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Koh Samui attractions: what to see and do in 2024

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temple
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Koh Samui is known for its unique tropical nature and climate. Many tourists consider it a «paradise» of Southeast Asia. People come here in search of balance, to relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by coconut palms.

Among the main natural attractions of the island are numerous waterfalls, viewpoints, Ang Thong National Marine Park, snake and crocodile farms, and the aquarium.


The island is home to several Buddhist temples, though there are no historical ones among them — most of the monasteries were built in the late 20th century to attract tourists.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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The Big Buddha is located in the northeast of the island and serves as a major tourist attraction on Koh Samui. It was built in 1972 and symbolises clarity of mind and purity of intentions. The statue sits on a pedestal, accessible by a 60-step staircase. Around the statue are buildings in traditional Thai style.

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem
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A modern open-air Buddhist temple located 10 minutes from the Big Buddha. It was created by renowned Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming in 2004, blending elements of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese Buddhism. The main statue is an eighteen-armed Guanyin, made in the Chinese Buddhist artistic tradition. There are also many statues of Buddha, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities.

Fisherman’s Village

Fisherman’s Village
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Famous for its night market, Fisherman’s Village refers to a neighbourhood near Bo Phut Beach in the north of the island. Historically, the area was inhabited by Chinese fishermen who built wooden houses and made a living catching and selling fish. Today, it is a night market and promenade offering traditional Thai souvenirs, tropical fruits, as well as numerous restaurants and cafés serving national cuisine.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
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This is an archipelago of tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand, west of Koh Samui. The park consists of 42 mostly uninhabited islands with tropical nature. The islands are known for their many karst caves. Visiting the park typically involves booking a boat tour that includes snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking to a scenic viewpoint.

Pig Island (Koh Madsum)

Pig Island (Koh Madsum)
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A small island south of Koh Samui, known for its pristine nature and a colony of wild pigs that live along the coast. There are several theories about how the pigs arrived on the island: some say pirates brought them, while others believe they swam over from a neighbouring farm. The pigs are friendly and love interacting with tourists who arrive by boat.

Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)

Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden)
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The Magic Buddha Garden is a park located in the heart of Koh Samui. It was created by Nim Thongsuk, a durian farmer. The park features hundreds of stone Buddha statues set amidst tropical jungle.

Paradise Park Farm

Paradise Park Farm
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Paradise Park is a wildlife farm situated in the tropical heart of Koh Samui, on top of Khao Pom Mountain. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna in a petting zoo format, allowing visitors to interact with the animals. The farm also has a restaurant serving traditional cuisine.

Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram

Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram
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The famous temple of Wat Khunaram, with the mummified body of monk Luang Pho Daeng, is located in the southeast of the island. According to legend, the monk’s body was naturally mummified after his death in 1974, which he had previously predicted.

Waterfalls on Koh Samui

Waterfalls on Koh Samui
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Koh Samui has more than five major waterfalls, mostly located in the central part of the island. The most famous are Na Muang 1 and 2, Khun Si, Tan Rua, and Hin Lad. The waterfalls are most impressive during the rainy season, and some require a hike of about 1 km along a natural trail to reach.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
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The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are located near Bang Kao Beach in the southeast of the island. The aquarium houses rare species of fish and marine life from the Gulf of Thailand. For an additional fee, visitors can participate in feeding giant turtles. Besides marine life, tourists can enjoy a tiger show and take photos with the animals up close.

Viewpoints on Koh Samui

Viewpoints on Koh Samui
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The island has numerous viewpoints offering stunning views of the sea, tropical jungles, and nearby towns.

Some of them:

  • Lamai Viewpoint and Valentine’s Stone;
  • Lad Koh Viewpoint;
  • Overlap Stone Viewpoint;
  • The Mountain Grand View Restaurant with a panoramic terrace;
  • Buddha Teepangkorn Viewpoint.
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