15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui (2026)

Explore the best things to do in Koh Samui, from stunning beaches and island hopping to temples, waterfalls, and vibrant night markets. Find top attractions, hidden gems, and must-see sights to plan the perfect Koh Samui itinerary. 

Koh Samui is the type of destination that will hit you with a pinch-me moment the second you arrive at its open-air airport. It is Thailand’s second-largest island, but still manages to feel both like a bustling playground and a peaceful retreat, depending on which turn you take on the ring road.

Whether you are here to relax with a coconut or to trek through the jungle to find a hidden temple, Koh Samui has a beat that is easy to get into. Here are the 15 best things to do in Koh Samui that actually live up to the hype, no matter when you decide is the best time to visit Koh Samui.

Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

1. The Red Temple (Wat Sila Ngu)

While all the tourists are off to the Big Buddha, the smart ones go south to Wat Sila Ngu. This temple is made completely out of red clay and terra cotta, making it a striking sight to see against the green palms. The level of detail in the sculptures is just insane. You’ll find scenes from Buddhist mythology and even some pop culture references if you look hard enough.

2. Eat Your Way Through Nathon Night Market

If you want to eat where the locals eat, avoid the touristy areas of Chaweng and go to Nathon on the west coast. This is the capital of the island, and when the sun goes down, the food court in the area around the pier is alive with activity. You can get authentic khao man gai (chicken rice), spicy northern sausages, and fresh seafood for a fraction of what you’d pay in the resort areas. 

It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s great.

3. Sunrise at Khao Hua Jook Chedi

Situated on a hill overlooking Chaweng Lake, this golden pagoda provides the best 360-degree view of the island. It is the ideal location to view the sunrise. You have a front-row seat to the airport runway (which is surprisingly cool to view from above) and a view of the Gulf that goes on forever.

4. See Koh Samui from the waters

Even if you are staying on the island, the water is a massive part of the Samui experience. Most people do not know that a Koh Samui ferry booking is not only for departing but is actually the key to the whole Gulf system. The best way to travel is by using the fast Lomprayah catamaran because it’s efficient and ensures that you don’t spend half your holiday traveling. Plan day trips to nearby islands, such as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan, and Koh Wua Talap. 

5. Visit the Secret Tan Rua Waterfall

Na Muang is well-known, but it tends to be full of tourists. If you are looking for something more Indiana Jones-like, then go to Tan Rua. This is well hidden in the jungle, close to Maenam, and involves a short hike through the canopy. There is a lovely Tree Bridge café nearby where you can zip-line or simply sit in a hammock with a view of the waterfall.

6. The Jungle Route 360 Viewpoint

For this one, you will need a 4×4 or a pair of very strong legs. This is where you can see the edge of the world. It is situated at the top of the island, and there is a small café there where you can have a coffee and view both the north and south coasts at the same time. 

On a clear day, you can see the mainland. This is the part of Samui that most tourists never get to see because they never leave the beach.

7. Ethical Interaction at Samui Elephant Kingdom

We are beyond the days of elephant riding. In 2026, the gold standard for animal welfare is the Samui Elephant Kingdom, similar to the incredible I Love Phants Lodge near Hua Hin.. What sets this destination apart is the presence of the 400-meter-long skywalk. This allows you to view the elephants from above as they roam, play, and bathe in their natural habitats without any human interaction.

8. Discover the Old Chinese Merchant Houses in Maenam

Maenam is one of the few remaining areas on the island that retains the feel of Old Samui. Take a stroll down the small sois that lead to the beach, and you will find Chinese wooden houses that are 100 years old. It is a good spot to experience the history of the island before the luxury resorts came in. 

The Maenam Walking Street on Thursdays is also a little more relaxed and craft-oriented compared to Chaweng.

9. Sunset Cocktails at Taling Ngam

The East Coast has the sunrise, but the West Coast has the sunset. Taling Ngam is a quiet, upmarket area where the cliffs meet the sea and is one of the more beautiful places to visit in Thailand. Whether it’s a sunset cocktail at an upmarket resort bar or a beach shack, the view of the Five Islands against a purple sky is the sort of thing you’ll remember for years. It’s much more romantic and peaceful than the fire show of Chaweng.

10. Sample Local Rum at Magic Alambic Distillery

Did you know that Samui has its own rum distillery? Hidden away in the southern part of the island, this small rum distillery is run by the French and produces rum from 100% Thai sugarcane. You can take a tasting tour of their different infusions, such as lime, pineapple, and coconut, in a lovely garden setting. It’s a refined and slightly tipsy way to spend a rainy afternoon or a slow Saturday.

11. Learn the Art of Eight Limbs at a Muay Thai Gym

The heart and soul of Thailand is Muay Thai boxing, and Samui has some of the best training camps in the country. Whether you have ever thrown a punch in your life or not, a beginner’s class at a gym such as Yodyut Muay Thai is an amazing workout and a true immersion into Thai culture. It’s hard, it’s hot, and it’s the best thing you will do all week.

12. Get Lost in the Secret Buddha Garden

Tucked away deep in the hills of the interior of the island, this garden was the retirement project of a local durian farmer. He took decades to carve statues of gods and animals around a jungle stream. It’s damp, it’s mossy, and it’s like an ancient ruin, even though it was begun in the 70s. It’s one of those places that feels like magic.

13. Explore the Guan Yu Shrine

This large statue of the Chinese God of War is situated in Hua Thanon and cannot be overlooked. It is a tribute to the strong Chinese roots that the island has. The red and gold buildings are breathtaking, and the inside is adorned with beautiful murals. It is a quick visit, but it provides a refreshing change from the usual Thai Buddhist temples that are found elsewhere on the island.

14. Snorkel at Coral Cove

You don’t always need a boat to view fish. Coral Cove, sandwiched between Chaweng and Lamai Beaches, is a small cove with enormous boulders on land and under the water as well. If you have your own mask, you can swim a few meters away and view a surprising array of marine life. It’s a good alternative to the pricey snorkeling trips if you just want a quick fix.

15. The Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram

It may sound ghastly, but this is a very spiritual place for people from Samui. The corpse of Luang Pho Daeng has been on display in a meditation position since his death in 1973. He famously predicted that he would die and asked that if his body didn’t decay, he should be put on display as an inspiration to future generations to live by the Buddhist teachings.

So, when are you coming to Koh Samui? While there are many other things to do and spots to see in Samui, do not miss experiencing these fifteen. You’ll thank us later!