Explore Samui
Beaches, temples, viewpoints and markets, checked by people who live here.
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Verified things to do on Koh Samui
Places our team has verified, from different parts of the island and different kinds of day out.
This week on Samui
Free things to do
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Short, practical reads, grouped by what you want to know.
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Island guide
Must-sees, beaches, markets and where to stay, written by our local team.
Evergreen recommendations
- Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)The 12-metre golden Buddha on the north-east point — dress respectfully, go early or at sunset.
- Wat Plai LaemColourful temple complex next to Big Buddha with a striking white Guanyin statue over the lake.
- Hin Ta Hin YaiThe famous grandfather and grandmother rocks on Lamai's south end — a ten-minute photo stop with market stalls.
- Na Muang WaterfallsTwo jungle waterfalls in the island's interior — Na Muang 1 is an easy walk with a swimmable pool.
- Ang Thong National Marine ParkThe day trip: 42 islands of limestone cliffs, lagoons and viewpoint hikes. Go with a licensed operator.
- Secret Buddha GardenA hilltop garden of mossy statues in the island's centre — best reached by 4x4 tour.
- Sunset on the west coastLipa Noi or the Nathon pier — the sun sets over the mainland and the Ang Thong islands.
- Thai cooking classHalf-day classes with a market tour — a rainy-day favourite that you take home with you.
- Island boat tripsKoh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan for snorkelling, Koh Phangan for a day of beaches — speedboat or ferry.
- Rainy-season planOctober–November is the wettest stretch. Keep plans flexible; our Samui assistant can suggest weather-proof days.
Beaches
- ChawengThe island's biggest and busiest beach — a long sweep of white sand with the most hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Swim in the centre, walk the quieter southern end.
- LamaiThe second hub after Chaweng. A wide, relaxed beach with a local feel, granite headlands and the Sunday walking street just behind it.
- Bophut / Fisherman's VillageUpscale-relaxed. Calm water, beachfront restaurants in old shophouses, and the island's best-known Friday walking street.
- Mae NamQuiet north-coast stretch popular with long-stay visitors. Golden sand, few crowds, views across to Koh Phangan.
- Bang PorEven quieter than Mae Nam — shallow water, casuarina shade and some of the best value seafood on the island.
- Choeng MonA calm, sheltered bay in the north-east, a few minutes from the airport. Family-friendly swimming and a handful of good resorts.
- Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)A small, pretty cove between Chaweng and Lamai — soft sand, clear water, good snorkelling at the rocks.
- Lipa Noi & Nathon (west coast)The sunset side. Shallow, calm beaches near the ferry piers — the place to end the day facing the mainland.
Markets & walking streets
- Fisherman's Village Walking StreetBophut's beachfront road closes to traffic for the island's most popular night market — food, crafts, live music.
- Lamai Walking StreetLamai's weekly market through the centre of town — local food stalls and a neighbourhood feel.
- Chaweng Walking StreetChaweng's evening street market, handy if you're staying in the busiest area.
- Mae Nam Walking StreetA smaller, more local market on the north coast — good street food without the crowds.
- Nathon Night Food MarketCheap, authentic southern Thai food near the ferry pier — where island residents actually eat.
Where to base yourself
- ChawengBusiest area on Samui and the nightlife centre. Stay here if you want everything within walking distance.
- LamaiThe second hub — slightly slower and cheaper than Chaweng, with its own beach, market and Sunday walking street.
- BophutFisherman's Village gives Bophut an upscale but relaxed character — good food, boutique stays, Friday market.
- Mae Nam & Bang PorThe quiet north coast. A favourite long-stay base with local prices and easy access to the Koh Phangan ferries.
- Choeng MonCalm north-east bays near the airport — convenient for short stays and families.
- Nathon & Lipa NoiThe working west coast: ferry piers, government offices, local markets and the island's best sunsets.
- Ban TaiOur home base — a low-key stretch between Bang Por and Mae Nam with a long, quiet beach.