Top 10 Viewpoints on Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers breathtaking viewpoints for every taste – from a rock formation balanced in a dizzying act of gravity to the island's highest point, and a hidden hillside that barely any guidebook mentions. In this article we introduce our top 10 viewpoints, with current entry prices and directions for 2026. Enjoy the views!
Koh Samui's viewpoints at a glance
Before we get into the details, here's a quick overview of entry fees and access for all ten spots:
| Rank | Viewpoint | 2026 entry | What makes it special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Lamai Viewpoint | from 100 THB, up to 1,000 THB with zipline | cable car & zipline over the jungle |
| 9 | Khao Hua Jook Pagoda | free / small donation | central in Chaweng, walkable |
| 8 | Overlap Stone ("Hand Viewpoint") | 200–300 THB (check the site first) | free-standing balancing rock and a giant hand photo platform |
| 7 | Wat Teepangkorn (Khao Pom) | free, access takes time | the island's highest point, 635 m |
| 6 | Jungle Route 360 | cost of food/drinks at the restaurant | 360-degree view, running since 2015 |
| 5 | Hidden spot above Bang Por | free | sunset with barely another visitor around |
| 4 | Paradise Park Farm | around 400 THB | animal park with infinity-pool views |
| 3 | Mountain Grand View | 20 THB, pool 100 THB | view of the "5 islands" in the south |
| 2 | Lad Koh Viewpoint | free | rocks spilling into turquoise water |
| 1 | The Jungle Club | around 20 THB | view all the way to Koh Phangan |
Our top 10 viewpoints
10. Lamai Viewpoint
Lamai Viewpoint is a great stop if you're heading south across the island. Not far from the well-known Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, it sits a little hidden above Lamai. After a short, steep climb up a concrete path, a cosy open wooden platform awaits with views over the Gulf of Thailand and Lamai Beach.
Straightforward entry costs around 100 THB. If you also want to ride the cable car up, expect to pay from about 300 THB, while a combined ticket with the zipline through the Lamai jungle usually runs 800 to 1,000 THB. The zipline runs across two lines of 440 metres each at around 80 metres height, with a minimum age of 6. Opening hours are 9am to 6.30pm on weekdays and from 8.30am at weekends.
9. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda (Chaweng)
Even on the flight in, you can spot the golden dome of this complex on the hill above Chaweng. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is one of the island's most popular viewpoints, thanks to its central location and easy access on foot. After a short, steep climb you'll reach the monks who live there – remember to take your shoes off, and mind the hot tiles.
Alongside views of the hinterland, the sea and the airport runway, you'll find a footprint of Buddha inside the complex. Entry is usually free, with a small donation of around 20 THB customary.
8. Overlap Stone ("Hand Viewpoint")
The Overlap Stone is an 8-metre-high rock balanced in a dizzying act of gravity on another rock beneath it – one of the island's most unusual photo spots. It sits in the hills above Lamai, near the red temple Wat Sila Ngu.
If you've searched for "Hand Viewpoint" or "Giant Hand Viewpoint Koh Samui": that's the nickname for a large hand-shaped photo platform built into this same hillside cluster, not a separate destination. It sits at "Overlap Stone 2", a second site a little further up the hill from the original Overlap Stone.
Worth knowing for 2026: several operators along this road now use the "Overlap Stone" name, and reports about them conflict. One site (often listed as "Overlap Stone 1") has offered paid feeding of chained elephants since 2024, which many visitors describe as distressing – we wouldn't recommend it. One travel blog reported that Overlap Stone 2, home to the hand platform, was closed from late July 2026 after a forestry-department raid over protected forest land, while more recent visitor reviews describe a site with the hand platform as open with a roughly 200 THB entry fee (including a drink) – and some of those same reviews also mention chained elephants there. Given how unclear and fast-changing the situation is, check very recent reviews before setting off, and ask your hotel which access point is currently open and treats its animals responsibly.
7. Wat Teepangkorn (Khao Pom)
On Khao Pom, the island's highest point at 635 metres, stands Wat Teepangkorn with a large golden Buddha statue on a platform. On a clear day the view stretches across the whole island and the surrounding island groups. Nearby you'll also find a small museum and further Buddha statues.
The access road is steep, partly unpaved and only suitable for confident riders – many local 4x4 tours already include this stop on their route. The easiest and safest way up is with a guided jeep safari; more in our article Jeep safari through the jungle of Koh Samui.
from 1,450 THBJeep Tour Koh Samui Jungle Safari Full day Adventure4.94 from 272 reviews
6. Jungle Route 360
Not far from the island's highest point sits Jungle Route 360: a restaurant with an unforgettable 360-degree panoramic view, named after the adventurous off-road track leading through the jungle to reach it. Running since 2015, recent reviews confirm it is still operating in 2026. On a clear day you can spot the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and the Ang Thong National Park, in the distance.
On the spacious grounds you can enjoy a sunset dinner or plan a full day trip. Our tip: combine it with the nearby Wat Teepangkorn temple. A fun way to get there is by quad bike:
from 3,950 THBATV Quad island tour Koh samui 3 Hours5.00 from 5 reviews
5. Hidden spot above Bang Por
Above Bang Por, on the north-west coast, sits a viewpoint that few visitors ever find: a pavilion at the top of the pass road with views of Thong Plu, Bang Por and Koh Phangan. A little further uphill, towards the villas in the area, there's a second spot with a particularly lovely sunset view over the Gulf of Thailand. Confident riders can continue further up the winding road – you'll usually have the view almost entirely to yourself here.
This area shares some ground with a few of our other lesser-known spots on the island; if you're after more quiet corners, it's worth browsing our other insider guides to Koh Samui.
4. Paradise Park Farm
The name says it all: Paradise Park Farm on the west side of the island combines a small animal park with a sensational view over the Gulf of Thailand. While the children admire the parrots, deer, rabbits and colourful birds, you can relax by the infinity pool. A small restaurant rounds off the visit.
Entry in 2026 is around 400 THB, with animal feed costing extra from about 20 THB per bag. Reviews on animal welfare are mixed: recent visitors (as of July 2026) praise clean enclosures and well-cared-for animals, while some earlier reviews raised concerns about enclosure size. It's worth forming your own impression before staying too long.
3. Mountain Grand View Restaurant
Mountain Grand View Restaurant sits away from the tourist attractions between Hua Thanon and Na Muang, opposite Wat Khunaram. The actual viewpoint is behind the restaurant and costs 20 THB to enter. We'd recommend taking your time over a fruit shake or a meal while you take in the view.
Behind the restaurant there's also an infinity pool looking out towards the "5 islands" far out in the Gulf of Thailand, at a cost of 100 THB per person. The access road is steep and not ideal for beginner scooter riders. A comfortable alternative is a guided tour that combines this corner of the island with another viewpoint and a waterfall:
from 5,450 THBPrivate Zodiac Park, Elephant Clinic, Waterfall & the best View Point4.95 from 103 reviews
2. Lad Koh Viewpoint
Lad Koh Viewpoint sits on the ring road between Chaweng Noi and Coral Cove, on the island's east coast. Limestone boulders spill gently into the turquoise sea here, with views stretching along the Chaweng coastline as far as Maenam. A built walkway leads down the cliff face to the water, and there's parking, toilets and a few stalls selling cold drinks, snacks and ice cream.
Entry is free. It's at its best early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light softens and it's quieter. Right beside the viewpoint stands a small spirit house built in memory of those who lost their lives on the ring road – many drivers give a short, respectful honk as they pass.
1. The Jungle Club
Our number 1 is The Jungle Club between Lamai and Chaweng: a multi-level restaurant on wooden terraces with bungalows and infinity-pool access for overnight guests. The view over Koh Samui as far as neighbouring Koh Phangan is one of the finest on the island, and the viewpoint entry fee is around 20 THB.
The drive up is short but very steep, so less confident riders may prefer a taxi or songthaew. Since we already cover The Jungle Club in detail in our article Top 10 attractions on Koh Samui, head there for the full details on the menu, staying overnight and getting there.
Frequently asked questions
Which viewpoint on Koh Samui is the most beautiful?
That's down to taste: The Jungle Club and Lad Koh deliver the classic postcard sea views, Wat Teepangkorn on Khao Pom offers the widest panorama as the island's highest point, and the hidden spot above Bang Por wins at sunset, when you'll often have the view almost to yourself.
What shouldn't you miss on Koh Samui?
Beyond the viewpoints in this article, it's well worth seeing the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem and taking a boat trip to Ang Thong National Park. More in our article Top 10 attractions on Koh Samui.
What are some hidden-gem viewpoints on Koh Samui?
The hillside above Bang Por and Lad Koh Viewpoint are among the island's least crowded viewpoints. Both are free to enter and tend to be quiet, especially early morning or late afternoon.
What's the best way to get to Koh Samui's viewpoints?
Most viewpoints are reachable by scooter or car via the ring road (Route 4169) and short side roads – expect the steep approaches to Lamai Viewpoint, the Overlap Stone or Khao Pom to need a bit of riding experience. For the island's highest point, a guided jeep or quad tour is the most relaxed option, since you won't have to tackle the unpaved terrain yourself.
Where is the Hand Viewpoint on Koh Samui?
The "Hand Viewpoint" (also called "Giant Hand Viewpoint") is a hand-shaped photo platform in the hills above Lamai, at a site called "Overlap Stone 2" – part of the same cluster as our number 8 on this list, not a separate location. Access and opening status there have changed more than once in 2026, so check recent reviews before you set off.
For more of the island's best corners, see our Top 10 attractions on Koh Samui, Sunset on Koh Samui: the best spots and Top 10 beaches on Koh Samui.
Keep reading
Pink Dolphins Near Khanom: A Trip From Koh Samui
Pink dolphins near Khanom: where they live, how rare they are, why they turn pink, the best time to go, and how a trip from Koh Samui works.
ATV and Quad Tours on Koh Samui: What to Expect Before You Book
ATV and quad tours on Koh Samui: how the ride works, age rules, what to wear, safety, rainy-season mud and the buggy alternative.
Jet Ski on Koh Samui: Cost, Rules and Tips
What jet skiing on Koh Samui costs, how to avoid damage-claim scams at beach rentals, and why a guided jet ski safari is often the safer choice.