Koh Samui is known for its palm trees and white beaches, but the island and its immediate surroundings have far more to offer than just lounging by the sea. From a boat trip through one of Thailand’s most beautiful national marine parks to golden temples, hidden waterfalls and a meeting with rescued elephants: around Koh Samui you’ll find a surprisingly varied range of excursions.
Whether you love nature, culture, action or simply a day away from the beach: there is something for everyone. In this article we list the 10 most visited and best-rated excursions from Koh Samui, so you know exactly what to expect and which tour best suits your travel style.
Published on 11 August 2026.
Last updated on 14 August 2026.
1. Ang Thong National Marine Park
No list of excursions from Koh Samui is complete without Ang Thong, an archipelago of 42 limestone islands about 30 kilometers northwest of Samui. This protected marine park combines dramatic limestone rocks, dense jungle, hidden bays and the famous Emerald Lagoon (Thale Nai), an emerald-green saltwater lake surrounded by steep rock walls.
A typical day tour goes by speedboat or catamaran, with stops to snorkel, kayak through the bays and climb a viewpoint above the main island of Koh Mae Ko for a panorama over the entire archipelago. Most tours include lunch on board and hotel pickup.
Good to know: Bring water shoes for the rocky landing spots and preferably book a small-scale tour (catamaran or small boat) instead of a big mass tour, for more peace at the most beautiful spots.
Who is it for? Nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to get off Koh Samui without leaving the island behind completely.
Check out our article: Ang Thong National Marine Park: Excursion, Tips & Prices (Our Own Experience)
2. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) & Wat Plai Laem
Wat Phra Yai, better known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of Koh Samui’s most recognizable sights with its 12-meter-high golden Buddha statue. The temple sits on a small island on the north side of Samui, connected by a short pier, and is free to visit.
Nearby lies Wat Plai Laem, a more colorful and photogenic temple complex with a large statue of Guanyin (the Chinese goddess of compassion) with multiple arms, in the middle of a pond full of koi fish. Most visitors combine both temples in one morning or afternoon, often together with the nearby Fisherman’s Village (see below).
Good to know: Cover your shoulders and knees, as at every temple in Thailand. Preferably go early in the morning for the smallest crowds and the softest light for photos.
Who is it for? Culture lovers and anyone looking for a short excursion that is easy to combine.
A visit to the Big Buddha temple is easy to organize yourself: take a taxi or ask your hotel to call transport. Afterwards, visit the nearby Fisherman’s Village in Bo Phut for a stroll and lunch or dinner.
3. Na Muang Waterfalls 1 & 2
In the middle of the island, in Koh Samui’s hilly interior, lie the two Na Muang waterfalls. Na Muang 1 is easily accessible and ideal for cooling off in the natural pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Na Muang 2 lies higher up and requires a short walk through the jungle, but rewards you with a more spectacular, higher waterfall and fewer crowds.
Many visitors combine a visit to Na Muang with an elephant sanctuary or jungle trip nearby, since both attractions lie in the same hilly interior.
Good to know: Go during or just after the rainy season (roughly June to November) for the strongest water flow; in the dry season the flow can be considerably lower.
Who is it for? Travelers looking for a short, active break between beach days, and families with children.
Na Muang Waterfalls 1 & 2: Complete Guide for Your Visit
4. Koh Tan & Koh Madsum island hopping (Coral Island & Pig Island)
South of Koh Samui lie two small islands that are perfect for a day of island hopping: Koh Tan, also called “Coral Island” for its clear water and coral reefs that lend themselves to snorkeling, and Koh Madsum, better known as “Pig Island” for the wild (and by now famous) swimming pigs on the beach.
A typical tour combines both islands in half a day, with time to snorkel, swim and visit the pigs on Koh Madsum, often topped off with lunch on the beach or on board.
Good to know: Only feed the pigs with food provided by the tour operator, and keep enough distance; they are wild animals, despite their tame appearance.
Who is it for? Snorkeling fans, families with children and anyone who enjoys an unusual photo moment.
Check out our article: Koh Tan & Koh Madsum: Snorkeling and Swimming with the Pigs
5. Ethical elephant sanctuary
Just like near Chiang Mai, meeting an elephant is a highlight of the Thailand trip for many travelers, and around Koh Samui several sanctuaries have emerged in recent years that focus on ethical and responsible elephant tourism. Instead of elephant rides, the emphasis is on observing, feeding and sometimes bathing with the animals, without chains or sticks.
A typical half-day tour starts with an introduction to the life and background of the elephants, followed by a feeding moment and a walk through their habitat. Some sanctuaries also offer the chance to wash the elephants in a specially built bathing area.
Good to know: Deliberately choose a sanctuary that communicates clearly about animal welfare and offers no riding activities. Reviews and certifications can help here.
Who is it for? Animal lovers and families with children.
Read our in-depth article on ethical elephant sanctuaries, including tips and recommendations
6. Thai cooking class
Not every excursion has to take you far from the beach: a Thai cooking class is among the most booked activities on Koh Samui as well. Most courses start with a visit to a local market, where under the guidance of your chef-instructor you learn to recognize fresh ingredients such as herbs, vegetables and spices.
Back at the cooking school you prepare classics like pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup and mango sticky rice yourself. Most courses last half a day and are suitable for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
Good to know: Many schools accommodate vegetarian or allergy-sensitive dishes, provided you mention it in advance.
Who is it for? Foodies and anyone who likes to take a piece of Thailand home in the form of new recipes.
Check out our article: Thai cooking class on Koh Samui: the best cooking schools
7. ATV / off-road jungle safari
If you love action, an ATV (quad) ride through Koh Samui’s hilly interior is a popular choice. The routes take you past rubber plantations, jungle, viewpoints over the island and often one of the Na Muang waterfalls as well.
Most tours are suitable for beginners, with a short instruction beforehand and a guide accompanying the group. Some operators combine the ATV ride with a visit to a temple or waterfall in the same morning or afternoon.
Good to know: Wear closed shoes and clothes that can get dirty; the trails are often muddy, especially in the rainy season.
Who is it for? Adventurous travelers and active couples or groups of friends.
Read all about ATV tours / Quad tours on Koh Samui, including tips on prices, safety, etc.
8. Zipline adventure
If you’d rather see the jungle from above, Koh Samui offers several zipline courses through the rainforest in the island’s interior. The courses usually consist of a series of cable runs between platforms high in the trees, combined with suspension bridges and sometimes a short abseil.
The trips usually take two to three hours and are suitable for most ages, although minimum age and weight requirements often apply.
Good to know: Preferably book in the morning, when it’s still a bit cooler and the forest is quieter.
Who is it for? Adventurous travelers and families with slightly older children.
Check out our article: Zip Adventure on Koh Samui: Complete Guide
9. Fisherman’s Village, Bo Phut
Fisherman’s Village in Bo Phut, on Samui’s north coast, is an atmospheric old fishing village with narrow streets full of wooden shophouses, restaurants and bars. During the day it’s a quiet place for a coffee or lunch overlooking the sea; on Friday evening the main street turns into a lively night market (Walking Street) with street food, souvenirs and live music.
Many visitors combine a visit to Fisherman’s Village with the Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem, since all three are close together on the north side of the island.
Good to know: Go on Friday evening for the weekly Walking Street market, or during the day for a quieter visit.
Who is it for? Foodies, photographers and anyone who enjoys an atmospheric evening away from the crowds of the big tourist beaches.
You can easily organize a visit to Fisherman’s Village yourself; take a taxi or ask your hotel to call transport. First, visit the nearby Big Buddha Temple, then take a walk and have lunch or dinner in Fisherman’s Village.
10. Muay Thai fight
Live Muay Thai galas are regularly held on Koh Samui, usually in one of the larger boxing arenas around Chaweng. The fights feature a mix of local, often young Thai talents and sometimes foreign boxers, and the atmosphere in the arena is lively and festive: loud live music, betting offices, and an enthusiastic crowd.
We personally found the opening of every match particularly special to watch: the Wai Kru ceremony, a traditional ritual in which the boxer honors his teacher and the sport with a slow, controlled dance around the ring, accompanied by traditional music. This alone makes an evening of Muay Thai worthwhile, even if you don’t normally care for combat sports.
Good to know: Preferably book online in advance (especially during peak season) for seats close to the ring, as the atmosphere is most intense there. Keep in mind that the evening often starts late (around 9:00 PM) and can last until after midnight.
Prices: For a Muay Thai night, you usually pay between 1,500 and 2,000 THB, depending on your location (further from the ring is cheaper).
Who is it for? Travelers looking for an authentic night out, away from the beach.
Buy your tickets online:
Samui International Stadium: every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
Phetch Buncha Stadium: every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Multi-day excursions from Koh Samui
Koh Samui itself is compact enough to explore in a day or two, but the island is also an excellent starting point for day trips or overnight stays on the neighboring islands.
Koh Phangan, world famous for its monthly Full Moon Party but also worth visiting for its quiet north coast and waterfalls, is only 45 minutes away by speedboat. View hotels on Koh Phangan.
Koh Tao, known as one of the best and cheapest diving destinations in Southeast Asia, is also easy to combine with an overnight stay if you have time for a PADI diving course or a day of snorkeling along the reefs. Check out our hotels on Koh Tao for tips on the best place to stay.
If you only want to snorkel on Koh Tao, it is best to book a day trip snorkeling speedboat tour from Koh Samui. Koh Tao probably has the most beautiful fish and corals in the Gulf of Thailand.
How do you choose the right excursion?
With so many options, choosing can be difficult. When making your choice, consider how much time you have on Koh Samui, what type of traveler you are (active, culture, relaxation) and whether you’d rather stay on the island itself or head to the neighboring islands for a day. For a first visit, a combination of Ang Thong National Marine Park, the Big Buddha Temple and one of the waterfalls or the elephant sanctuary makes a nice mix of nature and culture. If you have more time, the other excursions on this list are certainly recommended as well.
Practical tips for your excursions from Koh Samui
Book popular tours such as Ang Thong National Marine Park or the elephant sanctuary preferably well in advance and online, especially during high season (December to April) and around holidays. Booking online has the advantage that you often get better prices and more choice of time slots than when you only book on the spot. For most day trips, a few days to a week in advance is plenty of time, but for the most popular trips feel free to book several weeks ahead to be sure of a spot. Also don’t forget: sunscreen, mosquito spray and enough water, since it is warm and humid on and around Koh Samui all year round.
Frequently asked questions about Koh Samui excursions
What are the top excursions I shouldn’t miss on my first visit to Koh Samui?
For a first visit we recommend a combination of Ang Thong National Marine Park, the Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem, and one of the Na Muang waterfalls or the elephant sanctuary. With these three experiences you get a nice mix of nature, culture and animals. Do you have a bit more time on Koh Samui? Then the other excursions are certainly recommended too.
What are the best excursions from Koh Samui for nature lovers?
Around Koh Samui there are excellent options for nature lovers: Ang Thong National Marine Park for limestone rocks and a hidden lagoon, the Na Muang waterfalls in the jungle interior, and boat trips to Koh Tan for snorkeling among coral.
When should I book a Koh Samui excursion?
Preferably book your excursion well in advance and online. Popular trips such as Ang Thong National Marine Park or a visit to the elephant sanctuary fill up fast during high season (December to April) and around holidays.
How do I choose an ethical elephant sanctuary near Koh Samui?
Choose a sanctuary that communicates clearly about animal welfare, offers no elephant rides and gives the animals enough space to move freely. Reviews and any certifications can help here.
Which excursions from Koh Samui are suitable for families with children?
The Na Muang waterfalls, a visit to Koh Madsum (“Pig Island”) and an ethical elephant sanctuary are all good choices for families with children, thanks to the manageable pace and accessible activities.
What is the difference between a day trip to Ang Thong and a day trip to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao?
Ang Thong National Marine Park is an uninhabited nature reserve, focused on nature, snorkeling and spectacular views. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are inhabited islands with their own villages, beaches and (in the case of Koh Tao) a lively diving scene, a completely different experience from a nature park.
When is the best time for excursions from Koh Samui?
The driest and sunniest period on Koh Samui usually runs from December to April, which is also high season. Note: Koh Samui has a different rainy season than mainland Thailand, the wettest months here are usually October and November.
Conclusion
From a boat trip through Ang Thong National Marine Park to a meeting with rescued elephants or an evening at the Walking Street of Fisherman’s Village: alongside its famous beaches, Koh Samui offers a surprisingly varied range of excursions. Choose the trips that best suit your travel style, book in time during high season, and discover that there is much more to do on and around this island than just sunbathing.
Haven’t booked a hotel on Koh Samui yet? Check out our guide to the best hotels on Koh Samui.
Article written by Su & Johan, 14 years of combined experience in Thailand
The ThaiTravelExpert team (Su and Johan) brings you engaging articles full of info and practical tips about Thailand hotels, Thailand excursions and useful travel tips for Thailand. More about us