Koh Samui FAQ: Free Things

What can I do in Koh Samui for free?

A lot. All beaches are public and free. Nearly all temples are free: the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, the mummified monk temple and Laem Sor pagoda included. Free viewpoints include Lad Koh and the Chaweng Lake pullout; Nathon Pier doubles as a free sunset viewpoint. Night markets are free to enter and browsing is half the fun. The Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, Hua Thanon fishing village, Nathon old town and the Hin Lad waterfall hike cost nothing. Snorkeling from Coral Cove is free with your own gear. See the free-activities category for the full list.

Do Koh Samui temples charge entrance fees?

No. All Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines on Koh Samui are free to enter, including the two most famous ones: the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and Wat Plai Laem with its 18-arm Guanyin statue. A small donation of 20-100 THB is appreciated, and optional extras cost a little (fish food at the Wat Plai Laem lake about 10-20 THB). The only paid spiritual site is the private Secret Buddha Garden in the hills, about 80-100 THB. Dress modestly at all temples: shoulders and knees covered.

Which nights are the night markets in Koh Samui?

The main walking-street markets: Fisherman's Village (Bophut) on Friday evenings - the biggest and most famous; Lamai on Sunday evenings; Maenam on Thursday evenings (one 2026 source claims it closed in 2023, so verify locally). Nathon has a small night food market daily. Chaweng's night-market days are disputed between sources (Thursday-Saturday is the most reported pattern). All markets are free to enter; market days on Samui change over time, so confirm current days on arrival.

How do I visit Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui?

Mu Ko Ang Thong is a protected archipelago of 42 limestone islands about 30 km northwest of Koh Samui, with steep viewpoints, the Emerald Lagoon, beaches, snorkeling and kayaking. There is no public ferry: join a shared day tour (boats leave from piers such as Nathon and Bang Rak) or charter a private boat. The park entrance fee - 300 THB per foreign adult, 150 THB per child - is usually NOT included in tour prices and is paid in cash. The park usually closes from 1 November (2026 reopening date not yet confirmed)^[1].

Can I do a day trip to Koh Tao from Koh Samui?

Yes, but it is a long day. Fast ferries and catamarans leave from Maenam Pier and Bang Rak area piers, often stopping at Koh Phangan, and take about 1.5 to 2 hours each way to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. Many visitors instead join an organized speedboat day trip combining Koh Tao snorkeling with Koh Nang Yuan (the tiny private island charges its own 250 THB entry fee). Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular places to learn scuba diving. October to January seas can cause delays.

1. [1] Tourism Authority of Thailand — national park seasonal closures · checked 2026-11-10