Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a tropical paradise known for its beaches, waterfalls, temples, and vibrant nightlife. Here are 20 must-see places in Koh Samui, along with their operating hours and entrance fees:

1. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Highlights: The island’s most famous landmark, a 12-meter tall Buddha statue offering views over the sea.

2. Wat Plai Laem

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: Beautiful temple complex featuring a giant statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and intricate murals.

3. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks)

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Always open
Highlights: Uniquely shaped rocks resembling male and female genitalia, located along the coastline.

4. Fisherman’s Village (Bophut)

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – late (Night Market: Friday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Highlights: A charming area with old wooden shop-houses, restaurants, bars, and the famous night market on Fridays.

5. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Entrance Fee: 300 THB for adults, 150 THB for children
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: A stunning archipelago of 42 islands, offering kayaking, snorkeling, and breathtaking views from its viewpoints.

6. Na Muang Waterfalls

Entrance Fee: Free (extra cost for elephant trekking or activities)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Highlights: A set of two waterfalls, surrounded by jungle, with cool pools perfect for swimming.

7. Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)

Entrance Fee: 80 THB
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: A peaceful garden featuring statues of Buddha, animals, and other figures, located high in the hills.

8. Chaweng Beach

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Always open
Highlights: The most popular beach in Koh Samui, known for its white sand, vibrant nightlife, and water sports.

9. Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: Famous for the mummified monk, Luang Pho Daeng, who is preserved in a glass case for over 40 years.

10. Laem Sor Pagoda

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: A golden pagoda on the southern coast, set against the backdrop of the sea, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

11. Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Entrance Fee: 3,000 THB for adults, 1,500 THB for children
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: A sanctuary for rescued elephants where visitors can feed, walk, and observe the elephants in a natural setting.

12. Lamai Beach

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Always open
Highlights: Quieter than Chaweng, with beautiful clear waters, offering a more relaxed beach experience.

13. Lad Koh Viewpoint

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Always open
Highlights: A stunning viewpoint located between Chaweng and Lamai, offering panoramic views of the ocean and coastline.

14. Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum

Entrance Fee: Free (tour costs vary)
Opening Hours: Tours typically run from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: Two small islands off the southern coast of Samui, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing.

15. Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Always open
Highlights: A hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

16. Art Samui Museum

Entrance Fee: 400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Highlights: An interactive 3D art museum where visitors can pose and interact with the art pieces.

17. Koh Samui Night Market (Chaweng Walking Street)

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Highlights: A bustling market offering local street food, souvenirs, and live entertainment.

18. Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

Entrance Fee: 750 THB for adults, 450 THB for children
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: Marine life exhibits and tiger shows, with opportunities to see tropical fish and other wildlife up close.

19. Wat Phra Chedi Laem Sor

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: A picturesque golden pagoda near the beach, offering serene views of the Gulf of Thailand.

20. Hin Lad Waterfall Temple

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Highlights: A peaceful temple near Hin Lad Waterfall, offering meditation spaces and scenic nature trails.

These destinations capture the diversity of Koh Samui, from cultural landmarks and natural wonders to vibrant markets and serene beaches.