What to see on Koh Samui

Chaweng: The tourist centre and hub of nightlife is full of bars, restaurants, club and all manner of entertainments plus some decent shopping and a beach.

Big Buddha: Koh Samui’s most visited tourist attraction is a 12 metre high statue of the Buddha surrounded by fellow temples and vendours.

What to do on Koh Samui

Go clubbing: The island is world famous for its nightlife so why night give it a try? Visit the main bars on Soi Green Mango and head up to Q Bar in the hills.

Beach life: It’s all about the beaches on this sunny tropical island so tour Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut et to find a beach to fit your fancy.

What to see in Ban Tai

The views: Climb to the hills and bask in the dramatic views of the Gulf of Siam including Samui’s little sister, neighbouring island, Koh Phangnan.

The beach: The central beach is a quiet spot for rest and relaxation, with yellow sands and blue water – just what you were looking for.

What to do in Ban Tai

Detox: Clean yourself out at one of the specialist day spas in Ban Tai that offer a full range of well being treatments, and come away feeling as good as new.

Golf: Santiburi golf course is a few minutes away and is one of the finest in the region, with rolling hills and lush greens that overlook the Gulf of Siam.

What to see in Taling Ngam

The views: Looking out over the five islands and Angthong National Marine Park, Taling Ngam offers some of the most magical views from the island.

The village: This is old world Samui in fully functional operation, a traditional Thai village unobtruded upon by western influence and full of interesting details.

What to do in Taling Ngam

Dine out: For such a small area, Taling Ngam has an impressive selection of top quality restaurants including “Five Islands” and those at Baan Taling Ngam Resort.

Visit Nathon: The administrative capitol of Koh Samui is an authentic Thai town with little international influence so the prices are low and the shops are unique.

What to see in Bang Por

The beach: Bang Por beach is quiet, semi private, and blessed with gentle breezes that provide a welcome relief for those who find the tropics a little too oppressive.

Beckham’s Palace: It’s not there yet, but football superstar David Beckham has bought a high level piece of land at one end of the beach, so watch this space.

What to do in Bang Por

Sail: The breeze across the Gulf of Siam touching Bang Por makes the area a fine location for sailing, one of the many leisure pursuits available in the area.

Learn Thai: Language school Ming Your Language has recently set up a branch in the area and welcomes all comers to learn the native language in a fun and easy way.

What to see in Big Buddha

Wat Phra Yai: More like Wat to See, the Big Buddha temple is Koh samui’s most famous landmark and often visited tourist attraction – fun for the whole family.

More temples: Make sure to stick around after your visit to the Buddha because there are a number of large and colourful statue and temples in the area that are all worth a visit.

What to do in Big Buddha

Eat: The restaurants in the area are fun and friendly, and there are some high class places that you really should try out, right on the beach, like Quo Vadis at Saboey.

Play: Bang Rak is a lively area at night with plenty of places to drink, watch sports, listen to music and make some new friends – a good night out.

What to see in Bophut

Beaches: Bophut has a fantastic beach area with views of Big Buddha and Koh Pangnan. It’s one of the more family orientated beaches on Koh Samui.

Fisherman’s Village: Home to plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes, Samui’s only walking street is a romantic spot for couples and very quaint and romantic in the evenings.

What to do in Bophut

Walking: It’s one of the only places on Samui where you can do it, so you may as well – along the beach and through Fisherman’s Village, taking in the sights.

Go-karting: Next to the main road, this fun and exciting adrenaline pumper is a dramatic break from the low key pace of the area.

What to see in Chaweng

The beach: It’s Samui’s longest and most popular, and is an all in one tourist destination itself with plenty to see and so along its 4km of sands.

The beach road: We recommend this at night for its lively and exciting atmosphere with plenty of choices or entertainment and things to do – always something going on.

What to do in Chaweng

Dance: The nightlife in Chaweng is lively yet not as male orientated as comparative areas in Bangkok and Pattaya. There are lots of bars and clubs around Soi Green Mango to take your fancy.

Dine: Some of the finest restaurants on the island are here, covering a range of cuisine, décor and style. The restaurant business here is highly competitive and eager to please.

What to see in Choeng Mon

The beach: this curving stretch of sand allows for some quiet out of the way spots and alternating views so you won’t get bored here.

The monastery: Broadcaster of daily chanting on Samui’s monk radio, this home of the village elder is praised for preserving the areas community feel.

What to do in Choeng Mon

Go swimming: You’ll want to stay on or around the blue water beach for most of the day so feel free to take a refreshing dip now and again.

Chill out: The restaurants and bars here are largely up market and trendy so spend long and luxurious hours sipping cocktails and catching the breeze.

What to see in Laem Set

Butterfly Farm: nestled in the hills above the beach, where you will enjoy a lovely day out walking through tropical gardens filled with butterflies.

Waterfalls: within easy access of Laem Set, Samui’s waterfalls make a great afternoon break and are a fine place to relax.

What to do in Laem Set

Samui Aquarium: you will be able to see many fish and coral species, among others turtles, sharks, catfishes…etc from the depths of the ocean floor.

Tiger Zoo: brave visitors can have their photo taken with a tiger for a lasting memory and a great gift for friends back home.

What to see in Laem Sor

The Ancient Pagoda: This beach-front chedi may be the most beautiful place on the island and was restored recently with glazed tiles that have a golden tint in the sun.

Meditation forest: an area of trees with places to sit and even a few tables near the ancient pagoda, a soothing place to clear your mind.

What to do in Laem Sor

Visit the man-made lagoon: with some mangrove trees planted along the ocean side, this lagoon is visited by monks and lay people on holy days creating a festive atmosphere.

Unwind: this is perhaps the most facilitating area of Koh Samui in which to reflect and relax, a wonderful break as part of a healing and rejuvenating holiday.

What to see in Lamai

Hi Ta and Hin Ya: weathered formations known as Samui’s grandfather and grandmother – the strange sight of tourists clambering around to have their photo with a penis shaped rock,

Thai boxing: a violent and exciting spectacle, Muay Thai or Thai kick boxing has a strong presence in Lamai and is quite a spectacle.

What to do in Lamai

Go-go clubbing: there are many bars and clubs around the main club area primarily aimed at single male tourists in groups.

Book shopping: the highest concentration of book shops on the island is on Lamai, so browse the used book stores and pick up something for the beach.

What to see in Lipa Noi

Tongyang beach: boasting soft, white sand flanked by endless lines of coconut plantations, Tongyang beach is a great place for sunset.

Restaurant choices: walk along the beach and choose from a number of local Thai restaurants providing evening entertainment such as Thai dancing and acrobatics.

What to do in Lipa Noi

Dhama Healing Centre: one of Samui's more intense fasting spas is a great place to engage is this central Hindu-Buddhist tradition under guidance and support.

Paradise Park Farm: a children’s heaven in the hills above Lipa Noi displaying many different species of animals and birds. The entrance ticket covers free use of the pool and its facilities.

What to see in Maenam

The views: Go up to the hills and enjoy the views of neighbouring island, Koh Phangnan, also known as Samui’s little sister, in the Gulf of Siam.

The beach: a spacious area of sand offering water sports and family entertainment for all visitors.

What to do in Maenam

Play golf: Santiburi is home to an international golf course of outstanding standards, blessed with superb, sweeping views.

Water sports: the breeze arriving over the Gulf of Siam allows for an array of waters ports, so get ready to make a splash.

What to see in Natien Bay

Beautiful natural scenery: this is an untouched area of Koh Samui and so attracts many nature lovers with a fascination for botany.

Fishermen: many tourist are attracted by the traditional working life of the local fisherman who for years have lived in this same way.

What to do in Natien Bay

Water skiing: the sea is calm and so idea for water skiing, particular at beginner level, and it’s warm, too, so you won’t mind a plunge.

Swimming: the inviting sea is perfect for swimming - safe, tranquil and warm – you could stay in the water all day if your Natien Bay villa wasn’t so extremely welcoming.

What to see at Samrong and Tongson

Dining on the Rocks: the views from Dining on the Rocks, international restaurant at Sila Evason Hideaway, offers wonderful views of the Gulf of Siam.

Tree lined beaches: Samrong Bay and Tongson Bay are surrounded by trees and vegetation that give them a protected and enclosed area.

What to do at Tongson Bay and Samrong Bay

Rest: the secluded bays, local village life and gentle waters add an atmosphere to the area that accommodated peace and privacy, a perfect escape.

Relaxation: it’s all about peace and quiet in these seclude and traditional bays, providing a perfect atmosphere for indulgence and rewinding.

What to see at Thong Krut

The local life: focused mainly on the fishing and transportation of villagers and tourists to the nearby Southern island of Koh Taen, Thong Krut retains many Muslim traditions.

Island views: you can visit the village to view the spectacular scenery across to Tan and Matsum Islands. Be sure to bring a camera!

What to do at Thong Krut

Village exploration: lazy days walking around an authentic village and diner at a local Thai restaurant for the full effect of old worldly quiet and calm.

Fishing: a spontaneous fishing trip, rounded off by lunch on the boat, is a perfect way to enjoy Koh Samui and one of the main draws of Thong Krut.

Koh Samui Attractions