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 various to provide.

The big industrialized islands have lots of available tourist destinations, and the little uninhabited islands have raw, untouched natural appeal.

To make your trip-planning easier, go to the larger islands that have a varied range of landscapes and activities and explore them completely.

Among the most satisfying islands to check out is Koh Samui, the second 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 had a credibility for being rather ritzy and expensive.

There are lots of luxury resorts, elegant hotels and holiday bundles that attract the wealthy, but recently the more local, cost effective side of Koh Samui is beginning to surface area.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, cheap tours and a long list of attractions are beginning 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 budget friendly enough that backpackers have the ability to take a trip Koh Samui without investing a fortune.

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

There are lots of things to do in Koh Samui on a budget plan, and lots of good hotels and restaurants adventures in koh samui to fit those with more cash to invest.

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

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

1) Reserve a Tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park

This is easily 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 special.

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

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

Fortunately, Ang Thong is well secured as a national forest, so exotic wildlife can grow and human development never oversteps its borders.

Only tour boats that are authorized by the government are enabled to get in, so visitors can not access the park without booking a tour.

There are lots of respectable tour business using economical and very fun trips around the island chain that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

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

BOOK THIS TRIP ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

Some 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 popular for its mummified monk.

This sight isn't for the faint-hearted, as it is literally a dead body on display screen in a glass case. However 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 wonder for regional Thais and Buddhists in the location.

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

Make certain to follow correct dress code when going to 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

LEARNT MORE: This post tells you everything you'll ever require to learn about taking a trip to Thailand!

3) Visit the Huge Buddha

The Big Buddha ought to definitely belong on any list of things to see in Koh Samui.

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

The huge 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 in some cases see the giant Buddha from the airplane.

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

Location: Big Buddha Beach, off Route 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open all the time, every day

Expense: Free

Huge Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Looking up at Koh Samui's Big 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 unwinding as conventional massages, it is supposed to renew the body and feel amazing later on.

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

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

5) Try Stand Up Paddleboarding

With ocean landscapes 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 attempt stand paddleboarding. (You can reserve 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 invest quality time with the ocean, and it is a family-friendly activity.

Attempt 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-- Interested in scheduling a trip online? Use the voucher code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when taking a look at and you'll get $5 off your very first reservation!

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

You merely can't check out Koh Samui without checking out a few of the island's picturesque beaches.

Chaweng Beach is the most popular place on the island, with lots of Koh Samui tourist attractions and night life 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 second most popular beach, and however it is less crowded and much more peaceful than Chaweng.

Coral Cove Beach is charming for snorkelling and is concealed in a little bay behind a hotel.

Choeng Mon Beach is located on the north of the island near the Huge 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.

Basically every beach here has creamy white sand and coconut palm trees providing shade, and the water is clear and rejuvenating 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 busy coasts of Chaweng Beach.

7) Check Out the Secret Buddha Garden.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost: 80 Baht.

LEARNT MORE: Don't lose out on all the best things to do in Ao Nang when you remain 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 locations on the island, so the market has lots of things to see and is jam-packed every night with residents and travelers alike.

Test delicious local treats for insanely inexpensive rates, or even get a full meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is mostly made up of food, but you can likewise discover some clothes, jewellery, and other classic mementos on sale.

Area: 14/102 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Roadway, Chaweng, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320.

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

READ MORE: Strategy your journey