Koh Samui Attractions - Top 10

Beyond its picturesque beaches, Koh Samui has many unique attractions of its own — golden temples, a rock formation with a cheeky reputation, waterfalls in the green interior, and an offshore national park made up of 42 islands. You can drive right round the island in about 3 hours via Route 4169, often called the "Ring Road". In this guide we've put together our top 10 Koh Samui attractions, plus an overview by region.

Attractions by region

A rough guide to where you'll find what on the island:

• North (around Bophut and the airport): Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Fisherman's Village, Koh Samui Airport.
• East (Chaweng, Lamai, Hua Thanon): Hin Ta & Hin Yai, The Jungle Club above Chaweng Noi.
• South and the interior (around Nathon and the central hills): Na Muang waterfalls, Secret Buddha Garden.
• West: no standalone top-10 attraction here, but the island's best sunsets around Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam and Nathon — more in Sunset on Koh Samui.
• Offshore islands (boat only): Ang Thong National Park, plus Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao.

Want to see several attractions in a single day? An organised island tour takes care of the logistics:

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Our top 10 attractions on Koh Samui

10. Koh Samui Airport

Many travellers rate Koh Samui Airport among the world's most beautiful and unusual airports: open-air, tropical-style terminals with no air conditioning in the waiting areas, surrounded by greenery. It sits in the north of the island, is privately owned by Bangkok Airways, and is a small experience in itself before your holiday even begins. More in our article Koh Samui Airport in Thailand.

9. The Jungle Club

Surrounded by green hills above Chaweng Noi, The Jungle Club is a viewpoint with a restaurant and small resort. In good weather, the view stretches over the whole Chaweng coastline as far as neighbouring Koh Phangan. The ride up by scooter is short but steep, so less confident riders may prefer a taxi or songthaew. Best visited at sunset, or for a late breakfast with a view.

8. Secret Buddha Garden

In the hilly interior, about 20 to 30 minutes from Chaweng, lies the Secret Buddha Garden, also known as the Magic Garden or Tarnim Magic Garden. A local fruit farmer began building it in 1976: moss-covered Buddha and deity statues among small waterfalls, tucked into dense jungle and filtered light. Entry is usually 50 to 80 THB, and it's typically open from 9am to 5pm. The light is best in the early morning or late afternoon.

7. Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao

Koh Nang Yuan is the small island cluster just off Koh Tao, familiar from countless travel photos: three islands linked by a bright sandbank, with a viewpoint above. Entry costs 250 THB for foreign visitors (children 100 THB), and fins aren't allowed when snorkelling, to protect the shallow reef. By speedboat you can reach it from Koh Samui in around 90 minutes, usually combined with snorkelling off Koh Tao. Full details in our article Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao: the day trip.

6. Na Muang waterfalls

In the green hills south of Nathon lie the two Na Muang waterfalls. Na Muang 1 is a few steps from the car park, with a pool to cool off in. Na Muang 2 is taller and wilder, but only reachable via a short jungle trail. Entry is usually free, though vehicles sometimes pay a small parking fee — sources vary on the details. Both are at their most impressive during the rainy season towards the end of the year, and carry noticeably less water in the dry season from March to May. More, including the quieter Hin Lad waterfall, in Koh Samui waterfalls.

5. Hin Ta & Hin Yai

Hin Ta and Hin Yai is a striking rock formation on the coast between Lamai and Hua Thanon. Named Grandfather (Ta) and Grandmother (Yai) Stone, the rocks resemble male and female genitalia and have become a popular, tongue-in-cheek photo stop. Access is free, and small stalls nearby sell snacks, coconut ice cream and souvenirs. The view over the coast and outlying islands is worth the stop even without the joke.

4. Fisherman's Village

Fisherman's Village in Bophut, in the north of the island not far from the airport and Big Buddha, is one of Koh Samui's historic spots. Its colonial-style wooden shophouses along the beachfront promenade house boutiques, restaurants, massage parlours and a handful of upmarket hotels. Every Friday evening the street becomes the Fisherman's Village Walking Street market, with stalls, live music and a wide choice of food and souvenirs.

3. Wat Plai Laem

Just a few minutes from Big Buddha stands Wat Plai Laem, one of the island's most colourful temples. An 18-metre statue of the 18-armed goddess Guanyin rises from the middle of a lake, alongside a large, smiling Maitreya Buddha figure. Entry is free, and it's open daily from roughly 6am to 6pm. Thanks to its colourful statues and calm lakeside setting, it's an easy temple to visit with children.

2. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Big Buddha, officially Wat Phra Yai, is the island's most visited attraction, thanks to its 12-metre golden Buddha statue dating from 1972. The statue sits on a small island in the north of Koh Samui, reached by a causeway. Entry is free, though a small donation is customary, and it's usually open from 6am to 6pm. As at any temple, keep shoulders and knees covered — sarongs can be borrowed at the entrance if needed.

1. Ang Thong National Park

Ang Thong Marine ParkTop 10 attractions

Our number one is Ang Thong National Park, the "golden basin" in the Gulf of Thailand: 42 limestone islands across roughly 102 km², of which only about 18 km² is land, some 30 kilometres north-west of Koh Samui. A viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap (about a 30-minute steep climb) looks out over the whole archipelago, alongside a turquoise-green lagoon where swimming is, however, prohibited. Entry costs 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children, on top of the tour price.

Important for 2026: according to the official announcement, the national park is closed from 1 November to 15 December 2026 (45 days, with possible weather-related extensions). Plan your visit outside this window. Full details in our in-depth article Ang Thong National Park: the day trip from Koh Samui.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-see attractions on Koh Samui?

If time is short: Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem pair up nicely for a morning, followed by a boat day trip to Ang Thong National Park or Koh Nang Yuan. With more time, add Hin Ta & Hin Yai, the Na Muang waterfalls, and a sunset on the west coast.

How many days should you plan for Koh Samui?

4 to 5 days covers the main attractions comfortably: one day for temples and the north, one for waterfalls and the interior, one for a boat trip (Ang Thong or Koh Nang Yuan), and the rest for the beach and downtime.

When is Ang Thong National Park closed in 2026?

From 1 November to 15 December 2026, according to the national park's official announcement. Exact dates can shift slightly depending on weather, so it's worth checking again closer to your booking.

What's the best way to get to Koh Samui's attractions?

By scooter or car, you can reach Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Hin Ta & Hin Yai and the waterfalls via the Ring Road (Route 4169) and a few side roads. Ang Thong and Koh Nang Yuan require a boat tour, most easily booked with hotel pick-up. An organised island tour takes all the route planning off your hands.

For more on individual sights, see Koh Samui waterfalls, Ang Thong National Park, Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao and Jeep safari through the jungle of Koh Samui.