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KOH SAMUI

Palm-fringed beaches, luxury wellness retreats, temple viewpoints, and Ang Thong National Park. 25 curated spots.

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Paradise

Beaches

Chaweng's buzz, Lamai's character, and hidden coves on the quiet south coast.

Chaweng Beach
Beach & Water

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.

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Lamai Beach
Beach & Water

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.

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Silver Beach (Haad Thong Takhian)
Beach & Water

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.

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Maenam Beach
Beach & Water

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.

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Lipa Noi Beach
Beach & Water

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.

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Explore

Nature & Temples

Big Buddha, secret gardens, waterfalls, and viewpoints across the Gulf of Thailand.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Culture & History

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.

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Wat Plai Laem
Culture & History

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.

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Na Muang Waterfall
Nature & Outdoors

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.

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Secret Buddha Garden
Nature & Outdoors

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.

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Overlap Stone Viewpoint
Nature & Outdoors

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.

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Taste

Food & Drink

Beachfront seafood, night markets, and fusion dining with ocean views.

Fisherman's Village Walking Street
Shopping

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.

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Coco Tam's
Laem Din Night Market
Shopping

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.

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The Larder
Food & Drink

The Larder

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

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Dining on the Rocks
Food & Drink

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.

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After Dark

Nightlife

Chaweng's party strip, Fisherman's Village walking street, and beach clubs.

Ark Bar Beach Club
Nightlife

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.

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Fisherman's Village Bar Street
Nightlife

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.

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Green Bird & Solo Bar
Food & 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.

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Zen

Wellness & Spas

World-class detox retreats, Thai massage, yoga, and Muay Thai camps.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary
Experiences

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.

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Thai Massage on the Beach
Experiences

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.

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Muay Thai Training
Experiences

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.

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Do

Experiences

Thai cooking classes, island safaris, kayaking, and snorkelling adventures.

Thai Cooking Class
Experiences

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.

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Escape

Day Trips

Ang Thong National Park, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao diving.

Ang Thong National Marine Park
Day Trips

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.

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Koh Phangan
Day Trips

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.

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Koh Tao
Day Trips

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.

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