21 Best Things To Do in Koh Samui, Thailand

If you’re looking for a place that has big city amenities, stunning Buddhist temples, and a chilled-out island vibe, then look no further than Koh Samui.

Thailand’s 2nd largest island (#1 is Phuket) has a lot to offer travelers. Whether you’re into nature, culture, adventure, partying, or just some good old-fashioned R&R, you’ll find things to do in Koh Samui to suit your vibe.  

Days can be spent lounging on the beach, doing a variety of water sports, hiking to viewpoints, or visiting a very Big Buddha. Evenings in Koh Samui are all about sunsets, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and yes, a bit of wild nightlife.

This is also a great island for digital nomads and we spent a month chillin’ out here. Read on for a closer look at my list of the top things to do in Koh Samui — one of the best places to visit in Thailand. 

1. Beach Bumming

While there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Koh Samui, let’s face it — you probably came here for a relaxing beach vacation. Thankfully you’ve got several choices for sun and sand when visiting this popular Thai island.

Located near the airport on the northeast side of the island, Chaweng is the main beach in Koh Samui.

While it’s definitely the most developed and most crowded of the beaches here, it’s still stunningly beautiful. Go ahead and rent a lounger and umbrella, order a fruity cocktail, and enjoy yourself!

The second largest beach in Koh Samui is Lamai. It’s not as busy as Chaweng, but you’ve still got lots of options for places to chill, eat, and drink. Lamai is a great place to go for a swim, as the sea is clear and calm here. 

While these are the most well-known and largest beaches, there are many others to choose from in Koh Samui.

Other gorgeous beaches you should spend some time on include Lipa Noi, Bang Por, and Big Buddha beach. Speaking of a Big Buddha, that brings us to the next item on our list.

2. Visit the Big Buddha

One of the most famous Koh Samui attractions is the Big Buddha. It’s located at the Wat Phra Yai temple, which is actually on a much smaller island just off the northeast coast of Samui.

Thanks to its location near the airport, it’s one of the first things many people see when traveling to Koh Samui by plane. 

The highlight of Wat Phra Yai is the 12-meter seated golden Buddha. This particular posture depicts a time in Buddha’s quest for enlightenment when he had to avoid all the…