Koh Samui: 6 things you can experience on the island

The tropical island Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and has a lot to offer so that you almost can’t get bored during your stay. You can do and explore a lot on Koh Samui. Below you can find 16 tips, which will make your vacation on Koh Samui an unique experience.

1. Dreamlike beaches

Koh Samui’s coastline is almost completely covered with beaches. You can find some calm and quiet, as well as some vibrant beaches. According to what you are looking for, you will definitely find the right one. The most popular and sometimes crowded beaches are Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach in the east of the island. The towns of those two also offer the most things to do for their guests.

If you like a more calm atmosphere, I can recommend for example the Bophut or Maenam Beach. You can even find some lonely beaches on Koh Samui like the Bang Por Beach.

2. Buddhist temples

Are you into culture and temples? No problem. The temples of Koh Samui are really beautiful. But there are more to see than the famous Big Buddha, the Wat Plai Laem or the Wat Khunaramwith the mummified monk.

In my opinion, the Laem Sor Pagoda and the Wat Rattanakosin, close to the pagoda on a small hill, belong to the most beautiful temples of the island. You can reach them best with a motorbike because they are located deeply in the south.

With the Wat Kiri Wongkaram close to the Elephant Gate in Taling Ngam, the Wat Samret or the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda with a view at the airport of Samui, you can find a number of further temples

3. Walking Streets and night markets on Koh Samui

If you like Thai markets, then you’re absolutely right on Koh Samui. You will find several spread around the towns of the island. Besides the various and delicious Thai food, which you can try at those, you will find clothes, cocktails and souvenirs – just everything you can imagine.

Every Friday evening there is a huge Walking Street between the Fisherman’s Village and The Wharf Samui in Bophut. On Sunday there is for example another big Walking Street from 5.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M. in Lamai.

In addition, there is every evening the Chaweng Night Market right next to the Chaweng Lake and every two days the Chaweng Walking Street near the Petch Buncha Samui Stadium. So if you like, you can visit every day another night market or Walking Street, where you can eat delicious but inexpensive food or just do some shopping.

4. Tarnim Magic Garden

The Tarnim Magic Garden, also known as Secret Buddha Garden, is located on a hill (Khun Nim Peak) inside the island. You will find the street to the hill opposite the Wat Khunaram. When you arrive, there will be a big garden which is decorated with many statues. Many Buddha statues, but there are also some other like snakes, birds or legendary creatures.

Although some websites claim the contrary, you can definitely go there with a motorbike. The streets are really in a good condition. Many websites state that you can only go there with a tour and a jeep. The entrance fee is 80 baht per person, which is used to maintain the garden. In my opinion it’s absolutely worth a visit.

5. . Waterfalls

You can also find some waterfalls on Koh Samui. Moreover, you will find some fresh natural pools at the Namuang Waterfall and Namuang Waterfall 2, where you can go for a swim. Due to the fresh water, those are really cool. But don’t jump inside from the edge, you never know if there are some rocks in the water. You don’t want to hurt yourself during your trip.

Besides those famous waterfalls, you can find a few more on Koh Samui. Near the town of Nathonis for example the Hin Lad Waterfall, also available with a guided tour, or near Lipa Noi the Wanorn Waterfall. During the high season they don’t carry too much water though.

6. Movie night at the beach

If you feel like a movie night at the beach, then you can experience this unique event every saturday night in front of the Hansar Samui Resort & Spa. An amazing scenery with a view at Koh Phangan and a screen directly at the beach. Starting from 200 baht per person.