Interesting places and sights of Koh Samui. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Buddha Temple. Waterfalls on Koh Samui

That's happiness after all! You ride like this on a bike, the wind of freedom blows over your contented face, the bugs, splashing, break on your pink bulletproof glasses and your hair grows under a helmet .. And happy Thais sit on the sidelines and gobble up delicious Thai cuisine, but you forget about hunger and everything else - because you are waiting for adventure! …my favorite way to travel around Koh Samui is to get on my bike and ride. To drive into all the nooks and crannies, climb mountains, go along the paths and constantly find something new ... In general, I hand over to you everything I have explored uncharted places and other attractions of Koh Samui in this guide.

To use this page, you can purchase a free map of Koh Samui in the tourist shops of the island and make your marks on it, or buy a local one at any 7-11 with the most convenient 3G tariff and mark the points already on the Google map on your smartphone (how to do this is written ).

Lap of honor around the island

Even if you are here for only a few days, to make the island fit in your soul and head, you can take a bike and drive around the island along the main road (about 60 km). There is nothing complicated in this, but I will write general information as gravy to what you will see with your eyes as you make this lap of honor around the island.

Rent a scooter on Koh Samui it costs an average of 200-300 baht / day if taken for a couple of days (it's cheaper for a week), or 3-5 thousand baht / month. If you are not confident, you can find a scooter for rent with three wheels. The rights to Koh Samui are checked very rarely (but they are quite easy). I have a separate post for more information about traffic rules and driving features in Thailand

So, we sit down on a bike or a car and go. What do we see as we go.

The ring road is marked red on the map. Orange - possible deviations from it during a walk. Purple - mountain road through the island.

By the way, do you know why the island is called Koh Samui? And rightly so - you don’t know, because no one knows).

fisherman village

Approximately 200 meters from the traffic light on the ring road is Fisherman Village. In translation, this means the Village of Fishermen, but in fact it is a tourist place for walking (especially in the evening). There are many cafes, restaurants and shops with interesting clothes and souvenirs. The prices are inflated, but you can bargain.

Google coordinates: 9.558341, 100.031352


Unfortunately, this bridge on Fisherman has been dismantled so far, only part of it remains.

Then you will pass the Maenam area

There is nothing particularly noteworthy there, but here is one of the most delicious and cozy establishments on the island where you can eat, including trying a Northern Thai dish - Khao Soi soup. The institution is called Treehouse Silent Beach () and is located here: 9.570299, 100.012253

And on one of the first jays of Maenam, you can turn into the jungle and drive through the entire island along a mountain road with palm trees and view points, leaving for Lamai (turning point on Google map: 9.566021, 100.004519). On the map above, this mountain road is marked in purple. The climbs on it are a bit steep, but you can drive a normal scooter with good brakes. If you drive along it, then you will not go to Bang Po ↓, but to the Lamai area.

Bang Por beach

If we didn’t take a short path through the mountains, but drive further around the island, then we enter the Bang Por area. This is my home beach - I lived here for quite a long time once .. In the winter season there is a good sea, and in spring and summer it is quite shallow, but you can ride a kayak and look at corals and fish (sometimes you can see them).

From April to September, in some places in Bang Por and Maenam, you can watch both sunrises and sunsets.

We go further - from Bang Por to Nathon. We drive through hills with beautiful views, a beach with amazing shallows and sunsets (shoals are only at low tides, and sunsets at good weather). By the way, on the hill between Bang Po and Nathon there is a view point where the Geocache cache is hidden ().

Then we drive to Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui. Here is the main pier, the cheapest and largest market and inexpensive and sometimes very good massage. If you do not have a goal to buy something, then you can go further.

In summer, on the Nathon embankment, which is near the pier, it is very shallow and very beautiful for photographs (beauty point on Google maps: 9.530537, 99.934293). - in winter there are no shallows, there is nowhere to take pictures, but you can sit on the embankment, thoughtfully looking into the distance of the sea.

The territory of the hospital on Nathon

After Nathon there will be a turn (at the first traffic light) towards the Hospital. By the way, this is the most inexpensive (public) hospital on Koh Samui, where you can go if necessary, if you suddenly did not have insurance, but you need help. You can come here and walk around the area. The hospital is located right by the sea and it is very beautiful here at sunset. Google coordinates of the place: 9.521437, 99.934192

Huge shady trees, benches, a spit across the sea, sick Thais eating doshirak, peace and quiet ... This photo was taken there, but the spit, which is not visible from under the water, is not there at all times of the year:

Lipa Noi beach

We again leave the ring road and drive counterclockwise. In the south of the island, in this place: 9.445377, 100.011077 you will pass and you will surely pay attention to the large beautiful building on the mountain, right on the edge of the ravine. This is the courthouse next to which is Samui prison(which is better not to fall into).

South coast of Koh Samui and Lamai

If you are a very strong person and your butt is not yet tired of riding a bike, then you can leave the ring road and drive along the southern part of the island in a “big circle” (marked in orange on the map). In the southernmost part there is Temple of Laem Sor. The temple is small, but from its territory you can see a real breathtaking sea. Temple Google coordinates: 9.411722, 99.969035

Lamai. The Lamai area is already a civilization and a tourist place, compared to the southern wilderness .

At the very beginning of Lamaev there is Tesco Lotus, which cooks very tasty Tom Yum - until recently it was the most delicious on the island for me, then it got a little worse, but still good. They cook it at the food court in Tesco.

After Tesco, you will pass my favorite - it is located right next to the road towards the sea and it is difficult not to notice it (located here, you can immediately put an end to it, it will come in handy: 9.451183, 100.030878)

Laguna and View Point on Koh Samui

We go further and between Lamai and Chaweng there are two interesting places at once where you can stop. This Lagoon, which is located right next to the yacht club (there are signs to the yacht club on the road). There are a lot of people here, but the lagoon in good weather can be very beautiful. Coordinates points: 9.476959, 100.068443

And a little further (we're still going counterclockwise) ViewPoint. You can stand on the ViewPoint itself, but it's too easy. It is better to go down to the sea and sit on the rocks, looking at the powerful surf. Viewpoint coordinates: 9.498979, 100.059967

Well, further, from ViewPoint you will reach Chaweng Tesco Lotus, where you can buy home any products to your taste, by the way, right at the food court in Tesco they sell large glasses of inexpensive freshly squeezed juice and cool necks.

Oh yeah, after Tesco there's Big C, next to which is Starbucks with its great coffee, internet (and green tee latte). Oh my god, and after Big C, with the coolest pizza and the best steaks. But I won’t talk much about food, otherwise not everyone is such a foodie like me ..

Through most hotels on Koh Samui, you can freely pass to the beaches - in the territories they are more well-groomed and clean.

Attractions and secret places on Koh Samui

Now let's see what sights and secret places there is on the island to choose the days and visit them separately.

Big Buddha on Koh Samui

Big Buddha- This is a statue of Buddha, 12 meters high. Usually the first attraction on travel lists and I'll be unoriginal by doing the same. It was built in 1972 in order to protect the island from the water element. At the foot of the Big Buddha, monks sell tiles. When you buy one tile, you write your name on it and give it back. Thus, you can say you are entering history - the roofs of temples are covered with inscribed tiles.

You can get a blessing from a Buddhist monk. Only very important - clothing should cover your shoulders and legs. So, with your help, it is easier for a monk to live with his vows of abstinence.

A 60-step staircase leads to the statue, at the beginning of which you must take off your shoes. Around the Big Buddha statue itself there are bells that you can beat (this will bring good luck to those who believe in it).

Next to the statue is a Buddhist Wat Phra Yai Temple and many shops with clothes and souvenirs. Everything here costs a little more than in other places on Koh Samui, but sometimes you can find something that is not found in other places. In any case, you can bargain heavily.

The Big Buddha statue is located in the northeast of the island, near the airport, admission is free, coordinates on Google map: 9.570782, 100.059800

Temple complex Wat Plai Laem (Wat Plai Laem)

Close to Big Buddha. For lovers of temples, this place will be interesting. In terms of architecture, this complex is a mix of Indian, Chinese and Thai styles. Admission is free, Google coordinates: 9.571345, 100.067098

Samui Cultural Center

Decent place, albeit a very small one. The center is located in the Lipa Noi beach area, coordinates: 9.507975, 99.938692 Entrance costs 120 baht (plus or minus), Thai costumes for a photo shoot - 500 baht per person. This is a very small atmospheric place where you go and #suddenly you are in miniature Bali:

Red Temple Wat Sila Ngu

For me, this is the most beautiful of Samui's temples, a simple and unusual, small temple. At the same time, the place is far from being as popular as the Big Buddha and even the Butterfly Park. Located in the southern part of the island here: 9.451183, 100.030878 More photos of the temple can be seen

Rocks "Grandma and Grandpa" (Hin Ta & Hin Yai)

A favorite tourist attraction is huge stones resembling male and female genitals in shape. Located on Lamai Beach, location coordinates: 9.451981, 100.039831

Buddha's Magic Garden

A nice place. It is on all maps, you can get there on a powerful scooter with good brakes, or by car. Google point on the map: 9.482981, 99.994487

Standing Buddha (Phra Bhuddha Teepangkorn Temple)

Located on one of the most high points islands overlooking the sea. You can get to the Standing Buddha by SUV (excursions are also carried here), or by a powerful scooter with very good brakes. Point on Google maps: 9.502010, 100.006031

Attention! Steep descents and sand on the roads are dangerous for the brakes. It is necessary to be very careful when braking on sand (it is better not to brake on it at all) and on any long and steep descents, once on a descent from paradise park Our brakes overheated and stopped working.

Waterfalls on Koh Samui

There are many waterfalls here, the main ones are indicated on tourist maps. To be honest, I'm not particularly interested in visiting them, maybe I'm spoiled mountain waterfalls Tien Shan, Himalayas and Altai .. they are easy to find on a tourist map. Some of them can only be reached by an off-road vehicle, while the simpler ones can be reached by bike. Main coordinates:

  1. Na Muang. Entrance to the south of the island. The two most popular waterfalls are 18 and 80 meters high. You can get to the first and simpler one on a bike and any car. Coordinates: 9.466396, 99.983951 The road to the second waterfall with the same name is more difficult, but the waterfall is steeper, located here: 9.472782, 99.989935
  2. Secret waterfall. Entrance from Maenam. There are really few people here, although the waterfall is one of the most interesting. The beginning of the walking path to it is here: 9.522374, 100.014826 You can get on bikes, turning from the ring road in the Maenam area, soi 5 into the jungle. How to get to Tan Rua Waterfall or Secret Waterfall.
  3. Khun Si located in the Maenama area, you can get there by bikes: 9.522374, 100.014839
  4. Hin Lat. Entrance from Lipa Noi. You can only get to the temple of the same name, and about 3 km to get to the waterfall on foot. You can get here by transport: 9.520632, 99.956185.
  5. Ta Nim Waterfall. Entrance to the waterfall in the South of the island, the waterfall itself is located next to the Magic Buddha Garden here: 9.483449, 99.994477
  6. Tartain- located in the center of the island. Coordinates: 9.512706, 99.989614
  7. Khow Yai. Entrance from the South of the island, the waterfall is located here: 9.467053, 100.003195
  8. Siva Tara. Entrance from Lamaev, located here: 9.458612, 100.036880

Mummified monk at the Buddhist temple Wat Khunaram

One of the main religious attractions of the island. The place is visited by religious pilgrims from Thailand and other countries. The abbot of the temple, the monk Loung Pordaeng was a very respected monk on Koh Samui. He died in 1973 while praying, in the same position he is now. It is believed that the monk cures diseases and predicts the future.

You can get here by bike or car. Google point coordinates: 9.450191, 100.000577

Statues of the signs of the zodiac in the jungle of Koh Samui

Mangroves in South Koh Samui

The mangrove grove here is somehow completely non-tourist, it is quite possible to walk along it once - unusual. The grove is located in the very south of the island here: 9.421413, 99.936059

Zoos on Koh Samui

Tiger zoo. I can't say enough good things about this place, but it's all subjective. You can’t just look at tigers here, but you can either watch a show (for 750 baht) or take a picture with a tiger (900 baht).

butterfly park- complete garbage, but if it is on the maps, it is located in the south of the island.

paradise park. If you are a lover of all kinds of animals and birds, then you can go to Paradise Park. Deer and parrots live there without cages (almost), and the rest can go into cages and aviaries (without them, after all, in any way) and hold them in your arms. A photo story about this mini-zoo can be viewed here: Park coordinates on Google map: 9.486259, 99.982874

Cat Cafe on Koh Samui

Today, alas, there is no cat cafe on Koh Samui. The one that I managed to visit has closed, but you can see the photo report from there. If you know about some new cat cafe that has opened on Koh Samui, I will be very grateful for the comment! Former coordinates of the cat cafe (suddenly it will be resurrected:): 9.514182, 100.050764

Offroad on Koh Samui

Geocaching on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is littered with geocache caches and some of them are located in very interesting places that are not in any excursions and guidebooks. Geocaching is an international game in which players around the world hide caches in interesting places and leave coordinates on the Geocaching site. I wrote more about this here (+ examples of places that can be found):

Hermit monk living in a cave

Far from tourist spots and the road there is a secret cave in which a hermit monk lives. With a strong desire, you can find it by looking at my photo essay from there:

Real Koh Samui Walk: Secret Cave and Tunnel

The walk is described in detail with coordinates and photos here, but is intended only for very hardcore guys:

Abandoned places of Koh Samui

Abandoned resort with villas and fish on Choeng Mon

Very cool drop. You can get to the place by bike. You can see photos and coordinates of the place in a separate post on my blog:.

Abandoned Hotel 404 in Thailand: Koh Samui, Choengmon

Multi-storey buildings of an abandoned hotel. You can get there by bike, the place is easily accessible and very beautiful. It is better to take water with you (it is hot and thirsty). Coordinates and photo report about this hotel

Abandoned tropical resort with a dog in Thailand on Koh Samui, Choeng Mon

Abandoned Villa in the jungle on Koh Samui, Lamai, Thailand

New, almost newly built villa with furniture and a private pool on Koh Samui. And it's already booked. The place is very cool. You can see photos and coordinates of the place

Abandoned hotel on the beach. Koh Samui, Chomrong, Thailand

Abandoned hotel with villas right on the beach. You should definitely sit on this beach, listening to quiet waves and reflecting on the frailty of life of Samui villas. Photos and location coordinates

Abandoned and shot statues on Lamai

Mysterious and really hard to reach place. To approach the statues or even find most of them in the jungle, you will have to make your way through dense thickets. Photo report and coordinates of the place can be viewed

Tasty and atmospheric: worthy establishments of Koh Samui

Interesting establishments with food, drink and so on:

→Ice bars. These are places where you go - and there is winter. -15C, put on a fur coat, order a drink and enjoy the memories of your homeland. Such places on this moment there are two on Koh Samui, located here: 9.534673, 100.059458 and here: 9.532013, 100.063285

→Jungle Club. atmospheric place with beautiful view, but with food and drink everything is very bad here. Located here: 9.499531, 100.048115

→Chocolate Villa and a ballet school in the same building. This is super atmospheric place with good coffee and very cool cakes and chocolate, including handmade sweets and marzipan. Their website: samuivillachocolat.com Located in the south of the island in a secluded area near the lake: 9.437664, 100.010465

Interesting events or Things to do on Koh Samui

Walking Street Koh Samui

Walking-street in Thailand are such local hangouts when one of the streets is blocked and all kinds of food vendors, sweets, things, souvenirs are located on it. Such a local tropical fair with live music. The time of the event is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Schedule of Walking Street on Koh Samui by districts:

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat- in Chaweng (coordinates: 9.521360, 100.057133).

Thursday- in the Maenam area, from the traffic light (which is the only one here) to the Chinese temple.

Friday- in the Bophut area, at Fisherman Village.

Sunday- in the Lamai area, near the sign for McDonald's (coordinates: 9.471188, 100.049514).

Shopping on Koh Samui

In fact, the things sold on Koh Samui are mostly rubbish. But in order to understand this, you first need to buy a bunch of rubbish, and among everything there are quite interesting specimens. So you can’t get anywhere, shopping is guaranteed.
The first place for better shopping (clothes, cosmetics) - Shopping Center Festival on Chaweng. Well, there are other places everywhere: in shopping malls Tesco, Big-S; in the markets of Nathon (it is cheaper here), Lamai and Chaweng, in the Fisherman Village market (there are interesting things, there is hand-made, but expensive), in all roadside shops in a row.
If you wish, you can look at my page with different prices in Thailand: But it’s better to go to shops and markets, bargain and find out prices on the spot :)

In Thailand, all possible New Years are celebrated:

Meditation and silence in the Buddhist monastery of Koh Samui. deepabhavan

... I saw a snail crawling on a leaf, eating droplets of dirt on its way. Through the transparent skin, you can observe how the lumps of food pass through the esophagus and dissolve through the body. I noticed some unknown plants, drawings on leaves and raindrops, which I could look into like a magnifying glass, and I didn’t think at all that I didn’t have a camera with me. I didn't think of anything at all...

Despite the fact that Koh Samui is not so big Island, sights and interesting places on it enough. We, living on the island for a little more than two months, did not even go around all the places that we planned. But to be honest, we were just sometimes lazy - nevertheless, a long stay in Thailand is very relaxing 😎

In general, the island itself with its tropical nature and mountains is already one big attraction 😎

But I still want to talk in more detail about the "must see" places on Koh Samui.

main attraction Koh Samui are its many . Everyone will find a beach on the island to their taste. Someone likes long beaches for leisurely walks, for example, like a beach or, someone likes noisy beaches with numerous cafes and water activities, like, and someone, like us, will like small beaches in cozy coves, like or. Well, how can one not fall in love with such landscapes?



Another natural attraction of Koh Samui is its waterfalls. There are eight waterfalls on the island, but this time we visited only two of them. The first waterfall we visited is not far from. We stumbled upon it quite by accident. We were driving from the side of the beach and, before reaching the turn to the pier in Nathon, we saw a sign to the left into the mountains to the waterfall. We did not remember the name of the waterfall, but we followed this sign. The road first went through the village local residents, then it began to climb steeper and steeper uphill. When it became completely impossible to drive along the road - it turned into a small path, we left the bike and went on foot. The walk was not long, but because of the heat it was quite difficult. We went to a small waterfall, where there was no one else besides us. We did not swim, we just looked at the waterfall and drove back.


Near Nathon there is another waterfall - Hin Lad, it is more famous among vacationers, near it there is a small Hin Lad temple, several cafes and a tourist site with elephant riding, but we didn’t go to this waterfall, because we read that you have to go to it about 2-3 km through the jungle. We were not ready for such walks.

With our friends we visited the most famous waterfall islands - (Waterfall Namuang 2) - this is a several-level 80-meter waterfall, a walk to which took us more than two hours and gave us no small pleasure, although we had to climb up the mountain for frying. But at the end of the ascent, we were waiting for relaxation in complete solitude and swimming in the cool waters of the waterfall.


Namuang Waterfall 2 - view from the lowest level

Not far from the Namuang 2 waterfall is the 18-meter waterfall Namuang 1 (Waterfall Namuang 1). This time we did not visit him, I was at this waterfall in 2005. It is easy to get to it, you do not need to climb mountains. Almost immediately after the turn there will be a parking lot for bikes (it used to be paid) and a tourist market with souvenirs and a cafe. Immediately behind them is Namuang 1 waterfall.


Speaking about the natural attractions of Koh Samui, it is impossible not to mention the stones that are shaped like female and male genital organs and which are located near Lamai Beach.


One of the most famous sights of Koh Samui is a 12-meter statue, which is located on Phan Island, near Banrak Beach.


There are many beautiful things on Koh Samui Buddhist temples. I really liked temple, which was built recently, in 2004, in the northeast of the island, not far from the Big Buddha, it houses a statue of Guan Yin and a statue of the Happy Buddha.


In the south of the island, on the very shore of the sea is located pagoda, near which it is always windy and not crowded.


IN Temple of Wat Khunaram there is another attraction - a statue of a mummified monk. In this temple, in a glass sarcophagus, in the lotus position, the mummy of a monk in an orange cassock and sunglasses sits. About 40 years have already passed since the monk died, and his body does not decompose and his muscles are intact. Miracle and more! The temple is located next to the turn to Namuang 2 waterfall.


Speaking about the sights of Koh Samui, one cannot help but talk about, which is located high in the mountains. This is a park with sculptures, which was built by the hands of a talented farmer. Here is the Tarnim waterfall. Entrance costs 80 baht. ($2.7).


Not far from the Magic Garden in the mountains is another attraction of the island -. This is a zoo park in the mountains, where animals and birds live in natural environment. You can feed the birds, pet the rabbits, take pictures with the monkey. And just breathe mountain air, take a break from the heat, swim in the panoramic pool and enjoy the views. One of the most beautiful and pleasant places on Koh Samui. The cost of an adult ticket to Paradise Park is 400 baht ($ 13.3), a child ticket is 300 baht ($ 10). Opening hours from 8:00 to 18:00


The attractions of the island include Butterfly Garden , which is located near the beach on the mountainside. Entrance costs 200 baht (about $ 7), opening hours from 9:00 to 17:30. We did not visit the butterfly garden.

Not far from Samui airport is located crocodile farm (Crocodile farm) , every day at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 there is a show with crocodiles, and at 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 - a show with snakes. The cost of visiting is 500 baht ($ 16.7).

The island also has snake farm(Snake farm) It is located close to the beach. We passed it, but did not visit it. We are not fans of any shows with crocodiles and snakes.

Located near the beach Aquarium and Tiger Zoo (Aquarium and Tiger Zoo) . This time we did not visit it, but in 2005 I was in this place. First you can go to the Aquarium, which is a huge dark corridor with aquariums built into the wall and look at fish, moray eels and turtles. Then move on to cages with tigers, and then visit the show with birds, fur seals and, of course, with tigers. Now the entrance to the Aquarium and Tiger Zoo costs 750 baht ($ 25) for an adult ticket and 450 baht ($ 15) child ticket. Opening hours from 9:00 to 18:00.




Not far from the Big C supermarket (between and ) is Monkey Theater - where you can watch the monkeys, and at 10:30, 14:00 and 16:00 watch the monkey show. The ticket price is 300 baht ($10) for an adult ticket and 150 baht ($5) for a child ticket.

Near Namuang waterfall 2 there is Safari Park, where you can ride an elephant for 700 baht ($ 23), or take a picture with him for 300 baht ($ 10). It seemed to us that it was expensive and we did not ride, we planned to ride later in Chiang Mai. But there, as always, there was not enough time for anything.


And of course, the sights of Koh Samui include viewing platforms . The most famous is located between Chaweng and Lamai beaches.


And my favorite is not far from the beach. Here is such a beautiful view from it

On Koh Samui there is a small aquapark in the Lamai beach area and two small slides near the Namuang 2 waterfall.

That's how many places to visit on the island! You will not be bored, especially if the vacation is only 2 weeks.

Popular places of Koh Samui, interesting places of Koh Samui, best sights of Koh Samui, motorbike route for independent tourists on the best island in Thailand.

🛵What to see on Koh Samui on your own?

We have a wagon and a small cart in our arsenal, but of course, we dedicate the first post from the series to the largest sights. As a rule, all of them are included in any sightseeing tour on Koh Samui, for which tourists usually pay money, albeit small. But we believe that independent people are quite capable of getting on a scooter or a car and taking a ride in relaxation mode in the same places, only at a convenient time for themselves. Each point in the program is visited by us, described and photographed.

Visual route map with coordinates

Things to do in Koh Samui! The first day.

The total stop time is 2 hours 40 minutes, the total pass time is 1 hour 50 minutes, total time rides - 4 hours 30 minutes.

The last point is on a hill and is sunset. All our rides are designed so that in the final you find yourself on the western coast of Koh Samui and sipping soda while looking at the setting sun. So, the start time depends on the time of sunset on a particular day. If, for example, sunset today is at 18:30, then you need to start at 18:30 minus 4:30 - at 13:30. The grip time is indicated for an experienced scooter rider who rides 40-60 km / h, and is able to confidently keep 80 km / h over long distances. If you want to get a buff from the route and end the day in a chic way (and this is exactly how it should turn out according to our idea) - stick to the route and if you don’t have time, then throw out one point, there will still be time to catch up.

Visit bonus points only if you are well ahead of schedule and you have extra time. You can not rush anywhere and stretch all the points for several days 🙂

1 - Big Buddha Samui, Phra Yai temple and the history of Phra Aphai Mani

There is no bonus.

Photos Red Temple

red temple

Inside the Red Temple

Internal molding

Prohvat temple - sanctuary: 20-25 minutes

7 - Guan Yu Shrine

Koh Samui is the most beautiful "coconut" island in Thailand, an oasis Gulf of Thailand, in the center of which there is a real jungle. Here you can not only enjoy gorgeous beaches, coral reefs of unreal beauty, unique atmosphere, but also get positive emotions from outdoor activities. What can you see on Koh Samui on your own or as part of an excursion group? Here there is entertainment for everyone - a unique marine park Angthong, magical garden, beautiful waterfalls, Big Buddha, Paradise Park, elephant safari and much more.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site until March 31:

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Until March 10, the promotional code AF2000TUITRV is valid, which gives a discount of 2,000 rubles on tours to Jordan and Israel from 100,000 rubles. from tour operator TUI. Arrival dates from 28.02 to 05.05.2019.

Thousands of curious tourists come to see this park. There are about 40 islands on the territory of this reserve! The easiest way to go on a tour is to buy it at a travel agency. Duration - 8 hours. You will have to devote the whole day to Thong Park. There is no doubt that the tour will not disappoint.

In the morning, a minibus arrives, picks up tourists and takes them to the Lomprayah pier, after which the participants register and receive everything necessary equipment and have breakfast. Then everyone gets on a boat or other vessel and sails to the national park. The crossing will take about an hour. At the first stop, tourists are offered to swim with a mask. Then everyone swims together into the lagoon, where tourists are dropped off on the beach.

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui - read our article.

You have to walk to the lagoon. There are few such species that open to the eye on the planet. Photos taken against the background of rocks covered with greenery and the amazing beauty of the water will be better than those that can be taken with the help of editors. Here, nature itself has created everything in such a way that it is impossible to take an enthusiastic look in the other direction. After the euphoria of what you saw and a delicious lunch, you need to move on.

On another beach, you will be lucky enough to swim in a kayak. Several people get into one boat, take oars in their hands and take a fascinating walk along the rocks. After kayaking, you need to return home.

Two of them are called quite simply: No. 1 and No. 2. They are located nearby. The first waterfall is not particularly impressive for its height. The height is only 18 meters, it has 1 cascade. The second waterfall is as much as 80 meters high, there are so many cascades along its length that you can easily lose count. Here you can not only stand and watch and take pictures against the backdrop of falling water, there is the opportunity to ride elephants.

If this is not interesting, then forward to the jungle. They hide a lot of hidden things. Everyone, for sure, dreams of becoming a pioneer. The jungle on Koh Samui is just the perfect place to turn old dreams into reality. You can feel like the hero of the movie " Mysterious Island or Jungle.

Everything is so unusual and so new that it is impossible to stand still. I want to go further, discovering almost another world. But at some point you have to come back to reality. Travel time is coming to an end. We need to leave the jungle. I am glad that you can enjoy the views of the waterfalls for free. The only problem may be that you have to somehow get to the waterfalls on your own. They are located on Lamai.

What to bring from Thailand - an overview of the best souvenirs.

There is another interesting waterfall - Hin Lat, but it is paid. True, the price for entry is conditional. Be aware that this waterfall has three tiers, not two as most people believe. There are almost no people at the very top. You can take pictures and swim at least naked for your pleasure. Amazingly, there are still untouched places on Koh Samui.

There are other waterfalls on the island, but they are of much less interest.

Paradise Park Farm

The animal farm is located in the western part of Koh Samui. This is a nature reserve, which is recommended for both children and adults. It's better to go here in the morning. The park is in the mountains. If you ride a bike, then together get to end point will not work. The bike will not be able to lift two people to the height. Someone has to walk.

After entering the park, you will see the birds that live in aviaries. Feathers are kept clean and tidy. It is clear that they are well taken care of. The undoubted advantage of the park is that visitors can freely enter the enclosures with birds and animals.

Children are usually delighted with such closeness to our smaller brothers. They happily feed parrots and monkeys. Photos with animals are sometimes very funny. Funny animals themselves try to get into the frame. But the most interesting awaits visitors further. At the end of the park you will see a luxurious swimming pool. If you aim the lens correctly, then the mountains and the sea will be perfectly visible behind the pool. Shooting against such a backdrop is one of the real pleasures. Paradise Park Farm is a cool place on Koh Samui, where every tourist should definitely visit.

If there is no bike, but there is an abundance of desire to visit the park, then you can use the services of the weatlas company, which organizes an excursion to Paradise Park, which includes: accompanying services, transfer and entrance tickets. Duration - 5 hours.

Magic Garden

The name of the garden speaks for itself. It must be assumed that something mysterious and magical is happening in it. The garden on the mountain for several decades, according to legend, was created by a certain person named Nim. He first cultivated the durian fruit, which is in high demand in Thailand. He often had to sleep on the way to the mountain or back.

Then Nim Tongsuk decided to take up stone carving. There are many sculptures in the garden made by him. They are dedicated to Buddhism. Houses were built near the garden for the monks who came here for enlightenment.

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The owner of the park even created a sculpture that depicts him. The Creator has recreated paradise. All scattered, at first glance, figures are reunited into a single whole. A stream flows through the Buddha Garden, there is a waterfall and an artificially created backwater. They say that if you sit under a waterfall, you can clear karma. To get in magic garden you can do it on your own. If you decide to go on your own, then be vigilant along the way. The road to the mountain is narrow, there are descents and ascents throughout. Follow the signs to Tarnim Falls.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

A tall Buddha statue was created to protect against the water element. The twelve-meter Buddha is located in the northeast of Koh Samui. To get to the statue, you must take off your shoes before climbing the stairs, which consists of 60 steps. At the top, on both sides of the statue, you will see bells. It is believed that if you hit them, then luck will accompany in the future everywhere and in everything. There are many shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs. But they are, to put it mildly, overpriced. Exactly the same souvenirs can be found twice cheaper.

Plai Laem (Wat Plai Laem)

One of the most famous modern temples of Koh Samui. It is located near the Big Buddha. It is better to plan the time and route so that you can visit both temples on the same day. Plai Laem Temple is spacious and has 14 sculptures. Its architect did his best while working on his project. Here you can meet not only tourists, but also leisurely walking locals. It is known that each temple has its own special energy. As for Plai Laem, this is an amazing place where a feeling of joy appears.

Here you can hear children's laughter, which inspires, gives a lot of strength and energy. A walk around the temple grounds will give a lot positive emotions. The most positive statues are the eight-armed goddess (trying to do a lot of things at the same time) and the laughing Buddha (a sculpture of a fat man who, despite his size, keeps a genuine smile on his face). The temple itself is full of patterns. He is so beautiful that you just have to see it. It is impossible to describe with any epithets and metaphors.

A distinctive feature of the temple is the presence of a pond. It rides on catamarans in the form of swans. The most interesting thing is that there are fish of impressive size in the pond. You can even feed her. You can buy food from the monk for a small fee. As soon as a few grains fall into the water, the fish will not keep you waiting. In the place of feeding, everything will boil. The temple is located next to the Big Buddha. Combining a trip to these two places will be a great time saver. Entrance to Plai Laem is free.

Observation deck, Viewpoint

On Koh Samui you will find some great viewpoints. The best one is called Best Mountain Viewpoint. The road to it is not particularly dangerous. There are steep climbs that you gradually get used to. The entire length of the road is asphalt. If you are driving off-road, then you have turned the other way. The place can be reached on a bike together.

The scenery on both sides of the road is amazing. There is even a banana grove here. A little before reaching the viewpoint, there are buggies. They are offered for rent. You can't get to the end point on a bike. The road becomes impassable for him. Only on the way home it is better to make stops after a couple of kilometers. On a descent, the brakes may fail due to overheating.

Relax and unwind after a busy day and active entertainment you can in the spa center, where guests are offered luxurious programs for body and soul. Thai massage will give you heavenly pleasure and restore balance, energize. Body tone will noticeably improve after the first session. Foot massage as well as body massage is included in the minimum program. Massage on Koh Samui is done not only in special centers, but also right on the beach. If you want to get a guaranteed high service and professional massage, we recommend that you choose the following centers:

  • A'Lanna Spa. You can find it on Bangrak Beach in the immediate vicinity of the Saboey Resort & Villas.
  • Samui Dharma Healing Centre. This is a detox center that offers interesting programs for body cleansing and high-quality massage. The center can be found on Lipa Noi beach.
  • Santiburi Spa. This center is a real find for those who rented accommodation on Maenam Beach. You can find it near the Santiburi Resort & Spa.
  • Spa Samui Resort. Here, those who chose Lamai Beach will be the lucky ones.
  • On this beach, we also recommend looking into the center of Tamarind Springs.

To visit Thailand and never ride the mighty elephants will be an unforgivable mistake. An adventure lasting several hours will give a whole kaleidoscope of impressions. You will not just walk along the road, but scenic journey in the jungle, climbing the mountains descending to the plains. What is worth only the beauty of the waterfalls and rivers that you have to see. This The best way to get acquainted with the diversity of flora and fauna of Koh Samui. Indeed, it is better to see once than hear a hundred times.

Now the most important thing is safety. The organizers of the elephant rides guarantee that you will be accompanied by experienced instructors throughout the excursion, and the animals behave very friendly towards travelers, including the youngest ones. In general, you can be calm, everything is organized at the highest level.

The cost of an elephant ride around Koh Samui is $37 for an adult and $30 for a child. The price is for 3 hours.


Descent by cable car

"Rope" is a great choice for thrill-seekers. The organizers guarantee that after such entertainment the hands and feet will shake, and those who have experienced it themselves confirm in their reviews. We recommend that you book the descent by cable car in advance. The whole experience takes about 4 hours. The road itself is divided into several sections. The safety of tourists is also provided at the highest level.

To make a descent by cable car, it is enough to attach a carabiner and you can start sliding. In order to make a stop, you must use a special glove. We will not dwell on this in detail, since before the descent you will undergo a mandatory briefing.


I have a lot of articles on my blog that talk about the various tourist and non-tourist attractions in Koh Samui that we visited, with their detailed description, location on the map and photos. But I decided to list them all. general list in one place (including those that I haven’t had time to write about yet) with a couple of suggestions about the place, so that it would be easier for those who have just arrived or are going to the island to choose which interesting places to visit on Koh Samui.

At the end of the article, noted Koh Samui attractions on the map so that you can visit them yourself.


The most interesting sights of Koh Samui
I would like to name All the sights of Koh Samui, but there are so many different temples and pagodas, waterfalls and the like on the island that it is most likely simply not possible to describe them all!
Big Buddha Samui (Big Buddha Temple)
Big Buddha Temple, (the temple of the big Buddha), is actually called Wat Phra Yai. The statue itself Big Buddha who is the main celebrity and calling card Koh Samui is located on the small island of Phan. In the charming courtyard, you will see a staircase guarded by dragons, which rises to the platform, where there is a 12-meter statue of the Big Buddha, sitting in a lotus position. Built in 1974, it is designed to protect the island from all kinds of problems and water elements. To the right of the stairs, under awnings, you can see seated monks and other sculptures.

Big Buddha address: Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Thailand.
Opening hours: daily
Cost: Entrance to the temple is free.


Goddess of Mercy Kuan Yin


Wat Plai Laem complex
One of them the best places to take beautiful photos on Koh Samui. A large temple complex built (reconstructed) in 2004. The main “characters” are the eighteen-armed Kuan Yin - the Goddess of Mercy (Guanjin), (who generally should have as many as a thousand hands to restore justice and order with their help) and the happy Buddha Happy Budha (a symbol of wealth and good luck), to which they lead beautiful paths on the lake.

Address Wat Plai Laem: Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Thailand

Cost: admission is free


Paradise Park and Amelia


Paradise Park Farm
A park where various animals can be touched, held, fed. In my opinion, this is generally the best attraction of Koh Samui. It is characterized by painted pigeons, almost tame. In addition to them, in the park you can feed parrots, squirrels, iguanas, monkeys, rabbits, deer. Pet everyone and take pictures with everyone.

Paradise Park Address: 217/3 Moo 1, Talingngam, Thailand.
Working hours: from 9-00 to 18-00
Cost: 300 baht for adults and 100 baht for children


drop the mask)


Khun Karam Temple (Wat Khun Kharam Samui)
Not a tourist attraction in Koh Samui. A very small temple, several sculptures of Buddha, a monk, there are many orchids and other flowers around.

Khun Karam Temple Address: Naton, Ko Samui, Thailand
Opening hours: the temple is open daily
Cost: admission is free


Sculptures from Scrap Metal


Scrap Metal Sculpture Shop
Not exactly a landmark, but I will describe it separately so that you do not accidentally miss this funny place. Near the statue of the Big Buddha, we were especially surprised by the shop, the sculptures in which were made from various scrap metal. Busts of Buddha, recognizable cartoon and movie characters, elephants and much more were created from all kinds of nuts, pieces of iron, parts from bikes and other things.

Address: Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Thailand.
Opening hours: daily



Wat Chaeng Samui Temple
It is not just a temple, but a whole town that occupies a lot of space. Even its own rather large school was spread on its territory. A golden Buddha sits in the temple, and at the back of the temple is a similarly sized sculpture of Phra Phrom (four faces of Buddha), in Thailand the Buddhist version of the Hindu god Brahma (creator). On the left side is Lord Shiva (destroyer). In general, there are many different buildings on the territory, and the huge banyan tree is especially impressive.

Address: Naton, Ko Samui, Thailand
Opening hours: the temple is open daily
Cost: admission is free


white temple


Surat Thani
Not on Koh Samui, but you can get there by ferry + bus (40 min + hour). If you are flying through Surat Thani Airport or going to other Asian countries with a local low-cost airline, in my opinion, it is worth staying here for at least a couple of days. 60 km from Surat Thani is the most Old city Thailand Chaiya (Chaiya), which is quite beautiful. And in Surat Thani itself there are a lot of small beautiful temples, embankment for a walk, you can ride a spoon on the river. An interesting pedestrian street is Talad Sanjoa, where the famous bazaar is located. On the Tapi River stands the small island of Ko Lamphu, where the locals love to relax. And next to the city on a hill, there is the Si Surat Stupa and the Khao Tha Phet Nature and Wildlife Study Centre.


Khunaram Temple (Wat Khunaram)
A small temple that houses the mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Pho Daeng. The monk is a former rector of the temple, who before his death bequeathed that his body should not be buried, but placed in a special glass sarcophagus. He predicted the date of his death and died while meditating in the lotus position at the age of 79. For several decades, the monk's body has been in a sarcophagus and does not decompose. Nearby you can see a stand with a collection of money from around the world, hit the "magic" gong, see the former monk's cell.

Khunaram Temple Address: Na Mueang, Ko Samui, Thailand
Opening hours: daily
Cost: free.


emerald lake



The park includes 42 islands of various sizes, almost all uninhabited. If you turn on fantasy, the islands will begin to resemble various animals and other figures. In any case, the place is very picturesque, you can take interesting photos, swim with a mask, relax on beautiful beaches some of the islands, see caves and grottoes. On one of the islands - Ko Mae Ko (Mother Island) there is an unusual lake with sea ​​water amazing emerald color. You can climb to the observation deck, it offers gorgeous views. On the neighboring island of Ko Wua Talab, you can have lunch, kayak, see wild monkeys.

Opening hours: January to October
Cost: entrance fee to the park is 200 baht for adults, 100 baht for children (under 12 years old).


One of the sculptures


Magic Garden of the Buddha (Magic Garden) or Rock Garden
Located on the highest peak of Koh Samui Khao Yai. There are no ancient sculptures in it, since it was founded only in 1976. Nim Thongsuk, a local farmer who loves to grow durians, at the age of 77 decided to make a beautiful garden and, together with his assistants, created hand-carved stone sculptures. He was engaged in the creation of a garden until the age of 91. He was buried in a crypt in his own garden with his wife. Stone sculptures of Buddha, musicians and Thai dancers, various animals, monks, soldiers, turtles live in the magic garden... Everything is buried in greenery, some figures still need to be searched.

Buddha Magic Garden Address: Tambon Taling Ngam, Thesaban Nakhon Ko Samui, Thailand.
Cost: 80 baht, free for children
Opening hours: daily all day



Aquarium and tiger zoo(Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo)
In the aquarium (this is a large corridor with built-in huge illuminated glass) you can see tropical fish, rays, turtles, moray eels, sharks, crabs and others. marine life. By paying, you can feed the giant turtles. Near the aquarium there is a small zoo with tigers, leopards, monkeys, parrots, toucans living in it. This place hosts a show of fur seals, seals, shows with the participation of Bengal tigers, birds - eagles, hawks and parrots of bright colors. (Two shows - at 13.30 and 14.30). After the performance, you can take a photo with tigers or cubs.

Address of the Aquarium and Tiger Zoo: 33/2, Moo 2, Maret. Koh Samui, Thailand.
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00.
Cost: Entrance to the Aquarium and Zoo costs 600 baht. additional fee- 20 baht for participation in the process of feeding giant tortoises.



Namuang Safari Park Samui
Right in the jungle, in the middle of the rainforest, on a vast territory there is a park-reserve. It can be said entertainment center, where you can see various shows (at 10-00 and at 14-00) - elephants, crocodiles, birds, monkeys and other trained animals. For a fee after the show, you can feed the animals, take pictures with them. Elephant rides in the jungle are also offered. The park has a small zoo with exotic animals. You can also ride quad bikes. And, of course, you should take a walk and see the eighty-meter Namuang waterfall, and at the same time take a dip in its pool.

Address of Namuang Safari Park: Na Mueang, Ko Samui.
Working time: all day
Cost: Entrance to the main territory is free. The park offers many different entertainment programs, ranging from a walk through the park with a visit to the zoo, to a comprehensive program that includes all the activities of the park up to 1850 baht
Entrance fee for the elephant show is 750 baht for adults and 450 baht for children.
The cost of riding an elephant is 1200 baht per person for an hour and 700 baht for 30 minutes



Rocks Grandfather and Grandmother Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Hin Ta and Hin Yai)
These are just small rocks that resemble the male and female genitals in shape, you can stop by here for a while to take a photo as a keepsake. There are various legends about this place - someone says that an elderly couple sank near it during a storm, someone talks about lovers who threw themselves off a cliff ... Some tourists believe that if you touch the stones of grandparents, it will help them get children.

Address: Lamai, Koh Samui.



Koh Tao, Koh Tao, Turtle Island on Koh Samui (Koh Tao)
Pretty nice place with white sandy beaches, the purest water And beautiful nature. You can get to it by boat with a tour or by ferry. Here you can go snorkeling and diving, see beautiful underwater reefs, admire the fish. If you're lucky, you'll meet turtles. On Koh Tao there is a diving center where they will provide everything you need. Prices for hotels and restaurants on the island, to put it mildly, are not cheap.
Author of the photo: Stepan Skvortsov

butterfly garden


Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum on Samui (Samui Butterfly Garden)
On a vast hilly area, among tropical trees and fragrant flowers, streams and pretty bridges, butterflies of various sizes fly. You can even meet quite rare species, and the wingspan of some of them reaches 25 centimeters! And the caterpillars of butterflies, which are in special glass aquariums, amaze with their colors no less than their adult counterparts. At the top of the hill there is a house of bees, which can be observed through the glass. For those who are interested in worm beetles and their fascinating life, take a look at the insect museum. If you are especially impressionable, this place can be skipped. However, consider insects from the point of view of the Thais - for them they are delicacies))) And the park itself is very beautiful. If you climb higher observation deck you can take amazing photos. A visit to this place should be combined with a trip to the Aquarium and the tiger zoo, as it is located very close.

Address of the Butterfly Garden: Central Samui Village, 111, Moo 2, Tambon Maret, Na Mueang, Ko Samui.
Opening hours: from 09-00 to 17-30 daily.
Cost: 150 baht for adults and 60 baht for children.



Laem Sor Pagoda and Temple (Wat Laem Sor)
Laem Sor Chedi Pagoda is located on the territory of the temple in a very picturesque place, on a rocky shore, which is washed by the sea on three sides. It is bright yellow in color, from a distance it may seem that it is made of gold, especially in the rays of the sun, but in fact it is covered with yellow tiles. The pagoda is decorated with figurines of small Buddhas. In front of the entrance are sculptures of guards with swords and a sculpture of a monk who founded the Khao Chedi pagoda. Nearby is a small museum-ship, into which offerings are brought - boats. Not far from the pagoda, there is a green and very pleasant park and a functioning temple in the form of a huge traditional Thai ship, made according to the drawings of an ordinary one, only from concrete. Through the glass walls you can see the statue of a golden seated Buddha.

Address of Laem Sor Pagoda and Temple: 132/1 Moo 4. T/ Namuang A, Ko Samui.
Opening hours: the temple is open daily.
Cost: Admission is free.



Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall
These are two waterfalls, one of which is considered the largest and most beautiful on the island. Waterfall No. 1 (that's what it's called) is 18 meters high, at the bottom there is a pool where you can swim. The height of the waterfall number 2 reaches 80 meters. Near Na Muang waterfalls you can ride elephants and watch elephant shows. Feed them and take pictures. And if you climb higher, to the very source of the waterfall, a wonderful view of the island opens up, but the road up is quite difficult. On the right side there is a path with ropes, along the way there are places for swimming.

Address: Na Mueang, Koh Samui.
Cost: entrance 50 baht, parking 20 baht


Aquapark


Coco Splash Waterpark on Koh Samui (Coco Splash Waterpark)
The place is more interesting for school children and toddlers. The slides are very small, there are few of them, the quality is concrete! And they lead to tiny pools. Max Depth pools and a half meters. There is one with hydromassage. The water park is visited mostly by Russians, even the menu of the overpriced restaurant is in Russian. But there is free Wi-Fi and caged monkeys.

Address of Coco Splash Water Park: Lamai, Ko Samui.
Cost: adults 450 baht, for children over 90 cm, but not more than 130 cm 350 baht, up to 90 cm free.
Parents who do not swim with their children can enter for free.
Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10-30 to 17-30


Sights of Koh Samui on the map: