With beautiful beaches and absolutely no illegal substances at all, there are so many things to do in Koh Samui. As the world sets its sights on the Thai island as The White Lotus will be set here in its upcoming season, read on for our tops picks for your itinerary.
Koh Samui has a bit of something for everyone. There are beautiful beaches to crack open a book and get that summer tan, clear waters to take a dip into, tropical rainforests to explore, fresh seafood to savour, beach clubs to visit, and so much more. If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a chill time at a bar whilst enjoying the island vibes, here is our guide to the best things to do in Koh Samui.
[Hero Image Credit: Yavor Punchev/Unsplash; Featured Image credit: Coco Tam’s]
All the best things to do in Koh Samui, from nature tours to beach clubs
Tour 42 islands in one go at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
A journey through Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is as beautiful as in the photos. Apart from appreciating nature, you can go snorkelling, kayaking, for a hike up the national park, and more. Plus, picture-perfect spots including the famed Emerald Lake. Some guided tours even allow overnight stays for a really immersive experience surrounded by nature.
Hunt for street food, and more, in walking streets around Fisherman Village
Fisherman Village is always bustling with people, especially so after the sun goes down. A few streets are lined with so many stalls you’ll feel overwhelmed by choice. If you’re hungry, get ready to hear satay sizzle on the grill, smell the aroma of tom yum spices, and see tropical fruits squeezed fresh before your eyes. On your way out, you’ll be enticed by little trinkets and local textiles looking for new homes. There’s also live music around The Wharf area, which makes for a great sit-down dining experience with a sea view.
Slow down time with a meal and a fire show at Coco Tam’s
One of the best things to do in Koh Samui — or any beachfront destination, really — is to take in the beauty while having a meal and perhaps a few drinks. Coco Tam’s is perfect for exactly that experience, with Italian cuisine that really showcases fresh seafood, refreshing signature cocktails, and two fire shows per day. It is the hangout spot for visitors to Samui.
Coco Tam’s, 99/1 moo. 1 Bophut Koh samui, Amphoe Koh Sa-Mui, Surat Thani, Thailand. Open daily, 1pm-midnight.
Enjoy arguably the best sunset in Samui at The Jungle Club
The Jungle Club is a Thai-Mediterranean restaurant that comes with an amazing viewpoint of Koh Samui. Surrounded by flora and fauna, all while situated high above a tropical hillside, it’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down. If you’re falling in love with the ambiance, they also provide seaview bungalows and villas complete with an infinity pool.
The Jungle Club, 44, 11 Moo 3 Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani. Open daily, 8am-11pm.
Sip inventive cocktails by the sea at Garnish.Samui
Things get experimental at the award-winning Garnish.Samui, as the team isn’t afraid to play around and blend local ingredients with modern mixology techniques. The result: cocktails that feel fun, are pleasing to the eye, and never fail to make your tastebuds dance. The bar’s emerald and golden glow in contrast with the clear view of the sea also does wonders for the atmosphere. Those things make the bar a must in your Samui itinerary.
Garnish.Samui, 50 2nd floor, Moo1, Fisherman Village, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani. Open daily, 5pm-midnight.
Order Tiki Box’s famous Piña Coladas
When it comes to tropical flavours, Tikibox takes them seriously, yet not too seriously. It’s a balance that makes for great cocktails. Sometimes tiki cocktails get a bad rap for being hangover-inducing, but the well-crafted drinks will show you how big a difference it makes when you treat mixology with care and passion (provided you drink in moderation). They use a lot of rums, tropical fruits, and florals here and there, but fans of Tikibox will know they pride themselves in their Piña Coladas, and for good reason.
Tiki Box, 162 212 Moo 2 Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani. Open daily, 5pm-1am.
Have mookata with a view at Lanlandaw Viewpoint
The trail to Lanlandaw Viewpoint is a bit of a journey, but it is so worth it when you can take in the gorgeous ambiance at the top. It’s a big open space where you can hang around and enjoy the landscape. Apart from being Instagram-worthy, they also have a mookata restaurant overlooking Samui, complete with fresh drinks, delicious Thai food, and more.
Lanlandaw Viewpoint, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thu-Tue, 12-10pm.
Kick things into high gear at SEEN Beach Club Samui
When you’re thinking of a beach club experience, SEEN Beach Club Samui has everything covered. A stunning view of the sea from Chaweng beach, energetic beats from impressive lineups of DJs, good food, tropical cocktails, events happening regularly, and more — it’s the perfect day-to-night destination, and certainly one of the cooler things to do when in Koh Samui.
SEEN Beach Club Samui, Sala Koy Road Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Open daily, 11am-11pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Koh Samui has many must-visit beaches, including Chaweng Beach, Lipa Noi Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, Silver Beach, and Maenam Beach.
The best time to visit Koh Samui is between December and March when the weather is most settled with clear skies and minimal rainfall.
Chaweng, Bophut, and Choeng Mon, are popular among tourists and residents alike. We recommend browsing through The Wharf or Central Samui for clothing and plenty of food options.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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