Temples and landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai) | A golden seated statue about 12 metres tall, from 1972, reached by steps flanked by dragon statues: the island's best-known landmark. | North-east of the island; clothes covering shoulders and knees required |
| Wat Plai Laem | A temple complex on a lake, with a huge eighteen-armed statue and colourful sculptures. | Near the Big Buddha |
| The Secret Garden | A hillside garden in the forest, with statues and stone carvings made by an island farmer from 1976. | The island's mountainous centre |
Nature and islands
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Ang Thong Marine Park | An archipelago of 42 islands with limestone peaks, white beaches and hidden lagoons, on a day trip with snorkelling and kayaking. | Off the island; the viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap looks over the archipelago |
| The Na Muang waterfalls | Two waterfalls in the forest: the first is easy to reach with a pool for swimming, the second higher up after a short walk. | South-west of the island |
Beaches and markets
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Fisherman's Village in Bophut | Restored old Chinese wooden houses and seafront restaurants, with an evening market on Fridays. | North of the island |
| Chaweng and Lamai beaches | The island's best-known beaches, with long stretches of sand and clear water. | East coast |
Tips before you go
- Reach Samui by domestic flight from Bangkok in about an hour, or fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry.
- December to April is the best time; Samui's rainy season runs roughly from October to December, later than Phuket's.
- Saudis enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days, with the TDAC digital arrival card.
Hotels in Koh Samui
Flights to Bangkok
More places nearby
- Things to do in Thailand
- Things to do in Krabi
- Things to do in Bangkok
- Things to do in Phuket
- Things to do in Chiang Mai
Visa
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Koh Samui?
The Big Buddha temple and Wat Plai Laem, Ang Thong Marine Park, the Na Muang waterfalls, the Secret Garden, the Fisherman's Village in Bophut, and Chaweng and Lamai beaches.
How do I get to Koh Samui?
By domestic flight from Bangkok in about an hour, or by flying to Surat Thani and taking the ferry.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
December to April; the rainy season runs roughly from October to December.
Planning your trip to Thailand? Read Travel to Thailand from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.