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

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

The huge developed islands have great deals of accessible traveler attractions, and the small unoccupied islands have raw, unblemished natural beauty.

To make your trip-planning easier, check out the larger islands that have a varied variety of landscapes and activities and explore them thoroughly.

Among the most fulfilling islands to check out is Koh Samui, the 2nd biggest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our in-depth itinerary posts).

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

Koh Samui has actually had a track record for being rather ritzy and costly.

There are great deals of luxury resorts, fancy hotels and trip plans that attract the wealthy, however just recently the more regional, economical side of Koh Samui is starting to surface area.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, low-cost trips and a long list of destinations are starting 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 have the ability to take a trip Koh Samui without spending a fortune.

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

There are a lot of things to do in Koh Samui on a budget plan, and lots of good hotels and restaurants to fit those with more money to spend.

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

So 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 quickly among the very 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 archipelago of 42 islands, every one rugged and distinct.

Throughout the park you can discover limestone cliffs, rocky caves, thick jungle, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, reef, lagoons, treking trails and sandy beaches, all connected by the vibrant blue ocean.

Emphasizes 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 high hike that causes a beautiful viewpoint.

Fortunately, Ang Thong is well safeguarded as a national park, so exotic wildlife can flourish and human advancement never violates its borders.

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

But there are lots of reputable trip business using budget-friendly and super fun trips around the archipelago that consist of snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

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

BOOK THIS TOUR ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

A few of the numerous rock check here 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. But it is rather fascinating for those who are interested.

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

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

Make certain to follow appropriate gown code when checking out 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

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

3) Go To the Huge Buddha

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

Officially called Wat Phra Yai, this Buddhist temple complex lies on a small 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 huge Buddha from the airplane.

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

Area: Big Buddha Beach, off Path 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open all the time, every day

Expense: Free

Big Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Searching for at Koh Samui's Big Buddha

4) Indulge in a Thai Massage

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

Though the massage isn't as relaxing as traditional massages, it is expected to renew the body and feel remarkable later on.

Trained Thai masseuses bend and twist your body into odd positions during a massage, and this gets the blood streaming and soothes along with enhances your muscles.

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

5) Attempt Stand Paddleboarding

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

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

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

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

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

BOOK A SUNDOWN SUP TOUR.

REWARD-- 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) Laze Away on among Koh Samui's Beautiful Beaches.

You simply can't check out 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 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tourist attractions in koh samui and nightlife surrounding the beach.

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

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

Coral Cove Beach is lovely for snorkelling and is concealed in a small bay behind a hotel.

Choeng Mon Beach is found on the north of the island near the Huge Buddha, and there are great deals 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 creamy white sand and coconut palm trees supplying shade, and the water is clear and rejuvenating all over too.

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

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The busy shores of Chaweng Beach.

7) Check Out the Secret Buddha Garden.

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

Back in 1976, a local farmer named Nim Thongsuk started developing the garden by establishing 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 lush jungle gardens offer a good background to all the art work.

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

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

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

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

Cost: 80 Baht.

READ MORE: Don't lose out on all the 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 among the busiest areas on the island, so the marketplace has lots of things to see and is jam-packed every night with residents and tourists alike.

Test flavorful regional treats for insanely inexpensive rates, or even get a square meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is primarily comprised of food, however you can also discover some clothes, jewellery, and other classic mementos on sale too.

Place: 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 trip to Thailand