Attractions of Koh Samui, what to see and what to do

The main "attraction" and the main entertainment Koh Samui Islands for most tourists are beaches (read overview of the beaches of Koh Samui). After all, this is exactly what they are sent here for. But you can't spend the whole vacation on the beach, and you'll want to see something interesting and diversify everyday life on the island. All conditions have been created on the island for this. If you are located in one of the noisy and popular areas, for example on Chaweng Beach or in the city of Nathon, you will not have to go far for entertainment, everything will be within walking distance. But you can get tired of evening and night entertainment. Therefore, it's time to get acquainted with the sights of the island.

Attractions on Koh Samui are represented by both historical and cultural, as well as natural. As usual in Thailand, there are a huge number of temples on the island, from little-known and visited only by locals, to world-famous, thanks to the mummies of monks stored in them. There is a certain amount of entertainment on the island's land in the form of zoos, a safari park, a mini-reserve, an aquarium, but most of the entertainment is still presented on the water in the form of water attractions on beaches, snorkeling and diving, excursions and cruises to the islands.

You can visit most of the island's attractions on your own by minibus + on foot, but it is much more convenient to do this by rented transport. Participation in group sightseeing tours of the island is also a good economical option. With such excursions you will see most of the sights of the island, and what you don't see, you can visit yourself.

It is most convenient to visit neighboring islands also as part of excursions. Although, if you want and your wallet allows, you can hire a boat or buy an individual tour.

Below is an overview of the most popular attractions of Koh Samui and its surroundings:

Temples on Koh Samui

There are a huge number of temples on Koh Samui. Most of them are Buddhist temples, but there are also mosques, and even an Orthodox church. It's impossible to see all the temples, there are so many of them. But we tried to choose the most popular and tourist-interesting. Below is a list and a brief description of these temples, indicating opening hours, entrance fees and how to get to them.

• Temple of Khun Aram (Wat Khun Aram) and the mummy of a monk

  

  This temple houses the mummy of a monk named Luang Pho Daeng, the former abbot of the temple. The mummy "sits" in a glass box for all to see. It is said that this monk knew the time of his death and, having prepared for it, died on May 6, 1976 right during meditation, as you can see it now. They also say that his hair and nails are still growing, but in fact this is complete nonsense.

  This is the most popular tourist temple on the island (but not the only one on the island with a mummy), and in general it would not be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most famous attractions of Koh Samui. It is almost never empty here, and whole crowds of tourists are constantly brought in (especially in the hours before lunch), because visiting this place is included in almost every sightseeing tour of the island. In addition, the temple is very conveniently located along the ring road, and the mummy in a glass sarcophagus is displayed at the very entrance to the temple, like an attraction. By the way, this place is popular not only among tourists, but also among locals who come to the temple to pray and leave donations at the mummy. For them, the mummy and the temple are far from being an attraction, but a shrine.

  Learn more about Wat Khun Aram temple and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free of charge. Donations are welcome.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located on the ring road of the island (Khun Aram Temple on the map). You can get here on your own even by minibus. A visit to the temple is included in many sightseeing tours of the island.

• Temple of Plai Laem (Wat Plai Laem)

  

  Plai Laem Temple (Wat Plai Laem, also Wat Laem Suwannaram) is, in our opinion, the most interesting and beautiful temple on Koh Samui. It is not as popular and popular as the temple with the monk Khun Aram or the big Buddha, located not far from here, but it is much more picturesque, and even offers some entertainment.

  It is quite modern, built in 2004. It combines three styles of temple buildings at once: classical Thai, Chinese, Indian. Each style is expressed in the form of individual elements of buildings or in statues. So, the main statue of the temple here depicts the goddess Guanyin in the Chinese style, but there is also a huge statue of a happy sitting Buddha. The main viharn is made in traditional Thai style. There is also a huge footprint of the Buddha. But the most interesting thing is that two statues and a temple are located on an artificial lake, and it seems as if they are floating on the surface of the water.

  The lake is home to huge fat catfish and small turtles, which can be fed by buying a bag of food here for 10 baht. And for 100 baht you can ride on the lake on a swan boat.

  Learn more about Wat Plai Laem temple and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: The temple is open daily during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free. Donations are welcome.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in the northeast near the big Buddha (Plai Laem Temple on the map). You can get here only by taxi or rented transport.

• Wat Ratchathammaram Temple (also Wat Sila Ngu)

  

  This new unusual temple appeared a few years ago in the south of Lamai beach on Koh Samui. Today it is almost completed, but the work is still ongoing.

  Wat Ratchathammaram looks very impressive and unusual. Against the background of other temples, it stands out for its vihar of a juicy red-brick color. The entrance to the viharn is guarded by a giant warrior and nagas (snakes), the roofs are crowned with garuda birds, and inside the walls are decorated with the same monochrome red-brick reliefs of religious themes with the participation of god Ganesha (elephant-headed) and Hanuman (monkey god). The sacred bodhi tree also grows on the territory of the temple.

  If you walk through the territory of the temple towards the shore, you can get to the observation deck, which overlooks the shore, and at the bottom of the slope there is a cemetery (urns with ashes) and monks' houses.

  You should definitely not go to this temple, but considering that it is located right on the ring road on the shore, and almost all routes to the most interesting sights of the island lead past it, you can stop here for 10-15 minutes.

  Learn more about Wat Ratchathammaram temple and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located a couple of kilometers south along the main ring road from the center of Lamai beach (location of Wat Ratchathammaram temple on the map). From Lamai you can walk here on foot, and from other parts of the island you can get there by rented transport or by minibus, going along the ring road.

• Laem sor Temple and Pagoda

  

  This temple and pagoda, also known as the golden pagoda, are located far to the south of the island, away from beaches and tourist areas. And with a cursory glance at this place, it may not be particularly impressive. However, for locals it is one of the most sacred places on the island.

  Most tourists, if they get here, quickly inspect the golden pointed pagoda, and leave a little disappointed. However, if you take your time and walk around, you can find a pavilion-shrine with boats (Boat Hall). In the pavilion there is a large boat with a wax figure of the revered monk who founded this temple, and the whole pavilion is simply strewn with boat models. They are brought here by believers as a gift for the fact that their wishes addressed to the monk and the Buddha have come true.

  A couple of hundred meters from the pagoda there is an unusual temple building made in the form of a boat. Moreover, the boat-temple is located right in the water, in an artificial pond. The temple continues to be completed, and perhaps over time a whole temple complex will grow here. Nearby on the hill there is another white pagoda (Khao Chedi), and from the hill there is a good view of the surroundings.

  Learn more about the temple and the Laem Sor pagoda and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: you can only get to the pagoda and Laem Sor Temple by rented transport or taxi, public transport does not go here. There are practically no pointers to the pagoda, so you'll have to get there by map or navigator (pagoda and temple on the map). Standard tourist excursions do not come here.

• Buddha Footprint (Kaw Lae)

  

  The footprint of Buddha's foot (Buddha Footprint) is a little–known and little-visited place for tourists, and indeed, most of the townsfolk have nothing to do here, there is nothing unusual at first glance. But for the locals it is a very sacred place, besides it is almost secret. It is said that this imprint and the temple are more than 300 years old. And if you are one of those who follows uncharted paths, it's worth a look here.

  This is a modest temple on a hill, inside of which there are four huge footprints of the Buddha one in the other. There is nothing to see here except prints, and the temple itself can be called such with a stretch: it is a small dilapidated abandoned building. But it will be interesting for inquisitive travelers to find this place. An inconspicuous path and stairs lead to the temple. It is not high to climb, only 150 steps.

  Learn more about the footprint of the Buddha and the photo here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free, but you can leave donations in the form of coins thrown on your feet.

  🚶 How to get there: you can only get there by taxi or rented transport. There is a temple in the south of the island near the 4170 road, but there are no signs. You can navigate by the position of the temple on our map (temple on the map), and also look for a small platform near the road. Leaving the transport, you will need to walk along the path to the west along the wall until you come to a leaning sign with a pointer in the direction of the temple. There begins a staircase that will lead you to the temple. When visiting the footprint of the Buddha, you should dress appropriately, because locals and monks are constantly visiting here, and they may not let you in here.

• Wat Praderm Temple

  

  This temple may be completely unnoticed, but it is already more than 230 years old, and it is believed that this is the very first Buddhist temple built on Koh Samui. There are almost never any tourists here, and locals visit it en masse only on holidays, so almost certainly if you come here on a weekday, you will be completely alone here.

  The temple is a whole complex on which there are several viharns (one of them is wooden and very old, with a massacre), kuti (a room for monks), a drum tower. Unfortunately, not all rooms of the temple are open on weekdays, and the most interesting thing, namely the old wooden viharn, most likely, will not be able to inspect.

  Learn more about the Wat Praderm temple and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: the temple is located in the southern part of the island (Wat Praderm Temple on the map). The easiest way to get here is by taxi or rented transport, but if you wish, you can also get there by songteo (by minibus). The temple is located a couple of kilometers from the ring road of Koh Samui, and if you get out in the right place (branch to road 4173) you can walk to it on foot.

• Wat Samret Temple

  

  The temple of Samret (Wat Samret) is deprived of the increased attention of tourists, so you will almost certainly find yourself here alone. Its visitors are only rare visiting travelers looking for something interesting on the island away from the beaten tourist trails, and rare locals.

  Samret is not a very old temple, its age is just over 100 years. But there is a highlight in this temple, and this is a small statue of a seated Buddha carved from a single piece of white marble. It is believed that this statue is the oldest Buddha statue on Koh Samui, and it is said that it was brought from Burma. The statue is located in a separate building surrounded by many other Buddha statues. In addition, the temple has a Buddhist cemetery and a crematorium, and the temple itself is a monastery.

  Learn more about Wat Samret temple and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: open during the day.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in the south of the island (temple on the map), and the most convenient way to get here is by rented transport or taxi. But if it is not difficult for you to walk a little, then you can get to it by minibus (Songteo). The ring road, which is used by minibuses, runs just half a kilometer from the temple, and if you get out in the right place on the road, it is easy to walk to the temple.

• Kiri Wongkaram Temple

  

  This temple is little known and little visited by tourists, but in vain. In this temple, as well as in the Khun Aram temple, the most popular among tourists on the island, there is a mummy of a monk. A monk named Loung Por Ruam died at the age of 87, and after his death his body was embalmed and placed in the temple in a glass box.

  Local monks say that in fact no one embalmed the monk, and he himself remained so after death. They also say that his nails and hair are still growing, which they cut off and sell to rare visitors of the temple in the form of amulets. Believe it or not, it's up to you to decide.

  The temple is almost always empty, tourists rarely get here. The territory is quite impressive, and in addition to the mummy there is a Buddhist cemetery, a viharn, a drum tower and other traditional temple buildings. In addition to visiting the temple, you will get another attraction in addition: the entrance to the village of Baan Taling Ngam, where the temple is located, is guarded by two statues of elephants.

  Learn more about Wat Kiri Wongkaram temple and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: The temple is open daily during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free. Donations are welcome.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in the south of the island in the village of Baan Taling Ngam (Kiri Vongkaram Temple on the map). You can get here only by taxi or by rented transport.

• Phra Yai Temple and Big Buddha Statue (Wat Phra Yai)

  

  In this temple, also known as the temple of the Big Buddha (Big Buddha Temple) there is a statue of the big Buddha with a height of 15 meters. It is located on a mountain, and it is perfectly visible even from distant parts of the island. And the statue is the first to greet all guests arriving on Koh Samui by plane.

  The statue is one of the most famous and popular attractions on the island, and its visit is included in most sightseeing tours. At the foot of the mountain with the statue there is a market where souvenirs, food and religious paraphernalia are sold. There is a parking lot.

  You will have to climb the mountain to the statue on foot along the so-called dragon ladder, but it's not much to go, anyone can climb. At the top, in addition to the large statue, there are several more statues and temple buildings, and from the observation deck there is a view of the sea and the neighboring islands of Phangan and Tao.

  Learn more about the temple of Pra Yai and the statue of the big Buddha and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: open daily during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free, donations are welcome.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in the north of the island (the temple of Pra Yai and the statue of the big Buddha on the map).

• Temple of Lamai (Wat Lamai)

  

  This is the main temple of Lamai district. The temple is quite simple and dilapidated, and worth paying attention only if you are staying in the Lamai beach area and want to see the local sights on foot.

  Previously, there was a cultural center and a folklore museum at the temple, but now everything is abandoned and you will not find any museum here, although many guidebooks and maps still indicate this.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: open daily during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free, donations are welcome.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in Lamai district (Lamai Temple on the map).

• Temple On Phra Lan (Laem Na Phra Lan)

  

  This is one of the little-known and modest temples on Koh Samui, but, nevertheless, beautiful enough to visit, especially if you settle in the area of Mae Nam beach. On the territory there are all the traditional buildings for any Thai temple, there is a pagoda and a statue of King Rama V. And the temple also became a haven for the ashes of the famous Thai monk Than Khura Phutsom, who founded it. It is always quiet here, there are no visitors or even monks. But the real influx of believers here is observed on the last day of May and the first day of June to honor the memory of the founder.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: open daily during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free, donations are welcome.

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in Mae Nam Beach area (temple on Phra Lan on the map).

• Orthodox church on Koh Samui

  The Parish in the name of the Ascension of the Lord is the only Orthodox church on Koh Samui, located in the Lamai Beach area. It was consecrated and opened on June 13, 2013.

  🌐 Website: http://samui.orthodox.or.th/

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily from 09:00 to 20:00. The schedule of services can be found on the temple's website

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free of charge.

  🚶 How to get there: The Orthodox church is located not far from the ring road inland in the southern part of Lamai beach directly opposite the grandma and grandpa rocks (temple on the map). It is easy to get here from Lamai Beach on foot from other places on the island you can take a Songteo minibus.

Waterfalls on Koh Samui

• Waterfall Na Mueang 1 (Namuang 1)

  

  This waterfall is also known as the Purple Waterfall (Purple Waterfall). It has a height of 18 meters, and at its foot there is a swimming pool in which you can even swim. But in the dry season, when there is little rain, there is nothing to do here. The waterfall turns into a modest streamlet, and the pool becomes a small puddle. It is a very important place for local residents, as it has been repeatedly visited by members of the royal family, including the kings themselves.

  You can drive up to the waterfall almost closely. Transportation can be left at a paid parking lot (20 baht for a motorcycle or car), and then walk quite a bit on foot. There is also a small market with souvenirs and food.

  Learn more about Namuang waterfall 1 and photos here...

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance is free, parking is 20 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Na Mueang Waterfall 1 on the map. The waterfall is located near the ring road, and if you wish, you can even get here by minibus Songteo. You need to take the Songteo, which runs between Lamai Beach and Nathon on the south side, and get off near the Na Muang Safari Park sign. Then go one and a half kilometers to the waterfall.

• Na Mueang Waterfall 2

  

  Na Mueang Waterfall 2 is located on the territory of Namuang Amusement Park. It is multi-level, and in general, the height is 80 meters. It is the highest waterfall on the island.

  Access to it is paid - 50 baht. In addition, you will have to pay for the ascent and descent by jeep or elephant to the waterfall itself from the entrance to the park and the parking lot, but if you wish, you can make this journey on foot in 20 minutes. The climb is not difficult, but under the scorching sun it is not so easy.

  We recommend visiting the waterfall only if you have come to have fun at Namuang Amusement Park. If you get here just for the sake of the waterfall, you will most likely find yourself a little disappointed, especially during the dry season (from January to April and up to September).

  Learn more about Namuang Waterfall 2 and photos here...

  Entrance fee / ticket price: access to the waterfall is 50 baht (free bottle of water is included in the price), parking is free.

  🚶 How to get there: located on the territory of Namuang Amusement Park (Na Mueang 2 on the map). First you need to get to the entrance to the park, where you need to leave the transport in the free parking lot. Then you need to go to the territory of the park, and then climb up the signs to the waterfall.

• Hin Lat Waterfall (Namtok Hin Lat)

  

  Hin Lat waterfall (Hin Lad) would not stand out in any way from the many others on the island if it were not for the forest temple of the same name, Wat Hin Lad monastery, located here. It is forested because it is located right in the jungle among the trees. This is a very pleasant place to walk in the shade of trees among the temple buildings, which is used by locals, and they come here en masse on weekends. There are also gazebos for meditation.

  About the waterfall itself. It is small and not the most beautiful on the island. At its foot there is a natural swimming pool. But the most interesting thing about the waterfall is that you need to get to it on foot through the jungle along the path and stairs. On the way to the main waterfall, you can meet several more cascades.

  Unfortunately, the waterfall looks impressive only during the rainy season. In the dry or high season, it can completely dry out, turning into a thin trickle of water.

  Learn more about Hin Lat waterfall and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  Entrance fee / ticket price: access to the waterfall is free, but there is a donation box at the entrance

  🚶 How to get there: the temple and waterfall are located in the west of the island, a couple of kilometers from Naton (Hin Lat on the map).

• Tarnim Waterfall in the secret Garden of the Buddha (Tarmin Waterfall)

  

  The Secret Garden of the Buddha on Koh Samui is also known as Magic Gardens and Tarnim Waterfall (Magic Garden and Tarnim Waterfall), as well as the Heavenly Garden (Heaven's Garden). A small stream or river passes through the garden, on which this small waterfall is formed. In general, to call this small drop of water a waterfall, you need to be a person with a lot of imagination, so we do not recommend going here just for the sake of the waterfall, but if you want to see the secret stone Garden of the Buddha, then be sure to drop by here.

  The garden and the Tarnim Waterfall are located on the mountain, and along the way you can see several more waterfalls and observation decks.

  Learn more about the Secret Buddha Garden and photos here...

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 80 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: The garden is located on a mountain at one of the highest points of the island (Buddha's Garden on the map). You can get here by rented transport or with an excursion. The second is preferable, because it is not so easy to find a garden on your own. The turnoff from the ring road is right in front of the temple with the mummified monk Wat Khunaram, and there is an obvious signpost. Further along the road there will be several more signs, but you need to follow them very carefully, because they are inconspicuous. The road will lead directly to the very entrance to the garden, where it will be possible to park vehicles in the parking lot

• Waterfall Siva Tara and the stone of love (Valentine Stone)

  

  Almost in the very center of Lamai Beach on Koh Samui there is a small park with an artificial waterfall Siva Tara, a Valentine Stone, an observation deck and a bungee. the territory of the park is quite small, and the waterfall is not particularly impressive, and looks more like an artificial streamlet, so there is almost never anyone here. There is also a pleasant restaurant where everyone who buys entrance tickets is treated to a free cold drink or a bottle of water.

  Learn more about the waterfall Siva Tara and the stone of love here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  Entrance fee / ticket price: 60 baht (includes a bottle of water or a drink), fish massage – 250 baht, riding on a suspended cable – 800 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: the park is located almost in the center of Lamai Beach (see the position on the map), but quite far from the beach. However, getting on foot from anywhere on the beach is still not difficult. From other places on the island, you can easily get there by songteo (minibus). Right on the ring road there is a sign near the turn (Waterfall Sivatara, Viewpoint, Valentine Stone), from which you will need to walk another 300 meters.

• Khowyai Waterfall

  

  Khowyai Waterfall (also Khow Yai) is located in the southern part of the island about halfway from the ring road to Tarnim Waterfall and secret Buddha Garden, as well as Paradise Park. Right on the road there is a sign for the descent towards the waterfall, and the transport will have to be left here. Although the sign says that the waterfall is 30 meters away, in fact it is at least 200 meters to go. Along the way, you will meet a person who collects 20 baht for admission.

  The waterfall itself is generally high, but consists of several small cascades, quite picturesque. Along the way you will meet several natural pools and a gazebo. Everything is well equipped, paths and steps are built, there is a statue of a girl at the top. Like all other waterfalls on Koh Samui, there is practically nothing to do here in the dry season, because the waterfall turns into a stream.

  Learn more about Khowyai waterfall here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 20 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: you can only get to the waterfall by taxi or rented transport (Khowyai on the map). Transport should be left on the road or parking lot of a nearby observation deck for 20 baht, and then go down the path to the waterfall on foot for about 200 meters.

• Wang Saotong Waterfall

  To get to this waterfall, you will have to walk from the parking lot about one kilometer on foot. The waterfall does not stand out in size or beauty, but its charm is that it is practically untouched by civilization and unpopular. There are no merchants, attractions, or anything like that. Therefore, when going to this waterfall, take drinking water and something to eat with you.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance is free, parking is paid: car - 30 baht, motorcycle - 20 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: The waterfall is located in the mountains on the way from the ring road to the Magical Garden of the Buddha (Wang Saotong on the map). You can only get there by taxi or rented transport.

• Wanorn Waterfall

  In fact, this is not a waterfall, but just a river with several rapids, but for some reason maps persistently call this place a waterfall, although in fact it is a water slide. It is located in the area on the western side of the island near the village of Lipa Noi. This place is completely abandoned and wild, there is nothing around. Nevertheless, you can ride a motorcycle almost right up here, you don't have to walk.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: You can drive directly to the waterfall by transport on a concrete road (Wanorn on the map).

Other attractions

• Rocks Grandma and Grandpa (Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks or Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai)

  

  Grandfather and Grandmother rocks (Hin Ta And Hin Yai) do not need a special introduction, as these stone formations are known all over the world even to those who have never been to Koh Samui and Thailand. If you really have never heard of these stones, we will tell you a little about them.

  These stones are located at the southern tip of Lamai Beach. By some quirk of nature, two natural stone formations resembling male and female reproductive organs were formed next to each other, literally a few dozen meters from each other. True, sometimes skeptics say that Thais made them themselves to attract tourists, but it's up to you to believe it or not.

  Learn more about the rocks of Grandma and Grandpa on Koh Samui and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: The stones are available around the clock, but it makes sense to visit them during the daytime.

  Entrance fee / ticket price: access to the stones is free, parking is 20 baht (but you can leave the motorcycle a little further away for free), entrance to the observation deck on the next rock is 20 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Grandma and Grandpa rocks are located at the southern tip of the beach and Lamai district (Grandpa and Grandma Rocks on the map). You can reach the stones on foot from Lamai Beach, but you can't reach them directly along the beach, you'll have to get off the beach a little and go around the rock with an observation deck. By rented transport or taxi, you can drive up close and leave the transport in the parking lot. By route taxis going along the ring road, you can also get to the right exit without any problems (all drivers know this place, you just need to tell them where you need to go), and then walk 500 meters on foot.

• Muslim village on Koh Samui

  

  The Muslim village of Koh Samui is located approximately in the middle of Hua Thanon Beach on the east coast of Koh Samui. This is a traditional fishing village, so it is often also called a Muslim fishing village.

  Groups of tourists are usually not brought here, and those rare who get here get there on their own. Indeed, there is nothing particularly interesting in the village for a wide range of tourists, but those travelers who are looking for something unusual and little-known will find this place very interesting.

  The atmosphere of the village is strikingly different from the tourist areas and the city of Nathon. There is no hint that just a five-minute drive from here there are tourist-filled beaches and fashionable hotels, and it seems as if you are in a deep provincial village far from the hiking trails.

  Learn more about the Muslim village and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: it is better to visit the village during the day.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: The village is located on Huatanon beach on the east coast (village on the map). Although it is most convenient to get there by rented transport or taxi, it will not be difficult to get here by the local Songteo minibus. Koh Samui Ring Road passes right at the entrance to the village, and leaving near it you can go to the village on foot. It is better not to go to the village by car, since there is not much to turn around on the narrow streets in the village. But a motorcycle ride through the village is just right.

• Secret Buddha Garden

  

  The Secret Garden of the Buddha on Koh Samui is also known as Magic Gardens and Tarnim Waterfall (Magic Garden and Tarnim Waterfall), as well as the Heavenly Garden (Heaven's Garden). This is not a garden in the sense that we are used to. This is a stone garden, and the exhibits in it are statues of Buddha, deities, animals and even a stone house. It was completely created by the hands of farmer Nim Thongsuk in 1976 on his own initiative in order to share this place of quiet solitude with others. The author believed that this place was a real paradise on earth, although he did not live to see the moment when guests of Koh Samui began to appear in the garden, especially from other countries.

  This is a small-scale place, everything here can be viewed in 15-20 minutes, plus the same amount spent on photographing. The sculptures are located on the slopes of the banks of the stream, which is loudly called Tarnim Waterfall here. When there are no crowds of tourists here, it is very quiet and peaceful, and you can enjoy the murmur of the stream and unusual views of statues for a long time. But if you drop into the garden on the run with a large group of tourists, you most likely will not catch the spirit of this meta and will be a little disappointed by what you see.

  The garden is located on a mountain, and on the way to it you can meet several more waterfalls and observation decks.

  Learn more about the Secret Buddha Garden and photos here...

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 80 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: The garden is located on a mountain at one of the highest points of the island (Buddha's Garden on the map). You can get here by rented transport or with an excursion. The second is preferable, because it is not so easy to find a garden on your own. The turnoff from the ring road is right in front of the temple with the mummified monk Wat Khunaram, and there is an obvious signpost. Further along the road there will be several more signs, but you need to follow them very carefully, because they are inconspicuous. The road will lead directly to the very entrance to the garden, where it will be possible to park vehicles in the parking lot

• Samui Cultural Center (Dusit Dhewa, Samui Cultural and Fine Arts Center)

  

  The cultural center of Koh Samui (Dusit Dhewa, Samui Cultural and Fine Arts Center) is located far enough from the main tourist areas and routes of Koh Samui that almost no one ever comes here. Even the entrance fee is not charged most of the time, and instead of an usher there is just a box with an inscription of the cost, where the most honest visitors should throw 50 baht for admission. Nevertheless, this place is worth a visit, if only because it is not trampled by crowds of tourists and there are no sellers of all sorts of stuff.

  This center is built on the basis of a sample of a traditional Thai house, although it is fair to say that not every Thai house looks like this. The area around is poorly maintained, but dotted with all kinds of statues. Also, a stream flows through the site, and if you walk along a little further into the depths, you can see a beautiful gazebo, as well as a workshop under a canopy, where traditional Thai outfits are stored, in which you can take pictures. It costs 500 baht to photograph and is very popular with newlyweds.

  Learn more about the Cultural Center of Koh Samui and photos here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance costs 50 baht. The money is given to the usher, and in his absence they are simply thrown into the box at the entrance

  🚶 How to get there: The temple is located in the western part of the island, a 20-minute walk from the ring road (Koh Samui Cultural Center on the map). It is most convenient to get here by taxi or rented transport, but you can get along the ring road by Songteo minibus to the branch towards the cultural center, and then walk 1.5 kilometers. However, there are no signs on the road, and locals (even taxi drivers) practically do not know this place, so the only reference point will be a navigator or a map.

• Observation deck near Chaweng Noi

  

  This observation deck is located immediately to the south after chaweng noi Beach. It does not represent anything special, but they often stop near it on the way between the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, and whole groups of tourists are also brought here during sightseeing tours. It is located right next to the ring road, there is a parking area.

  The observation deck is well equipped: there are benches, gazebos, food is sold from trays. You can go down the stairs to the water itself, but the coast here is rocky. The view from the site opens onto Chaweng Beach.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the site is located on the east coast a couple of hundred meters from the southern tip of Chaweng Noi beach (observation deck on the map). It is easy to get here by minibus, which constantly ply the ring road between the beaches.

Activities on Koh Samui

• Safari Park (Namuang Safari Park)

  

  This place may be interesting for any tourist, but for those who really love nature and animals, this park will cause only negative emotions from the conditions in which animals are kept and exploited here. So if you are an animal lover, don't come here. If you don't have any prejudices about this, then you should definitely visit here, especially if you are with children.

  In general, the park is a wonderful and fun place where you can see exotic animals and birds in a mini-zoo, watch a show of snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, birds and elephants. Of the active activities for adults, an elephant ride through the jungle, a jeep safari (moreover, safari is not limited only to the park territory), an extreme ATV tour, kayaking, a water slide, and a rope descent stretched over the jungle are offered. In addition, some tours to the park include cooking classes, visits to a coconut factory, a latex plantation and much more.

  Learn more about Namuang Safari Park here...

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: there are many different programs in the park, ranging from a simple walk through the park with a visit to the zoo, and ending with complex tours for the whole day, from 700 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: The safari park is located at the foot of the waterfall Na Mueang 1 (Na Mueang 2 on the map). You can visit it yourself by getting there by your own transport or taxi, but it is much easier to book a ready-made entertainment program (tour) on the safari park website or in agencies on the street / hotels.

• Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

  

  This is another entertainment for the whole family on the island. According to the owners, there is a rich collection of tropical fish and other marine animals living in the coastal waters of the island. But, unfortunately, aquariums are not big, and the collection, in our opinion, is not so big. Tigers and leopards are also kept in small cages rather than aviaries. If you have really looked at everything on the island and you want something else, then you can look here.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 9:00 to 18:00. Sea lion show - 13:30 , bird show and tiger show - 14:30.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 750 baht adult / 450 baht child / children below 100 cm free. For photographing inside with animals you need to pay extra.

  🚶 How to get there: located in the southeast of the island (aquarium on the map). You can buy tickets to the park, including a transfer from your hotel, at travel agencies on the street.

• Waterfall Siva Tara and the stone of love (Valentine Stone)

  

  Almost in the very center of Lamai Beach on Koh Samui there is a small park with Siva Tara waterfall, Valentine Stone, observation deck and bungee. the territory of the park is quite small, and the waterfall is not particularly impressive, and looks more like an artificial streamlet, so there is almost never anyone here. There is also a pleasant restaurant where everyone who buys entrance tickets is treated to a free cold drink or a bottle of water.

  In addition to the stone, there is a swimming pool at the foot of the waterfall, where fish are found and you can get a fish massage (fish foot massage) for an additional fee. Of course, beautiful flowers and trees, benches, gazebos and other entourage are present here.

  Learn more about the waterfall Siva Tara and the stone of love here...

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  Entrance fee / ticket price: 60 baht (includes a bottle of water or a drink), fish massage – 250 baht, riding on a suspended cable – 800 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: the park is located almost in the center of Lamai Beach (see the position on the map), but quite far from the beach. However, getting on foot from anywhere on the beach is still not difficult. You can easily get from other places on the island by songteo (minibus). Right on the ring road there is a sign near the turn (Waterfall Sivatara, Viewpoint, Valentine Stone), from which you will need to walk another 300 meters.

• Tao Island (Ko Tao)

  Not far from Koh Samui is Tao Island (Koh Tao's position on the map), called Turtle Island, which is very popular as a place for diving. In general, Tao Island is an independent island resort with its own beaches, districts and hotels, but excursions are organized from Koh Samui to it, and therefore here we mention it in the context of attractions near Koh Samui.

  This is a great place to practice or learn diving, but this place is not for budget travelers. Prices here are quite high for both accommodation and meals. Therefore, if you are not a fan of diving or snorkeling, you should not go here.

  Entrance fee / ticket price: A one-day diving tour to Tao Island from Koh Samui costs about 1700 Baht (the currency of Thailand).

• Angthong National Marine Park

  

  This park is one of the most interesting and most visited tourist attractions. The park consists of 42 uninhabited islands, on each of which you can find mountains and caves, tropical forests and wildlife, secluded shores and clean beaches. The name of the park translates as "Golden Bowl". The total area of the park is 250 square kilometers, of which the islands occupy 50 square kilometers.

  The park is a great place for diving and snorkeling, exploring wildlife, exploring caves, walking through the jungle. In general, the place is definitely recommended to visit.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee to the park is 200 baht for adults / 100 baht for children (up to 12 years old).

  🚶 How to get there: Angtong National Marine Park on the map. The easiest way to get here is as part of an organized excursion, which you can buy everywhere in travel agencies on Koh Samui. The cost of a standard one-day tour is about 1700 baht, but depending on the program, the cost may vary significantly. There are also multi-day tours.

  You can visit the park not only as part of an excursion, but also sail here on a rented boat and stay overnight or several nights in a bungalow on the largest island of Ko Wua Talab Park (500 baht for a double bungalow) or a tent (a tent can be rented on site for 250 baht). This will be an excellent and economical replacement for a multi-day tour.

• Paradise Park (Paradise Park Farm)

  

  This is one of the newest entertainment complexes on Koh Samui, and perhaps the best. You can describe this place as a mini reserve. There are aviaries with birds and animals, a garden of exotic flowers and plants, an artificial waterfall, a very beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea, restaurants and a pool bar.

  This is a great place to go for a whole day with the whole family. In addition, it has a significant advantage over zoos: animals are kept here in almost natural conditions and take care of them around the clock.

  It is recommended to visit this place for the whole day, or at least for half a day.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: from 9:00 to 17:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 400 baht adult / 200 baht children. The park also offers several visiting programs, including a transfer from the hotel.

  🚶 How to get there: The park is located in the center of the island in the mountains (see the position on the map). The easiest way to use the transfer from the hotels, which is offered by the park itself. Tickets to the park and transfers can be purchased at travel agencies on the island.

• Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum

  

  A tropical nature corner has been created in this garden, where you can see a collection of live butterflies. Among the representatives there are special large butterflies, the wingspan of which reaches almost 25 centimeters.

  Objectively speaking, there are not so many butterflies here, but there are a lot of beautiful flowers and plants. There is also an insect museum in the garden, where you can look at all kinds of beetles, bees, grasshoppers, etc., but, unfortunately, not quite alive. Of course, there is a souvenir shop at the museum.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 08:30 to 17:30.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 200 baht adult / 120 baht children.

  🚶 How to get there: Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum on the map.

• Butterfly Garden and Insect Kingdom (Samui Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom)

  

  This is another butterfly garden on Koh Samui, and it also does not shine with a variety of butterflies. There are more flowers and plants than insects. Its only advantage over the other butterfly garden is its more convenient location: it is located in the southern part of the island right by the ring road, and you can visit it even without your own transport by getting here by Songteo minibus. We would not recommend purposefully going to this particular place.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 08:30 to 17:30.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 300 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: located right on the ring road in the southern part of the island (Butterfly Garden on the map), address: 20/26 Moo 1, Taling Ngam. You can get there by a shuttle bus running between Lamai Beach and G. Naton.

• Bullfights (Buffalo Fighting)

  One of the entertainments for locals are bullfights. For tourists, this is also a very interesting sight. The bulls fight until one of them gives up and runs away from the battlefield. There are no deadly battles going on here.

  Competitions are held at different venues (stadiums) scattered around the island at different times, usually in the evenings. Anyone can get there as a spectator, including tourists, but they are rare guests in such places. The schedule of fights for tourists is not published, because it is something like folk fun, and therefore you can find out about the place and time of the fights by asking the locals.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance costs 100 baht, but you can get to some sites for free, provided that you place bets

  🚶 How to get there: The battlegrounds are located in different places of the island in the villages. To find out the time and place, you need to ask the locals.

Sights of Koh Samui on the map