Planning a journey through the numerous islands of Thailand can appear overwhelming.

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

The huge industrialized islands have lots of available tourist destinations, and the small uninhabited islands have raw, unblemished natural charm.

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

Among the most rewarding islands to go to is Koh Samui, the 2nd largest island in Thailand after Phuket (click the link to read our detailed 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 track record for being quite ritzy and costly.

There are lots of luxury resorts, expensive hotels and vacation packages that attract the rich, but recently the more local, affordable side of Koh Samui is beginning to surface.

Backpacker hostels, street markets, cheap tours and a long list of attractions are beginning to pull more young budget plan travellers to Koh Samui.

The timeless touristy Thai culture, with its Buddhist temples, Muay Thai boxing matches, and Ladyboy cabarets, is cost effective enough that backpackers have the ability to travel Koh Samui without investing a fortune.

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

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

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

So here is a list of the best things to https://truxgo.net/blogs/226068/350084/places-to-visit-in-koh-samui-thailand do in Koh Samui, Thailand.

1) Book a Tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park

This is quickly one of 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 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, reef, lagoons, treking trails and sandy beaches, all linked 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 incredible snorkelling, and Koh Mae, an island with a high walking that leads to a picturesque perspective.

Thankfully, Ang Thong is well protected as a national park, so exotic wildlife can grow and human development never ever violates its borders.

Just tour boats that are authorized by the federal government are enabled to enter, so travellers can not access the park without scheduling a trip.

There are lots of reliable trip business providing budget friendly and very enjoyable tours around the island chain that include snorkelling, kayaking, and relaxing.

REWARD-- Intrigued in reserving a tour online? Use the voucher code "NMDSKLK" on Klook when checking out and you'll get $5 off your very first booking!

BOOK THIS TRIP ON KLOOK

Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand

Some of the numerous 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 actually a dead body on screen in a glass case. It is rather interesting 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 area.

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

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

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

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm, open every day

Cost: Free

READ MORE: This post informs you whatever you'll ever need to know about taking a trip to Thailand!

3) Visit the Huge Buddha

The Big Buddha must absolutely have a place on any list of things to see in Koh Samui.

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

The enormous 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 plane.

The temple grounds likewise host a small market with keepsakes, fascinating clothes and religious accessories on sale.

Area: Big Buddha Beach, off Path 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 healing practise that is revered all around Thailand.

The massage isn't as unwinding as standard massages, it is supposed to renew the body and feel amazing afterwards.

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

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

5) Attempt Stand Up Paddleboarding

With ocean landscapes as sensational as Koh Samui, do your best 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 reserve your SUP experience here.).

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

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

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

BOOK A SUNSET 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 reservation!

6) Laze 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 picturesque beaches.

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

So 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 second 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 located on the north of the island near the Huge Buddha, and there are lots 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 velvety white sand and coconut palm trees supplying shade, and the water is clear and rejuvenating everywhere too.

So choose any beach on Koh Samui and you'll feel like you remain in paradise.

Chaweng Beach Things To Do In Koh Samui Thailand.

The hectic coasts of Chaweng Beach.

7) Explore the Secret Buddha Garden.

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

Back in 1976, a regional farmer called Nim Thongsuk began producing the garden by establishing statues around his land.

Years later on, the statues of Buddhas, other divine beings, animals and random creatures have taken over and the lush jungle gardens supply a nice background to all the art work.

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

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

Place: 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 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 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 is full of things to see and is jam-packed every night with locals and travelers alike.

Sample tasty regional treats for remarkably cheap rates, or perhaps get a full meal for less than 2 USD.

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

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

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

FOUND OUT MORE: Plan your journey to Thailand