Profit from your time on this island paradise with our checklist of the very best Koh Samui excursions and day journeys!
While you consider Koh Samui, you could imagine it’s all about seashores and kicking again on the swimming pool of 5-star resorts.
And naturally sure, the seashores round Koh Samui are beautiful, as are the infinite swimming pools. However there may be a lot extra to do right here.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, situated within the Gulf of Thailand and is the queen within the trio of in style islands right here, with the opposite two being Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
The dimensions of this idyllic island permits for an enormous range within the lush landscapes right here, from mountainous jungle within the centre to sprawling coconut plantations within the flats.
Whereas it’s a in style getaway for {couples} in Thailand due to its romantic attraction, for these of us who love journey to fill the day there may be an abundance of superior Koh Samui day journeys and excursions to benefit from your time right here.
Whether or not you need to chill on a white sand seaside in Ang Thong Marine Park, be taught concerning the cultural sights of the native Thai inhabitants or discover another hidden gems, our information to the highest Koh Samui excursions will level you in the fitting course.
The Finest Koh Samui Excursions – From Islands to the Jungle
We extremely suggest you will have a learn of our final Koh Samui itinerary put up for an thought of learn how to construction your journey right here, after which decide and select a fantastic tour that matches your journey fashion.
It doesn’t matter what you’re in search of, you’re certain to fall in love with Koh Samui’s epic actions.
Right here is our checklist of the very best excursions in Koh Samui.
Go to the Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park from Koh Samui
The minute you begin to make plans to go away your lodging, the very very first thing you must do is e-book a Koh Samui day journey to Ang Thong Marine Park.
Positioned simply 30km east from Koh Samui, the Ang Thong Marine Park is a shocking archipelago of 42 islands, and a tour out to discover the park is among the greatest adventures you are able to do whilst you’re right here.
A typical Koh Samui tour of Ang Thong Marine Park will let you discover a few of the greatest islands to go to close to Koh Samui and epic viewpoints within the archipelago, together with Mae Koh Island, residence to the gorgeous Emerald Lagoon.
There are a variety of how to get on the market, all with native tour operators, however we personally suggest reserving a visit that makes use of a speedboat somewhat than a longtail boat.
The reason being that you just’ll have much more time on the attractive seashores and islands themselves, somewhat than in transport.
When you’ve made the journey throughout the ocean from Koh Samui, the primary cease is often Koh Wao Yai or Koh Tay Plow, the place you’ll get to snorkel within the crystal clear waters and coral reefs.
Your boat captain will then take you on a brief sightseeing cruise across the archipelago earlier than dropping the passengers off at Mae Koh Island for a brief but steep trek as much as the point of view above Emerald Lagoon.
The landlocked Emerald Lake (often known as the Blue Lagoon) fills up from an underwater cave. You’re not allowed to swim in it as a result of it’s a protected space, however it’s nonetheless stunning to see!
Subsequent it’s time to cruise onto the opposite facet of the island and sort out what could be essentially the most troublesome, but rewarding, climb within the space – the Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint.
Tons of (or is it hundreds?) of steps minimize up the ridge of one of many highest factors on the island, weaving by way of dense forest and intermittently damaged up with lookouts alongside the best way. The 500m size won’t sound so dangerous, however you acquire 250m in elevation.
As robust as it’s, we extremely suggest pushing on to the highest, because the views you’ll get are past sensational, trying down on the archipelago and out to the infinite horizon.
When you’ve snapped your photographs from the highest head again down, take a dip and in case you nonetheless have vitality soar in a sea kayak for a paddle across the seaside.
By now you’ve seemingly labored up an urge for food, and fortunately lunch is simply across the nook.
Your speedboat will motor alongside to Koh Phaluai within the Angthong Marine Park for an unlimited unfold of scrumptious meals, served out within the open and surrounded by palm bushes and hornbill birds.
The island remains to be inhabited by sea-gypsies who earn a residing from fishing. You may both take a sea kayak round or simply chill out on the secluded seaside, Son Pee Hong Seashore.
On this island the locals shield the wonderful hornbills, so that they hang around with none worry. Such cool little birds.
After your meal, it’s time to move again to Koh Samui, simply in time for sundown drinks!
These full day excursions embrace transport, an English-speaking information the nationwide park payment required for the shore tour and your scrumptious lunch, however remember to convey alongside additional snacks in case you want, and sunscreen.
4WD Eco Jungle Safari Tour
A lot to most individuals’s shock once they go to the island, among the best Koh Samui excursions isn’t nearly being out on the water.
Certainly one of our absolute favourites heads inland as an alternative, exploring the huge inside of the mountainous paradise.
The 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour is an unimaginable journey land tour that takes you to a facet of Koh Samui that almost all guests by no means see
Also called the Eco Jungle Tour, we knew we actually needed to do that Koh Samui day journey earlier than we booked our most up-to-date adventures in Thailand, and it didn’t disappoint.
Picked up from our resort by our driver Mr Soot and incredible native information Nina, the plan was to discover a extra native facet of Samui Island full of tradition, landscapes and secret gardens.
We began the break day with a go to to some native temples in Koh Samui, together with the Huge Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem.
It’s so necessary to be taught concerning the nation’s tradition, faith and other people once you journey, and we had been blown away on the intricacies and wonder of those temples.
Having a tour information was effectively value it, as Nina defined the refined particulars within the structure and the way every little thing had a which means and story behind it.
Subsequent it was time to move into the mountains of Koh Samui, however earlier than we gained an excessive amount of elevation we stopped by a coconut plantation run by an area household.
The household are knowledgeable coconut harvesters (husking over 1000 coconuts in a single day’s work!), and we had an opportunity to observe the masters in motion, and even strive our hand at husking our personal coconut.
Climbing into the misty mountains of Koh Samui is an journey in itself, and we had been grateful we had been travelling in a 4×4, because the street was extraordinarily steep, muddy and rutted.
After a break at a excessive lookout, the driving force pointed to the seats on the roof of the 4×4 and requested if we needed to take a seat on prime for an adrenaline-filled drive to the summit.
After all we couldn’t say no, so strapping in for the experience we hit the street, bouncing round, ducking underneath vines and laughing the entire means.
The remainder of the day was full of extra visits to temples (together with the very best one on Koh Samui), a scrumptious lunch at an area restaurant, and a wander round a rubber-tree farm.
One of many highlights was exploring the Buddha’s Magic Backyard, a personal nature park constructed deep within the forest of Koh Samui.
After a cease off at Namuang Waterfall we noticed the weird rock formations across the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks earlier than being dropped off again on the resort.
It was an action-packed day, full of a wholesome mixture of tradition, nature and journey. Positively among the best Koh Samui excursions you are able to do on the island!
Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao Tour by Speedboat
Should you haven’t had sufficient of being out on the water, it is a nice island tour if you wish to see extra of the gorgeous places round Koh Samui.
A day journey out to Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao is an 8-hour journey, so be ready for an early begin. It’s value rising for although!
This Koh Samui tour heads out to the beautiful island of Koh Tao (Turtle Island) by speedboat, which is a real laidback paradise.
When you arrive on Koh Tao (try our full information on what to do there if in case you have extra time) you’ll uncover the spectacular coral reef at Hin Wong by going snorkelling, or one of many different bays close by if circumstances are proper.
Snorkelling gear is equipped by the corporate, however you’re additionally welcome to convey your individual too.
After a while exploring the underwater world of Koh Tao, the tour will head to the sandbar seashores of Koh Nang Yuan.
This small island off of Koh Tao is understood for its wonderful snorkelling, diving and delightful white sandy seashores.
The sandbar between Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan was fashioned by ocean currents pushing between the three small peaks, loading sand as much as join all of them collectively.
Should you’re (and you have to be), climb to the highest of the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint first. That means you’ll get the sweaty hike out of the best way, and might take pleasure in a cool, refreshing swim after.
READ MORE: Take a look at our final journey information to Thailand!
It takes about quarter-hour to get to the highest and the view is gorgeous, being essentially the most well-known one in Koh Nang Yuan.
Remember the fact that though it’s among the best Koh Samui day journeys, it’s a lengthy day, so be sure to have at the least a light-weight breakfast earlier than heading out, and take some seasickness tablets earlier than departing if wanted.
Pack sunscreen, your swimming go well with, a hat, sarong or towel, and a few footwear for the hike.
Most Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao excursions embrace a Thai buffet lunch and water, and we extremely suggest reserving this explicit one.
As soon as the journey ends you’ll be transported from Koh Tao again to your resort in Koh Samui.
Go to the Samui Elephant Sanctuary
The Samui Elephant Sanctuary was opened in 2018 by native conservationist Maew Suriya, and since its creation, the sanctuary has rescued 14 elephants from the tourist-trekking and driving trade round Thailand.
It’s well-known by now that the elephant tourism trade in Southeast Asia has sadly resulted within the torture and deaths of numerous animals, however fortunately a lot of respected sanctuaries have stepped in to guard these stunning creatures.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary is among the good ones, and right here you possibly can e-book in for a half day tour on Koh Samui to see the incredible work they’re doing and to study their rescued elephants.
Becoming a member of the morning or afternoon tour, you’ll put together nutritious snacks to feed the elephants, and observe them wandering round their secluded atmosphere.
There isn’t a driving or bathing of the elephants right here. As a substitute the elephants dwell a cheerful life underneath the safety of their mahouts, who preserve them secure and cared for.
Seeing an elephant in Thailand is on a variety of customer’s bucket lists, however please be sure to go to an moral sanctuary like this one which doesn’t supply elephant rides.
Learn extra about this and different accountable journey strategies in our complete information to sustainable tourism in Thailand.
Be part of a Thai Cooking Class
This was one of many Koh Samui excursions we might have cherished to do, however sadly ran out of time. We had been informed about it by one other traveller although and it sounds unimaginable!
We’ve achieved just a few cooking lessons round Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, and they’re at all times a fantastic day trip.
Right here on Koh Samui with this small group cooking college (restricted to six individuals most) you be taught concerning the conventional strategies used to create a few of the hottest Thai dishes, and also you put together every little thing of their well-equipped kitchen.
First you’ll go to an area market in Koh Samui to tour round and choose your substances. Then you definitely head to the native residence to dive into the expertise.
This isn’t about kicking again and watching the chef make the meals for you. As a substitute you select from 4 conventional Thai dishes and are given hands-on directions to make all of it your self underneath the pleasant eye of an area skilled.
You’re certain to have plenty of laughs as you cook dinner up a storm, and also you’ll even end off with a Thai dessert.
Resort transfers, substances, cooking classes with the knowledgeable chef and meals are included on this tour, and also you’ll be given a recipe e-book to take residence with you too.
Bonus Journeys
These are our favorite Koh Samui excursions, however there actually is much more you are able to do if in case you have extra time on the island.
Listed below are another concepts to take a look at, from the well-known Koh Phangan Full Moon Occasion to driving a jet ski or ATV across the space.
Jet Ski Leases
Seeking to zip round between the white sand seashores of Koh Samui in style? Why not hire a jet ski for just a few hours?
ATV Safari
This adrenaline-fuelled day trip is among the hottest excursions on Koh Samui.
Discover the inside of the island on an ATV, crossing streams, sliding round on dust roads and trying out a few of the greatest surroundings away from the coast.
Head to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Occasion
This one isn’t actually a day journey, as you might want to spend the night time on Koh Phangan. However in case you like to bop, then why not do it at Thailand’s most (in)well-known get together on Koh Phangan?
A brief boat experience away from Koh Samui and Koh Tao is Koh Phangan, one other stellar tropical island with a few of the greatest landscapes within the nation.
Koh Phangan is an ideal getaway for those who love wellness and yoga, which is why we went there. However it’s additionally recognized for the large raves that occur underneath the complete moon.
Whether or not you need to get together or simply chill out, Koh Phangan is a wonderful cease earlier than or after Koh Samui or Koh Tao.
Go to A number of the Different Islands
There are a variety of different magical islands and seashores to discover round Koh Samui, and you might simply spend per week checking them out.
One of many extra in style islands close by is Koh Tan (or Koh Taen). A part of the Koh Samui Archipelago, Koh Tan is a small and gorgeous island simply 5km south of Koh Samui. It’s additionally nice for snorkeling.
Many day journey boat excursions that go to Koh Tan additionally go to Koh Madsum, which is only a 10 minute boat experience from Ko Samui. Also called the ‘Pig Island’, Koh Madsum (or Koh Mudsum), is a haven for snorkelling and swimming.
The sand on Koh Madsum is pure white, the water is refreshing and clear, and the island is residence to a sanctuary of rescued pigs. It’s some of the fascinating Koh Samui day journeys!
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