With miles of stunning scenery, year-round sun and endless cultural sites you’d be forgiven for wondering where to start when you explore Koh Samui.

Here’s part one of our selection of the best things to do in Koh Samui…

Boat Trips in Koh Samui

There’s no better way to see Koh Samui than on water.

The island boasts an array of boat tour operators, ranging from basic boat trips, to luxury yachts. The magical island of Angthong Marine Park can be explored via speed boat, with the option of visiting other islands including Wao, Tai Phow and Mae Kho.

Once on Angthong guests can enjoy pristine beaches, secluded lagoons and stunning viewpoints just a short distance from Koh Samui. For those on a tight budget Koh Samui’s calm waters can be explored by kayak, available for rental for around 200 baht per hour. Other options include paddle-boarding, glass bottom boat tours, sunset cruises and catamaran trips, available from most recommended boat tour operators in Koh Samui.

Cooking Lessons in Koh Samui

When you visit Koh Samui you’re sure to fall in love with the food. Why not bring the taste of Thailand home by checking out the many well-priced cooking classes on the island? Many cooking schools run regular programs which teach an array of Thai cooking skills. Students can learn to make authentic Asian dishes such as tom yam, phad thai, stir fries, curries, spring rolls and spicy salads.

Classes are run by professional chefs and are open to everyone regardless of experience. Aside from the cookery, students will learn about the nutrition benefits of Thai food and how how to source the very best ingredients from the local markets. The best cooking school on the island is the Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts.

Best Beaches in Koh Samui

The picture-perfect island is fringed with some of the best beaches in the world, each offering its own charm and appeal.

Chaweng and Lamai are the liveliest and popular with tourists, offering endless activities and entertainment at all times of the day and night. Big Buddha, Bo Phut, Choeng Mon and Mae Nam in the north are far more peaceful, making them ideal for families or those in search of rest and relaxation.

On the island’s south and west coast there are plenty of deserted bays to explore – these can be accessed by bike and are a great idea for day trips in Koh Samui.

Temple Tours

Koh Samui may be a small island, but it’s home to more temples than any other island of its kind. Temples in Koh Samui boast a rich religious history, stunning architecture, great viewpoints and an array of interesting exhibits and artefacts.

Temple tours in Koh Samui are a peaceful way to spend the day, making a change from the holiday hubbub on some parts of the island. The Wat Phra Yai, Big Buddha temple is probably the most well-known, soaring 40 feet into the air behind Big Buddha Beach. Many visiting Thais make this their first port of call, lighting incense and laying gifts of food and beverages while praying for a safe and happy visit to the island.

Other popular temples in Koh Samui include the Hin Lad Waterfall Temple set in evergreen tropical jungle close to the Hin Lad Waterfall. Wat Khunaram, home to the body of Samui’s most famous mummified monk Loung Pordaeng and Wat Plai Laem located near the Big Buddha in the north of the island.

Villas in Koh Samui

Koh Samui villas offer sensational vacation accommodation in stunning locations across the island.

Each home offers a range of excellent amenities including private pools, state-of-the-art entertainment, multiple bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and so much more.

Villas in Koh Samui are conveniently located close to all of Koh Samui’s towns, beaches and attractions. For more information about booking a Koh Samui vacation contact Samui Island Villas.

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Boasting sun, sea and miles of powder-white sands, Koh Samui is every beach lover’s dream. This picture-perfect island is fringed with some of the best beaches in the world, with each offering something slightly different from the next.

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

There are six main beaches in Koh Samui, spanning across the island’s north and eastern coasts. Chaweng and Lamai on the east side are by far the liveliest with an array of activities and entertainment at any time of the day or night. The northern beaches of Big Buddha, Bo Phut, Choeng Mon and Mae Nam are more peaceful, boasting an abundance of tropical island charm.  Whether you’re in search of a tranquil treat or bustling beach buzz, Koh Samui’s diverse bays offer something to suit all tastes. Here’s a handy guide to help you find the best beach in Koh Samui…

• Chaweng Beach
  The renowned Chaweng is Koh Samui’s most popular tourist resort. Here you will find an endless array of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars as well as the longest beach on the island. Chaweng Beach is divided into three diverse sections, all with their own charm and delights. The northern end is the quietest part with a stunning sandy headland and a shallow channel separating the main beach from the smaller island of Koh Matlang. Many luxury villas in Koh Samui are located here; just a stone’s throw the warm shallow waters and palm-fringed shore.

  The central area of the beach is most popular with tourists. Expect sun bathers and beach vendors galore, with water sports equipment to rent from an array of outlets along the main strip. Entertainment is on offer both night and day, with live music, Thai dancing and many bars to enjoy. There are plenty of beachside restaurants to choose from, most providing cushions on the sand for a guests to lay back and enjoy the atmosphere.

  The south end of the beach is the widest part and hosts many of the island’s events including the annual Samui Regatta. A few steps away from the sand is Chaweng’s main strip where you’ll find 5 kilometres of shops and stalls, restaurants and bars, pharmacies, opticians, supermarkets and more.

• Lamai Beach
  For those in search of something a little more family-friendly, Lamai Beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui. Known as the second most popular beach on the island after Chaweng, this sweeping bay stretches as far as the world famous Hin Ta and Hin Ya formations. To the north of the beach is Tong Takian Bay, set amidst lush green mountains; a stunning spot to explore for locals and visitors alike.

  The town itself sits back around 100 metres from the main beach, offering an excellent selection of shops and services. Lamai nightlife is not for the faint-hearted, with plenty of bars and nightlife located in the middle of the main street. Restaurants can be found in abundance, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. There are plenty of gorgeous Koh Samui villas located in Lamai, conveniently situated in private developments yet close to the bustle and facilities nearby. Lamai boats an array of attractions including temples, a small zoo and charming local villages and stunning viewpoints to explore.

• Bangrak Beach
  Also known as Big Buddha Beach, this bay is named after Ko Samui’s famed 12-metre Buddha statue towering overhead. The beach here is located on the northeast coast just a short drive from Chaweng, although the atmosphere here is far calmer. Bangrak boasts wide undulating sands lined with resorts, restaurants and shops. As with all of Koh Samui, it’s easy to find water sports vendors and tour operators offering energetic activities in abundance. From here visitors can take a boat  across to Koh Pha Ngan for the full moon party or visit the enormous Big Buddha statue which can be seen by air on arrival to the island.

• Bophut Beach
  Bophut Beach is the perfect peaceful spot during a Koh Samui holiday. Located far from the madding crowd  Bophut is also known as Fisherman’s Village – a traditional and well preserved part of Koh Samui. The centre of the beach is home to an array of charming wooden houses, perfectly in keeping with the natural surroundings. The beach itself stretches for more than two miles, boasting immaculate powder white sands and rows of tropical coconut palms. A small number of boats are still used for fishing here and Bophut is known for its laid-back family-friendly allure. The village itself is great to explore with an excellent selection of bars and eateries, plus a ‘walking street’ event every Friday featuring live music and performances plus food, clothes and jewellery stalls.

• Mae Nam Beach
  Perhaps the prettiest beach in Koh Samui, Mae Nam is a must-see spot during your Koh Samui vacation. This tranquil bay is one of the most picturesque places on the island with fine gold sand, an azure ocean and a perfect view of Koh Pha Ngan in the distance. Mae Nam is a remote beach, perfect for lazing the days away in the warm Samui sun. At the west end is the Wat Na Phra Lan temple, great for sightseeing. There’s also the Lomprayah Pier, with regular boats trips over to Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan. The stunning John’s Garden is a great spot to eat, particularly popular with couples and honeymooners. Mae Nam also hosts a weekly ‘walking street’ selling snacks, clothing, jewellery and much more. This beach is also the closest to Nathon, the administrative centre of Koh Samui.

• Choeng Mon Beach
  Nestled in the far northeast corner of Koh Samui, Choeng Mon Beach is best known for its quiet, secluded bays. Home to some of the best accommodation in Koh Samui, this area is popular with couples, families and the more discerning luxury traveller. The main beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui, with plenty of water sports options and kayak trips over to Koh Fan Yai island. Away from the beach are a few fantastic restaurants and great resorts for drinking and dining in Choeng Mon. Chaweng in the south and Bophut and Big Buddha Beach to the west are easily accessible for those in search of a more active itinerary. Songthaews operate here, as do taxis, for guests looking to visit other parts of the island – alternatively motorbike and car hire in Koh Samui can easily be arranged.

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