Asia
Koh Samui 3 day itinerary for first time visitors
Jan
Koh Samui is one of the most popular island destinations in Thailand with hills, beaches, and a laid back vibe. It’s only 1 hour by flight from Bangkok and there’s plenty to see as it’s the second largest island and also close to many smaller islands such as Koh Phagna.
Many come here to stay at one of the many resorts and hotels, and it’s a great stopping point too if you are making your way to and from Hua Hin or Bangkok to Khao Sok, Surat Thani, or Krabi.
I have put together a 3 day itinerary ideal for first time visitors:
Table of Contents
Quick tips for visiting Koh Samui
Getting to Koh Samui
As an island, there’s two ways to get to Koh Samui:
Flights to Koh Samui
There are multiple flights each day by Bangkok Airways from the Suvarnabhumi Airport, and also flights are available from Chiang Mai.
Tickets are generally around 100 USD and include luggage. Unless you are doing a road trip down south, it’s much easier to fly in domestically and the airport is unique with an open air concept as well as plenty of eateries.
Ferry to Koh Samui
Depending on where you are, it might make more sense to get to Koh Samui via ferry. There are several different piers around the island, so be sure to look out for where you’ll land.
It’s easiest to book through 12GoAsia as it will include bus or van transfer to the pier and the ferry tickets. You can also check the reviews and rating for more information.
The journey would take around 14 hours from Bangkok, so I don’t recommend bus and ferry unless you are travelling there between Hua Hin and Phuket.
Getting around Koh Samui
Koh Samui has a system of roads that form a ring around the island, which runs parallel to the coastline but is not by the sea.
The airport is on the northeast corner of the island.
Taxi on Koh Samui
Transportation in Koh Samui is quite expensive compared to Bangkok. There are 2 main apps that you can use:
- Grab – which is more expensive
- InDrive – Cheaper but need to pay cash
If you are getting to and from the airport, the best value for money is to book through Trip.com, which also let you pick the ideal pick up time with suggestions.
Renting a car in Koh Samui
If you have driving experience, it’s better to rent your own motorbike or car. Otherwise, you can join day tours or do occasional trips.
Day 1 Arrive to Koh Samui
I arrived late on Koh Samui and got to my hotel with the pre-booked airport taxi.
Day 2 Koh Samui
I was torn between taking a full day trip to see the nearby Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park or a chiller half day trip, and ended up picking the Koh Samui Pig Island half day tour so I can spend some time around the hotel area as well.
Koh Samui Pig Island Tour
Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, is 20 minutes speedboat from Koh Samui and known for having many pigs. The story behind it is that a local farmer saw a family of pigs being sold in Surat Thani and felt bad for them. So he purchased them and with the help of a tour company, kept them on the Koh Madsum island and charge visitors entry as upkeep.
This turned out to be extremely popular and now the islands see many visitors coming daily to pet them and feed them.
The tour I opted for has a small group, relaxed itinerary to see the pigs, including pickup as well as lunch on Ko Taen Island.
The pick up was very smooth, and we had some rest time at the cafe by the pier where I got overpriced Thai tea before setting off. The speed boat is a traditional longtail boat so prepared to get spray and make sure to have your items in a waterproof bag.
We spent around an hour or so at Koh Madsum and the tour guide would buy feed for the pigs and help everyone get their photos. You can also buy more feed yourself and there’s food and drinks available to purchase at the store there.
A few important tips:
- The pigs can bite, so be careful and don’t put your hands too close to their mouth with food
- There are stray dogs as well who would fight for food
- The sizes of the pigs varied from tiny piglets to big ones
Our tour was the second to arrive at the island and one of the first to leave just as it gets crowded. And we were the only one at Ko Taen where we enjoyed a delicious lunch sharing style. I’m thankful for my tour-mates who gave me the extra chickens to finish~
We had free use of their kayaks as well so we paddle around for a little bit, chill on the loungers, before going back to Koh Samui.
Lamai Beach walk
After I got clean up at the hotel, I went for a walk along the Lamai Beach which was surprisingly pleasant with beautiful boulders. It doesn’t face the west sadly, so we couldn’t see the sunset but we saw the pink and orange hues.
Lamai Beach Night Market
The Lamai Beach Night Market opens nightly, and it’s a great option for groups who can’t decide on what to eat. This is not to be confused with the Sunday night market – which turns the entire street into the market.
Options range from pizza to local food. I ended up getting a thai steak rice bowl at 150 baht which was great value, though the beef was a bit tough. It is an outdoor venue so check the forecast for rain before going!
Address: 139, 2, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Opening times: 15:00 – 0:00
Day 3 Koh Samui
For day 3, I chose to do a half day tour again to get some rest time before evening activities!
Half day island tour
This morning all about exploring the island’s iconic sights without the hassle of driving. Perfect for non-drivers, this half-day tour covers six must-see attractions, offering a mix of cultural, natural, and quirky spots.
Wat Plai Laem
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, Wat Plai Laem is a vibrant temple complex that beautifully blends Thai and Chinese architectural styles. Designed by the renowned Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming, this modern temple is a feast for the eyes with its intricate statues and colorful murals.
The centerpiece is the striking 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, which seems to float serenely over the water. This temple isn’t just about aesthetics; it offers a tranquil escape where visitors can feed the fish in the surrounding lake, adding to the serene atmosphere.
What makes Wat Plai Laem truly unique is its eclectic mix of deities and cultural influences. Alongside Guanyin, you’ll find a giant laughing Buddha and smaller shrines dedicated to Hindu gods like Vishnu and Shiva. This fusion of beliefs creates a rich tapestry of spiritual significance, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural diversity of Thailand.
Wat Phra Yai Koh Samu
Perched on the small island of Koh Fan, just off the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, Wat Phra Yai is home to the island’s most iconic landmark: the Big Buddha. This majestic 12-meter-tall golden statue was built in 1972 and has since become a beacon of spirituality and a must-visit attraction.
The statue depicts Buddha in a state of calm and purity, overcoming the temptations of Mara, the Lord of Illusion. The serene expression and the intricate details make it a captivating sight, visible from several kilometers away.
What sets Wat Phra Yai apart is not just its impressive size but also its cultural significance and the stunning views it offers. As you climb the staircase flanked by mythical Naga serpents, you’ll be greeted with panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastline and the bustling Big Buddha Beach below.
For me, the best part of the visit was the view, and the shopping surrounding the temple ground is great despite being touristy.
Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng)
Nestled in the lush heart of Koh Samui, Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng) is a modest yet captivating Buddhist temple, best known for its unique resident: the Mummified Monk, Luang Pho Daeng.
The monk, who passed away in 1973, requested that his body be preserved and displayed as a reminder of the impermanence of life. Encased in a glass display, Luang Pho Daeng sits in a meditative position, donning his signature sunglasses to mask the decay of his eyes, making the sight a touch less unsettling for visitors.
Many Buddhists come to pay respect to the monk, and there are monks on site to help you to if you want to do so and aren’t sure of the process.
Grandfather’s Grandmother’s Rocks
Perched on the picturesque Lamai Beach in Koh Samui, the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, locally known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai, are natural wonders that have amused and intrigued visitors for generations.
These cheeky rock formations, resembling male and female genitalia, are steeped in local legend. According to the tale, an elderly couple from Nakhon Si Thammarat set sail to arrange a marriage for their son but tragically drowned in a storm, transforming into these iconic rocks as a symbol of their unfulfilled quest.
The grandfather rock is easy to spot. But for the grandmother’s rock, it’s right by the coast and do require significant imagination.
There are also many shops and eateries around, though prices are also quite inflated.
Lad Koh View Point
Perched between Chaweng and Lamai Beach, Lad Koh View Point is a gem on Koh Samui’s ring road, offering breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Thailand. This scenic spot has evolved over the years, becoming a favorite stop for tourists seeking panoramic views of the island’s coastline and the shimmering sea. The viewpoint is easily accessible, making it a popular choice for day tours.
There is a staircase to go down but the view is of course much better on top. My advice is to get the coconut ice cream from the van and just take in the view!
Na Muang Waterfalls
I could give you a pretty description of Na Muang Waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls to visit on Koh Samui. But if you have seen your fair share of waterfalls, this one isn’t all that different or particularly stunning.
The level of crowds also doesn’t help, although it is easy to access one side of it with proper concrete stairs. But if you want a nice photo, you would have to step into the water and loop to the other side.
I also wasn’t a fan of the elephant riding offered by the parking lot. The tour guide informed me that there’s not much they can do about it. But it’s important to note that it’s an unethical practice.
Coco Tams Fireshow
It might be touristy, but the Coco Tams Fireshow is one of the craziest fireshow and a must see when you are in Koh Samui. The famous beachside restaurant and bar is located on the Fisherman Village main street and arriving early is highly recommended.
They do 2 shows nightly, one at 7:15 pm and another at 9pm. Arrive early to get a seat by the beach, ideally 1 hour before if you can but half an hour before might also work. There is a minimum one drink per person (pay in cash), and the drinks are reasonably priced and sized.
There are two fireshows spaced out across the beach and guests can participate at the end. If you do, remember to tip for that for sure (and this is coming from me who did not grow up with a tip culture). Note that the fire is hot so if you are afraid of heat or fire, do not get too close.
Address: 62 Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Opening times: 13:00 – 0:00
Where to stay on Koh Samui
Most people tend to stay in a few areas, and as you would either join a day trip or drive, it depends on the vibe you are going for. Here’s a brief description:
Lamai Beach
A bit quieter than Chaweng, Lamai Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches, cozy cafes, and the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.
Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui
The Centara Life Lamai Resort in Koh Samui is located in a quiet street right next to the bustling main road of the Lamai area. It’s a 5 minutes walk to the beach itself and also walking distant to the quirky rock formation of Hin Ta Hin Yai.
Their outdoor pool is enclosed giving privacy and there’s also a 24 hour gym on the 5th floor.
The breakfast is in the ground floor restaurant with an egg station as well as both Asian and Western items.
Centara Life Lamai Resort has 61 stylish rooms, ranging from Deluxe to Family Suites, designed in a modern, soothing sea-side palette. All rooms have an outdoor area, balconies for those who are not on the ground floor, but expect to either view the road or the backyard.
Overall, the hotel is ideal for those who want to enjoy the area without the noise – I slept great there for the 2 nights. And it’s only a 15-20 minutes drive from the airport.
Chaweng Beach
Known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and a wide range of dining options, Chaweng Beach is the go-to spot for those looking to be in the heart of the action.
