Koh Samui walking tour & city guide
Palm-fringed beaches, a Big Buddha and island life in the Gulf.
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Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, is the country's second-largest island and one of its most popular, with coconut palms, sandy beaches and a mix of lively resort towns and quiet bays. It has its own airport, making it easy to reach from Bangkok.
Chaweng and Lamai
Chaweng, on the east coast, is the busiest beach, a long sweep of white sand backed by hotels, restaurants and a lively main road that comes alive at night, as the night walks show. Lamai, to the south, is a little more relaxed, and nearby you can see the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, famous for their suggestive shapes.
Temples and Fisherman's Village
On a small island linked by a causeway in the northeast, the Big Buddha, a 12-meter golden statue at Wat Phra Yai, is the island's landmark. Nearby, Wat Plai Laem has a colorful statue of the 18-armed Guanyin standing in a lake.
Fisherman's Village in Bophut preserves old wooden shophouses that are now boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Its Friday night walking street market is one of the highlights of the week.
Islands and tips
Day trips by boat to Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands with lagoons, viewpoints and kayaking, are unforgettable. Na Muang waterfalls are worth a visit inland. Samui's rainy season differs from the Andaman coast, with heavier rain from October to December, while January to August is generally dry.
Top sights in Koh Samui
- 1
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
A golden 12-meter Buddha on a small island.
- 2
Chaweng Beach
The island's liveliest beach.
- 3
Fisherman's Village, Bophut
Wooden shophouses and a Friday market.
- 4
Ang Thong National Marine Park
An archipelago of 42 islands.
- 5
Wat Plai Laem
A colorful temple with an 18-armed statue.
- 6
Na Muang Waterfalls
Waterfalls in the island's jungle interior.
Food markets & where to eat in Koh Samui
Fisherman's Village Walking Street
A Friday night market full of food stalls.
Lamai night market
Affordable local food stalls.
Beachfront restaurants
Seafood dinners with your feet in the sand.
Chaweng street food
Snacks along the main road at night.
Food to try in Koh Samui
Coconut dishes
Samui is famous for its coconuts, in curries and desserts.
Massaman curry
A mild, rich southern Thai curry.
Grilled seafood
Fresh catch from the gulf.
Mango sticky rice
A sweet classic.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Koh Samui
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Koh SamuiCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Koh Samui.
- eSIM for ThailandStay online from the moment you land.
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