Preparation a journey through the numerous islands of Thailand can appear overwhelming.

There are over a thousand Thai islands and they all have something various to offer.

The big developed islands have lots of available traveler destinations, and the little unoccupied islands have raw, unblemished natural appeal.

To make your trip-planning simpler, go to the bigger islands that have a varied range of landscapes and activities and explore them thoroughly.

Among the most satisfying islands to visit is Koh Samui, the 2nd biggest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our in-depth 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 actually had a reputation for being quite ritzy and costly.

There are great deals of high-end resorts, fancy hotels and holiday packages that interest the rich, but recently the more local, inexpensive side of Koh Samui is beginning to surface.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, cheap trips and a long list of attractions are beginning to pull more young budget plan tourists to Koh Samui.

The traditional touristy Thai culture, with its Buddhist temples, Muay Thai boxing matches, and Ladyboy cabarets, is budget-friendly enough that backpackers are able to travel Koh Samui without spending a fortune.

Soft white sand, sparkling turquoise water, and towering coconut palms make Koh Samui look like a postcard, and now the island is more affordable and accessible than ever.

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

The island's natural charm will surprise anyone, and there is a lot Koh Samui sightseeing to do to fill a schedule of a few days and even a couple of weeks.

So here is a list of the very best things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand.

1) Schedule a Trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park

This is easily 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 unique.

Throughout the park you can discover limestone cliffs, rocky caverns, thick jungle, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, coral reefs, lagoons, treking tracks and sandy beaches, all linked by the dynamic blue ocean.

Emphasizes 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 remarkable snorkelling, and Koh Mae, an island with a high hike that leads to a scenic viewpoint.

Thankfully, Ang Thong is well safeguarded as a national park, so exotic wildlife can thrive and human advancement never oversteps its borders.

Only tour boats that are approved by the government are permitted to enter, so tourists can not access the park without reserving a trip.

There are lots of credible tour business using inexpensive and super fun trips around the island chain that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

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

BOOK THIS TOUR ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

Some of the many rock developments at Ang Thong National Marine Park

2) See a Mummified Monk

Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple in Koh Samui well-known for its mummified monk.

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

Buddhist monk, Luang Pho Daeng, passed away in 1973 and his body is now a source of marvel for regional Thais and Buddhists in the area.

He died while sitting in a meditative position and his remains remains in remarkably good condition for somebody who passed away over forty years earlier.

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

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

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Cost: Free

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

3) Check Out the Huge Buddha

The Big Buddha should absolutely have a place on any list of things to see in Koh Samui.

Formally called Wat Phra Yai, this Buddhist temple complex is located on a small island off of Koh Samui's northeastern coast.

The massive 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 huge Buddha from the aircraft.

The temple grounds also host a small market with keepsakes, intriguing clothing and spiritual ornaments on sale.

Location: Big Buddha Beach, off Route 4171, world travel guide Bophut

Hours: Open throughout the day, every day

Cost: Free

Huge Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Looking up at Koh Samui's Big 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 unwinding as conventional massages, it is expected to invigorate the body and feel remarkable later on.

Trained Thai masseuses bend and twist your body into odd positions throughout a massage, and this gets the blood streaming and relieves in addition to enhances your muscles.

There are plenty of health spas all over Koh Samui, so inspect them out if you seem like treating yourself.

5) Attempt Stand Up Paddleboarding

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

For a relaxing and laid-back yet active day in Koh Samui try stand paddleboarding. (You can book your SUP experience here.).

Paddleboards are heavy and tough, so they are simple to balance on even if it's your very first time.

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

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

BOOK A SUNDOWN SUP TOUR.

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

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

You just can't visit Koh Samui without going to a few of the island's stunning beaches.

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

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

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

Coral Cove Beach is charming 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 Big 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.

Pretty much every beach here has creamy white sand and coconut palm trees providing shade, and the water is clear and rejuvenating all over too.

Pick any beach on Koh Samui and you'll feel like you're in paradise.

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The busy coasts 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 regional farmer named Nim Thongsuk started developing the garden by establishing statues around his land.

Years later, the statues of Buddhas, other deities, animals and random animals have actually taken over and the lavish jungle gardens provide a nice background to all the art work.

Spend an hour strolling through the serene green forest and appreciating all the intriguing statues; there is a sense of mystery here that is intriguing.

Some adventure trips around Koh Samui stop here as part of their itinerary, though you can also drive by yourself.

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

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

Cost: 80 Baht.

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

8) Taste Local Food at the Chaweng Night Market.

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

This is one of the busiest areas on the island, so the marketplace has lots of things to see and is packed every night with residents and tourists alike.

Test delicious regional snacks for remarkably low-cost rates, or even get a square meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is mainly comprised of food, however you can likewise discover some clothing, jewellery, and other classic mementos on sale too.

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

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

FOUND OUT MORE: Strategy your trip to Thailand with our comprehensive Thailand Travel