Top 20 Koh Samui Attractions, Thailand

The Thai island of Koh Samui attracts most tourists with its beaches. There are about 30 of them here and they are all excellent - clean, with clear water and palm trees on the shore. But if you want to diversify your beach holiday, the locals have taken care to surprise even the most sophisticated travelers. There are a huge number of temples and religious buildings on the island, including world-famous Wat Khunaram with a monk's mummy and a 12-meter Buddha sculpture. The whole family will be interested in excursions to the picturesque corners of tropical nature - Paradise Park, Angthong Marine Park, Butterfly Garden, Safari Park.

Also, vacationers are invited to visit a number of entertaining performances - bullfights, monkey shows, snake charmers performances, a colorful show of transvestites and exciting fights at the Thai boxing stadium.

What to see and where to go on Koh Samui?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Temple Wat Plai Laem

The largest cult attraction of Koh Samui. It is a complex of structures, in the appearance of which a mixture of several Asian styles can be traced. Was built in 2004. The central objects are the Thai temple and two huge statues - the 18-handed Chinese goddess Guanyin and the Buddhist deity Hottei. They are installed on piles in the middle of an artificial lake. On a catamaran you can take a walk on the water, feed the fish and small turtles.

Temple Wat Khunaram

One of the most visited temples of the island, located near the Namuang waterfalls. The main attraction is the mummified body of an 80-year-old monk, the abbot of this temple, in the traditional lotus position. He died while meditating over 40 years ago, was placed in a glass sarcophagus, and since then his body has not shown any signs of decomposition. Near the mummy is a vessel with numbered sticks. Taking one of them, you can see the monk's prediction on the stand.

big buddha

The 12-meter sculpture of the supreme deity is located in the northeast of Koh Samui, not far from the airport. It is set on a hill, where a staircase of 60 steps leads. You must take off your shoes before entering. At the top there is a good observation deck, and there are bells that you can ring for the fulfillment of desires. The majestic figure of the Buddha is surrounded by small statues of him, symbolizing the days of the week. A temple was erected nearby. At the foot of the stairs are souvenir shops.

Laem Sor Pagoda

Erected in the southern part of the island, on the seashore, away from beaches and tourist routes. It is made of yellow slabs that reflect the rays of the sun and is known as the "golden pagoda". The entrance to the sanctuary is guarded by statues of yaksha spirits. There is also a canopy with the figure of a monk who brought a particle of the relics of the Buddha to the island. At a short distance from the pagoda, in the middle of an artificial reservoir, an unusual temple was built in the form of a Thai ship.

Guan Yu Chinese Temple

The opening took place in 2012. The temple was created in honor of the god of war and wealth Guan Yu, his huge statue with a red face is located in the center of the complex. Nearby is a wall of memory of ancestors with the names and photographs of the first Chinese settlers from Hainan Island. In general, the construction of the sanctuary has not yet been completed. A large 2-storey building is planned, on the first floor of which there will be numerous shopping arcades, and on the second - the temple itself.

Red Temple

Significantly stands out for its architecture and terracotta coloring against the background of traditional Thai religious buildings. The facade is decorated with incredibly beautiful bas-reliefs and sculptures. The interior walls are richly decorated with stucco, with a statue of a seated Buddha in the center. Also on the territory of the complex is a 250-year-old pagoda, one of the oldest on the island. A staircase descends from it to the sea with Naga snakes on the railing, on both sides of which there is a small cemetery.

Bophut Fishing Village

This is one of the oldest fishing villages on Koh Samui, which has turned into a tourist place for walking today. A kilometer-long narrow street stretches along the coast with various shops, bars, restaurants and other establishments. In 2016, The Warf shopping center was opened, the premises of which are stylized as a fishing village. There is a nice 2 km sandy beach. On Fridays, a night fair is held with incendiary music, dancing, and a fire show.

Sunday Lamai Night Market

The main event of the week in Lamai, where numerous tourists and locals flock in the evening. After 17.00, two perpendicular streets are filled with stalls of merchants offering a variety of inexpensive goods - souvenirs, jewelry, dishes, cosmetics, clothes and accessories. And also there is a great opportunity to enjoy the famous Thai delicacies and try all kinds of cocktails. Visitors are entertained throughout the night by local musical talent.

Cabaret Stars

A very bright and colorful show of transvestites, combining elements of national and European culture. Located in the north of the island, between the beaches of Chaweng and Bo Phut. Artists perform in fantastic handmade costumes to famous world hits. The 45-minute performance consists of songs and incendiary dance routines along with an impressive impersonation of famous pop divas - Tina Turner, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue and others.

Chaweng Boxing Stadium

One of the best rings for world-famous Thai boxing. Located in the center of Chaweng. Fights with the participation of local and foreign athletes are held 2 times a week, 7 pairs of boxers participate. The strongest and most enduring of them go to the finals. Sometimes fights are held among women. Cars with loudspeakers move around the island and advertise upcoming battles. During the daytime, those who wish can take a few Muay Thai lessons from experienced trainers.

Buddha Magic Garden

The famous landscape attraction in the center of the island, combining the fantasy of nature and the creation of human hands. In a small garden on the mountainside, among the stones, there are numerous statues of Buddha, other deities, animals, mythological creatures. All this is shrouded in vines, many sculptures are overgrown with moss, so the area seems very mysterious and enigmatic. The garden appeared in 1976 through the efforts of a Thai farmer who created all the sculptures with his own hands.

Paradise park

A zoo on top of a mountain in the center of the island. There are enclosures with animals and birds, but most of them roam freely, begging for treats from visitors. Among the inhabitants of the zoo zone are monkeys, ostriches, deer, rabbits, iguanas, parrots. The park has an artificial waterfall, a swimming pool overlooking the sea, an exotic garden, and a restaurant. Benches and gazebos are installed throughout the territory, where you can relax and enjoy stunning views of Koh Samui.

Stones Grandma and Grandpa

. The place is beautiful, but very crowded, surrounded by bars, restaurants and shopping stalls.

Namuang waterfalls

The two most popular waterfalls. They are located in the center of the island, one above the other, but at some distance. The first waterfall, the lower one, is called Purple because of the color of the surrounding rocks, along which it falls into a spacious bowl. Its height is 18 meters. The second waterfall is located in Namuang Safari Park. It is more beautiful, multi-level and has a height of 80 meters. The path to it is not easy, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. And you can get to the waterfall in jeeps or elephants.

Hin Lad Waterfall

It is located in the west of Koh Samui, a couple of kilometers from Nathon. The road to the waterfall passes through dense tropical vegetation, up the path and stairs, along the riverbed. The waterfall itself is small, at its foot nature has created a small font where you can splash. The place is attractive for tourists not only for the beauties of wildlife, but also for the nearby forest temple-monastery. Peace and tranquility reign here, gazebos for meditation are equipped.

Maenam beach

Located in the northern part of the island. Suitable for a relaxing family holiday with children. Length - 5 km. The coast is covered with coarse yellow sand, many palm trees providing shade. Convenient entrance to the sea, the bottom is smooth, without stones. Waves are rare. A small drawback - the water in the sea is muddy. The infrastructure is well developed, in the evening all establishments are closed, there are no noisy discos. There is no entertainment on the beach, only gazebos for Thai massage are found.

Lamai beach

Located on the east side of Koh Samui. Length - 4 km. The central part of the beach area is suitable for swimming - the entrance to the sea is smooth, the bottom is clean, without stones. The sand on the shore is large, light yellow. There are few trees on the beach, you can rent a sun lounger with an umbrella. There are often waves. A wide range of entertainment - kayaks, jet skis, parachuting, etc. The entire coast is built up with cozy bungalows and hotels. At night, parties and discos are organized.

Chaweng beach

The most crowded and party of all the beaches of the island. Located on the east coast near the airport. Length - 6 km. It consists of 3 zones, the main life is seething in the center. The entry into the sea is smooth, the water is clear. The coast is covered with white fine sand, many trees. There are bars, restaurants, shops, discos. Entertainment is offered for every taste - water skiing, kayaks, jet skis, flyboard. For children - a water park with inflatable slides.

Lamai Viewpoint

The most famous observation deck on the island. It is located on the outskirts of Lamai village, at a height of 100 meters. Along the way, there are local attractions - a huge stone named after St. Valentine, a small waterfall with a beautiful dam and fish peeling. A path leads upstairs, equipped with steps and bridges. The ascent is easy and takes no more than 10 minutes. Near the observation deck there is a restaurant and a zip-line track.

Angthong National Marine Park

. 16 species of mammals, 54 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles live on its territory. As part of the tour, walking and boating, swimming in coastal waters, diving, snorkeling are offered. Tourists must visit the largest island - Koh Wua Talap, where the headquarters of the reserve is located.