1. Ang Thong Marine Park: With its landscape dotted with towering mountains, pristine beaches and lush tropical forests, Ang Thong Marine Park is one of the top inclusions in all Koh Samui tours. The sheer size of the park is staggering – sprawling across 42 islands, Ang Thong takes up about 80% of the whole archipelago. The Marine Park is home to some of Thailand’s most striking sights. The ‘Golden Basin’, as its name translates to, is divided into four distinct forest zones, each teeming with a variety of small wildlife.
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Owing to its expanse, touring all of the Park in one go is practically impossible. However, some of its more popular islands demand exploration. Koh Mae, or Mother Island is home to a stunning emerald lake and some beautiful beaches. Alternatively, Koh Sam Sao prides in its fantastic coral reef and sheer cliffs that can be trekked across. One can also try their hand at sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, or kayaking here, making it one of the best places in Koh Samui Island tour package for water adventure sports.
Location: Ang Thong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Timing: 24 hours
2. Big Buddha Temple: Nestled on a small rocky scrap, the Wat Phra Yai is known for its dazzling ornamental charm. The biggest attraction here though, is the massive 12-meter-long Buddha statue that sits at its heart, earning it the title of the Big Buddha temple. An irreplaceable part of all Koh Samui tours, the Buddha temple is majestic in its ornamentation- virtually every surface here is bedecked in mirrored tiles or washed in gold. Large, bronze prayer bells surround the Big Buddha at the centre, which any visitor can strike for good luck. During the early hours of each morning, the temple is flocked by monks, and one can watch them in worship.
Location: Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Timing: 08.00AM- 06.00PM all days of the week
3. Secret Buddha Garden: Enveloped in the heart of the island’s forests lies this secret garden, deemed ‘magical’ for its mystical beauty. Interestingly, the garden was built in 1976 by a local fruit farmer. Now, it has grown into one of the unmissable attractions in every Koh Samui Island tour package. The beautifully sculpted gardens are home to several statues of Buddhas poised in different poses.
Winding through the garden is a little stream studded with miniature waterfalls. The only way to reach the Garden is on a 4x4, via long and winding mountain roads that cross rivers. On the way to the Garden, one can also make a quick stop to the highest point in Koh Samui and witness the marvelous views here.
Location: Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Timings: 09.00AM- 06.00PM on all days of the week
4. Na Muang Waterfall: One of the most popular parts of all romantic Koh Samui tours, the Na Muang waterfalls is known for its quiet charm. This two-tiered falls nestles deep within the forests of the island, and has to be trekked too. A staircase cut on the mountain crop leads one to the first cascade, where a little emerald green lake nestles. One can take a quick dip in the waters here, or move on the second cascade at some distance.
Location: 37/1 Thawi Rat Phakdi Rd, Na Mueang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Timings: 09.00 AM- 05.30 PM on all days of the week
5. Laem Sor Pagoda: Sitting right at the edge of the Bang Kao Beach, Laem Sor is one of Thailand's lesser known gems. The striking yellow tiled facade of the pagoda appears golden at a distance, especially when the sunlight hits it at midday. With its Srivijaya style designs, the Pagoda stands out in it's architectural brilliance.
Its ornate doors at the pagoda are flanked by two large yaks that guard the entrance. The Laem Sor Pagoda is also known for its great views, with its glittering walls standing out against the bright blue of the coast.
Location: Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
6. Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks: Standing at the end of the Lamai Beach, the Hin Ta and Hin Ya rocks have been a source of giggles and titters since time immemorial. The rock sculpture is remarked for its distinct resemblance to male and female genitalia. Over time, its unique shape has given rise to many legends about it, with one particularly popular story narrating how an elderly couple, Ta Kreng and Yai Riem, lost their lives in the sea and turned into rocks by the shore.
The Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, however, are among the most popular parts of every Koh Samui island tour package for the panoramic views they command of the sea beyond. The view here is especially resplendent during sunset.
Location: 126/92 Moo 3, Lamai, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Sunday- Friday: 08.30AM- 06.30PM
Saturday: 08.00AM- 07.00PM
7. Lamai beach: This stunning crescent shaped oasis of sand is one of the most popular tourist spots to visit on Koh Samui tours. The clean beach area here is perfect for sunbathing. The water off the Lamai coast is equally alluring, and one can spend a day here just swimming or trying their hands at watersports.
One end of the beach is considerably shallow, making it ideal for families with little children. The beachfront is dotted with several massage salas, where one can stop by for a quick oil treatment. As the sun sets, the beachside cafes set out tables on the sand, great for a quick bite with a view.
Location: Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
8. Wat Plai Laem: Paying tribute to the island’s Chinese heritage, Wat Phrai Laem is one of the biggest cultural attractions to visit in Koh Samui tours. Although distinctly Buddhist in its design, the Wat is dedicated to the Guanyin, the ancient Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion.
A massive statue of Guanyin with her 18 hands stands at the centre of the temple. Although fairly new in conception, the temple is adorned with ancient mural designs, and can be quite a spectacle to witness.
Location: Road 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Timings: 06.00AM- 06.00PM on all days of the week
9. Fisherman’s village: Its streets lined with Chinese shops and trendy cafes, Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village is one of the most unique attractions in any Koh Samui tour package. This old part of the island takes its name from the fact that it was once home to a thriving fishing community. Now, it is one of Koh Samui’s biggest shopping destinations.
The best way to explore the village is on foot, navigating the alleyways that make their ways through the shops. Every Friday, the Village comes alive as the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street Market.
Location: Bophut Beach Road, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
10. Lad Koh ViewPoint: Probably Koh Samui’s best known view point, the Lad Koh is known for its excellent views of the island’s east coast. The viewpoint is a popular stop with photographers and nature lovers alike. One can take a stroll along Lad Koh, or take advantage of the shaded seating area by the edge. The view point is especially resplendent during sunset and sunrise.
Location: Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
11. Chaweng beach: Easily Koh Samui’s most popular beach, Chaweng is one of the most popular inclusions in every Koh Samui tour package. The upbeat beach is frequented by swimmers and sunbathers alike, and features a number of watersports opportunities as well.
The massage chaises by the beachside add to one’s experience here. At night, the pubs and bars by the beachside open their doors to the party crowd. The beach is also home to a large number of upscale resorts and diners.
Location: Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
12. Wat Khunaram: Wat Khunaram is a little Buddhist temple in the Surat Thani province of Koh Samui. Although unremarkable in its outlook, Wat Khunaram is home to one of the most unique attractions in the island, making it among the most sought after of attractions to visit on Koh Samui tours.
In the year 1973, the resident monk Luang Pho Deng died here while meditating. Till date, the corpse of the dead monk has been preserved in its original state in a glass case. Although Pho Deng serves as the main attraction here, the Wat can also be visited as any ordinary Buddhist temple on the island.
Location: Route 4169, Na Mueang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Timings: 06.00AM- 06.00PM on all days of the week
Read More: Things To Do In Koh Samui
