Planning a trip through the numerous islands of Thailand can seem overwhelming.

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

The big industrialized islands have lots of accessible tourist attractions, and the little unoccupied islands have raw, untouched natural appeal.

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

Among the most satisfying islands to check out is Koh Samui, the 2nd largest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our comprehensive schedule 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 reputation for being quite ritzy and expensive.

There are great deals of high-end resorts, fancy hotels and trip packages that interest the wealthy, but recently the more local, budget friendly side of Koh Samui is starting to surface area.

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

The timeless touristy Thai culture, with its Buddhist temples, Muay Thai boxing matches, and Ladyboy cabarets, is budget-friendly enough that backpackers have the ability to travel Koh Samui without investing 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 affordable and accessible than ever.

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

The island's natural beauty will impress anyone, 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 finest 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 whole Gulf of Thailand.

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Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, each one rugged and distinct.

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

Highlights in the park consist of the Emerald Lake, or "Thale Nai", a green saltwater lake in the middle of the jungle, Koh Sam Sao, an island with remarkable snorkelling, and Koh Mae, an island with a high hike that results in a picturesque perspective.

Thankfully, Ang Thong is well safeguarded as a national forest, so unique wildlife can grow and human development never violates its borders.

Only trip boats that are approved by the federal government are allowed to go into, so visitors can not access the park without reserving a trip.

There are lots of trustworthy tour business offering budget-friendly and extremely fun trips around the island chain that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

REWARD-- Interested in reserving a tour online? Utilize the voucher code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when taking a look at 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 formations 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 screen in a glass case. It is rather remarkable for those who are interested.

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

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

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

Place: 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 whatever you'll ever require to understand about taking a trip 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.

Officially referred to as Wat Phra Yai, this Buddhist temple complex is located 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 often see the huge Buddha from the airplane.

The temple premises likewise host a little market with keepsakes, intriguing clothes and religious ornaments on sale.

Area: Big Buddha Beach, off Route 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open all the time, every day

Cost: Free

Big Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Looking up at Koh Samui's Big Buddha

4) Enjoy a Thai Massage

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

Though the massage isn't as unwinding as standard massages, it is supposed to rejuvenate the body and feel fantastic later on.

Trained Thai masseuses bend and twist your body into odd positions throughout a massage, and this gets the blood streaming and soothes as well as strengthens your muscles.

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

5) Attempt Stand Up Paddleboarding

With ocean landscapes as sensational 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 up paddleboarding. (You can schedule your SUP experience here.).

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

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

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

BOOK A SUNDOWN SUP TRIP.

BONUS-- Intrigued in booking a trip 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 check out Koh Samui without going to a few of the island's picturesque beaches.

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

So if you're questioning 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 however it is less crowded and a lot more peaceful than Chaweng.

Coral Cove Beach is lovely 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 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 hardly any coral or rocks.

Practically every beach here has creamy white sand and coconut palm trees providing shade, and the water is clear and revitalizing everywhere too.

Select 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 shores of Chaweng Beach.

7) Explore the Secret Buddha Garden.

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

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

Years later, the statues of Buddhas, other divine beings, animals and random animals have actually taken over and the rich jungle gardens offer a great background to all the art work.

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

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

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

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

Cost: 80 Baht.

READ 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 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 locals and tourists alike.

Test tasty regional treats for remarkably low-cost rates, and 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 keepsakes 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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