A Guide to Koh Samui

- Thailand -

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and there is a good reason for it. Filled with incredible landscapes, interesting culture and some of the best food in the world, this country should be on everyones list. 

Visiting Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and probably the most visited one with more than 1.5 million people visiting each year. The island gets visitors from all over the world and is warmly talked about from everyone I ever come across on my travels.After visiting a good number of islands in Thailand I found this island a bit different from the others, mostly because this island and the attractions will you find here will fit perfectly for families, friends or loved ones with noting big on their schedule other than a vacation. The reason is the lagre number of nice hotels, resorts and villas spread across the whole island which might not attract the average backpacker.

This Island is a place to relax, and with a good number fun attractions. This guide will give you an insight into my favorite spots in Koh Samui.

How to get here

When planning your trip around Thailand you can either fly or take the bus. (There are also Trains but I've never tried them). Thai Airways has domestic flights. If you are flying international I always choose Thai Airways as it makes me feel like I am already in Thailand once stepping on the plane. A great feeling especially when the flights are 11 hours from Norway. 

Thai Airways also flies directly to Koh Samui every single day! Click HERE to get a special offer from Thai Airways. 

Awesome things to do on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the perfect spot to hang out with friends, family or loved ones. The Island is full of incredible places to stay. Hotels, resorts and beautiful villas are located all across the island with Chaweng and Lamai being some of the favorite areas. 

The Island is full of cool attraction on every corner. Waterfalls, Beaches, Zip-line parks, temples, this island got it all. You can also find shopping malls, markets and restaurants which offers everything a modern traveller needs to have good time. 

Getting around is easy. Hire a driver, join a tour or simply rent a motorbike and go on your own. The roads are well marked with signs leading you everywhere you want to go.  

Down bellow I've listed some my favorite spots here on Koh Samui.

• Visit Na Muang Waterfalls

• Visit the Overlap Rock

• Visit one of the many viewpoints. (jungle club, Kha Yai Viewpoint, Lamai Viewpoint, W-Hotel) 

• Visit the Zip-Line Park

• Go on an Jeep Safari 

• Visit one of the many temples. (The secret buddha garden, Big Buddha, the red temple) 

• Visit the best beaches on the Island 

• Best restaurants & Bars

• Go Shopping

I highly recommend Sandalwood Luxury Villas! ( see photo attached at the top ) These villas are absolutely stunning with the best view. Two double bedrooms, huge bathrooms, A FOUNTAIN in the kitchen and of course a private swimming pool with the best view overlooking the island. A spa is also on site ready to give you the best massage you will ever have.(No Joke!!) Their service is the best with private drivers ready to transport you anywhere you like to go. 

- Visit one of the many viewpoints -

Being the third largest island in Thailand, this island is far from flat. When driving around on this island you will experience roads that literally goes everywhere. Straight up mountain hills too in between valleys. If you see a hillside, there is bound to be a viewpoint nearby. Down bellow I listed some of my favorite viewpoint on Koh Samui. 

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Visit the overlap rock

The Overlap Rock is a naturally formed rock standing on the edge of a cliff with a great view overlooking Lamai Beach. The round rock is about 10 meter high and is resting on its natural platform.  This is one of those naturally wonders that actually makes you wonder. How did this rock end up here? 

The rock and its views are absolutely beautiful with a small man-made bridge leading you over to the platform where the rock is resting. I expected it to be crowded but to my surprise I meet no one for the hour spent up there. How to get there: Getting to the Overlap Rock is quite easy. Driving south on the islands main road you will come across a big red temple located on the left side of the road. This is where you take right and drive towards the hillside. The road going up the mountain is quite steep but it is possible to drive all the way up and park next to the rock if you are a steady driver.

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Visit Kha Yai Viewpoint

Head up the mountain towards the Secret Buddha garden, you will pass this spot. I highly recommend you to stop and go admire the view for a moment. The view is great overlooking the southern part of the island. They are also building a camping spot here and I can only imagine falling asleep under the stars then waking up with that amazing view. Tip: Heading towards Kha Yai Viewpoint you are passing an ATV track, a waterfall, and the Zip-Line Park, so you might as well make it a day trip.

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Visit Jungle Club

The Jungle club offers a great view over the island and the scenery is absolutely beautiful with all naturally made fabrics making you in one with the nature a round. They also have a restaurant on site making this a great place to go and have dinner while overlooking the beautiful island of Koh Samui. 

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Visit Whoo bar at W-Hotel

One of the best viewpoint on the island has to be Whoo Bar at W-Hotel. Looking past the amazing infinity pool you will see the island of Koh Phangan. There is also a Dj playing music every day. A perfect spot to go for a drink and take it all in. 

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Visit The Zip-Line Park

Have an adventurous day by sliding your way between the tree tops. Zip-Line parks are always fun and on Koh Samui you will definitely have fun. There are two Zip-Line parks located on Koh Samui. Skyhawk Adventure Zipline Koh Samui located on the north west side of the island and Sky Fox Zip Line located on the south side with the last one also close to the waterfalls. No matter which one you choose you are bound to have a great time. 

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Go on a Jeep Safari

One of the coolest things you can do on Koh Samui is going on a 4WD jeep safari which will bring you driving through some vast landscapes all across the island. You will definitely get your heart pumping while that driver takes you driving straight up the mountain or down a steep rocky hill!  There a mulitple companies all over the island ready to take you out on a fun adventure. Ask your hotel which company who is preferred and they might as well set it up for you. 

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Visit one of the many temples

Thailand is know for having some of the most spectacular temples in the world. With incredibly detailed artwork covered in silver, gold and all kinds of colors. Thailand is a Buddhist country and temples play an important role in everyday life for Thai People. The people go here to pray to the Buddha for things such as good fortune, good health and to seek advise from the monks. When visiting the temples in Thailand dress appropriately and always take off your shoes before entering inside the temples. I always bring a sarong with me when traveling around Asia as it comes in handy for covering up shoulders or legs if that is required. 

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Visit the Big Buddha

One of the most know landmarks in Koh Samui is the Big Buddha. A 12 meter high golden Buddha is located inside the temple grounds of "Wat Prah Yai" which means "Big Buddha Temple". It is a pretty impressive site. The Buddha is sitting on a manmade plateau which also offers a great view if you walk up the steps. Around the base of the temple there is all kind of vendors selling everything from souvenirs to a small bite. The Big Buddha is located on the northern part of the island. I you are heading here I would recommend you to stop by "Wat Plai Laem" which is located just down the street. There is also a pretty good restaurant/bar called The Sosial nearby. This is also a great place to watch the sunset. 

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Visit the Pagoda Khao Hua Juk

This pagoda is perfectly located on top of a 90 meter hill giving you a great view over the island. Just a few hundred meters from the airport, this places is also a good spot if you like to watch airplanes take off and land. The sunset also gets pretty good from this place. After just visiting Myanmar, this place gives you a small taste of how every hilltop in Myanmar looks. These pagodas are just stunning.

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Visit the Red temple & Pagoda Khao Chedi

The Red Temple is located south on the island and you wont miss it as it is places just off the main road. The name gives it away, this temple is RED. Even though it only has one color, this temple is very well made and detailed. A cool spot to stop if you happen to be passing by.Located just next to the Red Temple you will find the Khao Chedi Pagoda. This small pagoda is completely covered in gold. And it is similar to the pagoda you will find on the southernmost tip of Koh Samui. 

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Visit the Secret buddha Garden

Located on top of the island you will find the Secret Buddha Garden. Here you can walk amongst countless of buddha's located in the middle of the jungle strategically placed around a small river flowing down the mountain. There are many different buddha's and every one of them is unique with their own characteristics. A cool place to visit if you are on roadtrip. 

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Visit the Best beaches

The Island of Koh Samui is full of fun activitis, but sometimes you just want to spend you day relaxing on the beach. There are many nice beaches on the island, and some of the beaches also offers some fascinating rock formations making the scenery pretty incredible. I've listed some of my favorite beaches on the island. 

# Coral Cove Beach

This smaller lesser know beach is the perfect place if you want to get away on a small piece of paradise. The beach is roughly around 200 meters long but surprisingly it does not feel busy at all which is a bit weird looking at how nice the scenery is. The beach is backed by coconut trees and at either end of the beach are these beautiful rock formations you will see on every postcard showcasing Koh Samui. There is also a restaurant located on site. This beach is located on the west side of the island just 10 minutes from both Lamai and Chaweng, the more know places. 

# Silver Beach

Located just next to Chaweng beach is Silver Beach. This small strip of beach is also as pretty as the previous Coral Cove. The beach is bigger and hosts a couple well established hotels but according to Thai Law you are still allowed access to the beach. Here you can also rent kayaks or get a massage on the beach for 200-300 baht an hour. This beach is located on the west side of the island just 5 minutes north of Lamai. 

# Chaweng Beach

One of the most known beaches on the Island is Chaweng Beach. This is a city beach and like every city beach it is full of life. Offering a vide variety of accommodation, here you will also find bars and restaurant and good nightlife with the famous Green Mange Strip. Located not far from Chaweng Beach is also a pretty modern shopping mall.

# Haad Bophut Beach

Located along fisherman`s village this beach has restaurants, bars and a great view. I it a great place to chill while the sun goes down. One of the restaurants even had a cinema set up at the beach. Pretty cool! 

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Visit the Fishermans Village

The Fisherman`s Village is probably the most popular market in Koh Samui and brings you everything you need from bars and restaurant to market shopping with vendors selling everything you need(and dont need). It is a great spot for shopping with an impressive selection of local shops and boutique shops.The atmosphere is definitely perfect for a chill night out!  The best restaurant Coco Tam`s serves great italian food. Highly recommend checking them out! The Market is located on Haad Bophut Beach north on the island. Easy to find with a huge sign hanging over the road. 

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Bars & Restaurant

The Jungle Club

The Jungle club offers a great view over the island and the scenery is absolutely beautiful with all naturally made fabrics making you in one with the nature a round. 

The restaurant on site is making this a great place to go and have dinner while overlooking the beautiful island of Koh Samui. 

Visit Woo bar at W-Hotel

One of the best viewpoint on the island has to be Woo Bar at W-Hotel. Looking past the amazing infinity pool you will see the island of Koh Phangan. There is also a Dj playing music every day. A perfect spot to go for a drink and take it all in. 

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