Things to do in Koh Samui

Why go to Koh Samui

• Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

  A golden 12-meter seated Buddha rises above the northern shoreline-utterly iconic and completely free to visit.

• Ang Thong National Marine Park

  A jaw-dropping archipelago of 42 limestone islands with emerald lagoons, sea caves, and snorkeling reachable by day tour.

• Chaweng Beach

  The island's liveliest stretch of white sand with turquoise water, beach bars, and buzzing nightlife all in one place.

• Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)

  Bizarre and beloved coastal rock formations that are free to see and endlessly entertaining for the whole group.

• Namuang Waterfall

  Twin jungle waterfalls deep in the island's interior where you can swim in natural pools-raw, beautiful, and barely touristy.

Good to know in Koh Samui

• Transit: Songthaews (shared red pickup trucks) are the cheapest way to get around at $1-2 per ride; agree on the price before you get in. Renting a scooter for $8-10/day gives you full freedom but drive cautiously-roads can be steep and wet.
• Tipping: Not culturally mandatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving $0.50-1 at restaurants is generous and welcomed.
• Tap water: Do NOT drink tap water in Koh Samui-the infrastructure is unreliable. Buy large refill water bottles at 7-Eleven for under $0.50 or use refill stations.
• Free entry: Most temples including Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem are free every day; Ang Thong Marine Park charges a ~$3 national park fee on top of tour costs, but there are no special free-entry days for parks.

Trip essentials