22 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui, From Travelers Who Lived There

Koh Samui is much more than Chaweng's beach bars. Behind the resorts there is a hilly, green island full of jungle roads, gold-roofed temples, waterfalls and viewpoints where you will often be the only visitors.

We have come back to Koh Samui again and again and stayed for months at a time, always renting a scooter and exploring the island from top to bottom. These are the things we loved most, along with the practical details you need for 2026: prices, opening days and how to get around.

The list starts with the one thing that changes how you experience the island, and then moves from temples and nature to food, markets and the activities we would skip.

Quick answer: The top things to do in Koh Samui are the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples, Na Muang waterfalls, the Secret Buddha Garden in the hills, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park, sunset at Wat Khao Hua Jook, the Fisherman's Village night market in Bophut and a lazy day at Silver Beach (Crystal Bay).

1. Explore the island by scooter (or Grab)

If you stay at your hotel, you miss most of what makes Koh Samui special. A scooter lets you reach cheap local restaurants, markets, temples and empty beaches whenever you like.

What you need to know in 2026:

• Price: a Honda Click 125 costs roughly 140–350 THB per day, bigger scooters such as a PCX or NMAX 250–450 THB. Weekly and monthly rentals are much cheaper per day, so haggle politely.
• Licence: you legally need your home motorcycle licence plus an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle category. Police run checkpoints near Chaweng and Lamai, and riding without the right licence can void your travel insurance.
• Helmets are mandatory for driver and passenger, even if you see locals without one.
• Don't leave your passport as a deposit if you can avoid it; a cash deposit is safer. Photograph every scratch before you ride off.
• Fuel: besides petrol stations you will see roadside stands selling fuel in glass bottles. It is the local way to fill up a scooter.

The ring road is in good shape, but the roads into the hills are steep and sometimes rough. We always chose the lightest scooter available; it is easier to handle on gravel and much easier to pick up. After sunset it gets very dark away from the main road, so plan to be back early if you are not an experienced rider.

Not riding? Grab now works in the main areas (Chaweng, Bophut, Lamai, Maenam) and is usually cheaper than taxis. Read our full guide to getting around Koh Samui.

2. Watch the sunset at the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

The 12-metre golden Big Buddha sits on a small island linked to the north-east coast by a causeway. Entry is free (donations welcome), but you have to take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees; sarongs can be borrowed on site. Avoid midday, when the steps burn your feet, and come in the late afternoon for the golden light.

3. Count the arms at Wat Plai Laem

Just a few minutes from the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem is Koh Samui's most colourful temple: an 18-armed statue of Guan Yin, a giant laughing Buddha and a pavilion floating in a lake. Entry is free, and a 10 THB donation gets you food for the fish and turtles.

4. Meet the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram

On the ring road in the south, Wat Khunaram keeps the body of Luang Pho Daeng, a monk who died in 1973 while meditating and has sat upright in a glass case ever since, wearing sunglasses. It is strange, a little creepy and genuinely fascinating. More in our guide to the mummified monk of Wat Khunaram.

5. Find the Secret Buddha Garden

High in the hills, the Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden) is the life's work of a local fruit farmer who filled a jungle valley with stone statues of gods, animals and people. Entry is about 80 THB. The road up is very steep, so go by 4x4 tour or with a powerful scooter and an experienced rider. Our Secret Buddha Garden guide explains how to get there.

6. Hike to Na Muang Waterfall 2

There are two Na Muang waterfalls, and both are free. Na Muang 1 is a short walk from the car park and has a pool for swimming. Na Muang 2 is more fun: you climb a natural staircase of rocks, roots and bamboo walkways for about 20–30 minutes (or take a jeep for around 100 THB). Wear proper shoes and come in the rainy season; in the dry months there is very little water.

7. Giggle at Hin Ta and Hin Yai

South of Lamai, the "Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks" are natural rock formations shaped, let's say, very anatomically. Entry is free; parking costs 10 THB for a scooter. Climb up to the small viewing platform on the big boulder for a great view of the coast.

8. Take a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park

The 42 islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park are the most beautiful day trip from Koh Samui: limestone cliffs, kayaking through lagoons, snorkelling and the hike to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap. Tours leave from Samui in the morning, usually include lunch and hotel pickup, and the national park fee may or may not be included, so check before you book.

9. Watch planes land from Wat Khao Hua Jook

This hilltop temple near the airport is one of Tomek's favourite places on the island. From the golden stupa you look over the whole north-east coast, the Big Buddha, the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and the planes gliding in to land right below you. Come for sunset.

10. Spend a lazy day at Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)

Our favourite beach on Koh Samui is Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Bay, between Chaweng and Lamai. It is a small, sheltered bay of about 250 metres with clear water, granite boulders to snorkel around and only a few hotels. It does get busy around midday in high season, so come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. We liked it so much that we lived here for a month; see where to stay in Koh Samui.

11. Go beach hopping

Every beach on Koh Samui has a different personality:

• Chaweng – the longest and busiest beach, with nightlife and every kind of restaurant.
• Lamai – a bit more relaxed, with a great night market.
• Bophut – calm water and the charming Fisherman's Village.
• Maenam – long, quiet and good value.
• Choeng Mon – small, family-friendly bays in the north-east.
• Laem Sor – remote and peaceful in the south, next to the golden Laem Sor pagoda.

12. Hunt for viewpoints

Koh Samui's hilly centre is full of viewpoints, though some "viewpoint" signs simply lead to a restaurant with a view. Popular spots today include The Cocoon above the airport, the hilltop bars around Chaweng and Giant Summit near the Secret Buddha Garden. Many charge a small entrance fee or ask you to buy a drink.

13. Shop and eat at the Fisherman's Village Walking Street

Bophut's old Fisherman's Village turns into a walking street with food stalls, crafts and live music on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings (about 5–11 pm); Friday is the big night. It is the most charming market on the island. Read about our other favourite food spots in where to eat in Koh Samui.

14. Eat your way through the Lamai night markets

Lamai Night Plaza runs every evening and is perfect for cheap Thai street food: pad thai, grilled skewers, spring rolls and fresh fruit shakes. On Sundays, the Lamai walking street (about 5–10 pm) adds crafts, clothes and live music.

15. Get a Thai massage

A Thai massage is part of every Samui day, and prices are low compared with home. Quality varies a lot, so look for a clean, quiet place and tell your masseuse if you prefer a gentle treatment; a traditional Thai massage can include quite a bit of pulling and stretching. Foot massages are a great way to end a day on the scooter.

16. Spot the spirit houses

Next to almost every house, shop and hotel you will see a small shrine on a pillar, decorated with flowers, garlands, drinks and incense. These spirit houses give the land's guardian spirits a home of their own. Locals sometimes honk when they drive past a big one.

17. Visit the Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon

In the south of the island, Hua Thanon is a fishing village with a mosque, colourful fishing boats and a very different atmosphere from the resort beaches. It is a nice stop on the way to the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks.

18. See the golden Laem Sor Pagoda

In the quiet south-west corner of the island, the gold-tiled Laem Sor Chedi stands right by the sea. Combine it with a swim at the peaceful Laem Sor beach.

19. Find the Chinese zodiac at the island's highest temple

Deep in the hilly centre of the island, near the highest peak, we found a standing Buddha surrounded by statues of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Dasza's animal is the horse: "diligent, friendly, sophisticated, talented, clever". She still prefers rabbits.

20. Shop at Lotus's and Central Samui

When the afternoon rain comes, do as the locals do and head to an air-conditioned mall. Lotus's (formerly Tesco Lotus) has a big supermarket, a pharmacy, phone shops and a cheap food court; Central Samui in Chaweng is the island's biggest mall, with a cinema. It is also where we bought our light, clear glasses for scooter rides, which keep insects out of your eyes.

21. Enjoy a cabaret show in Chaweng

Chaweng's ladyboy cabaret shows are colourful, cheesy and fun. Entry is usually free if you buy a drink. The early shows are family-friendly; the later ones get a bit more risqué.

22. What not to do: animal shows

Please skip the monkey shows, crocodile shows, elephant rides and "photo with a tiger" stands. These animals are often trained with cruel methods and kept chained or sedated. If you want to see elephants, choose a sanctuary that does not allow riding or performances and lets you watch the animals from a respectful distance.

Practical tips for Koh Samui

• Best time to visit: December to April is the driest season. October and November bring the heaviest rain on Koh Samui's side of the Gulf, while much of the rest of Thailand is dry.
• Rain showers are short and sudden. A plastic raincoat from 7-Eleven costs next to nothing.
• Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially at dusk. Bring repellent.
• Dress code: cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
• Money: ATMs are everywhere around Chaweng and Lamai, but most charge a fee per withdrawal for foreign cards.

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Sources checked: InsideSamui transport guide 2026, Byklo Koh Samui motorbike rental guide (June 2026), Home is where your bag is – Koh Samui sightseeing, Accor – Koh Samui night markets, Places of Juma – Silver Beach (July 2026).