Samui's Beaches

Bang Kao Beach
Locatd at the south coast of Koh Samui consists of some smaller beaches with breathtaking views to the islands dotted at the horizon. A famous landmark is the Laem Sor Chedi sitting at the rocky water’s edge. There are lots of luxurious boutique resorts and private villas offering a tranquil atmosphere with beachside restaurants and spas to lift your spirit and body.
The Samui Butterfly Garden and Samui Aquarium are just a stones throw away while the nightlife and shopping area of Lamai can be reached within 15 minutes. Bang Por Beach
In the north of Samui, is a very quiet part of the island with small tranquil beaches scattered along the coast. Boutique resorts and luxurious villas guaranty a relaxing vacation and amazing sunsets can be watched while enjoying a delicious dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
It is only a 10 minutes drive to Nathon, the capital of Samui, to do some shopping, banking or strolling through the market. Big Buddha Beach
Is located in the Northeast of Samui has smooth sand, good swimming preferences and safe for children. From here you have fantastic views over the 12 meter high golden Big Buddha and Koh Phangan. Big Buddha Beach has everything to offer like restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities and all kind of accommodations from simple beach huts to tropical resorts catering to all budgets.
The nightlife of Chaweng is just a 15min drive away and daily boats to Koh Phangan and the monthly Full Moon Party are leaving from here.
Bophut Beach
Located in the North of Samui. Between Maenam and Chaweng, Bophut consists of the Fisherman's Village and the beaches West of it. The beach at the village is small and not to suitable for swimming as there are many tour and diving boats going from here to other islands
It still conveys the atmosphere of a small fisher village but there are plenty of restaurants and shops as well as cafes and bars to enjoy a beautiful sunset with Koh Phangan at the horizon. Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is the most popular area with 6km of a white sandy beach and clear waters. With plenty of hotels and resorts, restaurants, spas, discotheques, bars and shopping facilities it is the main tourist center and nightlife area.
As the sea is partly shallow most of the year it is the perfect place for families with small kids and all kind of water sports can be enjoyed. After a relaxing day on the beach you can have a dinner in one of the seafood restaurants, sip a drink at a bar or just stroll along the beach road to fulfill your shopping desires. Choengmon Beach
The secluded beach, 4 km north of Chaweng Beach and 5 minutes from Bophut's Fisherman's Village, is the perfect beach for families and couples who want to enjoy peaceful and quiet beach holidays. The water is comparative shallow and makes it safe for children to play and snorkelers can explore the colorful underwater world right from the beach.
Accommodations dotted along the coastline catering for all budgets. Water sports, like wind surfing and canoeing, and other activities are readily available as well as some shopping opportunities and restaurants. Hua Thanon Beach
A 10 minute drive south of Lamai is the home of the Muslim fishing community with a daily fresh seafood market and dozens of colorful longtail-boats. The Samui Aquarium and the Butterfly Garden are located there.
Luxurious boutique resorts on the tranquil beaches of Laem Set, Bang Kao and the hillsides offer scenic views to the nearby islands of Koh Tan and Koh Matsum and the mainland at the horizon. There is no nightlife but all for a relaxing and quiet holiday. Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is the second popular beach after Chaweng and stretches over 4km along the East coast. The beach is not as wide as Chaweng and the sea gets quickly deeper making it perfect for swimming and water sports.
At the southern end of the beach the famous Grandfather & Grandmother rock formations called Hin Ta - Hin Yai, stretch their bizarre shapes in the sky. Restaurants, spas, bars and shopping opportunities are plentiful and the nightlife is just second to Chaweng. Lipa Noi Beach
Lipa Noi Beach or Sunset Beach, is the most serene and untouched beach at the west coast of Koh Samui just 5 minutes from the ferry pier. It is the place for peaceful and quiet beach holidays away from the crowds with beautiful sunsets and scenic views of the Angthong National Marine Park and the mainland.
As there are only a view resorts along the beach you will have plenty of space on the crystal clear sea. There is not much around but Nathons shopping area is only 4 km away. Maenam Beach
Maenam Beach is located in the North of Samui with smooth sand and good swimming preferences. Maenam beach is perfect for families with small children as the water is shallow and there is no noise from nightlife or traffic.
At Maenam pier speedboats leave daily to Koh Tao and shopping opportunities as well as restaurants are located in the area. It is just a 20 minute drive to the action in Chaweng and 10 minutes to Bophut's Fisherman Village for some fine wining and dining. Nathon Beach
 The capital of Koh Samui has still preserved its charm as a harbor town and is scattered with all kind of shops, markets, banks and restaurants. Nathon is the major harbor for the ferries from the mainland, the boats to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Angthong National Marine Park and is the main hub for goods from the mainland.
There are only a few hotels mostly used as a stopover for early transfers to other destinations. Taling Ngam Beach
This pristine bay stretching along the south-west coast of Samui is still unspoiled and has spectacular views to nearby islands and the mainland. Coral reefs just a stones throw from the beach makes it a paradise for snorkelers.
Luxurious resorts along the beach offer all the facilities you might need and the restaurants make for some fine wining and dining experience. It is about a 20 minute drive to Nathon if you need to do some shopping and 30 minutes to the bustling nightlife of Lamai or Chaweng. Thong Krut Bay Beach
 Thong Krut Bay Bech Located to the South of the island next to Taling Ngam Beach, this bay offers golden opportunities for fishing. Boat services to Ko Taen are also provided from here.


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Nearby Islands

Angthong National Marine Park
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park covers a total area of 102 sq.km  and consists of 42 islands. This fascinating group of islands, within sight of Samui to the north and west, is geographically different from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the seas as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of meters high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful little beaches, erosion has shaped some strange formations. One island has a mysterious sink hole, completely enclosed by walls of sheer rock, in its center. Definitely worth a daytrip, and instead of the standard cruise, put together a group of friends to charter a boat and explore the islands and beaches in your own time. There are also Kayak tours available if you wish to explore some of the caves hands on.

Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan, world famous for the monthly full moon party at Hat Rin beach, still has some remote beaches with a laid-back atmosphere if you are not in a party mood. In recent years more hotels, from simple bungalows to 4 stars resorts, have been built to respond to everybody’s idea of an unforgettable beach vacation. Enjoy a relaxing massage in one of the spas, explore the underwater world or meditate at the hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham. Koh Phangan can easily be reached by boat from Koh Samui in 30 minutes

- Haad Mae Haad A beach with white soft sand and designated as a National Marine park due to its richness of sea life in the coral reef. The island of Koh Ma right in front of the beach is connected by a sandbar so you can easily walk over there to enjoy some snorkeling or diving. During December till March it is good for swimming while on the other seasons the sea is shallow. There is a small village, Ban Mae Haad, where you can do some basic shopping and accommodations are available along the coast.

- Haad Rin In the southern part of Koh Phangan consist of two main beaches: Had Rin Nai (sunset beach) on the west coast and Had Rin Nok (sunrise beach) on the eastern coast. Had Rin Nok is the home of the world famous Full Moon Party and is good for swimming and snorkeling.

- Ao Srithanu It’s just a 10 minute drive from Thongsala to Ao Srithanu and is the main fishing port in the area with Ban Sri Thanu as the market center. Here you can still find the real Thai life with cheap noodle stalls, karaoke bars and Thai style shopping. Swimming is good at the northern end of the beach, lined by Pine trees, but there is also a lake - Laem Son Lake – providing all year round freshwater swimming. There are some low budget bungalows with fan as well as some midrange if you need air-conditioning.

- Laem Son Lake On hot days the lake is an oasis for everybody to sit under shady trees and take a swim to cool down.

- Thong Sala The capital of Koh Phangan and the place where the ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Chumphon arrive. You can find travel agents, banks, restaurants, motorbike and car rentals as well as accommodation in this town which also invites you for some shopping. Koh Tan & Koh Matsum
Koh Tan makes a fine day trip from Samui. Located just 2km. from the southern end of Koh Samui, Koh Tan, or "Koh Katen", as it is sometimes known, offers a long sandy beach and good oral off the eastern and southern coasts. It is surrounded by four other little islands that also await exploration. If you get tired of sunbathing, diving and snorkeling, there's always hiking, fishing, bat caves and just plain sight-seeing. Next-by is Koh Matsum, Koh Tao & Nang Yuan
Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is a divers paradise just a 2 hour boat ride north of Koh Samui and the best dive site in the Golf of Thailand. Beautiful bays with tropical resorts and crystal clear water surround the island and it is only a step from your hotel room to the colorful underwater world. There are plenty of diving schools to refresh your skills or you can take a longtail boat to magical Koh Nang Yuan for a day of snorkeling. After sunset enjoy a delicious seafood dinner, have a drink in one of the bars and clubs at the beach and go shopping for some souvenirs. Many international diving agencies are represented on this small island, including PADI, SSI, IANTD, BSAC & NAUI. - Nang Yuan Island This unique island, with its triple-connecting beach, is just a short boat ride of Koh Tao and has only one dive resort catering for all budgets. A perfect place for a day of snorkeling or to chill out after the day tourists have left. Nangyuan has one of the most beautiful beaches where you can sit and enjoy quiet sunsets on the beach, no cars or hustle or bustle. - Sairee Beach Sairee's white sandy beach stretches about 1.7km over most of the west coast, interrupted only by a few huge boulders. Mae Haad is only a 10 min walk away. Being the most popular area on Tao, Sairee offers a huge range of aaccommodation, dive centers, restaurants, shops, beach bars, travel & email services, nurseries, etc. - Mae Haad Bay All boats arrive here. Naturally highly developed, but still managed to keep some of its old fishing village charm. Money exchange, post office, government office & health center are in Mae Haad. Most dive centers have an office here, lots of travel agents, email services, supermarkets, bike rentals, good restaurants and party venues. A few up-market resorts are located on the southern end. - Chalok Baan Kao Third largest beach, located on the southern coast facing Phangan and Samui. This bay is smaller than Sairee, but offers a similar range of accommodation, eateries and nightlife. It is beautifully framed by Taa Toh lagoon to the east and Saan Jao beach to the west. - Tanote Bay Well preserved bay away from the crowds with excellent snorkeling, 5 laidback resorts, a German dive school and a dive resort / water sport center with kayaks & water ski.
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Religious Places

Wat (Temple)

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Big Buddha
Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport at Big Buddha Beach. This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island , the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud. Especially impressive when lit up at night. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Buddha Footprint
Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road. There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically en-graved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops.   Maenam Chinese Temple
Location: Maenam, near Maenam Pier. Another small and beautiful dcorated Chinese temple well worth a visit.

 Hua Thanon Chinese Temple
 Location: Hua Thanon
A small Chinese temple which does not like like one from the outside. The temple is run by the Hanainese Temple Association of Hua Thanon. Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small tatty board parallel to the road which is easy to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring-road approximately 800 meters West of Hua Thanon. Hailam Nathon Shrine
Nathon Jee Kong Chinese Temple
Location: Chaweng, next to Laem Din Market
A small but beautiful and colorful decorated temple Luang Pho Khao Khwang
Namuang Phra Chikong Ko Samui Shrin
Chaweng Wat Bang Rak - Wat Bencha Thammaram
Big Buddha Beach Wat Buntharikara
Chaweng Wat Bophut Tharam
Samui Ring Road, Bo Phut. Moo 2, Tambon Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand.
Tel: 077-425092. Wat Chaeng
Thaweeratphakdee Road, Nathon. Moo 3, Tambon Angthong, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-421224. Wat Khao Chedi
Also in the Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies the Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months ago, this ruined monument had been forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi has been cleared and there's easy access. About 300 meters West of the Laem Sor Chedi there is a hill. At the base of the hill a small hut can be seen, and 100 meters to the right of this dwelling, the path is visible. It leads to a stairway which takes about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins of the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking. Wat Khao Hua Juk
Wat Khao Hua Juk is located on the hillside above northern Chaweng, Near Q Bar. From here you have good views over the Samui Airport to Koh Phangan and the Chaweng Lake area. The temple houses a replica of Buddha's footprint. Wat Khunaram
Located between Namuang waterfalls and Hua Thanon. Samui Ring Road, Namuang, The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position.He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Kirimat
Moo 4, Tambon Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-423164. Wat Kiri Wongkaram
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition. The temple can be located by following the 4170 road South from Ban Saket and then turning right between tow giant elephant statues. It is a further kilometer along this road on the right hand side. Wat Kungkaram
Thaweeratphakdee Road, Nathon. Moo 1, Tambon Angthong, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-234063. Wat Laem Sor
It's at the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows", and It's at the end of that. In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance.
Wat Lamai
Lamai Ring Road at Baan Lamai. Wat Lamai Temple is not only the main temple of Lamai but is also home to a small cultural museum featuring artifacts from Samui's past. and a cultural hall where the locals meet for weddings, funerals and other social activities.  Wat Na Pra Larn
Samui Ring Road, Mae Nam Moo 4, Tambon Mae Nam Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84330 Thailand
Tel: 0 7742 5387 Wat Naracharoensuk
Moo 2, Tambon Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-423145. Wat Phu Khao Thong
Samui Ring Road, Mae Nam. Moo 1, Tambon Mae Nam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84330 Thailand.
Tel: 077-425125. Wat Pradoem
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is located in the north of Samui on road 4171 from Big Buddha to Choeng Mon Beach. The temple is famous for the hundreds of big fish enjoying their live in the lake of the temple and waiting to be fed (Food for the fish is available at the temple for a small donation of 10 Baht per pack). Wat Plai Laem is one of the most colorful temple on Samui and features an 18 arms strong Buddha statue set in the middle of the lake. Wat Sa Ket
Samui Ring Road, Taling Ngam. Moo 5, Tambon Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-423072. Wat Samut Tharam
Angthong, Moo 4, Tambon Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-423243. Wat Santi Wararam
Moo 5, Tambon Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-423136. Wat Sawang Arom
Chaweng, Samui Ring Road, Bo Phut. Moo 2, Tambon Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand.
Tel: 077-422220. Wat Sila Ngu
On the 4169 ring-road south of Lamai and one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach. Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is  Wat Si Suwannaram
Ban Laem Wat Si Thawip
Thaweeratphakdee Road, Nathon. Moo 3, Tambon Angthong,Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand.
Tel: 077-236152. Wat Sumret
Hua Thanon This relatively old temple houses a marble Buddha image brought from Burma and many other old Buddha images. One building contains many different Buddha images. One is in the reclining position and the tallest, which stands three meters, was transported all the way from India. Mosque

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Nurulihsan Mosque
Hua Thanon Churnch

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A.Unna Church
Nathon. Christian Church
Bophut.

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Animals

Buffalo Fighting Stadium & Traning Center
These heavyweights are mostly involved in fighting as there is no (rice) farming anymore on Samui. This is a sport specific to the south of Thailand, and on Samui it generates a great deal of excitement. There are about a half dozen rough " stadiums" around the island, most being no more than a cleared area under the palms with a wall of bamboo matting or coconut leaves to hinder the view of those who haven't paid for a seat.Great crowds gather when a fight is on, and while men pay about 100 Baht, women enter free.

Usually, the more aggressive the buffalo, the greater the crowd's delight.The fight ends when one animal turns and runs, usually well before either animal gets hurt. But for the peace-loving ones there is now the "Living Thailand Buffalo Show" - which is located at the road 4173 to Ban Thale. Features are a Thai farming museum, a buffalo theater showing paddy ploughing and rice planting and a ride in a buffalo cart.
Located : Namuang, Buffalo Fighting Stadium & Training Center. Paradise Park Farm
Located at Lipa Noi in the hills. Open daily 9am - 5pm. Tel.: 077-918351, 08-48496233.
Surround yourself by water falls, small rivers, canyons and exotic birds and wildlife. Have fun among the ponies and deers, visit the aviaries filled with hundreds of birds or simply laugh at the emus and Pygmy goats. Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
A spectacular collection of tropical fish and innumerable other colorful aquatic creatures, such as turtles and a lot of other beautiful sea life, which you personally can hand feed. The tanks also house many varieties of rocks, multi colored coral to create natural surroundings. There is also a Tiger Zoo with Royal Bengal Tigers and young Leopards and a large avery of exotic birds.

Located at the Samui Orchid Resort at Ban Harn beach (Hua Thanon). 33/2 Moo 2, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84310 Thailand. Open daily 9am - 5pm. Tel: 077-424017-8, 077-232198. Samui Butterfly Garden
Located at Natien Beach opposite Centara Villas Samui, the southern coast near Hua Thanon. Open daily 8:30am - 5:30pm. Tel.: 077-424020 Besides observing at close range some of the region's most beautiful butterflies, you can witness the breeding cycle of some species that are raised on the spot. Also featured are insects, moths and a bee house. Samui Crocodile Farm
Located behind the airport. - Open daily, Showtimes: Crocodile show: 12am, 2pm, 4pm. Snake show: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. Tel.: 077239002 On an area of  7,000 sqm you can find app. 100 animals of various kinds like Siam crocodiles, caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others. Samui Monkey Theater
Located behind Bandon Hospital. Open daily. Showtimes: 10.30am, 2pm, 4pm. Tel.: 077960128 Funny monkey shows, monkeys pick coconuts and an elephant show. Samui Snake Farm
Located at Talingngam on the south of the island. Open daily. Showtimes: 11am & 2pm. Tel.: 077423247 As its name implies, it is where all kinds of snakes and reptiles are gathered.
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Scenic Views

Lat Ko Viewpoint
Lat Koh Viewpoint, also known as "Zenith viewpoint" offers a splendid view over the whole Chaweng bay area and you can watch the sunrise from here. Located : Samui Ring Road on the way to Lamai. Hin Lad Waterfall
Hin Lad Waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town.He can be reached by a 3-4 kilometer walk down a country foot walk. In evergreen, rain forest setting with palms and creepers, the waterfall have several levels with a cool pool for a fresh water swim. Hin Ta Hin Yai
Strangely shaped rocks at south Lamai. A local story tells of an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. Their body's were washed ashore to create the rocks Namuang Waterfall
Namuang Waterfall is located 10 km south from Nathon at Ban Thurian. There are 2 waterfalls. Na Muang one is 18 meter high and can be reached by vehicle. Na Muang two is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the island Overlap Stone
Hua THanon
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Other Attractions

Ancient House
A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Thale is the oldest house on the island. It was built approximately 150 years ago, is constructed of teak planks and shows off many beautiful woodcarvings. Ban Lamai Cultural Museum
Located at Wat Lamai. Serving as a folk museum, the Hall houses many local ancient objects. Interesting objects on display include earthenware, household utensils, hunting weapons and equipment used in coconut planting. Elephant Gate
Location: Taling Ngam. Magic Garden (Secret Buddha Garden / Khun Nims Garden)
The "Magic Garden" or "Secret Buddha Garden" is located in the hills of Samui. A Samuian fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, started to build the garden in 1976 when he was 77 years old. To get there is a bit difficult as the only concrete road leading there is a military road and is not accessible by "normal" people ( in the last couple of month the guards let you pass if you want to visit the garden....so give it a try). So, the only way to get there is through the jungle, rivers and mountains by a four-wheel-drive jeep. The journey takes about 2 hours starting at the back of the Lamai temple and is only recommended for experienced "outdoor" drivers. Another way to get to the garden is by joining one of the safari tours. It's quite worth a visit and on the way you can make a stop-over at Samui's highest point overlooking the island from north to south, the surrounding islands as well as the mainland. Sawadee Shrine
The Brahma of Sawadee is an important being..a central image for reverence and faith. The number of visitors is rising every day because people have faith in His greatness extending out kindness and mercifulness and thus creating happiness and peacefulness to to those coming to pay Him respect. The Eight-Headed Coconut Tree
This is a rare and exotic coconut species. To see it for yourself, follow the sign posts on the No. 4169 southbound ring road to Na Thon Bay.

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