Waterfalls & Nature
Khao Pom mountain - highest point of Koh Samui
Khao Pom, at 635 metres, is consistently reported as the highest point of Koh Samui. Its upper slopes hold some of the island's last primary rainforest.
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The story
Khao Pom (635 m, 2,083 ft) is the roof of Koh Samui, sitting in the island's central mountain range. 9872. The upper mountain supports primary tropical rainforest that was never commercially logged - tall dipterocarp trees, dense canopy, orchids and ferns - and wildlife including dusky langurs, hornbills and giant squirrels.
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A steep mountain road (partly rough) climbs toward the summit area; at the top stands Wat Teepangkorn, a small, little-visited temple with a golden Buddha statue and a rooftop viewing deck offering 360-degree views over the island, Koh Phangan and, on clear days, Koh Tao. Entry to the temple is free (donations welcome). One source places the Secret Buddha Garden on 'Khun Nim Peak' of Pom Mountain at roughly 400-500 m elevation.
Access by road needs a powerful scooter (125 cc+), 4WD or ATV - standard small scooters struggle on the final steep section. There are no facilities or vendors at the summit; bring water. The guided jungle trek to the summit (hard, 4-6 hours) is documented separately in category 15_HIKING_TRAILS.
Good to know
- Daylight hours
- Free
- Sunrise/clear mornings for views; Dec-Feb for trekking conditions
Plan a visit
Check before you go · last checked 25 Sept 2026 · 7 sources
Sources and last check
- Last checked
- 25 Sept 2026
- What was checked
- Details checked 25 Sept 2026
- Next check due
- September 2027
Official sources
No official source published yet for this page.
Plus 7 other references and local research.
