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Koh SamuiCulture & history

Our most recommended Koh Samui Culture & history

Koh Samui: Coral & Pig Island Longtail Boat Small-Group Tour

1. Koh Samui: Coral & Pig Island Longtail Boat Small-Group Tour

Start your trip nice and early with pickup from your accommodation before heading to Thong Krut Pier. From there, board a boat and make your way to Koh Madsum, also known as Pig Island, for a stroll and selfie with the wild island pigs. From Koh Matsum, travel to Koh Tean. In Koh Tean, spend your time swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, kayaking, or exploring the area before enjoying lunch. Afterward, take some free time to enjoy the pristine beach, kayak in the crystal clear waters ,and savour the inhabited landscape. After a full afternoon, make your way back to Thong Krut Pier and be transferred from there back to your accommodation. Want to make your experience even more special? You can choose the Luxury Long-tail Boat option which ensures you island hop in style and in elevated comfort. Besides having more space, the luxury boat also comes with snacks, cold towels, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Ko Samui: 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch

2. Ko Samui: 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch

Embark on a spectacular adventure up into the mountain and through the Jungle of Koh Samui and then down the other side. All safaris are conducted using authentic rugged ex-army jeeps. It is an exhilarating and rugged experience, but safety is always the highest priority. After pickup from your hotel on Ko Samui, travel to the first stop on the safari, the famous Grandfather/Grandmother Rocks. Next to the rocks is a quaint market selling all sorts of handmade Thai products and souvenirs. Then, head off to the largest waterfall on the island for a cool swim in the natural spring water. Visit the mummified monk statue in the glass case at the temple as seen on TV. After this ground-level experience, crank the vehicle into 4WD and head up into the mountain to impressive viewpoints located along the route to the top. Pass by local Thai farmers working their coconut farms in the forest. Stop for a delicious, traditional Thai lunch in the mountain-top restaurant with beautiful views of the island. After lunch, head to Buddha’s Magic Garden, with weird and wonderful statues all made by hand by one man over many years. Running through the garden is a quaint little stream, and above it is an old monk’s prayer room. Drive down the mountain and stop at the rubber-making plantation before heading toward the iconic Big Buddha. After an exhilarating day, you will be transferred back to the hotel in the evening.

Koh Samui: Half-Day Island Highlights Tour with Hotel Pickup

3. Koh Samui: Half-Day Island Highlights Tour with Hotel Pickup

Join a local guide and discover Koh Samui's highlights, like the Wat Plai Laem temple and Nu Muang Waterfall. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and transportation in an air-conditioned minivan. Take a tour with other travelers, or opt for a private tour. Begin the tour with pickup at your hotel, then head straight to Wat Plai Laem, a temple that displays Koh Samui's strong Chinese heritage. Continue to Wat Phra Yai and marvel at the enormous golden Buddha there. Next, take in panoramic views from the Lad Koh Viewpoint in Chaweng Noi before going to the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. Enjoy some time to explore and shop in the area. Visit the incredible mummified monk, then make your final stop at Na Muang Waterfall (FYI: Now (August) the season is still dry. The waterfall has less water because it hasn't rained much). The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

Koh Samui: Private Car or Minibus Rental with Driver

4. Koh Samui: Private Car or Minibus Rental with Driver

This suggested itinerary includes many highlights for you to see while visiting Koh Samui. Your first stop could be the Lady Monk temple or the famous Big Buddha temple on the north end of the island. After that, you can go to the Chaweng viewpoint to enjoy the stunning views of the bays around Chaweng. A little further down south, you can find the Grandfather and Grandmother rock (also called Hin Ta & Hin Yai). Then you will go to a rubber plantation where you can see the rubber trees and the way the rubber is extracted from them. Further to the south of the island, you will visit the Mummified Monk and its surrounding temple area. You will also go to Namuang waterfall where you can go for a swim! You can also stop by some nice beach side restaurants for lunch or dinner to have a little break. The driver will pick you up from your accommodation anywhere on the island, bring you to the places you desire and will drop you off when the tour is finished. 

Koh Samui: Customized Private Island Excursion by Car

5. Koh Samui: Customized Private Island Excursion by Car

Get your tour tailor made to your wishes and needs. On a private tour, almost anything is possible! Recommend itinerary: • Your first destination is the famous rock formation of Hin Ta & Hin Yai, meaning grandfather and grandmother, located at the idyllic emerald Sea. Ask your guide about the Thai legend of this extraordinary rock formation • Visit Lamai View Point and see the Valentine Stone, shaped like a heart set in beautiful garden, where you will also have the chance to enjoy fish spa. Take a 10 minute walk through the beautiful garden to enjoy the views of the eastern coast of Koh Samui. You even don't have to climb to the top! Sit back and let the only “cable car” on Koh Samui bring you up to the viewpoint! • Visit Guan Yu shrine featuring a massive copy of Guan Yu’s head, an important landmark. Guan Yu played a significant role during the civil war, which lead to the demise of the Han Dynasty • After a short drive you will arrive to the mummified monk temple, another amazing and unique attraction of the Koh Samui. This place, too, has an original story to tell • Go for a jungle walk along a dense jungle path, which leads to the Namuang Waterfall. Here you can enjoy the beautiful cascade and surroundings, or swim in the natural pools • Stop for lunch in a nice Thai restaurant to enjoy a traditional Thai lunch • Visit Samui’s One Tambon One Product coconut carved furniture factory, where you you’ll see workers using simple traditional tools to make wonderful coconut dishes • Before heading back to your hotel you may visit Big Buddha, or Wat Phra Yai, located on a small rocky islet connected to Ko Samui by a long, dirt causeway • The final destination is a remarkable temple, Wat Plai Laem, with a main statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy. Designed in the Chinese style, the striking figure sits on a platform surrounded by the temple lake and features 18 arms that fan out from the seated statue’s lap to above her elegant head

Koh Samui: Market Visit, Sunset Views & Thai Beach Dinner

6. Koh Samui: Market Visit, Sunset Views & Thai Beach Dinner

Your private tour will begin in the late afternoon with pickup from your accommodation. Before heading to your first destination, you’ll make a quick stop in a colorful evening market and stroll through the many kiosks with vendors selling their produce and wares. If you want to do a bit of souvenir or snack shopping, this is the place. Next up are the Hin Ta Hin Yai rock formations, one of the most famous rock formations on the island. Listen as your friendly guide tells you about the local legend behind the natural scenery. Snap photos of the fascinating shapes, and don’t forget to take in the glorious views of the sea.  The next stop is Laem Sor Pagoda. Perched on a rock jutting out to sea, this gleaming golden pagoda is known for its picturesque backdrop. It's the perfect place to watch the sun set on the horizon. After golden hour, you’ll be whisked to Taling Ngam Beach, where a traditional Thai dinner awaits you on the beach. Devour Thai dishes and sip on refreshing drinks as you end a fantastic evening.

Koh Samui: Private Tour with Jet Skiing and Sunset Dinner

7. Koh Samui: Private Tour with Jet Skiing and Sunset Dinner

Start your tour around mid-afternoon with pickup from your accommodation and quick stops at two of Koh Samui’s famous temples. The first stop is the Big Buddha temple, aptly named for a 12-meter tall golden statue of a serene-looking Buddha. Climb to the top of the staircase and see the imposing statue up close in all its grandeur. Known for its colorful designs and mix of Chinese and Thai architecture, Wat Plai Laem’s most eye-catching feature is the huge statue of the 18-arm Guanyin, believed to be the goddess of mercy and compassion. Explore the colorful grounds and spot another large statue of a laughing monk before starting your jet ski adventure. Following a briefing from your instructor, board your jet ski and ride the waves, making the rounds of some of the island’s best beaches. Take in the long stretch of coastline at Bophut Beach, gaze at the turquoise waters of Maenam Beach, and admire the beautiful shores of Koh Som Beach. After a thrilling ride, make your way to the popular Fisherman’s Village for a spot of shopping. Walk by the numerous stalls and kiosks as you take in the products on display. Wrap up the day with a delicious local dinner at the beach as you watch the sun go down at the end of an amazing day.

Koh Samui: Beach Yoga Class & Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

8. Koh Samui: Beach Yoga Class & Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

The day will start bright and early with a yoga and meditation class at the beach. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, the instructor will make sure to accommodate your skill level as you go through the class. After your morning session, you’ll have free time to make use of the resort’s facilities. Feeling refreshed and revitalized, head to your first destination of the day: Hin Ta Hin Yai. Listen to the local folklore of how the rocks came to be and snap photos of the strange formations before going to a local restaurant for lunch. After filling yourself with delicious Thai food, you’ll make your way to Namuang 1 Waterfall. This serene cascade, hidden in the middle of a lush forest, is considered one of the most scenic waterfalls on the island. Take a dip in the refreshing pools before moving on.  Next stop is the gleaming golden Laem Sor Pagoda, one of the lesser-known sites in Koh Samui. Take a breather here and stroll around the temple grounds, set against the backdrop of the ocean. Then, continue the search for the best photo spots at Lad Koh Viewpoint. Take in panoramic views of the ocean and shoreline. Finish the day with a visit to two Buddhist temples, Big Buddha – famous for its 12-meter tall statue overlooking the island – and Wat Plai Laem, known for the striking 18-arm statue of the goddess of mercy. Explore these colorful temple grounds before making your way back to your accommodation.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Koh Samui

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What people are saying about Koh Samui

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 202 reviews

Fantastic excursion, highly recommended! Our tour guide Kate was also super dedicated and organized, very helpful and friendly and put us in a really good mood.

Our guide was brilliant! Very informative and kind. 10/10. The trip itself was very good.

Great fun, well organised, covers lots of interesting tourists attractions!

Great overall package with visit to pig island, snorkeling & lunch

Nice trip. Worth the effort. Good timing. Nice guide good lunch