Things to do in Koh Samui

Activities, attractions and tours

Lamai Beach which includes a beach
Lamai Beach which includes a beach
Bo Phut Beach featuring general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Bo Phut Beach which includes general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Fisherman\'s Village Plaza featuring shopping and night scenes as well as a large group of people
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Lamai Beach

Enjoy the beauty of Koh Samui’s coastline as you relax on Lamai Beach, discover the Buddhist culture at temples and wander market stalls to taste the local coconut sweet called galamae.
Learn more
Lamai Beach showing a bay or harbor

2. Nathon Pier

The Nathon Pier is often the first port of call for many travelers who visit the captivating tropical island of Koh Samui. It serves as the principal arrival and departure point for boats traveling between the island and mainland Thailand, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao. Visit this working harbor for a snapshot glimpse of the beaches and jungle-covered hills that characterize the island’s stunning natural beauty.
Learn more
Nathon Pier showing boating and a bay or harbor

3. Fisherman's Village

Wander lanes filled with wooden Chinese shop-houses from the 19th century, enjoy night markets and dine around the world in restaurants serving up Italian, French, Thai, Japanese, Euro-fusion and freshly caught seafood in Bo Phut’s Fisherman’s Village.
Learn more
Fishermans Village showing night scenes and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

4. Bo Phut Beach

With Bang Rak to the east and Maenam Beach to the west, Bo Phut is the longest beach on Koh Samui. Bo Phut village, lying somewhere around the centre, has come to be known as Fisherman's Village. As the oldest village on the island, Fisherman's Village has seen the comings and goings of many different cultures, and has retained a certain flavour of each. Combining a subtle blend of Thai, Chinese and French colonial influences, not to mention the considerable effect of the recent tourist wave, this charming village has something for every taste.
Learn more
Bo Phut Beach featuring a sandy beach and mountains

5. Choeng Mon Beach

Choeng Mun Beach extends across a variety of small bays and inlets along the north-east coast. A number of private resorts and exquisite villas are scattered in secluded locations along this portion of the coastline, forming one of the most exclusive portions of the entire island.
Learn more
Koh Samui featuring a sandy beach and tropical scenes

6. Chaweng Noi Beach

Just south of Chaweng, the hub of Koh Samui's nightlife, Chaweng Noi offers a calmer, more peaceful alternative to its bustling neighbour beach. While Chaweng bristles with watersports enthusiasts and street vendors, not to mention numerous young revellers nursing headaches from the night before, Chaweng Noi (or "little Chaweng"), just around the headland from Koh Samui's most popular beach, is light years away. Pristine, powdery sand, and crystal waters lined with a smattering of upmarket villas and coconut palms offer a welcome respite from the constant buzz of the backpacker crowd.
Learn more
Chaweng Noi Beach showing a beach

7. Silver Beach

Located on Koh Samui’s east coast is the beautiful Silver Beach (aka Thongtakian Bay). It’s a fantastic setting for sunbathing, swimming and dining at waterfront restaurants. Silver Beach sits nestled in a protected bay. Popular with families and couples, it offers a more relaxed beach experience to the island’s larger resorts.
Learn more
Silver Beach which includes general coastal views

8. Bangrak Pier

The Big Buddha Beach Pier is a large square full of temple complexes built over the Gulf of Thailand. It sticks out from Bang Rak Beach and contains several intriguing stores, restaurants and spiritual structures. Marvel at the iconic golden Big Buddha statue, sitting in a peaceful and meditative Mara posture.
Learn more
Big Buddha Beach Pier showing a bay or harbor and rocky coastline

What to do in Koh Samui

Popular places to visit

Lamai Beach featuring a house and general coastal views

Lamai Beach

4/5(103 reviews)

Relax on one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beaches, enjoy a massage in one of the many resorts and explore the surrounding picturesque fishing villages and temples.

Lamai Beach
View of Chaweng beach, Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach

4/5(93 reviews)

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Chaweng Beach, a popular beach in Bophut. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Chaweng Beach
Nathon Pier featuring boating and a bay or harbor as well as a small group of people

Nathon Pier

3.5/5(26 reviews)

Jutting out from the west coast of the island, this busy pier is the main entry and exit point for visitors to Koh Samui.

Nathon Pier
Fishermans Village which includes a luxury hotel or resort and night scenes

Fisherman's Village

4.5/5(99 reviews)

If you want to catch a glimpse of Koh Samui before tourism development, visit this wonderfully well-kept street of 19th-century Chinese shop-houses and French architecture.

Fisherman's Village
Bo Phut Beach featuring a sandy beach and mountains

Bo Phut Beach

4/5(67 reviews)

Genuine Thai with a Mediterranean vibe. Stay in one of the oldest villages on Koh Samui, where anything goes, from Chinese teahouses to funky young bars.

Bo Phut Beach
Koh Samui showing a beach and a coastal town

Choeng Mon Beach

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Located on the upmarket north-east of the island and home to some of the most exclusive resorts, private beaches, and family-friendly entertainment on Koh Samui.

Choeng Mon Beach
Chaweng Noi Beach showing a beach

Chaweng Noi Beach

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Party with the crowds by night and escape them by day; get the best of both worlds in peaceful, accessible Chaweng Noi.

Chaweng Noi Beach
Silver Beach which includes a sandy beach

Silver Beach

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Set amid swaying palm trees and turquoise water is this postcard-perfect beach is ideal for relaxing on soft golden sand, swimming in warm water and enjoying breathtaking sunrises.

Silver Beach
Big Buddha Beach Pier showing a bay or harbor and rocky coastline

Bangrak Pier

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Snap photos of the large golden Buddha sculpture that welcomes you to this intriguing dock of opulence and spirituality.

Bangrak Pier

Areas of Koh Samui

Beach with Crystal water and sunset beach view at Koh Samui Island Thailand

Chaweng City Center

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Chaweng City Center is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Chaweng Beach and Central Samui.

Chaweng City Center
Buddhist temple on beach, Laem Sor Pagoda, Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Lamai City Center

4/5(22 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Lamai City Center, you might enjoy its beaches and shopping. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Lamai Beach or Lamai Night Market.

Lamai City Center
bophut beach koh samui thailand

Bophut Hills

When in Bophut Hills, you can plan a visit to Fisherman's Village and Bo Phut Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
Rain stopped for a moment to allow for the beautiful sunset

Khanom

Almost empty, beautiful place with sallow waters, great for relaxing #beachbound #kohsamui#thailand

Hua Thanon

Frequently asked questions

Is Koh Samui worth visiting?
Renowned for its nature and walking trails, discovering fun things to do in Koh Samui is simple. Be sure to add Mae Nam Beach to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Koh Samui?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Nathon Pier and Mae Nam Pier. Then, check out different parts of Koh Samui for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Koh Samui?
Mae Nam Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Koh Samui and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Koh Samui?
If you only want to tick off the leading attractions, three days is more than enough time for a break in Koh Samui. Book for a week or more for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, tour nearby hotspots and discover a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Koh Samui with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all ages, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Koh Samui with kids.

What to do in Koh Samui for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Koh Samui, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Chaweng Walking Street or Tesco Lotus Koh Samui.
Are there free things to do in Koh Samui?
In Koh Samui, Mae Nam Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Koh Samui.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia