Planning a journey through the numerous islands of Thailand can appear frustrating.

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

The big developed islands have great deals of accessible tourist attractions, and the little unoccupied islands have raw, unblemished natural beauty.

To make your trip-planning simpler, visit the bigger islands that have a diverse series of landscapes and activities and explore them completely.

One of the most rewarding islands to check out is Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our detailed itinerary posts).

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a substantial island covered in forest and fringed with pristine beaches.

Koh Samui has had a credibility for being rather ritzy and pricey.

There are great deals of high-end resorts, fancy hotels and vacation bundles that attract the rich, however just recently the more local, affordable side of Koh Samui is beginning to surface.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, low-cost trips and a long list of attractions are beginning to pull more young budget visitors 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 take a trip Koh Samui without spending a fortune.

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

There are plenty of things to do in Koh Samui on a spending plan, and plenty of great hotels and dining establishments to fit those with more cash to invest.

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

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

1) Book a Tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park

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

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

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 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 causes a picturesque perspective.

Thankfully, Ang Thong is well protected as a national park, so exotic wildlife can grow and human advancement never violates its boundaries.

Just trip boats that are approved by the government are allowed to get in, so visitors can not access the park without reserving a trip.

But there are great deals of reputable trip business offering economical and super enjoyable tours around the island chain that consist of snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

BENEFIT-- Interested in booking a trip online? Use the coupon code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when having a look at and you'll get $5 off your very first booking!

BOOK THIS TRIP 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 screen in a glass case. It is quite interesting for those who are interested.

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

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

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

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

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Expense: Free

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

3) Check Out the Big Buddha

The Huge Buddha needs to certainly 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 little island off of Koh Samui's northeastern coast.

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

If you're flying into Koh Samui you can often see the giant Buddha from the plane.

The temple grounds likewise host a little market with mementos, interesting clothes and religious accessories on sale.

Location: Big Buddha Beach, off Path 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open throughout the day, every day

Expense: Free

Big Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Searching for at Koh tourist attractions in koh samui Samui's Big Buddha

4) Indulge in a Thai Massage

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

Though the massage isn't as unwinding as conventional massages, it is expected to revitalize the body and feel amazing 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 a lot of health spas all over Koh Samui, so examine them out if you seem like treating yourself.

5) Try Stand Up Paddleboarding

With ocean landscapes as spectacular 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 book your SUP experience here.).

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

This is a terrific way to soak in the views and spend quality time with the ocean, and it is a family-friendly activity as well.

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

BOOK A SUNSET SUP TOUR.

REWARD-- Interested in scheduling a trip online? Use the voucher code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when checking out and you'll get $5 off your very first booking!

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

You simply can't go to Koh Samui without visiting a few of the island's picturesque beaches.

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

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

Lamai Beach is the 2nd most popular beach, and but it is less congested and a lot more peaceful than Chaweng.

Coral Cove Beach is beautiful for snorkelling and is hidden in a small bay behind a hotel.

Choeng Mon Beach is located on the north of the island near the Huge Buddha, and there are lots of great 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 hardly any coral or rocks.

Basically every beach here has velvety white sand and coconut palm trees supplying shade, and the water is clear and revitalizing all over too.

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

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The hectic coasts of Chaweng Beach.

7) Check Out the Secret Buddha Garden.

The Secret Buddha Garden is one of the most fascinating Koh Samui tourist attractions.

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

Years later, the statues of Buddhas, other deities, animals and random creatures have actually taken control of and the rich jungle gardens provide a nice background to all the artwork.

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

Some adventure trips around Koh Samui stop here as part of their itinerary, though you can likewise drive on your own.

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

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

Expense: 80 Baht.

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

8) Taste Regional Food at the Chaweng Night Market.

For some 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 jam-packed every night with locals and travelers alike.

Test delicious local treats for insanely low-cost costs, and even get a full meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is mainly comprised of food, however you can also find some clothing, jewellery, and other traditional mementos on sale also.

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

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

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