While no trip to Koh Samui is complete without time spent on its beaches, there is far more to be discovered inland, away from the soft sands and glossy resorts. Temples crowned with towering statues speak to the island’s layered history, while fishermen still cast their nets and sell the day’s catch in villages that long predate tourism.
Out on the water, the Gulf of Thailand invites exploration at a different pace. Snorkellers and divers can drift over coral gardens, while those drawn to local life can join traditional rigs and wooden junks, setting out in search of treasures both above and beneath the waves.
As one of Thailand’s largest islands, Koh Samui’s jungle trails, waterfalls and sweeping viewpoints make it easy to forget that you are more than 20 miles out at sea.
All our recommendations have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Koh Samui. Find out more below, or for more inspiration, see our guides to the island’s best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, and beaches.
Find things to do by type:
- Best outdoor adventures
- Best cultural experiences
- Best free things to do
- Best day trips and excursions
- Best for families
Best outdoor adventures
Lamai Viewpoint
Marvel at jaw-dropping island panoramas
Lamai Viewpoint is deceptively named. Yes, there is a lookout, but this hilltop attraction in Koh Samui’s south has so much more. A cable car takes visitors to the top, where there are family-friendly ziplines, a fish spa and chilled bar and restaurant. It’s a convenient all-in-one stop for island adventures without the hassle.
Insider tip: The entry fee also grants access to a beautiful rock garden and a spectacular waterfall that’s great for swimming.
Contact: facebook.com/lamaiviewpointadventure; 00 66 80 890 9755
Price: £
Mr Ung’s Magical Safari Tours
Embark on a 4x4 island jungle adventure
Venture deep into Koh Samui’s wilder side on a 4x4 tour that takes you right across the island. Full-day tours weave through jungle trails, stopping at natural wonders like the Na Muang Waterfalls and Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks. The hair-raising ride also includes a traditional Thai lunch, water-gun fights between Jeeps and freshly cracked coconuts.
Insider tip: Mr Ung’s also offers private fishing charters and island-hopping cruises to complement a day exploring on land.
Website: mrungtourskohsamui.com
Price: ££
Hawk Adventure
Experience an adrenaline-filled zipline course
There are a number of ziplines criss-crossing the peaks and troughs of Koh Samui’s rugged jungle terrain, but it’s hard to beat Hawk Adventure for sheer scale. The full route threads through jungle canopy via long lines (up to 1,969ft [600m] in length), 33 platforms and even the odd suspension bridge, delivering fast-paced thrills and beautiful views.
Insider tip: This is one the best ways to see the hard-to-reach Zong Raue waterfall.
Website: hawkadventuresamui.com
Price: ££
Samui Elephant Home
Observe the large land mammals
Learn about elephants while supporting welfare-led initiatives at Samui Elephant Home. There’s no riding in sight; instead visitors help prepare food, go on a guided walk with the elephants and observe natural behaviours in a forested sanctuary. Entry fees contribute to reforestation projects and community development, creating an experience that is both meaningful and memorable.
Insider tip: The three-hour visit leaves enough time to pop into the site’s recently unveiled elephant museum. For those seeking a full day of activities, the ATV Samui Namuang Mountain Tour and Wang Sao Thong Waterfall are just up the road.
Website: samuielephanthome.com
Price: £££
Best cultural experiences
Dusit Dheva Cultural Center
Learn about the region’s heritage through exhibits
Part museum, part art park, the Dusit Dheva Cultural Center is an ode to Thai and South-East Asian mythology and architecture. The serene jungle landscape is reason enough to visit but you’ll also spot intricately carved statues, dramatic garden walkways and peculiar stucco scenes from local folklore.
Insider tip: While the centre looks like something out of a history book, it’s actually quite new. It shines at golden hour, so be sure to time your visit.
Contact: facebook.com/dusit.dheva; Tambon Lipa Noi, Ko Samui District
Price: £
Thai massage
Indulge in a well-known spa treatment
Thai massage is woven into the cultural fabric of Thailand, and Koh Samui is no exception. From simple sala massages for less than a tenner or to high-end spa sanctuaries tucked inside a luxury resort, the practice is as varied as it is restorative. Popular spots line the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, meaning you don’t have to go far to get blissfully unknotted.
Insider tip: Don’t underestimate the no-frills massage houses, which often deliver more authentic – and arguably more effective – treatments.
Price: £-£££
Muay Thai
Watch where warriors rise to roaring crowds
For an electric night out that feels unmistakably Thai, book a front-row seat at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium in Chaweng. It’s different to boxing – traditional drum beats lead the “rhythm” and the ritual wai kru ram muay dance sets the scene before each fight. Local fighters, Thai legends and rising international stars all cross the ropes, delivering fast-paced bouts with an infectious quality.
Insider tip: The lower-priced VIP front-row seats put you much closer to the action than the “premium” ticket options.
Website: samuithaiboxing.com
Price: ££
Best free things to do
Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Laem
Visit the island’s most splendid temples
Head to the north of the island for a double dose of culture and views located within easy reach of each other. Wat Phra Yai, home to the 12m-tall golden Big Buddha, rises from a platform overlooking the sea. A short walk away, Wat Plai Laem reflects Koh Samui’s Chinese heritage through a massive 18-armed Guanyin statue surrounded by tranquil lotus-filled lakes.
Insider tip: Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Laem are the island’s most popular temples, so early mornings are cooler, quieter and better for unhurried exploration.
Fisherman’s Village
Explore markets, restaurants and more
Weathered wooden shophouses still stand proudly at the island’s Fisherman’s Village, a former trading hub that has been converted into seafood restaurants, quaint cafés, souvenir shops, art galleries and boutique stores. By day, it’s a mellow place to wander, shop and sip iced tea; by night, the whole street comes to life with busy restaurants and cocktail bars that spill onto the sand.
Insider tip: Time your visit for the Friday Walking Street Market, when the whole village transforms into a busy maze of street food, live music and local crafts at sunset.
Na Muang Waterfalls
Swim by the twin cascades
Trade palm-lined beaches for lush jungle and purple-tinged rocks at the Na Muang Waterfalls (“muang”’ means “purple”). Both require a short hike, but those who make the effort are rewarded with springwater pools ideal for swimming. Na Muang 2 has the more impressive falls, and although it is harder to reach, the extra work is worth it for the crystal-clear water with sweeping views across the island.
Insider tip: This is one place that shines during the rainy season, when water flow is at its strongest and crowds are lighter.
The Overlap Stones
Hike to precarious, hidden viewpoints
The Overlap Stone isn’t quite the secret spot it used to be – and for good reason. This huge boulder teetering precariously on the edge of a cliff offers one of the best photo opportunities on the island. This is another attraction that rewards effort: it’s accessed via a winding road and a steep hike. Further up the hill is the creatively named Overlap Stone 2, which also has a wicker-style platform shaped like a giant hand where you can pose for pics.
Insider tip: The first stone operates on donations but the second charges a small entry fee.
Fire shows in Chaweng
Witness blazing beachfront entertainment
Chaweng Beach delivers some of the most spectacular fire shows on the island, where skilled performers twirl flaming batons to banging DJ sets from around 8pm. Two of the most reliable spots are ARKbar, which draws a livelier crowd that stays late into the night, and Elephant Beach Club – perfect for a more relaxed evening.
Insider tip: Although the fire shows are free to enjoy for any passersby, arrive early to claim a front-row beanbag for a spectacle close enough to singe your eyebrows.
Website: ark-bar.com; elephantbeachclubresort.com
Best day trips and excursions
Koh Madsum (Pig Island)
Take a boat excursion to the bay of pigs
Koh Madsum is home to some rather curious and friendly residents: a population of free-roaming pigs. Half-day boat trips to the island include lunches on the beach (watch out for hungry snouts), photo opportunities, dolphin watching and snorkelling around Koh Tan – a coral rich outcrop just across the water.
Insider tip: Longlae Samui and Go Samui Tours are two popular operators, and booking at least a couple of days in advance is recommended. If you miss out, your hotel may be able to find an alternative.
Website: longlaesamui.com; gosamuitours.com
Price: ££
Fishing with Mr Tu
Spend a day on the water
Board a traditional fishing boat and head into the Gulf of Thailand to cast lines for snapper, trevally and barracuda. When it’s not too busy, you may even ride with Mr Tu himself, a jolly fisherman turned tour guide who will help you reel in a good catch. Some trips include a buffet lunch, where you can cook your freshly caught fish right there on the deck.
Insider tip: Consider a night fishing trip for a unique experience; bring extra layers and prepare for a late return.
Website: mrtufishing-speedboatsamui.com
Price: ££
Ang Thong Marine Park
Go on an island-hopping adventure
A protected archipelago of 42 limestone islands, Ang Thong Marine Park is an atmospheric introduction to Thailand’s wilder seascapes. Day trips to this striking spot squeeze in a lot, from beach stops and kayaking to wildlife spotting (keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles), but the panoramic viewpoints are also a highlight, revealing the full scale of the dramatic surroundings.
Insider tip: Most visit the park on a day trip but an overnight stay in one of the island cabins reveals a quieter side to the archipelago.
Website: tourismthailand.org
Price: £-££
Diving trips
Look for coral gardens and sea turtles
Koh Samui is the gateway to some of Thailand’s best diving, and operators here cater to all levels, from total beginners to seasoned open-water divers. Visibility can reach 66-98ft (20-30m) on good days; expect to see grand coral gardens, deep drop-offs and marine life including angelfish, barracuda and anemone-hugging clownfish.
Insider tip: Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle are two spectacular dive sites. If you need to learn before you dive, neighbouring Koh Tao does it cheaper than anywhere else.
Website: tourismthailand.org
Price: ££-£££
Best for families
Mulamati Rainbow Village
Get creative with colour and community
Mulamati Rainbow Village, near the quiet sands of Baan Taling Ngam Beach, is one of Koh Samui’s most joyful surprises. This tiny, artist-led community project has gradually grown into an entire village of rainbow-painted houses, hand-drawn murals and playful outdoor installation. Weekends are the village’s busiest family days, packed with activities, games and workshops, while its monthly craft market offers the chance to browse souvenirs and support local artists.
Insider tip: Visit in the late afternoon, when softer light is kinder on young skin. Entry is by small donation, which helps fund ongoing community projects.
Contact: instagram.com/mulamati_rainbowvillage; 00 66 83 970 0057
Price: £
The Red Baron Sunset Cruise
Sail on a kid-friendly sea adventure
A swashbuckling hit with children, the Red Baron runs sunset cruises and private charters aboard a red-sailed wooden boat 98ft long. Welcome drinks, buffet dinners and a friendly crew make the experience relaxed and fun. Scheduled Friday and Sunday sailings head towards Koh Som, a postcard island fringed with coconut trees.
Insider tip: The upper deck is great for older children, while the lower lounge offers a steadier ride for those still finding their sea legs.
Website: redbaron-samui.com
Price: ££
Kidomo Kids Club
Burn off energy at the ultimate indoor play space
When the sun gets a little too fierce and beach time loses its appeal, Kidomo Kids Club is the perfect alternative for restless little ones. As one of Koh Samui’s few kids’ clubs not tied to a resort, it provides toys, creative workshops and sensory activities in a relaxed environment, while parents can enjoy a quiet coffee nearby.
Insider tip: The larger Chaweng location is better established, but the branch near Lamai Beach tends to be quieter and it is conveniently located next to an excellent Italian restaurant, Le Saline.
Contact: instagram.com/Kidomokids; 00 66 91 393 2000
Price: £
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Aydan Stuart
Aydan Stuart is a writer and travel expert who has lived in Thailand for more than 15 years. When not at his desk in Chiang Mai, Aydan can be found exploring wild mountain trails, discovering hidden beaches, hosting radio shows and seeking out fun, whisky-infused atmospheres.