Preparation a trip through the numerous islands of Thailand can seem overwhelming.

There are over a thousand Thai islands and they all have something different to provide.

The big industrialized islands have great deals of accessible tourist destinations, and the small unoccupied islands have raw, unblemished natural charm.

To make your trip-planning simpler, check out the larger islands that have a diverse series of landscapes and activities and explore them thoroughly.

One of the most fulfilling islands to check out is Koh Samui, the second biggest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our detailed travel plan posts).

Found in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a big island covered in forest and fringed with beautiful beaches.

Koh Samui has had a reputation for being rather ritzy and costly.

There are great deals of high-end resorts, fancy hotels and trip bundles that appeal to the rich, however recently the more regional, cost effective side of Koh Samui is starting to surface.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, low-cost trips and a long list of destinations are starting to pull more young budget tourists to Koh Samui.

The classic touristy Thai culture, with its Buddhist temples, Muay Thai boxing matches, and Ladyboy cabarets, is affordable enough that backpackers have the ability to travel Koh Samui without investing a fortune.

Soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water, and towering coconut palms make Koh Samui look like a postcard, and now the island is more budget friendly and available than ever.

There are lots of things to do in Koh Samui on a budget plan, and plenty of great hotels and restaurants to match those with more money to invest.

The island's natural appeal will astonish anybody, and there is so much Koh Samui sightseeing to do to fill a schedule of a couple of days and even a couple of weeks.

Here is a list of the finest things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand.

1) Schedule a Tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park

This is quickly among the best things to do in Koh Samui, and in the whole Gulf of Thailand.

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Ang Thong National Marine Park is an island chain of 42 islands, every one rugged and special.

Throughout the park you can find limestone cliffs, rocky caves, thick jungle, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, coral reefs, lagoons, hiking trails and sandy beaches, all linked by the vibrant blue ocean.

Highlights in the park include the Emerald Lake, or "Thale Nai", a green saltwater lake in the midst of the jungle, Koh Sam Sao, an island with amazing snorkelling, and Koh Mae, an island with a steep hike that causes a picturesque perspective.

Luckily, Ang Thong is well secured as a national park, so unique wildlife can grow and human advancement never ever exceeds its borders.

Just tour boats that are authorized by the federal government are permitted to get in, so tourists can not access the park without scheduling a tour.

There are lots of respectable tour companies offering inexpensive and extremely enjoyable tours around the island chain that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

BONUS-- Intrigued in reserving a tour online? Use the coupon code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when taking a look at and you'll get $5 off your first booking!

BOOK THIS TOUR ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

Some of the lots of rock formations at Ang Thong National Marine Park

2) See a Mummified Monk

Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple in Koh Samui popular for its mummified monk.

This sight isn't for the faint-hearted, as it is actually a dead body on display screen in a glass case. However it is rather remarkable for those who are interested.

Buddhist monk, Luang Pho Daeng, passed away in 1973 and his body is now a source of wonder for local Thais and Buddhists in the location.

He passed away while sitting in a meditative position and his corpse is in remarkably good shape for somebody who died over forty years back.

Make certain to follow holiday destinations correct dress code when going to any temples in Thailand (no shoulders or knees revealing).

Place: Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Cost: Free

LEARNT MORE: This post tells you everything you'll ever need to know about travelling to Thailand!

3) Go To the Huge Buddha

The Huge Buddha should absolutely belong on any list of things to see in Koh Samui.

Officially known as Wat Phra Yai, this Buddhist temple complex lies on a small island off of Koh Samui's northeastern coast.

The enormous golden Buddha sitting at the top of the temple stairs is 12 meters high and was built in 1972.

If you're flying into Koh Samui you can sometimes see the giant Buddha from the airplane.

The temple premises also host a small market with souvenirs, interesting clothes and religious accessories on sale.

Location: Big Buddha Beach, off Route 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open all day, every day

Cost: Free

Huge Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Looking up at Koh Samui's Huge Buddha

4) Indulge in a Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient healing practise that is revered all around Thailand.

The massage isn't as relaxing as traditional massages, it is expected to rejuvenate the body and feel incredible afterwards.

Trained Thai masseuses bend and twist your body into odd positions throughout a massage, and this gets the blood flowing and soothes as well as reinforces your muscles.

There are lots of medspas all over Koh Samui, so check them out if you feel like treating yourself.

5) Try Stand Paddleboarding

With ocean scenery as sensational as Koh Samui, do your finest to spend as much time in the water as possible.

For a relaxing and easygoing yet active day in Koh Samui try stand up paddleboarding. (You can reserve your SUP experience here.).

Paddleboards are heavy and strong, so they are simple to stabilize on even if it's your first time.

This is a great method to soak in the views and spend quality time with the ocean, and it is a family-friendly activity.

Try paddling at dawn or sundown to beat the heat and see the sky's natural colours dancing above the water.

BOOK A SUNSET SUP TRIP.

PERK-- Intrigued in booking a tour online? Use the coupon code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when taking a look at and you'll get $5 off your first booking!

6) Relax Away on among Koh Samui's Beautiful Beaches.

You merely can't visit Koh Samui without visiting a few of the island's attractive beaches.

Chaweng Beach is the most popular put on the island, with lots of Koh Samui attractions and night life surrounding the beach.

So if you're wondering what to do in Koh Samui, hit Chaweng Beach first, then figure the rest out from there.

Lamai Beach is the 2nd most popular beach, and but it is less crowded and much more relaxing than Chaweng.

Coral Cove Beach is lovely for snorkelling and is hidden in a little bay behind a hotel.

Choeng Mon Beach is found on the north of the island near the Huge Buddha, and there are lots of nice hotels and beach bars up here.

Lipa Noi Beach is the most kid-friendly of Koh Samui's beaches, as it has shallow, clear water and barely any coral or rocks.

Practically every beach here has velvety white sand and coconut palm trees offering shade, and the water is clear and rejuvenating everywhere too.

So pick any beach on Koh Samui and you'll feel like you remain in paradise.

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The hectic shores of Chaweng Beach.

7) Explore the Secret Buddha Garden.

The Secret Buddha Garden is among the most intriguing Koh Samui destinations.

Back in 1976, a local farmer called Nim Thongsuk started developing the garden by setting up statues around his land.

Years later on, the statues of Buddhas, other divine beings, animals and random creatures have taken over and the lush jungle gardens supply a good background to all the artwork.

Spend an hour walking through the tranquil green forest and admiring all the interesting statues; there is a sense of secret here that is interesting.

Some experience trips around Koh Samui stop here as part of their schedule, though you can also drive on your own.

Area: Off Path 4169 at Baan Saket, Thanon Dhupatemiya, Na Mueang, Koh Samui.

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, open every day.

Cost: 80 Baht.

FOUND OUT MORE: Do not miss out on all the best things to do in Ao Nang when you are in southern Thaiand!

8) Taste Regional Food at the Chaweng Night Market.

For a few of the very best street food in Koh Samui, head to the Chaweng Night Market.

This is one of the busiest locations on the island, so the marketplace has lots of things to see and is packed every night with locals and travelers alike.

Test tasty local snacks for insanely cheap rates, and even get a square meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is mostly comprised of food, but you can also discover some clothing, jewellery, and other timeless mementos on sale too.

Location: 14/102 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320.

Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm, open every day.

READ MORE: Plan your journey to Thailand with our thorough Thailand Travel Guide.

9) Check Out Wat Plai Laem.

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