The Best Travel Guide to Koh Samui (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Koh Samui

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Overview

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Koh Samui The guide was updated: 2024-07-08

With its breathtaking beaches, secluded waterfalls, bustling night markets, and electric nightlife, Koh Samui offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—maybe that explains why this small island in the Gulf of Thailand attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.

Facts

Population:	68,000 (2023)
Currency:	Thai Baht (THB)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, Ambulance: 191 or 911 Tourist Police: 1155 Fire Brigade: 1669
Opening hours:	Most shops and restaurants in Koh Samui have long opening hours. The shops in Lamai and Chaweng are generally open from 11am–11pm/midnight and in Nathon from 10am–6pm. Banking hours are from 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday.

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Section in Koh Samui

On Koh Samui you can choose to do nothing, or to do everything. The island is perfect for a relaxing holiday on the beach, with colorful drinks in your hand and sun on your skin. For the more adventurous ones there is plenty to explore, from nature to shopping and food.

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is one of Koh Samui's most attractive temples. This fairly new sight was completed in 2004 and is a colourful complex with a traditional Thai-Chinese style. The temple holds two giant, colourful statues of Happy Buddha and Guanyin that will amaze you. Do not miss the large Golden Buddha inside Wat Plai Laem.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao

Koh Tao means 'Turtle Island' in Thai, as this was once an important breeding ground for sea turtles, which have been reintroduced to the island's ecosystem in 2004. Koh Tao is worldwide famous for its beautiful coral reef and marine life, which make it a popular place for snorkelling and scuba diving. Hikers might want to try and reach John-Suwan Viewpoint or Mango Viewpoint.

Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan

If you would like to see what paradise is like, you should take a day trip to Koh Nang Yuan, which is an island located only a few hundred meters from Ko Tao and linked to two other islands by a limb of white sand. Here you can unwind free from all cars and hustle, but also snorkel in beautiful waters.

Secret Buddha Garden

Secret Buddha Garden

The Secret Buddha Garden was built in 1976 by a fruit farmer called Nim Thongsuk and took around fifteen years to finish. This peaceful place can be found in the hills of Samui Island inside the verdant jungle. The garden is decorated with sculptures portraying both humans and deities in various poses. Getting there quite difficult so booking a tour in advance is highly recommended.

Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

Koh Samui’s mummified monk at Wat Khunaram is an unusual sight but still offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. The mummified monk Luong Pordaeng died in 1973 and his body has been on display in a glass case at the temple ever since. Remarkably, the monk’s body shows little sign of decay.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Big Buddha Temple, locally known as Wat Phra Yai, is majestically located on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner (Koh Faan). The golden, twelve-meter seated Buddha statue was built in 1972 and is one of the island's most popular attractions.

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa

If you would like to pamper yourself with a spa treatment there are many resorts to choose from. One of them is Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, which offers you a unique experience with its location in an amazing natural setting. Here you can have a peaceful time among waterfalls and rock pools, as well as enjoy a massage treatment in an open-air pavilion.

Thai Cooking Classes

Thai Cooking Classes

If you would like to learn how to make Thai food, why not do it in Thailand? There are many cooking classes you can take in Koh Samui, like Pai Cookery Class. You'll have the chance to learn the traditional methods of preparation of Thai food and impress all your friends and family once you go home.

Paradise Park Farm

Paradise Park Farm

At Paradise Park Farm you can watch a small collection of native and non-native creatures that live up in the beautiful mountains. There are various types of birds, miniature rabbits, guinea pigs and a little hedgehog. As the name suggests, this is a farm and not a zoo, and the animals seem to be happy and healthy. This is a great place for children and adults alike.

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Tour

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Tour

When travelling to Koh Samui there are many beautiful places where you can scuba dive and snorkel. There are also many tour operators to choose from, one of which is 100 Degrees East, offering boat excursions with snorkelling and diving activities among colorful fishes and coral reefs.

Na Muang Waterfalls

Na Muang Waterfalls

Na Muang Waterfalls, also called "Purple Waterfalls", are located in a lush jungle environment. They can easily be reached going off the main Ring Road Route 4169 about halfway between Nathon and Lamai Beach. These waterfalls are considered to be among the most scenic ones, hence popular places for families to relax and swim.

Bophut's Fisherman's Village

Bophut's Fisherman's Village

Fisherman's Village is located near the beach, on the northern coast of Koh Samui. The pier is actually in decay, but the village still retains its charm. The area comes alive every Friday night when the main street is blocked off to vehicles to make space for stalls that sell everything from coconut carved monkeys to clothes and other souvenirs. During the rest of the week, it's still a picturesque place for a walk.

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