Discover Ko Samui

Ko Samui combines beaches, temples, natural attractions, and activities on and in the water. If you’re looking for a hotel for your island trip, you can start by planning around the interests you want to shape your stay: a day at the beach, a temple visit, a waterfall, or activities around the island each offer a different focus. The destinations below give you specific points to consider as you plan your trip.

Temples and religious sites

Wat Plai Laem, also known as Wat Laem Suwannaram, is an old temple on Ko Samui, founded in 1880. A 20-meter-tall white statue of Guanyin stands in a pond there. Visitors reach the statue via stepping stones and a marble bridge. The founding year, pond, and access route provide different points of interest: you can consider both the temple’s historical context and its statue when planning your visit.

In the south of Ko Samui, visitors come to Wat Laem Sor to pay their respects at Laem Sor Chedi and watch the sunrise. North of Ko Samui, Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha, is located on Koh Fan. A permanent stone causeway connects Koh Fan to Ko Samui. This helps distinguish the location of this temple from sites on Ko Samui itself.

Bo Phut, beach, and water

Bo Phut Beach is in the north of Ko Samui, between Mae Nam Beach and Bang Rak Beach. The long, sheltered beach is suitable for water sports. There is a pier on the beach where visitors can take speedboats from Ko Samui to Koh Tao. A beach stay and onward travel by boat are two distinct practical considerations. Bo Phut also has old Chinese shophouses that have been converted; this architectural feature complements the beach and water perspective.

Nature and wildlife

Na Muang Waterfall is in the central part of Ko Samui and cascades down 30 to 40 meters. Its pool can be used for swimming, but the rocks in the pool call for caution. The site thus combines a waterfall with an opportunity to swim and a specific safety consideration for spending time by the water.

Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo features marine animals and fish from the Gulf of Thailand, including clownfish and sharks. Here, the focus is on observing marine life—a different emphasis from water sports at the beach or swimming in the waterfall pool.

Activities and ways to get around the island

Activities on and around Ko Samui include cooking classes, yoga lessons, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and golf. The range includes everything from classes and training to diving and golf. When planning your trip, consider which of these activities are important to you. You can drive around Ko Samui by motorcycle or car in a few hours. The actual duration varies depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Getting there and connections

A notice dated March 10, 2026, lists the public Ko Samui island bus (songthaew) as an option for arriving passengers at Samui International Airport to travel around the island. A ferry runs from Donsak via Lipa Noi Ferry Port to Ko Samui and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus journey and ferry crossing cover different parts of the trip; a round trip by car or motorcycle is separate from both. Bus and boat services, as well as ferry schedules and operations, can change, so check the relevant connections before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Khao Wong, Ko Samui District, Lamai Beach, Krut, Lipa Noi, Phunphin District, Ban Song, Surat Thani

Go to the parent travel overview: Surat Thani.