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Planning a trip to Koh Samui, Thailand? Good choice, because this tropical paradise is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Southeast Asia!
Over the years, we’ve had some amazing experiences on this beautiful island. We’ve ticked off major attractions, and we’ve discovered hidden gems. So now, we’re here to share our top recommendations.
Whether you’re chasing postcard-perfect beaches, amazing wildlife experiences, or a major adrenaline rush, we’ve got you covered. So stay tuned to plan your perfect adventure on this gorgeous Thai island. I’ll be honest – I’m jealous!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Koh Samui is this tour of an elephant sanctuary! We watched the elephants roaming freely, made them food, and even helped wash them. It’s an ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants and we loved our experience!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand
- 1. See Koh Samui’s best sights on a private sightseeing tour
- 2. See elephants in a local sanctuary
- 3. Visit Pig Island by speedboat (and snorkeling!)
- 4. Explore Koh Samui’s outdoors on a jungle safari
- 5. Spend a day snorkeling around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
- 6. Get an adrenaline rush on an ATV tour
- 7. Learn how to cook authentic Thai food
- 8. Explore marine life on a scuba diving excursion
- 9. Go ziplining
- 10. Visit Ang Thong National Park on a private yacht
- Where to Stay in Koh Samui, Thailand
- Thanks for reading
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand
1. See Koh Samui’s best sights on a private sightseeing tour
- Price: $215 – $294 USD
- Duration: 4 – 8 hours
- Time: Various times available in the mornings
- Highlights: Customizable itinerary, Big Buddha Temple, Lad Koh Viewpoint, Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, Hin Lad Waterfall, Wat Plai Laem, Silver Beach, Wat Khunaram, Guan-Yu Koh Samui Shrine, Butterfly Garden, Magic Garden, Jungle Club, elephant sanctuary
- Inclusions: Private guide, private transport, hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 380+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re short on time and want to see the very best of Koh Samui, this private and customizable sight seeing tour is the ultimate solution! We were chauffeured around the island in a spacious, air-conditioned minivan. No crowded buses or hair-raising scooter rides here!
Plus, we loved this tour because we were able to choose the duration that suited us, and the highlights that we most wanted to see. We did this tour on our first day, and it was such an amazing intro to the island.
We started our day marveling at the iconic Big Buddha Temple and checking out the beauty of Wat Plai Laem. Enjoying panoramic views at Lad Koh Viewpoint was another highlight, and we also got to relax on the gorgeous Silver Beach. But what you want to see is up to you, so you could go and swim in the Hin Lad Waterfall instead, explore the Butterfly Garden, or visit the Jungle Club.
Along the way, our guide told us fascinating stories about Thai culture and history, and gave us tons of great tips on where to eat and drink. This tour allowed us to make the most of every minute, so we highly recommend it for cruise passengers and first-timers in Koh Samui. You won’t regret it!
Customize your own private tour by booking here in advance!
2. See elephants in a local sanctuary
- Price: $85 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Watching elephants roaming freely in the jungle, learning about the animals, helping feed and wash them, yummy vegetarian meal afterward
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guide, welcome drink, sanctuary admission, meal
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Visiting an elephant sanctuary is an incredible experience, and as far as we’re concerned, this half-day sanctuary tour takes you to the best one in Thailand!
It’s one of the most ethical ones in the entire country where these rescued elephants roam freely. We also had a chance to help make food for the elephants and feed them which was the highlight for me!
Our guide, Angie, was super friendly and passionate. She shared stories about the elephants with us, and taught us about their behavior, as well as how they are cared for. We were happy to support a sanctuary that rescues elephants and allows them to live their best lives in a safe, natural environment.
It was obvious how dedicated the team at the sanctuary was to the elephants’ well-being, and we loved learning about their conservation efforts. Then, after the tour, we enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch with our guide, which was the perfect note to end on.
This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Koh Samui – just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews! It was a truly magical experience, and one that we would do again in a heartbeat.
Book this once-in-lifetime experience here before it sells out!
3. Visit Pig Island by speedboat (and snorkeling!)
- Price: $53 USD
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Seeing pigs roaming freely on the beach, lots of photo opportunities, snorkeling with tropical fish, enjoying lunch at a local restaurants
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, admission fee, snorkeling mask, life jacket, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience on Koh Samui, then be sure to book this speedboat tour to Pig Island! I mean, it’s not every day that you get to hang out with adorable pigs on a beautiful beach, is it?
The adventure began with a speedboat ride over to the island, which definitely set the tone for the day. As soon as we arrived, we were delighted to see adorable pigs of all sizes roaming the beach and happily mingling with visitors. We especially loved seeing the piglets and their moms playing together! Swimming in the calm turquoise islands and watching the pigs as we paddled was a real treat, too.
After hanging out with the pigs, we headed over to the tiny island of Koh Tan. It’s a lesser-known gem, which is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and teeming with marine life, including parrotfish, vivid corals, and barracuda. The crew even fed the fish to ensure that we got to see as much as possible.
Then, after snorkeling, we enjoyed a buffet lunch at a cute little beachside restaurant. The food was fresh and full of flavor, and we loved tucking into our meal in such a beautiful setting. So if you’re looking for a super wholesome morning (and some amazing photo opportunities) then book this tour before it sells out!
Book this fun day trip here and don’t pay until just before you go!
4. Explore Koh Samui’s outdoors on a jungle safari
- Price: $50 – $142 USD
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9:30 am – 10 am
- Highlights: Traveling through the jungle in a 4×4 Jeep, seeing the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, swimming at the Na Muang Waterfall, seeing the Khunaram Temple, seeing the huge Buddha Statue at the Phra Yai Temple, eating a traditional Thai lunch at a beachfront restaurant
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Jeep transport, admission tickets, lunch
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Exploring Koh Samui on this jungle safari was hands down the best thing we’ve ever done on the island! Tearing through the jungle in a 4WD Jeep was an incredible adventure, and we got to see so much of the island’s scenery.
When people think of Koh Samui, they usually picture white sand beaches, and as beautiful as those are, you should not overlook its other highlights! We laughed as we visited the obscenely shaped Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. They were a great introduction to the island’s local legends, that’s for sure!
Next, we tore through the jungle, and then got to go for a swim at Na Muang waterfall, which was the perfect way to cool off – Koh Samui gets pretty hot! We also visited Khunaram Temple, where we got to see a mummified monk and ring the temple gong. Talk about diving deep into the local culture!
Then, we went for lunch at a local restaurant on the beach, which was a real treat. We finished up the day by exploring the Secret Buddha Garden, which is an incredible hillside retreat filled with intricate statues and waterfalls.
We had an absolute blast on this tour. It was the perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure, and it definitely gave us a well-rounded taste of Koh Samui. As far as we’re concerned, it’s the best way to explore the island, and a total must-do!
Book this jungle safari here and get FREE cancellation!
5. Spend a day snorkeling around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
- Price: $59 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Speedboat ride, snorkeling on the coasts of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, seeing abundant marine life, enjoying a buffet lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, speed boat ride to Koh Tao, snorkeling equipment, light breakfast, buffet lunch at a local restaurant, safety equipment, local English-speaking guide, drinking water, soft drinks
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 280+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
No trip to Thailand is complete without enjoying unforgettable marine encounters among the vibrant coral reefs. And there’s really nowhere better to snorkel than the island paradise of Koh Tao, so booking this snorkeling tour just makes sense!
We started off the day with a scenic speedboat ride. From the very beginning, the crew went above and beyond to make us comfortable, offering us lots of chilled water and soft drinks.
The first stop of the day was Koh Nang Yuan, a small island just off the coast of Koh Tao, and one of the area’s major marine hotspots! We loved snorkeling in the crystal clear water and got to see what felt like the entire cast of Finding Nemo, and then we got to hike to a beautiful viewpoint.
After Koh Nang Yuan, we were whisked off to Koh Tao. It’s a more developed island, so we got to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and relax on the beach for a while. Once we were sufficiently chilled out, we climbed back onto the boat and went snorkeling on the island’s Mango Bay, which was just dazzling. We saw parrotfish, stunning coral formations, and even a green sea turtle!
We had such an incredible day on this tour, and we consider it a total must-do when in Koh Samui. It was a fun and time-efficient way to explore Thailand’s best snorkeling destination.
Don’t miss out on this snorkeling tour, reserve your spot here!
6. Get an adrenaline rush on an ATV tour
- Price: $55 – $85 USD
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Time: 10 am – 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Adrenaline-pumping ATV ride, zipping along jungle trails and uphill tracks, crossing muddy creeks and off-road sections, stopping at viewpoints and in coconut groves for pictures, visiting a waterfall (depending on the season)
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, ATV, use of helmet, small group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 580+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you love fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled activities, then you just have to book this ATV tour in Koh Samui! It’s a thrilling off-road adventure that you’ll be talking about for years to come – especially if you book the 2-hour extended option that includes a waterfall visit.
Never driven a quad bike before? Don’t worry, that’s no problem. The guides were super friendly and took the time to make sure that everybody felt comfortable and confident before we headed out.
The vehicles were super easy to handle, so before we knew it, we were off, tearing through Koh Samui’s dirt tracks and lush jungle paths.
We would say that the 2-hour tour is a must if you can spare the time. It goes deeper into the heart of the jungle, visits more scenic spots, and even to a secret waterfall. We absolutely loved discovering the island’s hidden spots, and the adrenaline rush definitely made them seem even more beautiful.
This tour is hassle-free, and packed with both excitement and natural beauty. We covered a ton of ground, discovered secret spots, and had an incredible adventure. So whether you’re a seasoned rider or just want a unique way to Koh Samui, this tour is a must-do!
Check availability and book your spot here!
7. Learn how to cook authentic Thai food
- Price: $77 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 4 pm
- Highlights: Small group class, touring local market, learning how to make 4 dishes, tea pairing with your meal
- Inclusions: Private transport, all ingredients and equipment, professional instructor and guide, recipes to take home and keep, tea
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 75+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
I think that we can all agree that Thai cuisine is just incredible, so why not learn how to make it yourself while you’re in Koh Samui? This top-rated class was fun from start to finish, beginning with a local market visit and wrapping up with a huge Thai feast!
We loved exploring the market with our charismatic chefs, Bung and Mong. It really set the stage for the cooking experience, because we got to discover an array of unique ingredients that we had never cooked with before.
Once we arrived at our hosts’ kitchen, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get cooking. Everyone had their own cooking station, and Bung and Mong took us step-by-step through the process of cooking four classic Thai dishes. We got to make Pad Thai, Tom Kha soup, Massaman curry, and, my favorite, sweet and sour beef.
Then, after almost two hours of cooking, we got to sit down as a group and eat the delicious meal we had crafted. It was so tasty, and the fact that we had made it ourselves meant it was extra satisfying. Plus, we got to eat it in our hosts’ serene garden, with a tea pairing to wash it all down with. We couldn’t have asked for more!
This cooking class was so much fun, and it was also the best meal we’ve ever had in Koh Samui.
If you love Thai food, do NOT miss your chance to book this class!
8. Explore marine life on a scuba diving excursion
- Price: $170 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7:50 am
- Highlights: Scuba diving in two of Koh Tao’s best spots, a speedboat ride
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, two scuba dives, all equipment, lunch, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Rating: 5 stars (check 75+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Koh Tao is a bucket list scuba diving destination, and it just so happens that it’s just 1.5 hours from Koh Samui via speedboat. So if you’re a certified diver, then booking this tour is an absolute must.
Koh Tao is a stunning island that truly wowed us with its beauty. It’s home to some truly amazing spots, like Chumphon Pinnacle, the Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay, and Shark Island, so believe us when we say that you’re in for a treat!
Our guides chose the best spots according to the conditions on the day, and we were absolutely wowed. We loved exploring the colorful coral gardens, and the Shark Island dive site was incredible. But honestly, Koh Tao is known as “the Diving Mecca of the Gulf”, so wherever you go, you’re sure to see some unbelievable marine life.
Scuba diving in the most celebrated spots in the Gulf of Thailand was a pretty epic experience. We saw sea turtles, barracudas, and even a whale shark. The diving was easy, too, as the water here is warm, calm, and clear. Plus, between dives, we got to refuel with a delicious local lunch.
Koh Tao is one of the most amazing places in the world to go scuba diving, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit when you’re close by in Koh Samui!
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just recently certified, make sure to book this tour!
9. Go ziplining
- Price: $72 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Ziplining through Koh Samui’s jungle, amazing treetop views, soaring past a hidden waterfall, refreshment break with a view at the Tree Bridge Cafe
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, zipline course access, helmet, harness, bag, soft drink, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Thrill-seekers, listen up! Koh Samui isn’t just about beaches and snorkeling, it’s also an amazing place to go ziplining. This zipline tour remains one of the best things we’ve ever done on the island!
We were picked up from our hotel right on time, and the team took care of everything from there. The guides were professional and safety-focused, but at the same time, we had a lot of fun with them. Their jokes and encouragement added a lighthearted vibe to the tour, and they also helped us spot a lot of wildlife.
Zooming from platform to platform was a ton of fun, and the views were spectacular. Halfway through, we also got to see a hidden waterfall from our aerial vantage point, which we never would have found otherwise. It was so cool!
Then, once all of the excitement was over, we got to enjoy a refreshing drink at the Tree Bridge Cafe, and yet more fabulous views.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this tour is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon in Koh Samui. It’s the perfect way to make memories, so don’t miss out!
Reserve this epic zipline tour easily here!
10. Visit Ang Thong National Park on a private yacht
- Price: $1,703 USD per group
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Relaxing on a private yacht, swimming and snorkeling, visiting beautiful islands and beaches, trying fishing, learning to sail, choice of seafood lunch or finger food and tapas
- Inclusions: Private yacht for up to 6 people, private skipper and hostess, snorkeling equipment, dinghy, lunch, a bottle of prosecco, open bar, Bluetooth speaker, towels, beanbags
- Rating: 5 stars (check 185+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This private yacht charter is the ultimate luxury escape in Koh Samui, and we can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we boarded the sleek 52-foot yacht, we knew that we were in for a first-class adventure.
We got a warm welcome from our professional skipper and our attentive hostess, and they spent the entire day ensuring that every detail was perfect.
I’m not kidding when I say that my heart soared as we set sail through the stunning Koh Samui archipelago, and when we arrived in Ang Thong National Marine Park, I really couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s a breathtaking collection of 42 lush green islands rising out of the turquoise waters, and it has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
And as we cruised through all of this beautiful scenery, we went snorkeling and enjoyed a dinghy ride to one of the small islands, and got to stroll along the pristine sandy shores of Bottle Beach. When we weren’t exploring the park’s bright blue waters, we were relaxing on board and making the most of the open bar! We also loved the lunch that we got, which was an amazing seafood spread.
Whether you’re on your honeymoon in Koh Samui, celebrating a special occasion, or just want an extraordinary day out, you truly cannot beat this tour.
Treat yourself to the ultimate VIP experience by booking online here!
Where to Stay in Koh Samui, Thailand
Now that we’ve covered the best things to do in Koh Samui, it’s time to choose where to stay! Picking the right area can make or break your trip, and we highly recommend Chaweng Beach.
This bustling area is the heart of Koh Samui, offering a little bit of everything – stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious restaurants, and plenty of shops. To help you find the perfect spot, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Chaweng Beach for every budget below!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious stay in Koh Samui, the Hyatt Regency Koh Samui on Chaweng Noi Beach is hard to beat. This sleek 5-star resort features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and even plunge pools in some suites! With four infinity pools, a spa, and multiple dining options offering Thai and international cuisine, the amenities are as impressive as the ocean views.
Prices vary depending on the time of year and the room category you select, but they usually range from around $250 to $350 USD per night. Check all the options and book this hotel on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Canale Samui Resort is a fantastic mid-range option near Chaweng Beach, offering a quiet retreat just steps away from the action. This charming boutique resort features modern, comfortable rooms and a relaxing outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery. Guests can also enjoy delicious Thai and American dishes at the on-site restaurant. With its peaceful atmosphere, great location, and friendly staff, the Canale Samui Resort is perfect for those looking for comfort and value in Koh Samui!
Prices start around $130 USD and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The COSI Samui Chaweng Beach is a budget-friendly, modern hotel located right in the heart of Chaweng. The hotel features minimalist, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool or grab a bite anytime at the 24/7 on-site café. Its central location puts you within walking distance of Chaweng Beach, shops, and restaurants, making it a fantastic choice for travelers looking for affordability and convenience!
Private rooms start as low as $50 USD per night and you can visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Koh Samui’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading
I hope our guide to Koh Samui has earned this place a spot on your Thailand itinerary! It’s a truly beautiful place to escape to and we can’t wait to return.
Whether you’re exploring Thailand or have more destinations in mind, have a look through all our blogs on Southeast Asia! We have tons of tips and travel inspiration to share so you can have the best trip.
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