Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, very close to Bangkok, making it the most visited island in the country and the second most popular beach destination after Phuket. Until very recently, the inhabitants were coconut pickers and fishermen, and there were no roads before the 1970s. Nevertheless, because of its beautiful beaches and since it is the gateway to an archipelago of dozens of islets, which make up the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, it has become a popular spot for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

  1. History and context of the region
  2. Koh Samui temples
  3. Best beaches on Koh Samui
  4. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
  5. Viewpoints to visit on Koh Samui
  6. Tarnim Magic Garden
  7. Activities in the area
  8. Where and what to eat
  9. Recommendations for your visit
  10. How to get there

History and context of the region

The island of Koh Samui was inhabited by Chinese and Malay traders who saw it as a safe haven for their nautical voyages. However, until the 1970s there were no roads, hotels nor resorts and the only way to get from one side of the island to the other was to walk through the jungle and among coconut trees.

In the 1970s, many people heard the story of an almost undiscovered island and many backpackers came to set up shacks and sun loungers on the beach. Decades later, tourism is booming and there is now an airport with flights from Bangkok and numerous ferries connecting it to the coast.

Koh Samui temples

The altars and Buddhas that can be seen on the island have been built in recent years and many are located next to shops and restaurants. One of the most popular is Big Buddha, a giant statue located at the end of Bo Phut Beach, which has a golden colour that is clearly not gold.

It is very close to another of the most visited temples, Wat Plai Laem, built on a lake. In this case, you will find a statue of the 18-armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion.

Wat Plai Laem Temple with 18 Hands Guanyin God Statue

A must-see is also the temple of Kho Hua Jook, perched on a hilltop where a pagoda has been erected and which provides incredible views over the island and the sea.

Best beaches on Koh Samui

There are three main beaches on this island: Chaweng, Bo Phut and Lamai. Chaweng is located in the main town of Koh Samui and has white sand and turquoise blue waters that indicate what you will find along the rest of the coast. It is one of the most popular and crowded beaches because there you will find hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, bars and many types of shops.

Second in importance is Lamai, a fairly long beach with famous rocks known as Grandfather and Grandmother that seem to recreate male and female genitalia. The male one in particular is clearer.

The third large beach is Bo Phut, a village with many restaurants on the sand where you can have dinner or drinks.

Lamai Beach in Samui

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Ang Thong Park is a natural wonderland of more than 40 unspoilt islands protected by a lush green natural landscape that is one of the country’s most famous images that we have all seen on social media. 

Most visits are done on organised trips, which include snorkelling along the reef banks and stopping at one of the amazing uninhabited beaches to spend some time in the wild and authentic nature.

You can also stop at the main island of the natural park, Koh Wua Ta Lap, which is the only place where you can spend the night in tents or bungalows that are rented to tourists and where a restaurant allows you to have lunch or dinner there if you have secured transport or accommodation.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Thailand

Viewpoints to visit on Koh Samui

One of the best places to enjoy the views of the island is Lat Ko, where you can arrive by motorbike or car and park it there and then walk down to the sea via a staircase for an incredible view. 

You can also go down the steps to the Mae Nam lookout point, where a small path leads to beautiful views, or have a drink at The Jungle Club, a restaurant with one of the best panoramic views on the island.

Tarnim Magic Garden

This is also known as the Secret Buddha Garden and it is a magical place because of its spirituality and unexpectedness. Located on a private estate on one of Koh Samui’s mountains, it is full of sculptures accumulated by its creator, a farmer who started building it in 1976 and who is buried in the garden. You can also see waterfalls, different types of birds and snakes. 

Buddha statues Tar Nim Waterfall Secret Magic Garden Koh Samui.

Activities in the area

The island is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts because you can snorkel and dive at several spots. It also has golf courses and amazing places for yoga and even Muay Thai classes.

Since it is a mountainous area, there are also many hiking trails that lead to some of Koh Samui’s most impressive viewpoints.

Where and what to eat

The cuisine on Koh Samui reflects the influences of those who have set foot on the island: Thai, Malay, Indian, Chinese and even Japanese. There are many dishes that use locally produced coconuts, plus cashew nuts and pineapples but, above all, remember that they are quite spicy.

There are many Thai restaurants where you can eat excellent seafood, but Kob Thai in Lamai has all its tables in the middle of a tropical garden, which makes it a unique place.

Recommendations for your visit

One of the best ways to get around the island is to rent a motorbike because it is much cheaper, but you can also choose a car. There are taxis that travel around the island and are a good option for getting from one town to another. 

The best time of the year to spend a few days on Koh Samui is from June to September because, although they are the monsoon months, the island is not affected that much by the rain, so this can be a good option.

How to get there

The easiest way to get there is by plane from Bangkok, but only the national airline operates to and from there and the tickets are not very cheap. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Surat Thani, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Boats from Surat Thani arrive at Nathon village and those from other points at Van Mae Naam.