Guided tour
Koh Samui: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Interactive Tour
- Pickup available
- Skip the ticket line
- Duration: 5 hours
From
US$ 103.25
per person
Top pick
Top attractions in Koh Samui
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
Top 10 things to do in Koh Samui
Once home to small fishing communities, in recent years the stunning island of Koh Samui has become a favorite for tourists visiting Thailand, accommodating wealthy and budget-conscious travellers alike. Here are 10 of its best attractions.
1. Chaweng Beach
Historically considered Koh Samui's best beach, it's no surprise Chaweng has become its most popular too. As well as gorgeous scenery, there are plenty of beachside cocktail bars!
2. Baan Chaweng (Chaweng Town)
Chaweng isn't all about the beach - it hosts the best of Koh Samui's restaurants and nightlife too. If you came here to let loose among other revellers, then this is the place to be.
3. Lamai Beach
If Chaweng's a little busy for your tastes, head to laid-back Lamai instead. Though quieter, there's no shortage of amenities and, for the time being at least, they're cheaper too!
4. Big Buddha
Koh Samui's most famous landmark is the centerpiece to Wat Phra Yai. The temple is rich with shrines and ornate sculptures, with a neighboring market peddling snacks and souvenirs.
5. Wat Plai Laem
Big Buddha is rivalled by this colorful temple's 18-armed sculpture of the goddess Guanyin. And if you're charmed by life's simple pleasures, its lake teems with fish to feed.
6. Hin Ta & Hin Yai
The "Grandpa and Grandma Rocks" are geological formations that happen to look like male and female genitalia. Makes you wonder what exactly Grandpa and Grandma have been rocking.
7. Ang Thong National Marine Park
Whether you feel like exploring or relaxing, take the boat over to this picturesque archipelago for pristine beaches, jungles, waterfalls, limestone mountains, and hidden coves.
8. Koh Phangan
This nearby island is known for its offshore sand bars and famous Full Moon Party: an all-nighter beloved by young backpackers that takes place – you guessed it – every full moon!
9. Diving/Snorkeling
With its clear seas, pristine reefs, and great selection of diving tour operators, Koh Samui is the perfect place to begin your underwater adventure!
10. Mae Nam Beach
Mae Nam offers views of Koh Phangan and meandering pathways providing an escape from other tourists. Other scenic beaches worth checking out include Bophut and Taling Ngam.
Planning Your Visit
What's the weather like?
Koh Sumai's weather is generally hot and humid (especially from March to May), with rainy season between September and mid-December. This isn't necessarily a bad time to go, as the rains come and go in short bursts, bringing welcome relief from the heat, as well as quieter beaches and heavy discounts on hotels and all inclusive holiday packages! For good weather November is definitely a month to avoid, however, as the island is hit by monsoons that go through five-year cycles of intensity.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Koh Samui is by flying into Samui International Airport, particularly if traveling there following a trip to Bangkok. It's also one of the most charming airports you could ever hope to visit! There are also several boats leaving from Surat Thani. They take about two or three hours (depending on the boat) and leave from Tha Thong, Ban Don, and Donsak piers.
Good to know
-
- Language
- Thai
-
- Currency
- THB
-
- Time Zone
- GMT +7
-
- Country Code
- +66
-
- Best time to visit
- If you visit between December and February, you'll bypass the rainy season. March to September is the warmest time of the year in Koh Samui.
What people are saying about Koh Samui
Incredible trip! Picked us up from our hotel the opposite end of the island. We did snorkeling and saw fish and sting rays, and kayaked to the pig island. Lunch was delicious and prepared fresh on board, and we also had fruit, ice cream and soft drinks. The staff were so friendly and made sure everything ran really smoothly.
One of the best activities we did in Koh Samui. The path is challenging with lots of twists and turns as well as steep slopes. You actually get to go into the jungle and rubber plantation. High quality quad bikes with a helpful guide.
K Oh was very accommodating, respectful, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend his service. It was our first time on Samui and he made recommendations on sites my family and I would enjoy. His English is very good also.
Excellent day, the guide done a fantastic job, very informative. Saw some wonderful sights from the Buddha’s and temples to the waterfall and secret garden. Highly recommended would do it again.
Amazing experience. Great hosts which makes it all enjoyable. Fantastic meal with refreshments readily available. A throughly great day with helpful and friendly staff.
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