99 Things to Do in Ko Samui: Your Ultimate Island Adventure Guide

Ko Samui, Thailand’s tropical gem in the Gulf of Thailand, is a paradise that offers more than just stunning beaches. From vibrant nightlife and cultural landmarks to serene retreats and exciting outdoor activities, Ko Samui has something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are 99 things to do in Ko Samui, ensuring you experience the island to the fullest.

Beaches & Watersports

  • Relax at Chaweng Beach – The most popular beach on the island, with vibrant nightlife and water activities.
  • Sunbathe at Lamai Beach – A quieter alternative to Chaweng, known for its laid-back vibe.
  • Swim at Silver Beach – A hidden gem tucked away between Lamai and Chaweng.
  • Snorkel at Coral Cove – Discover the vibrant underwater life of Ko Samui’s reefs.
  • Explore the hidden coves of Thong Krut – Rent a boat to explore this secluded bay.
  • Scuba dive at Sail Rock – One of the best dive spots near Ko Samui.
  • Kayak around the coastline – Rent a kayak and paddle along the island’s scenic coast.
  • Learn to windsurf at Maenam Beach – Calm waters make it a great spot for beginners.
  • Go jet skiing at Bophut Beach – Perfect for adrenaline junkies looking for thrills on the water.
  • Take a ailing trip around the island – Explore the island by sailboat or catamaran

Nature & Adventure

  • Hike to Na Muang Waterfalls – Enjoy a trek through the jungle to reach this stunning waterfall.
  • Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park – A must-see for nature lovers, with limestone cliffs and emerald lagoons.
  • Trek to Hin Lad Waterfall – A serene jungle hike leading to a peaceful waterfall and swimming pool.
  • Experience the jungle canopy with zip-lining – Soar above the treetops with a thrilling zip-line tour.
  • Rent an ATV for a jungle adventure – Explore the island’s rugged interior on an ATV tour.
  • 16. Discover Secret Buddha Garden – A hidden garden filled with statues and surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Take a boat tour around the island – Explore secluded beaches, hidden caves, and uninhabited islands.
  • Visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary – Learn about elephant conservation and interact with these gentle giants ethically.
  • Go on a night fishing tour – Experience a night on the water, fishing under the stars.
  • Hike to Khao Pom Mountain – The highest point on the island, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Cultural Landmarks & Temples

  • Visit Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – The island’s most iconic landmark, featuring a massive golden Buddha statue.
  • Explore Wat Plai Laem – A colorful temple complex with unique statues of the goddess Guanyin and the Laughing Buddha.
  • See the Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram – A preserved monk who passed away in 1973, still on display in a glass case.
  • Experience a Buddhist blessing at Wat Samret – A lesser-known temple offering a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit Laem Sor Pagoda – A golden pagoda located right on the beach, offering stunning ocean views.
  • Admire the pagodas at Wat Khao Hua Jook – Offering one of the best sunset views over Chaweng Beach.
  • Take part in a meditation retreat at Wat Suwannaram – Learn mindfulness and meditation practices in a serene temple setting.
  • Attend a traditional Thai festival at Wat Lamai – Experience local culture through annual celebrations like Songkran or Loy Krathong.
  • Explore the history of Wat Sila Ngu – Known for its intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit the ancient chedis at Wat Namtok Hin Lat – A hidden temple with historic chedis surrounded by nature.

Wellness & Relaxation

  • Unwind at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary – One of the best wellness retreats on the island, offering detox, yoga, and holistic treatments.
  • Enjoy a Thai massage on the beach – Experience a relaxing massage with the sound of the waves in the background.
  • Book a detox program at Absolute Sanctuary – A renowned wellness retreat specializing in fitness and detox programs.
  • Join a yoga class at Vikasa Yoga Retreat – Rejuvenate your body and mind with a yoga session in a stunning clifftop location.
  • Try a traditional Thai herbal steam bath – Visit a local herbal steam room to experience this ancient healing practice.
  • Relax at Tamarind Springs Forest Spa – A unique spa experience in the middle of a lush jungle setting.
  • Experience a luxury spa treatment at Six Senses Samui – Indulge in world-class wellness services at this eco-friendly resort.
  • Participate in a silent meditation retreat – Find inner peace through a silent retreat at one of the island’s meditation centers.
  • Visit a local coconut oil farm for a spa experience – Learn about the health benefits of coconut oil while enjoying a relaxing treatment.
  • Take a yoga and detox holiday at The Yogarden – A laid-back yoga center offering daily classes and wellness workshops.

Food & Drink

  • Dine at Fisherman’s Village – A charming area known for its great restaurants and local seafood.
  • Attend the Fisherman’s Village Friday Night Market – Sample street food and browse local crafts at this popular weekly event.
  • Try authentic Thai food at Krua Samui – One of the island’s best local restaurants, known for its traditional dishes.
  • Take a Thai cooking class – Learn to make your favorite Thai dishes at a local cooking school.
  • Taste the famous coconut ice cream at Coco Tam’s – A beachside bar and restaurant offering delicious coconut treats.
  • Enjoy fine dining at Tree Tops Sky Dining – A romantic restaurant set high in the treetops, offering gourmet cuisine and stunning views.
  • Visit The Cliff Bar & Grill – A popular restaurant with beautiful views of the sea and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
  • Sip cocktails at the Woobar – Enjoy panoramic ocean views with a drink in hand at this trendy rooftop bar.
  • Take a food tour through Chaweng – Sample the best of Ko Samui’s street food scene on a guided food tour.
  • Enjoy a beachfront dinner at Zazen Restaurant – A stylish restaurant offering a fusion of Thai and international cuisine.

Shopping & Market

  • Shop at Central Festival Samui – The island’s largest shopping mall, featuring international brands and local shops.
  • Visit the Lamai Sunday Night Market – Explore a variety of street food, souvenirs, and handmade crafts at this bustling night market.
  • Buy handmade jewelry at Samui Handicraft Village – Support local artisans by purchasing unique jewelry and crafts.
  • Explore the Green Market Samui – A monthly market offering organic products and eco-friendly goods.
  • Find unique souvenirs at Chaweng Walking Street – A lively street market selling everything from clothing to handcrafted trinkets.
  • Shop for local spices and herbs at the local wet market – Discover the ingredients that make Thai cuisine so flavorful.
  • Browse for paintings & clothes at Art n Design Samui A contemporary art gallery mix with handmade clothes
  • Buy fresh produce at Lamai Fresh Food Market – Sample the island’s freshest fruits and vegetables at this vibrant market.
  • Visit the Samui Weekend Market – A colorful market offering an array of street food, local handicrafts, and live entertainment.
  • Shop for handmade coconut products at a local farm – Find unique coconut-based items like oils, soaps, and candles.

Nightlife & Entertainment

  • Party at Ark Bar Beach Club – A popular beach bar known for its lively atmosphere and nightly fire shows.
  • Dance the night away at The Green Mango – Ko Samui’s most famous nightclub, located in the heart of Chaweng.
  • Enjoy live music at Coco Tam’s – A laid-back beach bar offering great drinks, live music, and fire shows.
  • Attend a full moon party on Koh Phangan – Take a short boat ride to the nearby island for the legendary Full Moon Party.
  • Watch a Muay Thai fight at Phetchbuncha Stadium – Experience Thailand’s national sport with live Muay Thai matches.
  • Enjoy a cabaret show at Starz Cabaret – A fun and lively cabaret show featuring talented performers and dazzling costumes.
  • Relax with a drink at On Street Bar – A small, quirky bar known for its creative cocktails and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Visit the Jungle Club for sunset cocktails – Enjoy incredible views and delicious drinks at this hilltop bar and restaurant.
  • Watch a movie under the stars at a beach cinema – Many beachfront resorts offer outdoor movie nights, complete with popcorn and cocktails.
  • Explore the nightlife at Fisherman’s Village – With its mix of bars, restaurants, and live music venues, Fisherman’s Village is the perfect place to spend an evening.

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Visit Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo – A family-friendly attraction featuring exotic marine life and tigers.
  • Take the kids to Samui Water Park – A fun water park with slides and pools for children of all ages.
  • Explore the Samui Butterfly Garden – A peaceful garden home to hundreds of butterfly species.
  • Go-kart racing at EasyKart Samui – A thrilling go-kart track offering fun for the whole family.
  • Play mini-golf at Mini Golf International – A fun activity for families, located near Chaweng Beach.
  • Visit the Pink Elephant Water Park – A family-friendly water park featuring slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
  • Take a boat trip to Koh Taen for snorkeling – A great family day out exploring the underwater world of a nearby island.
  • Explore Samui’s coconut plantations – Take a tour of a working coconut farm and learn about coconut harvesting.
  • Visit the Elephant PooPooPaper Park – An educational and eco-friendly attraction where kids can learn how elephant waste is turned into paper.
  • Spend the day at Samui Football Golf – A fun and unique activity that combines soccer and golf in a family-friendly environment.

Miscellaneous Adventures

  • Visit Magic Alambic Rum Distillery – Sample local rum and learn about the distillation process.
  • Rent a scooter and explore the island – One of the best ways to discover Ko Samui’s hidden gems is by scooter.
  • Go kiteboarding at Mae Nam Beach – Try your hand at this exciting water sport with lessons from local instructors.
  • Take a boat trip to Koh Madsum (Pig Island) – Visit this small island known for its population of friendly pigs.
  • Explore the island’s coconut plantations – Learn about the island’s coconut farming industry with a guided tour.
  • Visit Samui’s only vineyard, Samui Vineyards – Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the beautiful countryside.
  • Learn to surf at Chaweng Beach – Take surfing lessons with professional instructors on Ko Samui’s most popular beach.
  • Take a paddleboard tour at sunset – A relaxing way to experience the island’s beautiful coastline at dusk.
  • Explore the underwater world with a Seawalker tour – Walk on the seabed and experience marine life up close.
  • Take a Thai boxing class – Learn the basics of Muay Thai with lessons from professional fighters.
  • Join a sunset cruise around the island – Enjoy a romantic evening on the water with dinner and drinks.
  • Take a day trip to Koh Phangan – Explore this nearby island known for its pristine beaches and Full Moon Parties.
  • Visit the Samui Crocodile Farm – Get up close to crocodiles and other reptiles in this unique wildlife park.
  • Take a meditation class at a local temple – Learn mindfulness techniques from local monks in a serene setting.
  • Visit the Samui Rock Bar – Enjoy drinks with stunning views of the ocean, located on a rocky outcrop at Lamai Beach.
  • Go birdwatching in the island’s interior – Ko Samui is home to a variety of bird species, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Take a cycling tour of the island – Rent a bike and explore the island’s scenic countryside.
  • Visit the Magic Garden – A quirky garden filled with whimsical sculptures and hidden in the jungle.
  • Enjoy a sunset yoga session on the beach – Find inner peace with a yoga class as the sun sets over the horizon.

Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits

Ko Samui is a treasure trove of activities, offering something for everyone, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration. With 99 things to do on the island, you’ll never run out of exciting experiences. Plan your adventure, embrace the island’s natural beauty, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to explore Ko Samui? Check out our general guide to Ko Samui for more information on the best places to stay, dine, and explore. Book your next adventure today and discover all that this stunning island has to offer!