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

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

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

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

Among the most gratifying islands to visit is Koh Samui, the second biggest island in Thailand after Phuket (click vacation destinations the link to read our in-depth itinerary posts).

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

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

There are great deals of high-end resorts, expensive hotels and trip packages that attract the rich, but recently the more local, economical side of Koh Samui is starting to surface area.

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

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

There are lots of things to do in Koh Samui on a budget, and lots of good hotels and dining establishments to fit those with more cash to invest.

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

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

1) Book a Trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park

This is easily one of the very 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 archipelago of 42 islands, each one rugged and unique.

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

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

Luckily, Ang Thong is well protected as a national forest, so unique wildlife can thrive and human advancement never oversteps its borders.

Only tour boats that are authorized by the federal government are permitted to get in, so travellers can not access the park without reserving a tour.

There are lots of respectable trip companies providing budget friendly and extremely enjoyable tours around the archipelago that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

BONUS OFFER-- Intrigued in booking a trip online? Use the discount coupon code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when checking out and you'll get $5 off your very first reservation!

BOOK THIS TRIP ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

A few of the lots of rock developments at Ang Thong National Marine Park

2) See a Mummified Monk

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

This sight isn't for the faint-hearted, as it is actually a dead body on display in a glass case. But it is quite remarkable 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 died while being in a meditative position and his remains remains in surprisingly good condition for somebody who died over forty years ago.

Make certain to follow appropriate gown code when visiting any temples in Thailand (no shoulders or knees revealing).

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

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Cost: Free

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

3) Go To the Huge Buddha

The Big Buddha should certainly belong 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 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 airplane.

The temple premises likewise host a small market with souvenirs, intriguing clothing and spiritual accessories on sale.

Location: Big Buddha Beach, off Path 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open throughout the day, every day

Expense: Free

Huge Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Searching for at Koh Samui's Huge Buddha

4) Delight In a Thai Massage

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

The massage isn't as relaxing as standard massages, it is supposed to revitalize 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 as well as enhances your muscles.

There are plenty of day spas all over Koh Samui, so check them out if you feel like treating yourself.

5) Attempt Stand Up Paddleboarding

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

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

Paddleboards are heavy and durable, so they are easy 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.

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

BOOK A SUNSET SUP TOUR.

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

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

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

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

If you're questioning 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 however it is less crowded and much 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 found on the north of the island near the Big Buddha, and there are great deals 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 supplying shade, and the water is clear and rejuvenating everywhere too.

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

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The busy shores of Chaweng Beach.

7) Explore the Secret Buddha Garden.

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

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

Years later, the statues of Buddhas, other divine beings, animals and random animals have taken control of and the rich jungle gardens provide a nice background to all the art work.

Invest an hour walking through the peaceful green forest and appreciating all the interesting statues; there is a sense of secret here that is appealing.

Some experience tours around Koh Samui stop here as part of their travel plan, though you can likewise drive by yourself.

Location: Off Route 4169 at Baan Saket, Thanon Dhupatemiya, Na Mueang, Koh Samui.

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

Expense: 80 Baht.

READ MORE: Don't lose out on all the very best things to do in Ao Nang when you remain in southern Thaiand!

8) Taste Local 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 areas on the island, so the market is full of things to see and is jam-packed every night with residents and tourists alike.

Test tasty regional snacks for remarkably low-cost prices, or perhaps get a square meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is primarily made up of food, however you can also discover some clothes, jewellery, and other timeless keepsakes on sale.

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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