Tourist Attractions in Samui

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Samui

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Samui

The Thai island of Samui attracts most tourists with its beaches. There are about 30 of them and all of them are excellent – clean, with clear water and palm trees on the shore. But if you want to diversify the beach holiday – the locals have taken care to surprise even the most sophisticated travellers. The island has a huge number of temples and religious buildings, including the world-famous Wat Khunaram with a mummy of a monk and a 12-metre high sculpture of Buddha. The whole family will be interested in excursions to picturesque corners of tropical nature – Paradise Park, Angthong Marine Park, Butterfly Garden, Safari Park.

Also holidaymakers are invited to visit a number of entertaining performances – bullfights, monkey shows, snake charmers, a colourful show of transvestites and exciting fights at the Thai boxing stadium.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Samui

Wat Plai Laem

 4.6/5

4881 reviews

Samui’s largest iconic landmark. It is a complex of buildings, the appearance of which is a mix of several Asian styles. It was built in 2004. The central objects are a Thai temple and two huge statues – 18-armed Chinese goddess Guanyin and Buddhist deity Hotei. They are mounted on stilts in the middle of an artificial lake. You can take a catamaran to cruise the water and feed the fish and small turtles.

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Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng)

 4.4/5

1264 reviews

One of the most visited temples on the island, located near Namuang Waterfalls. The main attraction is the mummified body of an 80-year-old monk, the abbot of this temple, in the traditional lotus pose. He passed away during meditation more than 40 years ago, was placed in a glass sarcophagus, and his body has shown no signs of decomposition since then. Near the mummy is a vessel with numbered sticks. By taking one of them, one can see the monk’s prediction on the stand.

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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

 4.5/5

8417 reviews

The 12-metre high sculpture of the supreme deity is located in northeast Samui, near the airport. It is set on a hill with a staircase of 60 steps leading up to it. You must remove your shoes before entering. At the top is a good viewing platform, and there are bells that can be rung for wish fulfilment. The majestic figure of Buddha is surrounded by small statues of him, symbolising the days of the week. A temple has been erected nearby. At the foot of the stairs are souvenir shops.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Laem Sor Pagoda แหลมสอ

 4.5/5

50 reviews

Erected in the southern part of the island, on the very seashore, away from beaches and tourist routes. It is made of yellow slabs reflecting the sun’s rays and is known as the “golden pagoda”. The entrance to the shrine is guarded by statues of yaksha spirits. There is also a canopy with the figure of the monk who brought to the island a part of the relics of Buddha. A short distance from the pagoda, in the middle of an artificial reservoir, is an unusual temple in the form of a Thai ship.

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Guan Yu Shrine

 4.5/5

373 reviews

It was opened in 2012. The temple was created in honour of Guan Yu, the god of war and wealth; his huge statue with a red face is located in the centre of the complex. Nearby, a wall of ancestral memory with the names and photos of the first Chinese settlers from Hainan Island is installed. And in general, the construction of the shrine is not yet finished. A large 2-storey building is planned, on the ground floor of which there will be numerous trading rows, and on the second floor – the temple itself.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wat Ratchathammaram (Wat Sila Ngu)

 4.6/5

1325 reviews

It stands out significantly with its architecture and terracotta colouring against the background of traditional Thai religious buildings. The façade is decorated with unbelievably beautiful bas-reliefs and sculptures. The inner walls are richly decorated with stucco, with a statue of a seated Buddha in the centre. Also on the territory of the complex there is a 250-year-old pagoda, one of the oldest on the island. A staircase with Naga snakes on the railing descends from it to the sea, with a small cemetery on either side.

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The Villager Fishermans Village

 4.4/5

2580 reviews

This is one of the oldest fishing villages on Koh Samui, now a tourist hotspot. There is a kilometre-long narrow street along the shoreline with various shops, bars, restaurants and other establishments. The Warf shopping centre opened in 2016, with its premises styled as a fishing village. There is a good 2 kilometre sandy beach. On Fridays there is a night fair with rousing music, dancing and a fire show.

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T-shirts

 4.1/5

1034 reviews

The main event of the week in Lamai, where many tourists and locals flock in the evening. After 5pm, the two perpendicular streets are filled with vendors offering a variety of inexpensive goods such as souvenirs, jewellery, crockery, cosmetics, clothing and accessories. There is also a great opportunity to savour famous Thai delicacies and try all kinds of cocktails. Visitors are entertained all night long by local musical talent.

Open time

Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM

Divas Cabaret

 4.8/5

51 reviews

A very bright and colourful transvestite show combining elements of national and European culture. Located in the north of the island, between Chaweng and Bo Phut beaches. The artists perform in fantastic handmade costumes to well-known international hits. The 45-minute performance consists of song and rousing dance numbers alongside an impressive impersonation of celebrated pop divas – Tina Turner, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue and more.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Samui International Muay Thai Stadium

 3.7/5

281 reviews

One of the best rings for the popular worldwide Thai boxing. Located in the centre of Chaweng. Fights with the participation of local and foreign athletes are held 2 times a week, 7 pairs of boxers participate. The strongest and toughest of them reach the final. Sometimes there are fights among women. Cars with loudspeakers move around the island and advertise the upcoming fights. During the daytime, people can take some Muay Thai lessons from experienced trainers.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tarnim Magic Garden

 4.3/5

3513 reviews

A famous landscape attraction in the centre of the island, combining the fantasy of nature and the creation of human hands. In a small garden on the mountainside, amidst the rocks, there are numerous statues of Buddha, other deities, animals and mythological creatures. All this is shrouded in vines, many statues are covered with moss, so the area seems very mysterious and mysterious. The garden was created in 1976 by a Thai farmer who created all the sculptures with his own hands.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Paradise Park Farm

 4.3/5

1495 reviews

The zoo is on top of a mountain in the centre of the island. There are enclosures with animals and birds, but most of them roam freely, begging visitors for treats. Among the inhabitants of the zoo are monkeys, ostriches, deer, rabbits, iguanas and parrots. The park has an artificial waterfall, a swimming pool overlooking the sea, an exotic garden and a restaurant. There are benches and gazebos throughout the area where you can relax and admire the stunning views of Samui.

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Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)

 4.2/5

7419 reviews

The most famous stone formations on the island. Located on Lamai Beach, a few dozen metres apart, they resemble female and male reproductive organs. The names “grandfather” and “grandmother” are related to an old local legend about old parents who died at sea. There are many other rock formations here, covering an area of about 150 m2. The place is beautiful but very crowded, surrounded by bars, restaurants and market stalls.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Na Muang Waterfalls

 3.9/5

1490 reviews

Two of the most popular waterfalls. They are located in the centre of the island, one above the other but some distance away. The first waterfall, the lower one, is called the Purple Falls because of the colour of the surrounding rocks on which it tumbles down into a spacious bowl. It is 18 metres high. The second waterfall is located in Namuang Safari Park. It is more beautiful, multi-level and has a height of 80 metres. The way to it is not easy, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Or you can go to the waterfall on jeeps or elephants.

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Hin Lat Waterfall

 4.3/5

474 reviews

Located in the west of Samui, a couple of kilometres from Natong. The road to the waterfall passes through dense tropical vegetation, up a path and stairs along the riverbed. The waterfall itself is small, at its foot nature created a small font, where you can splash. The place is attractive to tourists not only for the beauty of wild nature, but also for the nearby forest temple-monastery. The place is peaceful and tranquil, and there are pavilions for meditation.

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Maenam Beach

 4.4/5

362 reviews

Located in the northern part of the island. Suitable for quiet family holidays with children. The length is 5 kilometres. The coast is covered with coarse yellow sand, there are many palm trees giving shade. Comfortable entrance to the sea, the bottom is smooth, without stones. Waves are rare. A small disadvantage – the water in the sea is turbid. Well-developed infrastructure, in the evening all establishments are closed, there are no noisy discos. There is no entertainment on the beach, only gazebos for Thai massage.

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Lamai Beach

 4.3/5

2748 reviews

Located on the eastern side of Samui. It is 4 kilometres long. The central part of the beach zone is suitable for swimming – the entrance to the sea is smooth, the bottom is clean, without stones. The sand on the beach is coarse, light yellow. There are few trees on the beach, you can rent a sun lounger with an umbrella. Often there are waves. Big choice of entertainments – kayaks, jet skis, parachute flights, etc. The whole coast is built up with cosy bungalows and hotels. At night parties and discos are organised.

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Chaweng Beach

 4.3/5

1481 reviews

The most crowded and party beach on the island. Located on the east coast, near the airport. It is 6 kilometres long. It consists of 3 zones, the main life is in the centre. The entrance to the sea is smooth, the water is transparent. The coast is covered with snow-white fine sand, a lot of trees. There are bars, restaurants, shops, discos. Entertainment for every taste is offered – water skiing, kayaks, jet skis, flyboarding. For children there is a water park with inflatable slides.

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Lamai Viewpoint & Valentine Stone

 4.3/5

1320 reviews

The most famous viewing platform on the island. It is located on the outskirts of Lamai village, at an altitude of 100 metres. Along the way you’ll come across local attractions such as a huge rock named after St Valentine, a small waterfall with a beautiful pond and a fish peeling. A path with steps and bridges leads to the top. The ascent is not difficult and takes no more than 10 minutes. There is a restaurant and a zip line next to the viewpoint.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

 4.7/5

2955 reviews

Includes 42 uninhabited islands. Each of them is a dense jungle, rocks and caves, secluded beaches, shallow coral reefs. The area of the park is 250 km2. Its territory is inhabited by 16 species of mammals, 54 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles. The excursion includes walks on foot and on boats, swimming in coastal waters, diving, snorkelling. Tourists are obliged to visit the largest island – Ko Vua Talap, where the headquarters of the reserve is located.

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Tourist Attractions in Samui

About Samui

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Samui

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng)

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Laem Sor Pagoda แหลมสอ

Guan Yu Shrine

Wat Ratchathammaram (Wat Sila Ngu)

The Villager Fishermans Village

T-shirts

Divas Cabaret

Samui International Muay Thai Stadium

Tarnim Magic Garden

Paradise Park​ Farm

Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai)

Na Muang Waterfalls

Hin Lat Waterfall

Maenam Beach

Lamai Beach

Chaweng Beach

Lamai Viewpoint & Valentine Stone

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

Paradise Park Farm