Koh Samui on Almost No Money: A Free Day

Duration

1 day

Who it is for

Budget travellers and backpackers

Overview

Koh Samui is easier on a budget than its reputation suggests: all beaches are public by law, nearly all temples are free, viewpoints like Lad Koh cost nothing, and night markets are free to enter. This day uses only free sights plus songthaew transport and street-food meals.

Schedule

• Time of day: 06:00-07:00 · Activity: Sunrise on an east-coast beach (Chaweng, Chaweng Noi or Lamai) · Place Id: sunrise-chaweng-sunrise · Notes: Free; sunrise is roughly 06:00-06:30 year-round.
• Time of day: 08:00-09:30 · Activity: Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples · Place Id: temple-wat-phra-yai-big-buddha · Notes: Free; donations 20-100 THB optional.
• Time of day: 10:00-11:00 · Activity: Lad Koh Viewpoint on the ring road south of Chaweng · Place Id: viewpoint-lad-koh · Notes: Free.
• Time of day: 11:30-13:30 · Activity: Beach time and swim - any beach, all free by Thai law · Place Id: activity-beach-hopping · Notes: Bring your own snorkel for Coral Cove, the best free shore snorkeling.
• Time of day: 14:00-15:00 · Activity: Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks · Place Id: landmark-hin-ta-hin-yai-rocks · Notes: Free.
• Time of day: 15:30-16:30 · Activity: Na Muang 1 Waterfall pool · Place Id: waterfall-na-muang-1 · Notes: Free; parking about 20 THB if you have a scooter.
• Time of day: 17:30-18:30 · Activity: Sunset at Nathon Pier - a free public sunset viewpoint · Place Id: sunset-nathon-pier-sunset · Notes: Also free: Lipa Noi beach sunset.
• Time of day: 19:00-21:00 · Activity: Dinner browsing a night market - Nathon night food market runs daily · Place Id: market-nathon-night-food · Notes: Market entry is free; street-food dishes about 60-150 THB (price-street-food-meal).

Practical tips

• Songthaew hops cost roughly 50-100 THB per person in daytime - agree the price before getting in.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and small notes.
• Total possible day cost: transport, parking and food only - the sights are all free.
• See the Free Activities section for more free options to swap in.