KOH SAMUI

Chaweng Beach

Samui's main beach. 7km of white sand. Beachfront resorts, restaurants, and nightlife. Can be touristy but the sand is genuinely beautiful. North end is quieter. Central to everything.

Lamai Beach

Second largest beach. More character than Chaweng. Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks (grandfather/grandmother), good surf, and local restaurants. Slightly less commercial.

Silver Beach (Haad Thong Takhian)

Small, tucked-away gem between Chaweng and Lamai. Crystal water, calm swimming, and just a few bars. The most beautiful small beach on the east coast. Arrive early for space.

Maenam Beach

Quiet north coast. Long beach with fishing boats and budget bungalows. The most local-feeling beach. Chinese temple at the east end. Great for families. Views of Koh Phangan.

Lipa Noi Beach

West coast sunset beach. Shallow, calm water perfect for families. Few tourists. The sunset views are the best on the island. Very peaceful.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

12m golden Buddha on a small island connected by causeway. Free (dress modestly). The most iconic image of Koh Samui. Surrounding market has souvenirs. Allow 30-45 min.

Wat Plai Laem

Ornate temple on a lake with 18-armed Guanyin and laughing Buddha statues. Feed the catfish (฿20). Free entry. Less crowded than Big Buddha. The most photogenic temple on Samui. 30 min.

Na Muang Waterfall

Two cascading waterfalls in the jungle interior. Na Muang 1 is easy access (drive up), Na Muang 2 requires a 30-min hike. Free. Natural pools for swimming. Wet season (Nov-Dec) is best flow.

Secret Buddha Garden

Hidden sculpture garden in the jungle hills. Quirky statues among jungle plants. 4WD access only (hire driver ฿300-500). The most surreal attraction on Samui. Allow 1 hour including drive.

Overlap Stone Viewpoint

Stunning viewpoint between Chaweng and Lamai. Scramble up boulders for panoramic views of both coasts. Free. Sunset is spectacular. Bring grippy shoes. 30 min.

Fisherman's Village Walking Street

Friday night market in Bophut. Street food, live music, crafts, and the most atmospheric night market on Samui. ฿20-200 per dish. The best Friday night in Koh Samui. 5pm-10pm.

Coco Tam's

Laem Din Night Market

Daily night market at the south end of Chaweng. Pad thai (฿50), fresh seafood grills, and Thai desserts. The cheapest eating in the tourist zone. ฿20-100 per dish.

The Larder

International brunch favourite in Bophut. Eggs benedict, smoothie bowls, and excellent coffee. Budget ฿200-400. The best brunch on Samui. Weekend queue.

Dining on the Rocks

Six Senses resort's dramatic clifftop restaurant. Tasting menus overlooking the Gulf. ฿3,000+ per person. The most exclusive dining on Samui. Book well ahead. Dress smart.

Ark Bar Beach Club

Samui's biggest beach party. Pool parties, international DJs, fire shows, and all-night dancing. Chaweng Beach. Free entry most nights. Buckets from ฿250. The main party spot.

Fisherman's Village Bar Street

Bophut's relaxed bar scene. Cocktail bars, live music, and boutique nightlife. More sophisticated than Chaweng. Budget ฿100-300 per drink.

Green Bird & Solo Bar

Chaweng's live music strip. Solo Bar for reggae, Green Bird for rock. Free entry. Drinks ฿100-200. The best live music on Samui. Every night.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

World-renowned wellness retreat. Detox, yoga, stress relief, and holistic programs. From ฿5,000/night. South coast cave temple setting. Award-winning. The ultimate wellness splurge.

Thai Massage on the Beach

Traditional Thai massage from beachfront therapists. ฿300-500 for 1 hour. Available on most beaches. Oil massage, foot massage, and Thai stretch. The most relaxing way to spend an hour.

Muay Thai Training

Train at a Muay Thai camp. Sessions from ฿500. Several camps across the island. All fitness levels welcome. The most intense workout in Thailand. Group or private training.

Thai Cooking Class

Market tour + hands-on cooking. Learn pad thai, green curry, tom yum, and mango sticky rice. 4-5 hours, ฿1,500-2,500. Several operators. The souvenir you cook at home.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

42 islands of dramatic limestone. Kayak the Emerald Lake (Thale Nai), hike to viewpoints, and snorkel coral reefs. Speedboat tour ฿2,000-2,800. Full day. Closed Nov-Dec. Stunning.

Koh Phangan

Full Moon Party island (monthly). But also: Bottle Beach (paradise), Thong Nai Pan (quiet luxury), and snorkelling at Sail Rock. Ferry 30 min (฿300). Day trip or overnight.

Koh Tao

Thailand's #1 dive destination. Cheapest PADI certification in the world (฿9,000). Whale sharks, reef fish, and crystal visibility. Fast ferry 2 hours. Overnight recommended.

Capybara World Koh Samui

Spot in Koh Samui. Rated 4.7 stars across 2,230 Google reviews.

URBAN THAI MASSAGE 4

Massage spa in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 3,067 Google reviews.

Dusita Spa 2

Spa in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 2,810 Google reviews.

THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.7 stars across 10,407 Google reviews.

Tabula Rasa

Restaurant in Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 4,822 Google reviews.

THAI KITCHEN RESTAURANT

Thai restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 4,506 Google reviews.

Zorba- greek mediterranean Restaurant

Greek restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.7 stars across 3,661 Google reviews.

BABOU

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 2,813 Google reviews.

Day & Night of Koh Samui

Restaurant in Surat Thani. Rated 4.6 stars across 2,509 Google reviews.

Phensiri Thai Restaurant

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.4 stars across 2,467 Google reviews.

Thai Spices Restaurant

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 2,221 Google reviews.

Kapi Sator Central Samui

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 1,813 Google reviews.

Nonna & Son Samui

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.7 stars across 1,781 Google reviews.

Onion 2 Restaurant

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.8 stars across 1,733 Google reviews.

Baan Ya Jai

Restaurant in Choengmon Road. Rated 4.7 stars across 1,691 Google reviews.

Secret Oven

Italian restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 1,677 Google reviews.

Mit Samui Restaurant

Seafood restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.4 stars across 1,598 Google reviews.

Island Kitchen Restaurant & Pizzeria

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 1,482 Google reviews.

The Cliff Bar and Grill

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.5 stars across 1,443 Google reviews.

Crystal Thai Food

Thai restaurant in Surat Thani. Rated 4.7 stars across 1,442 Google reviews.

Khaw Glong Thai

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.8 stars across 1,397 Google reviews.

Summer

Breakfast restaurant in สุราษฎร์ธานี. Rated 4.4 stars across 1,386 Google reviews.

Chom Chada Cocktail Bar & Bistro

Restaurant in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 1,337 Google reviews.

Salt & Oak

Restaurant in สุราษฎร์ธานี. Rated 4.9 stars across 1,335 Google reviews.

Central Samui

Shopping mall in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.4 stars across 11,188 Google reviews.

Lamai Fresh Food Market

Market in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.4 stars across 3,493 Google reviews.

Lamai Night Market

Market in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.3 stars across 2,622 Google reviews.

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Storied natural rock formations known for bearing a resemblance to male & female genitalia.

Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Pho Daeng)

Small, busy temple with Buddhist art, best known for the mummified monk on display.

Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple

Terracotta-hued Buddhist temple richly decorated with sculptures of sea monsters & warriors.

Paradise Park​ Farm

Mountaintop park featuring a pool with panoramic views, a cafe & animals, including colored pigeons.

Lamai View Point & Heart Stone

Lookout deck with a bar, on a forested hill reached by trail or cable car, with views to the sea.

Lad Koh View Point

This coastal stop offers panoramic seaside views & has a small shaded pavilion with seating.

Hawk Adventure Zipline Park Koh Samui

Adventure sports center in Koh Samui. Rated 5 stars across 3,295 Google reviews.

Big C Supercenter Koh Samui

Hypermarket in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.2 stars across 3,150 Google reviews.

Samui Elephant Home

Non-profit organization in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 4.9 stars across 2,274 Google reviews.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut

Home for rescued elephants featuring a pool, feeding sessions & walks with the residents.

Heaven Samui

Spot in Chang Wat Surat Thani. Rated 5 stars across 1,760 Google reviews.