What places to visit in Koh Samui?
What to see in Koh Samui
We usually do not go to Koh Samui for its monuments but there are still some interesting places to see like Wat Khunaram and its mummified monk.
I also listed at the end of the page some
good tours, excursions and activities that you can do in Koh Samui or from Koh Samui.
Click here to see them.
Must-visit places in Koh Samui
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in the North of the island, close to the airport. It is quite impressive.
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This Buddhist and Chinese temple is especially remarkable for its large statue of the goddess Guanyin and its 18 arms. Located near the Big Buddha, it may be interesting to add to the big Buddha visit.
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This small island and its neighbor Koh Matsum are located in the south of Koh Samui, about twenty minutes by boat. Still wild, there is a reef where you can snorkel among multicolored fishes. It is a half day or full day trip tour still preserved from mass tourism.
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Located on the seafront between Lamai and Hua Thanon, these rocks have the shape of a penis and a vagina and attract many tourists who want to photograph them.
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On the highest point of Koh Samui when the weather is good you have a magnificent view over the island. At the top, there is a temple, Wat Theepangkorn with a large standing Buddha image on a large esplanade that gives access to the view. Few people know it but the best view is not there...
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The Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of about 42 islands offering breathtaking sceneries. All the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except two: Koh Paluay, inhabited by gypsies of the sea and Koh Wua Talap where the park office and the bungalows for those who would like to spend the night there are located. There are also two lovely beaches, the Buaboke Cave and the most famous viewpoint of Ang Thong. The other must-see of any excursion in the park is Thale Nai, a beautiful emerald saltwater lake. Admission to the park costs 300 baht per person. All Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao agencies offer boat trips to the Ang Thong Marine Park with snorkeling and diving but it is Koh Samui which is the nearest island.
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Known now as the pig island since a small family of wild pigs has been introduced on the island to make it more popular with tourists, Ko Madsum is almost always associated with visiting or at least snorkeling off Koh Taen, the neighbor island.
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This large rock which seems to be threatening to fall into the void at any time offers a very nice viewpoint on Lamai Beach and has become one of the best known viewpoints in Ko Samui. Only problem, it is not so easy to get there.
Other nice places to visit in Koh Samui
starstarstarstarstar This respectful elephant sanctuary opened in early 2018. It is the first elephant sanctuary on an island that had until then only elephants trekking camps. By going there, you will live a beautiful encounter with elephants while being sure to not involuntarily participate in their abuse.
starstarstarstar and its golden chedi temple close to Chaweng Beach. Perched on a hill, Kho Hua Jook pagoda offers a beautiful view on the airport runway and the lake
starstarstarstar This small temple not far from the Laem Sor Pagoda is perched on a little hill in the South of Koh Samui and doesn't lack of charm with its refined white Buddhas. It also offers beautiful views on Koh Taen and Koh Matsum islands and the Bang Kao bay.
starstarstarstar This small viewpoint offers stunning views over Lamai Beach. Located just above the Grandpa and Grandma rocks, many tourists miss it because its access is a bit hidden.
starstarstarstar Opposite Koh Samui, Koh Phangan island deserves you to stay there for several days and nights to really discover and enjoy it but it is possible to just go there fore the day and visit the main places and beaches, snorkel ect... either by tours via travel agencies or by yourself but you have to calculate it good with the ferry between Samui and Ko Phangan timetables.
starstarstar and its mummified monk with sunglasses. The building is modest but seing this well-preserved mummified monk in meditation position with his sunglasses is pretty funny.
starstarstar This small temple still little known to tourists has a red hall with magnificent relief sculptures. Located on Hua Thanon beach in the south of Koh Samui, it can be accessed from the main road or from the beach via a staircase.
starstarstar This small private garden has earned a reputation in Koh Samui. In a beautiful setting with rocks, trees and waterfalls, there are statues of Buddhas and figures of Buddhism. This garden is a charming place but tis not secret anymore as every day many people visit it. But it is interesting to go there especially if you have the chance to visit it when there is nobody else.
starstar located at the southern tip of the island, on the rocky coast, it has a golden chedi and was built from thousands of golden tiles.
Other visits suggestions in Koh Samui
- The coast
is still a beautiful place with little parts preserved for tourism development.
Tours in Koh Samui and around
This selection includes tours, excursions and activities that I have personally tested or were tested by people I fully trust but also offers by recognized agencies or websites known for their seriousness and quality.
Tours from Koh Samui
![discover koh phangan on a 4x4](/img/icon_camera_small.png)
Samui Insolite
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