Ko Samui

The major reason why people come to Samui is to enjoy the beaches. Even though the two main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai have generally suffered due to mass development over the past decade they are still relatively impressive. Development has been thwarted slightly because of the island’s regulation governing height restriction.

Other than lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand and ogling at the babes and hunks sauntering past, there isn't all that much to see on the island. A certain pair of rocks on Lamai amuses some visitors, Bang Rak has a large but nondescript Buddha statue, and there are some waterfalls notably Na Muang of minor interest.

Chaweng Beach

is the major beach on Ko Samui and one that has developed tremendously since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to just a sprinkle of wooden bungalows but now the place is swamped with 4-5 star hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Samui’s nightlife is becoming legendary but unfortunately not always attracting the best standard of tourist. Chaweng’s once ‘hippie’ only backpackers have given way to a lot of ‘lager louts’. Chaweng is the place for a rowdy reckless party scene.

Lamai Beach

Like Chaweng, Lamai has transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and exciting nightlife. The beach though, is still in better condition than Chaweng and the place doesn’t get quite so crowded. If it’s a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations.

Maenam Beach

This quiet beach, located in the north of the island is decent enough for swimming and sunbathing especially for families with children due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach

situated in the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving tours. The place isn’t in any way as developed as Chaweng but there are still plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach

is in the North-East of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter it is a perfect place for relaxing.

Big Buddha Beach

Located in the north-east of Samui, Big Buddha offers visitors good swimming and lovely views. The area has developed a lot over the past few years and there are now a plentitude of restaurants, shops and bars.

Na Thon

The island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

Namtok Hin Lat

– This waterfall is easily accessible by car. Some of the numerous tiny levels have a large basin for swimmers.

Namtok Na Mueang

– A local road leads to the Na Mueang 1 Waterfall. A walk of about 30 minutes ends up at the more scenic Na Mueang 2 Waterfall. Purple rocks surround the stream of water, which gushes in from an impressive height of around 79 meters.

Ban Lipa Yai

– This village grows high quality fruits, including rambutan, durian, mangosteen and the famed langsat.

Old House

– This Chinese-style house, aged almost 200 years, represents Samui’s cultural identity. Grandpa Si and Grandma Maen Hancharoen, the present owner, open the house to visitors.

Other island attractions include coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian; the nearby butterfly garden and aquarium; a snake farm; a monkey theatre at Bo Phut and a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle.

Wat Khunaram Ko Samui

This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master that was able to predict his own death.

Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks

These odd-looking rocks situated on Lamai beach bear a striking resemblance to male and female sexual organs and they have turned into one of the island’s biggest attractions. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui

Located at Ban Harn beach, the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other aquatic animals such as turtles and colourful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 9AM till 6PM.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Also known as the Big Buddha Temple Wat Phra Yai, has a 15 meter tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is in the north of the island.

Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui

This chedi pagoda situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum

This butterfly garden can be found in the south-east of the island. There is a huge collection of different butterflies, some with wingspans up to 25 cm. Visitors can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house.

Secret Buddha Garden

This beautiful garden was made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had. Organised tours to the garden last for about 2 hours.

Monkey Shows

These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theatre on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants. The capturing and training of otherwise wild animals is ethically questionable.