Best Travel Guide Koh Samui | ArrivalGuides.com

Koh SamuiGuide was updated: 2024-07-08

With its breathtaking beaches, secluded waterfalls, bustling night markets, and electric nightlife, Koh Samui offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—maybe that explains why this small island in the Gulf of Thailand attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.

Do & See

On Koh Samui you can choose to do nothing, or to do everything. The island is perfect for a relaxing holiday on the beach, with colorful drinks in your hand and sun on your skin. For the more adventurous ones there is plenty to explore, from nature to shopping and food.

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is one of Koh Samui's most attractive temples. This fairly new sight was completed in 2004 and is a colourful complex with a traditional Thai-Chinese style. The temple holds two giant, colourful statues of Happy Buddha and Guanyin that will amaze you. Do not miss the large Golden Buddha inside Wat Plai Laem.

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Koh Tao

Koh Tao means 'Turtle Island' in Thai, as this was once an important breeding ground for sea turtles, which have been reintroduced to the island's ecosystem in 2004. Koh Tao is worldwide famous for its beautiful coral reef and marine life, which make it a popular place for snorkelling and scuba diving. Hikers might want to try and reach John-Suwan Viewpoint or Mango Viewpoint.

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Koh Nang Yuan

If you would like to see what paradise is like, you should take a day trip to Koh Nang Yuan, which is an island located only a few hundred meters from Ko Tao and linked to two other islands by a limb of white sand. Here you can unwind free from all cars and hustle, but also snorkel in beautiful waters.

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Secret Buddha Garden

The Secret Buddha Garden was built in 1976 by a fruit farmer called Nim Thongsuk and took around fifteen years to finish. This peaceful place can be found in the hills of Samui Island inside the verdant jungle. The garden is decorated with sculptures portraying both humans and deities in various poses. Getting there quite difficult so booking a tour in advance is highly recommended.

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Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

Koh Samui’s mummified monk at Wat Khunaram is an unusual sight but still offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. The mummified monk Luong Pordaeng died in 1973 and his body has been on display in a glass case at the temple ever since. Remarkably, the monk’s body shows little sign of decay.

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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Big Buddha Temple, locally known as Wat Phra Yai, is majestically located on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner (Koh Faan). The golden, twelve-meter seated Buddha statue was built in 1972 and is one of the island's most popular attractions.

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Population:	68,000 (2023)
Currency:	Thai Baht (THB)
Emergency Numbers:	Police, Ambulance: 191 or 911 Tourist Police: 1155 Fire Brigade: 1669
Opening Hours:	Most shops and restaurants in Koh Samui have long opening hours. The shops in Lamai and Chaweng are generally open from 11am–11pm/midnight and in Nathon from 10am–6pm. Banking hours are from 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday.