Information > What to do on the island

Ride on an elephant

Exploring the jungle and mountainous interior on Koh Samui on an elephant gives you a glimpse of what life was probably like on the island before the development began in the 1960’s. Sitting with a commanding view of all around you, the tour of the jungle may include visits to waterfalls, seeing how rubber production takes place, coconut plantations and stunning panoramic views.

Visit Big Buddha island

There are at least 8 temples or Wats on Koh Samui, and as 95% of Thailand’s population are Buddhist, there continues to be a strong influence of Buddhist culture wherever you go. Larger than life at 12 metres tall, ‘Big Buddha’ situated at the north-east of the island, can be seen from the air as you come in to land on Samui, and is also visible from the island for miles around. Around the temple there are a number of souvenir and craft shops where some good bargains can be found.

Have a Thai massage

Thailand is fast becoming the location of choice for people looking for a holiday where rest and revitalisation in a health resort, or Spa top the list of priorities. Koh Samui is no exception to this with a good selection of Spas and health resorts, where yoga and Chi Kung classes are very popular. A one hour massage can cost as little as $10, for a full body or foot massage and is a perfect way to relax in the evening or during the afternoon. The range of massages on offer means you can choose from a relaxing aromatherapy, an aloe vera or oiled massage, or a traditional Thai massage where you will be stretched and manipulated in to positions that flex and repair strained muscles and joints.

There are small parlours where you can get a massage, larger companies with a number of locations around the island, beach booths to slip off to after a dip in the sea. The choice and price vary considerably, you even don’t need to leave your sun lounger as mobile masseurs will come and visit you where you sit!

See the Grandfather and Grandmother Overlap stones (Hin Da and Hin Yai)

This rock formation can be found to the south west of Lamai and after the Big Buddha temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions on the island. Without much imagination, and due to the affects of wind, tide and weather on the rocks, ‘Grandmother’ and ‘Grandfather’ rock bear an unlikely resemblance to male and female genitalia.

See the sunset over the five islands

To the west of the island for sunset around 6pm, the dramatic view over the five islands (you can only see four from Koh Samui), changes by the minute. As the sun fades towards the horizon, the mountains on the mainland, the clouds in the sky and the light change through shades of indigo, orange, crimson and red. The five islands are protected home to thousands of birds whose nests are harvested annually to places like Hong Kong and mainland China, where they are considered a delicacy, costing more than $4000 per kilo, for the treatment of skin conditions and revitalising organs.

The Overlap Stone

The Overlap stone is a massive boulder that appears to be suspended on another rock, close to a steep cliff near to Lamai beach. There is a dirt track up to the boulder, which is not a trek for the faint heartd !! Take plenty of water, if you are going, and when you get there, the commanding views over the south of the island make your efforts worthwhile.

Visit the mummified monk

At the temple, Wat Khunaram, you will find the ‘attraction’ people come to visit is actually a mummified monk who died while meditating. Loung Pordaeng’s corpse is in remarkably good condition considering he died while sitting in the position you see him today, an incredible 41 years ago!

Visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park

The 46 islands that make up the Ang Thong Natioanl Marine Park are less than 1 hour from koh Samui by speedboat. The archipelago of small islands are world renowned as the setting for the Leonardo Di Caprico film, The Beach.

Large cliff side caves to explore, as well as snorkelling and diving, and some breath-taking beaches make a visit to the national park a real must, and kayaking which is available through many operators is perhaps one of the best ways to explore the islands. One island has a fantastic inland lake that is worth the trek to see, as are the many inlets, islets and reefs.

Swim in the waterfalls at Na Muang and Hin Lad

There are two waterfalls at Na Muang, the first and smaller is accessible by road. There are basic facilities here, including parking, toilets and a restaurant. The second waterfall is accessible via a concrete road, very close to the entrance to Na Muang 1, which turns in to a dirt track that leads to the base of the waterfall. There is a small path that follows the waterfall up the rocks, but this can be slippery especially in the rainy season.

Hin Lad is not far to the south of Nathon town but is in a more remote setting to the other two waterfalls. There is a car park near the base of the falls, where you can also find a temple and pleasant gardens filled with flowers and shrubs. To really experience the waterfall, you will need strong shoes, mosquito repellent, and at least half an hour to climb the path. The reward at the end of the walk is a large cool pool you can relax in and take in the natural surroundings.

Experience the thrills of treetop cable riding

Get a totally unique view of the island from the Canopy Adventure at Secret Falls! Harnessed to one of six high tension cables extending over 500m, you are guided between 7 treetop platforms situated high in the trees. Take in the breath-taking views, and with your camera there is the chance to take some stunning shots as you traverse through the treetops. After the exhilarating experience, you can relax in the cool waters of the waterfall nearby.