Have you ever thought of visiting the beautiful islands of Thailand?
Koh Samui is the best island base for lazy beach days, health spas, world-class cuisine, and thrilling Island excursions.
You’ll be surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters in a unique, relaxed atmosphere.
Koh Samui offers all these plus more and appeals to both budget and luxury holidaymakers.
Continue reading to discover 24 fun and exciting things to do in Koh Samui.
1. Ang Thong Marine Park
If you’re looking for adventure, fun and lots of nature, Ang Thong Marine Park in the Gulf of Thailand has you covered.
The best time to visit this 100 km, 42 islets seascape is March-October, as the seas are calm.
It features white-sand beaches, waterfalls, limestone monoliths, dense jungle, hidden lakes and coves as well as a restaurant.
Home to a wide array of exotic wildlife and sea animals, it also offers hiking, snorkeling, diving and sea kayaking.
Most visitors are on one-day guided tours though cabins and camping tents are available for overnight stay.
A sea-gypsy community that still maintains its old fishing lifestyle inhabits the only occupied island.
You can visit this picture-perfect tropical paradise by boat trip or private charter.
Classic Yacht Cruise Sea Kayaking Speedboat Tour
2. Private Beach Picnic
The pristine and serene islands of Koh Madsum and Koh Tan are ideal for an escape from hectic Samui.
Get to experience a pampered and secluded ocean side picnic on a slow-paced half-day tour.
A classic long-tail boat takes you to Koh Tan where you snorkel amongst colourful fish in clear azure waters.
Across the Gulf is the stunning Koh Madsum beach, where a lavish picnic of Thai or Western food is prepared as you watch.
Afterward, relax, sip wine, swim, watch the waves or just soak in the idyllic setting of your exclusive island getaway.
The tour includes free hotel transfers and is perfect for honeymooners, a romantic outing, or a trip with your family.
3. Snorkeling & Pig Island Experience
For the ultimate island tour experience, get onboard a long tail boat and explore Southern Samui islands.
Along the way, you will learn lots about Thai culture from the experienced tour guides.
Snorkel at Samui’s stunning reef near Koh Tan, then kayak, swim or relax at Koh Madsum as you feed the island pigs.
Finally, after exploring the islands, relish a delicious Thai-style meal on your return to Koh Tan.
Both islands are a stunning locations since they are isolated and have no power or piped water.
This day trip creates a vivid experience and comes highly recommended.
4. Pink Dolphin Spotting
The Pink Dolphin Tour takes you by speedboat through Koh Samui’s awesome Five Sister Islands to Khanom Coast.
Encounter the rare and spectacular pink dolphins, found only in Koh Samui waters and the surrounding islands.
On pristine Koh Taen Island, snorkel, explore the radiant tropical reef and marine life or kayak at the mangrove forest.
Alternatively, just relax or explore the serene beaches near Koh Taen and Koh Madsum.
On Monday, Tuesday or Friday, visit the “Crazy Water Fun” adventure platform for various activities and the awesome ocean view.
Later, enjoy an exquisite Thai lunch at the pier, a fitting end to this unique, adventure-filled day!
5. Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Tour
Start your day by viewing the sunrise over the Gulf of Thailand atop a Stand Up Paddleboard.
The 2-hour Sunrise Paddle Tour begins at 6 am and explores the beautiful Samui coastline over tranquil waters.
It comprises of small groups of both amateur and experienced adults as well as older teenagers.
Beginners learn basic paddling techniques but to join the tour, all members must be good swimmers.
Paddling locations depend on the wind direction, so you can either paddle from Choeng Mon beach (north-east) or Bangrak beach (north-west).
A beach stop allows for a swim and rest before heading back.
On the other hand, you could also experience a sunset Stand Up Paddle Tour starting from 5 pm.
6. Scuba Diving
Koh Tao reefs provide superb dive sites for all diver levels and include Sail Rock, a premier dive site.
The dive sites feature huge rocky seamounts, vibrant coral reefs, as well as giant schools of marine life including whale sharks!
A set of submerged pinnacles offer advanced divers thrilling exploring opportunities.
A full day dive trip includes free hotel transfers, ferry tickets, 2 supervised dives, equipment, and lunch.
The Gulf of Thailand is sheltered hence, the calm seas provide excellent diving conditions all year.
The Samui sun is quite strong so remember to bring your sunscreen.
7. TopCat Fishing Resort
TopCat resort is the perfect place to experience the ultimate fresh water-fishing holiday in Samui.
Snuggled in a lush jungle and encircled by palm trees, it boasts amazing mountain views and offers peace and serenity.
It features a 5-acre lake filled with 4,000+ fish, 30+ species, and includes world record-size monster fish.
Fish grows naturally in this eco-friendly habitat with some Giant Siamese Carp and Arapaima weighing up to 150kg!
TopCats offers expert local guides and has a premium range of fishing gear included in each booking.
The resort is tailor-made for serious anglers and features high-end lodging, a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant while you’re waiting for the next big bite.
Make sure you have your swimmers ready as you’ll be jumping in the water for a photoshoot with your big catch.
Be warned! You’ll definitely need a massage at the end of your fishing session!
8. Top Sights of Samui City Tour
Explore charming Samui with this full-day tour, and learn about its culture, religion, and history.
Beginning at the famous Big Buddha Temple, climb 73 steps to pay respect to Lord Budha and enjoy the awesome views.
At the statue of the Chinese Lady Monk, donate to feed the fish in the surrounding pond.
Next, Lad Koh Viewpoint offers spectacular views while the naturally formed Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks are both unusual and fascinating.
Then, visit Guan Yu’s shrine, the biggest Chinese god in Thailand, which celebrates Chinese heritage.
Later, you get to pay respect to the mummified monk whose body is in a sitting position.
At Namuang Waterfall, swim, lunch and enjoy the awesome scenery before heading to Nathon Town to tour the local market.
9. Fisherman’s Village Market in Bophut
Bophut, a quiet sleepy town, comes alive every Friday evening due to the popular Fisherman’s Village Walking Street.
Beach Road and nearby narrow streets get packed with market stalls and shoppers with a wide range of low-priced goods.
Many small local and boutique shops join the Walking Street by taking their stock to the streets.
This includes T-shirts, handbags, souvenirs, simple jewelry, sunglasses, branded clothes, and electrical goods.
Also featured are food vendors, small cocktail bars, street performers and unique goods like handicrafts, local fabrics, herbs, and spices.
Elephant Walk Koh Samui is a smaller traditional market with fewer vendors that occurs in the village every night.
For a lively Friday evening, visit Fisherman’s Village and enjoy Thai street food and a friendly market haggle.
The village is open 24/7, but the night market runs only from 5pm to 11pm every Friday.
10. Shopping at Central Festival Mall Samui
This shopper’s paradise is known as ‘the most complete and largest lifestyle shopping complex in Samui’.
The unique mall is designed to blend with the island setting and has both shopping and recreational facilities.
Its 4 zones feature a Central department store, 200+ fashion brands, bars, restaurants, an open-air atrium, and a landscaped garden.
At the main entrance, Chaweng Port boasts restaurants and bars while Bird Cage in the middle hosts international fashion stores.
Fisherman Village has a huge shopping haven with branded clothes and accessories, playground, seating area, and an Adventure Horror House.
Beach Town Market next to Chaweng Public Park features a food court, a gaming arcade and an XD Theatre.
After shopping, watch a movie at the entertainment centre or enjoy the Night Bazaar.
Bophut, a quiet sleepy town, comes alive every Friday evening due to the popular Fisherman’s Village Walking Street.
Beach Road and nearby narrow streets get packed with market stalls and shoppers with a wide range of low-priced goods.
Many small local and boutique shops join the Walking Street by taking their stock to the streets.
This includes T-shirts, handbags, souvenirs, simple jewelry, sunglasses, branded clothes, and electrical goods.
11. Sunset Street Food Tour in Nathon Town
Thailand street food culture is world-famous and you get to experience it by joining this fun tour.
People eat many small samples throughout the day instead of the usual three meals.
Before the tour, explore the old town and use this chance to buy souvenirs.
During the tour, your guide explains the various street foods while you try samples.
Next, sit down to enjoy the street food as you learn more and engage with other guests.
At the end of the day, enjoy a stroll to the seaside for the best spot to watch the sunset on the island.
12. Drinks Tasting
The Drinks Tasting Tour is all about sampling Koh Samui’s best alcoholic drinks.
Koh Samui has one fruit wine dealer, one rum distillery, and one beer brewery.
You get to savour exotic Thai wines, local rum and locally brewed craft beers.
Learn the history of the distillery, how the rums are made and sample the different flavours.
Mix your own cocktail after a lesson from an experienced mixologist.
A gourmet meal from an organic garden completes this fun tour.
Obviously, make sure you’re over 18 if your interested getting the best drinks in Koh Samui.
13. Thai Cooking Class
Learn Thai culinary skills and cook 3 different dishes selected from a menu with almost 200 recipes.
Thai cooking is fun, easy to prepare, and also takes little time.
The class features skilled chefs who help you prepare authentic Thai dishes.
You’ll start at the local fresh market for fresh local ingredients, seasonal fruits, and vegetables.
At the workshop, you will learn how to cook the 3 Thai dishes and later get to enjoy your cooking.
The classes held in a Thai traditional house are composed of small groups and children (8+years) can join.
14. Watch or Learn Muay Thai
Muay Thai (Thai Kick Boxing) is a national sport that’s equally fascinating and fun to watch.
Steeped in tradition, contestants perform an impressive ritual dance before the vicious but exciting fight starts.
Due to its popularity, Samui boasts many training clubs with high-quality coaches who train students of all levels. (10 years+).
Morning or afternoon feature stretching, jogging, skipping, pad work and fighting techniques.
The intense routines keep your mind and body in great shape and require stamina, discipline, and motivation.
Watch the action at Petch Buncha and Chaweng stadiums as well as Lamai Boxing Ring.
Better yet, join the many fans of this ancient Thai martial art who train with the locals.
15. SUP Yoga in Koh Samui
Yoga on a paddleboard is a refreshing way to revive your body, mind, and spirit.
The SUP Yoga class is ideal for newbies as you learn the basics before you head out to the water.
After an enjoyable cruise around the bay, you anchor up to begin the “floating yoga” sequence.
Salute the sun rising over The Gulf of Thailand as you stretch and breathe quietly before doing more classic yoga poses.
Classes are offered at Choeng Mon beach (May-Oct) and Bangrak beach (Dec-May) with small classes allowing for customised attention.
They combine awareness, focus, and balance.
Most beginners will fall into the refreshing water, but this is all part of the fun!
Learn from a qualified trainer and reap the benefits of yoga along with sunshine, fresh air, and calm waters.
16. Saiyor Garden & Amphibious ATV Ride
If you’re looking for a thrilling challenge, then this amphibious ATV adventure ride fits the bill.
This half-day trip takes you to Saiyor Garden and the ancient Thai museum with old boats and ancient tools.
Immerse yourself in Samui’s history and culture at the 3D art gallery as you admire an ancient Thai-style house.
Take amazing photos in the beautiful flower garden next to this ‘Memory House’ that stands on teak stilts.
The exciting ATV ride through Sailor Garden’s beautiful palm-tree scenery and creeks is exhilarating!
The 4.4 km trail ATV ride depicts Koh Samui’s enchanting natural beauty and is a memorable fun experience.
17. Koh Samui 4WD Jeep Jungle Adventure
On this spectacular adventure, discover Koh Samui’s jungle from the back of a 4WD jeep.
This 7-hour wild safari takes you into the mountain, across rivers, waterfalls, and valleys.
Enjoy the view from Koh Samui’s highest point in one of the most exciting ways to experience it’s attractions.
First, stop at the famous Grandfather/Grandmother Rocks and buy souvenirs at the nearby market.
A swim at Nam Muang waterfall comes next.
Then a zip line ride before you see the Mummified Monk.
Stunning viewpoints dot the route up the mountain while lunch is served at the Mountain-top Restaurant.
Afterwards, visit Buddha’s Magic Garden, drive down to the Rubber Plantation and finish off with the iconic Big Buddha.
18. Koh Samui Bike Ride
The bicycle tour is an amazing way to explore the beauty of Samui.
Start from Fisherman’s Village, see shops, restaurants and cafes and get a delicious bite at Bangrak local markets.
View the temples in a scenic location and the amazing Wat Plai Leam before riding to Choeng Mon.
Here, you’ll find turquoise waters, amazing beaches as well as charming restaurants and bars.
Next is Chaweng beach with the best beach and the whitest sand and finally, a ride back to Bangrak.
Alternatively, pick one of Maenam’s mountain trails and ride across streams and thick jungle to the beautiful waterfall at the top.
You’ll need to be fairly fit too since you may need to walk when it gets too steep.
19. Zipline Ride at Skyhawk Adventure
Get over your fear of heights and swoop down the treetops on the longest zipline in Koh Samui.
Gliding through the rainforest, the island’s stunning aerial views are visible as you circuit through multiple stations.
Get a bird’s eye view of Nathon Beach, Angthong National Marine Park and hidden waterfall.
The stations get more challenging as you progress but highly trained instructors take you through each step.
Using top-notch gear, the guides safely secure your safety harness to the cable before you proceed to the next station.
Are you are an adrenaline junkie? If so, flying through the air will be a thrilling experience.
Also, no prior experience is needed!
20. Samui Bungy Jump
Looking to get off your comfort zone with an incredible boost to your adrenaline levels?
If you have never experienced a Bungy Jump then this is the perfect place to have your first one.
Samui’s only Bungy Jump is from a 50-metre crane over the deepest swimming pool in Southern Thailand.
This site boasts spectacular views of the Chaweng Beach area and offers backwards, running and reverse bungees as well.
You can either have a water dip in the swimming pool or a dry Bungy Jump.
It’s best to wear light and comfortable clothing for the jump.
21. Koh Samui Paintball Party
The Paintball Party is located in Maenam, north of Koh Samui.
This exciting game involves cunning tactics, good aim, grit, and stamina.
Dripping with adrenaline and hours of fun, it’s ideal for both amateur and expert players.
You’ll be provided with a mask and overalls for protection against paintball hits which may cause slight bruising.
Get a great workout as you dodge, attack, and snatch the flag from your rivals while ducking paintball shots!
Attend this gripping activity in the morning or late afternoon, as it can get very hot.
22. Koh Samui Crocodile Farm
This fascinating crocodile farm in Bophut features Siamese and saltwater crocodiles as well as caimans.
Covering 8,000sqm, the farm boasts a zoo with pigs, monkeys, rabbits, snakes and other rare breeds.
Thrilling Crocodile and Snake shows occur daily and you can feed a crocodile with meat on a fishing rod.
The trainers perform daring stunts and tricks and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Other shows include a gripping Cobra Show, Martial Art, Thai boxing and Scorpion shows.
At the end of the day, you can buy some souvenirs from the farm’s shop to remember this fun day out.
23. High Park Samui Water Park
High Park is set atop a panoramic hill in Chaweng and boasts awesome views of the stunning white beaches.
It has the tallest water slide, night parties, themed bars, signature restaurants, and awesome sunsets among its attractions.
Party seekers enjoy special events such as foam party, full day pool and DJ parties, and the famous moon parties.
The Tornado Water Xtreme is a high-speed rollercoaster ride as it catapults you to a thrilling height at 45km/hr!
Zipline above the park to exotic views, bungee jump, ride a buggy car or simply relax in the sunshine.
Enjoy sunset at the infinity pool, delicious meals at Restobar, and finish off with a relaxing Thai massage.
High Park is more than a waterpark and is set to become Koh Samui’s ultimate one-stop resort.
24. Massages & Day Spas
Need to unwind or recharge? Then indulge in one of Koh Samui’s superb spas and massage treatments.
They range from simple reflexology, classic massage and aromatherapy, to Asian beauty secrets and relaxing body treatments.
The popular Thai Massage is an ancient remedy that blends acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and yoga.
A full range of skin treatments such as facials, body scrubs and footbaths leave you refreshed and your body glowing.
Melt away aches and stress with a stone massage as you relax your mind and body.
Set up in serene locations with amazing views, the spas have customised packages to suit your needs.
So go ahead and pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment; you deserve it!
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations where you can have loads of fun.
The amazing variety of activities and rich Thai culture provide a balanced and rewarding experience.
This explains why the Island has such a magnetic appeal.
Your visit here will not be complete until you explore all these attractions and fun things to do.
Also read:
- 17 Best 5-Star Koh Samui Family Villa Resorts on the Beach
- 20 Best 5-Star Koh Samui Honeymoon Resorts on the Beach
Find more Fun Things to do in Koh Samui
