Seeing the sights of Koh Samui with your own eyes is a great chance to get a closer look at the Thai culture, customs and traditions of local residents. Almost all the interesting places on the island are located quite close to each other, and this gives a wonderful opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Thailand.
Koh Samui is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists. This island is famous for its beautiful beaches, exotic nature and expensive hotels. But despite the fact that this is a classic resort, there is not only a lot of entertainment for every taste, but also a number of historical attractions. That is, you can easily combine a holiday by the sea and a visit to all the sights of Koh Samui.
Make no mistake, Koh Samui has a lot to see!
Wat Plai Laem Temple
Places worth seeing on your own in Koh Samui include Wat Plai Laem Temple. Perhaps this is one of the most colorful buildings in the country. The complex is located in the north of Koh Samui, and consists of 3 buildings. This is a relatively new church: it was built in 2004 with donations from local residents. The chief architect says that the building turned out to be so unusual and attractive due to the mixture of Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese styles.
The territory of the complex is divided into 3 parts, which include magnificent buildings and 14 fabulous mythological sculptures. The most important building is the Thai Bot Temple, located in the center of the complex. This building is used for meetings and prayers. Traditional Thai mythological characters are depicted on the inner walls of the temple, and urns with the ashes of famous people are kept in the side walls. In the center of the room is a golden statue of Buddha.
If you leave the Bot temple, you can see that it is surrounded by 8 golden towers, and the attraction itself stands on a small island in the middle of the lake. Majestic sculptures stand on two sides of the temple. The first is the multi-armed goddess Guan Yin, riding on a dragon. Thais believe that if you tell Guan Yin your dream, it will come true. The second is a statue of the ” Smiling Buddha” (or Hotei), who is one of the most famous fairy-tale characters of the East. People believe that to fulfill a wish, you need to rub the Buddha’s belly 300 times.
On the territory of the temple complex there are other sculptures. For example, a statue of Ganesha — the god who protects travelers and merchants.
An artificial lake has been created around the attraction, where you can see Thai turtles, small fish and other animals. It is worth renting a catamaran in the shape of a swan and feeding the fish yourself. The temple accepts voluntary donations. This is one of those places not only on Koh Samui, but also in Thailand, in which there is something to see.
- Location: Near Ban Plai Laem School, Road 4171.
- Opening hours: 6.00-18.00.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
One of the most famous attractions of Koh Samui is the statue of the Big Buddha. It is located near the Wat Phra Yai Temple, which is the most popular temple among local residents. On Saturday, whole families come here and purify themselves. Thais believe that as long as the statue is intact, Koh Samui is safe.
The height of the Buddha reaches 12 meters, and it was installed in 1974. By the way, the statue can be seen from different points of the island, and all tourists arriving by plane will definitely see the figure of the Big Buddha from a bird’s-eye view. You can get to the attraction yourself by climbing a long staircase of 60 steps.
When visiting this place yourself, it is worth remembering that at the foot of the statue you need to take off your shoes and socks. This rule does not apply to travelers arriving at 13.00-16.00 (at this time, the stairs are very hot). Also, try not to turn your back to the Buddha statue – this may offend the parishioners.
- Location attractions: H3C5+7XV, Tambon Bo Put, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320.
- Opening hours: 7.00 – 18.30.
Angthong National Marine Park
“Angthong” or “Golden Bowl” is the largest and most popular national park in Koh Samui. It consists of 41 uninhabited islands, and their total area is 102 square kilometers. In the protected area there is a single island of land where people live — Thais themselves, who maintain order in the territory entrusted to them, and tourists who can stay in local hotels for 2-3 nights.
It is almost impossible to visit this Koh Samui attraction on your own, so it is better to contact one of the travel agencies in Koh Samui. The guides promise a rich excursion: climb to the observation deck, kayak and canoe rafting, visit caves and walk to the crater of an extinct volcano.
- Location: 145/1 Talad Lang Rd / Talad Subdistrict, Ang Tong 84000.
- Entrance fee to the park: 300 baht for an adult and 150 baht for a child (environmental fee). The cost of a tour from Samu Island depends on the program, the number of people in the group, etc. and varies from 500-2000 baht per person.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Elephant shelter is a traditional farm for eastern countries, where elephants live. This place will be interesting for both children and adults: Koh Samui is definitely worth seeing how elephants are cared for, what they eat and observe their habits. Travelers who have visited here say that the territory of the shelter is clean, and the animals themselves are very well groomed.
Since opening in 2018, the sanctuary has received numerous awards, including the Best Animal Welfare Award for two consecutive years from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, UK. It was also recognized by the leading animal welfare organization World Animal Protection as the best place to keep elephants.
Guided tours can be arranged on site: first, they show a short 5-minute film about the difficult life of elephants, and then they invite you to take a walk, during which you can look at the animals, feed and pet them yourself, and also hear the story of each elephant living in the shelter. A vegetarian lunch consisting of rice, French fries and curry sauce is served afterwards.
Near the shelter there is a gift shop, which prices are lower than in neighboring localities.
- Location: Samui Elephant Sanctuary, 108/52 Taweerat Pakdee Rd, Bo Put, Samu District, Thailand.
- Opening hours: 9.00-17.00.
- Cost: 3000 baht for an adult (12+) and 1500-for a child of 4-11 years (all money goes to the improvement of the shelter and care for elephants). Payment is only made in cash on the spot.
- Official website: https://www.samuielephantsanctuary.org/.
In January 2020, the second reserve on Chaweng Noi was opened, exactly 2 years after the opening of the first ethical reserve-attractions on Koh Samui.
Red Temple (Wat Ratchathammaram), or Snake Stone Temple
This is a relatively new attraction on Koh Samui. There is also a much older Buddhist shrine on the territory-the Sila Ngu Pagoda, which has been visited by pilgrims from different parts of Thailand for centuries.
The red (or terracotta) temple, first of all, is distinguished by its color, noticeable from afar. As you get closer, you will see that Wat Ratchathammaram is lavishly decorated with statues and bas-relief sculptures: Buddha, sea demons, warriors of the monkey god Hanuman.
At the back of the temple is a golden – colored statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha. His arms and legs are folded in a meditative pose.
Nearby there is a viewing platform where you can take photos with a view of the coast of Koh Samui.
- Location of the attraction: Koh Samui Ring Road between Hua Tanon and Lamai villages. Exact coordinates: 9.451139,100.031147.
- Admission is free.
Wat Khunaram
Here are the remains of Phra Hru Samatakittihun, the revered former abbot of Wat Kunaram on Koh Samui. He enjoyed a thriving family life until he was 50 years old. Then he decided to devote the rest of his life to monasticism. After being ordained in 1944, he became known for his meditation practice for over 20 years among Buddhist monks and lay people. Fra Hru Samatakittihun was also known because he foresaw his own death, which overtook him in 1973 at the age of 79 years and 8 months.
After his death, the monk’s disciples placed him in an upright position in Kaskel’s body, as the abbot requested written instructions. Until now, the mummy is in very good condition in the temple.
On the territory of the attraction there is a temple and a school, which are worth seeing both outside and inside. If desired and possible, you can listen to the mantras of the acting abbot.
- Where to find: Na Mueang, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand.
- Cost: free of charge.
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is located on top of a hill, so it can be viewed from different points of the island. This is not the most popular place among tourists, and on the maps of Koh Samui to find this attraction is quite difficult. However, it is still worth visiting it yourself.
Next to the pagoda is a functioning temple, the road to which goes through a beautiful garden. The ascent here is quite steep, but there are benches for relaxing at almost every step. From the observation deck, where the pagoda is located, you can watch how planes take off and arrive from Koh Samui Airport. Especially beautiful in this place in the evening and at night, because the temple complex is illuminated by colorful lanterns.
Location: G3P5+RGX, Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand.
Koh Tan Island
Koh Tan is a 20-minute boat ride from Koh Samui. This is an almost uninhabited area: only 17 people live here + tourists periodically visit here on their own. All Thais who live here are engaged in the tourist business: they keep small hotels and bars. There is no electricity on the island, and the only source of communication with the outside world is a battery — powered radio.
Koh Tan is worth visiting to relax from the bustling resorts, enjoy the white beach and see the life of ordinary Thais. The disadvantages of this place include (oddly enough) garbage that comes from Koh Samui and not the most convenient entrance to the water.
Bophuta Fishing Village
Boptukha village is the oldest settlement on Koh Samui, which has absorbed the features of both Thai and Chinese cultures. Today it is a popular tourist destination. People come here to see the old times mixed with modernity, as well as try delicious fish in one of the local restaurants.
Tourists are advised to visit this place on their own in order to buy souvenirs, see the weekly fair, and take photos against the background of fishing accessories. Travelers say this Koh Samui village certainly has a lot to see.
Location: H25J+MJ6 Thanon Laan Thong Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand.
Paradise Park Farm
“Paradise Park” or ” Paradise Park” is an exotic farm located high in the mountains. Here you can get a closer look at the wildlife of Koh Samui: touch bright parrots, feed colorful pigeons yourself, admire the beauty of a peacock, and also look at ponies, goats and iguanas. Almost the entire park is a petting zoo. Almost all animals can be touched, and some can even be fed.
Since the park is located on a mountain, the observation deck offers stunning views of the jungle, garden, waterfalls, swimming pool and artificial reservoirs. All this splendor can also be visited by yourself, descending one of the many stairs.
Especially small children will like it here. Travelers recommend setting aside at least half a day to explore the park. And it is better to get there by car, bike or tuk-tuk.
- Address of the attraction: 217/3 Moo 1, Talingngam, 84140.
- Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 17.00.
- Price: 400 baht for an adult and 200 baht for a child.
Secret Buddha Garden
The “Secret Garden of Buddha” or” Magic Garden” or “Heavenly Garden” is not a simple park that we are used to. This is a real cemetery of sculptures of animals, mythological deities and statues of the Buddha himself. The garden itself is small: it is located on a mountain, and you can get around it in 10-15 minutes. Along the road that leads to paradise, you can see several small waterfalls and go to the observation deck.
Such an unusual attraction on Koh Samui in Thailand was created in 1976 by one of the Thai farmers. He thought it was a paradise on Earth, and was very happy when the first tourists started coming here, traveling independently. Today, this is a fairly popular place for travelers, but many of them are quite superficial about the garden. And in vain: here you should not just walk through interesting places, but also relax, listen to the murmur of water running down from the mountains.
A tip! Put on comfortable shoes for a walk in the garden and take a mosquito spray with you, the forest is quite humid.
- Location: 22/1, Moo 4 / Ban Bangrak, Big Buddha Beach, 84320.
- Opening hours of the attraction: 9.00-17.00.
- Admission fee: for adults-80 baht, for children-free of charge.
Thai Boxing Stadium (Chaweng Boxing Stadium)
One of the intangible symbols of Thailand is Thai boxing, which, however, is now popular all over the world. This is the most popular sport on Koh Samui, and one of the best places to fight is the Chaweng Thai Boxing Stadium. Twice a week, real fights take place here, which both locals and tourists come to see.
Tickets are sold for several fights at once. The program usually starts at 21.20 and ends around midnight. It should be borne in mind that it is forbidden to bring liquids and food to the stadium — everything can be purchased here (although it is more expensive).
- Sightseeing address: G3C4+XF3, Tambon Bo Put, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand.
- Opening hours: Wednesday, Saturday-21.00-23.00.
- Price: 1500-2000 baht (a seat at a table).
Paris Follies Cabaret
Paris Follies Cabaret is a traditional Thai show that combines elements of both Thai and European cultures. Only men (usually disguised as girls) perform on stage here. As with all show programs in Thailand, everything is very bright and colorful. Artists perform in fancy costumes to world hits.
Performances are held several times a day. Actors try to bring something new to each show, so don’t be surprised if two identical performances have different numbers.
At the end of the show, you can take photos with the actors for tips (you will be strongly asked for them).
- Location: 166, 92 Chaweng Beach Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand.
- Open: Sunday-Saturday-20.30-00.00.
- Price: without drinks – 290 baht, with a glass of beer-390 baht, with a cocktail — 440 baht. each additional drink costs 190 baht.
Go to Thailand should not only to sunbathe on the beach and swim in the sea, but also to visit the sights of Koh Samui.
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