions.
Samui's largest and only modern mall. International brands (H&M, Boots, Watson's), Thai brands, supermarket (Tops), food court, cinema, Starbucks. Air-conditioned shopping escape.
Famous Friday night walking street in charming old village. Local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, street food, live music. Best market on Samui - authentic, quality goods, great atmosphere.
Smaller night market with street food, cheap clothes, souvenirs, and local goods. More budget-focused than Bophut. Good for cheap eats and browsing. Busy on weekends.
World-famous beach party with 20,000+ people. Fire shows, multiple music stages, bucket drinks, body paint, and all-night dancing on the beach. Ferry packages from Samui available.
Weekly cultural market and street festival. Local handicrafts, street performances, live music, Thai street food, and charming old-town atmosphere. Samui's best regular event.
International sailing regatta attracting yachts from across Asia. Beach parties, entertainment, and spectacular yacht racing. Major event on Samui social calendar.
Rotating food festivals featuring regional Thai cuisine, cooking demonstrations, and street food vendors. Great way to experience authentic Thai dishes.
Rent scooter ฿200-300/day (best freedom, be careful). Songthaew (pickup trucks) ฿30-100 fixed routes. Grab taxi ฿300-500 across island. Car rental ฿1,200-1,800/day. Most roads good condition.
Dec-Feb: Perfect weather, peak crowds, higher prices. Mar-May: Hot (35°C), fewer crowds. Jun-Sep: Some rain but manageable. Oct-Nov: Wettest months - avoid if possible. Monsoon opposite of Phuket.
Eat local (฿40-80) vs tourist spots (฿150-300). 7-Eleven everywhere for cheap snacks. Book tours from street shops (20-30% cheaper than hotels). Negotiate songthaew rides. Free beaches, temples.
Reef-safe sunscreen (protect coral), light clothing, swimsuit, hat, mosquito repellent. Modest clothes for temples (cover shoulders/knees). Waterproof bag for boat trips. Cash - many places no cards.
Jet-ski damage scams (photograph before rental). Taxi overcharging (use Grab app). Scooter rental: check insurance, wear helmet (฿500 fine). Respect monks and temples. Watch belongings on beaches.
Bangkok Hospital Samui (best, expensive), Samui International Hospital. Pharmacies everywhere (cheap). Tourist police 1155. Keep copies of passport. Travel insurance essential for activities.