Preparation a trip through the lots of islands of Thailand can appear overwhelming.

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

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

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

One of the most gratifying islands to visit is Koh Samui, the 2nd biggest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our comprehensive schedule posts).

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

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

There are great deals of luxury resorts, fancy hotels and vacation plans that interest the rich, however just recently the more local, budget friendly side of Koh Samui is starting to surface.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, low-cost trips and a long list of destinations are beginning to pull more young budget visitors to Koh Samui.

The timeless touristy Thai culture, with its Buddhist temples, Muay Thai boxing matches, and Ladyboy cabarets, is economical 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 cost effective and available than ever.

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

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

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

1) Schedule a Trip 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 archipelago of 42 islands, every one rugged and special.

Throughout the park you can find limestone cliffs, rocky caves, thick jungle, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, coral reefs, lagoons, hiking routes and sandy beaches, all linked by the lively blue ocean.

Emphasizes in the park include the Emerald Lake, or "Thale Nai", a green saltwater lake in the middle of the jungle, Koh Sam Sao, travel guide an island with incredible snorkelling, and Koh Mae, an island with a steep hike that causes a picturesque viewpoint.

Thankfully, Ang Thong is well protected as a national forest, so exotic wildlife can grow and human advancement never ever oversteps its borders.

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

There are lots of trusted tour companies using affordable and extremely enjoyable tours around the archipelago that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

BONUS OFFER-- Intrigued in scheduling a tour online? Utilize the voucher code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when checking out and you'll get $5 off your first reservation!

BOOK THIS TOUR ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

Some 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 display screen in a glass case. It is rather fascinating for those who are interested.

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

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

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

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

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Cost: Free

LEARNT MORE: This post informs you whatever you'll ever require to understand about taking a trip to Thailand!

3) Visit the Huge Buddha

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

Formally 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 tall and was integrated in 1972.

If you're flying into Koh Samui you can sometimes see the huge Buddha from the aircraft.

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

Place: Big Buddha Beach, off Route 4171, Bophut

Hours: Open all the time, every day

Cost: Free

Huge Buddha, Things To Do In Koh Samui

Looking up at Koh Samui's Huge 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 unwinding as conventional massages, it is expected to renew the body and feel incredible afterwards.

Trained Thai masseuses bend and twist your body into odd positions throughout a massage, and this gets the blood streaming and relieves in addition to reinforces your muscles.

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

5) Attempt Stand Up Paddleboarding

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

For a relaxing and laid-back yet active day in Koh Samui try stand paddleboarding. (You can reserve your SUP experience here.).

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

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

Attempt paddling at sunrise 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 reserving a trip online? Use the voucher code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when taking a look at and you'll get $5 off your first reservation!

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

You simply can't visit Koh Samui without checking out a few of the island's attractive beaches.

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

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

Lamai Beach is the 2nd most popular beach, and but it is less crowded and much more relaxing than Chaweng.

Coral Cove Beach is charming for snorkelling and is hidden 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 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.

Pretty much every beach here has creamy white sand and coconut palm trees offering shade, and the water is clear and refreshing everywhere too.

Pick 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 shores of Chaweng Beach.

7) Explore the Secret Buddha Garden.

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

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

Years later, the statues of Buddhas, other deities, animals and random creatures have actually taken over and the rich jungle gardens supply a good background to all the art work.

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

Some adventure trips around Koh Samui stop here as part of their travel plan, though you can likewise 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.

Expense: 80 Baht.

FOUND OUT MORE: Don't lose out on all the very 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 very best street food in Koh Samui, head to the Chaweng Night Market.

This is among the busiest locations on the island, so the marketplace has plenty of things to see and is packed every night with residents and travelers alike.

Test flavorful local snacks for remarkably low-cost costs, or even get a full meal for less than 2 USD.

The market is primarily comprised of food, but you can likewise find some clothes, jewellery, and other timeless keepsakes on sale.

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

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

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