The 9 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui You Shouldn’t Miss 2026

Koh Samui is one of the largest islands in Thailand, and because of that, there is so much to do! From all sorts of beach activities and island hopping to snorkeling and visiting elephant sanctuaries, the island is packed with cool things to do.

I spent almost two weeks in Koh Samui myself, so I had quite a bit of time to explore pretty much all of the major attractions. But I also managed to find a bunch of random, off-the-beaten-path activities that were super fun and made my trip even more special.

I know it can be a little confusing and even overwhelming to figure out exactly what’s worth doing in Koh Samui, which is why I’ve decided to put together this guide. These are the 9 best things in Koh Samui that I actually did myself and would 100% recommend to you.

Things to Do in Koh Samui – My Experience

I’ve been to Thailand a few times now, and most recently, I went on a bit of a longer trip traveling from the north all the way to the south. 

I stopped in Koh Samui for about 10 days so my family could visit me, and we just wanted to relax and enjoy a chill family vacation. Because of that, I have a pretty good idea of how Koh Samui compares to the rest of Thailand when it comes to things to do.

I’ll be honest: I definitely think places like Chiang Mai, or even the islands further south, have a bit more to offer when it comes to island hopping, cultural activities, and snorkeling or diving. However, don’t get me wrong, I still managed to enjoy my time here a lot!

One of my favorite activities without a doubt was visiting the elephants. I had actually done this previously at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, and I really wanted to experience it again, so I took my family to Koh Samui Elephant Haven. Both of these are some of the most ethical sanctuaries in Thailand, so I had an amazing time and would highly recommend them if you want to see elephants responsibly.

But then, of course, I also loved the beaches. They are so gorgeous and definitely among the most beautiful in Thailand. I spent days paddleboarding and riding jet skis, so I really felt like there was always enough to keep me busy.

One last thing that was a huge highlight for me was watching a fire show. I was actually a little hesitant at first because I didn’t think it would be that amazing, but I was so wrong! I went to the one at Coco Tam’s, and it was incredible, my parents, in particular, absolutely loved it.

What I Actually Did in Koh Samui – My TOP 9 Activities

1. Watch a Fire Show

I know this might not sound like the most unique thing to do, I mean, there are fire shows on almost every beach in Thailand, but I have to say, the best fire show I have ever seen was definitely here in Koh Samui at Coco Tam’s.

Coco Tam’s is a super cool beach bar and restaurant where you can sit on bean bags right in the sand. My family and I went for the 7:15 PM show (they also have one at 9:00 PM), and we made sure to get there quite early to snag some good seats. 

My whole family absolutely loved it! It was so impressive watching them throw torches and spin fire right in front of us. It’s such a vibe, and I highly recommend heading there for dinner, drinks, and the show.

2. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary (I Went to Koh Samui Elephant Haven)

If you’ve read any of my other Thailand articles, you probably already know that I’m a little obsessed with elephants, I mean, honestly, how could I not be? On a previous trip, I went to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, and when I was in Koh Samui, I knew I had to take my whole family to Koh Samui Elephant Haven.

Both experiences were incredible. For me, it is so important to only visit ethical elephant sanctuaries. That means absolutely no riding, no bathing or washing, and no forced interactions. The two sanctuaries I’ve visited are some of the best in all of Thailand because they actually let the elephants be elephants.

Please try to only visit ethical sanctuaries! I understand it can be hard to figure out which ones are actually okay and which ones aren’t, but I highly recommend Koh Samui Elephant Haven if you’re on the island. And if you’re up north, definitely check out the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

3. Take a Boat to Pig Island

Koh Samui doesn’t have island hopping tours that are quite as famous as the ones in Southern Thailand (like Maya Bay or James Bond Island), but it does have Pig Island (officially called Koh Madsum). I hadn’t actually heard of it before I arrived, but it ended up being such an awesome day!

My family and I booked a speedboat trip together, and it was so much fun. The island itself is gorgeous with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water and we spent the day hanging out on the beach and, of course, playing with the wild pigs! 

They are so cute and friendly, and it’s such a unique experience to see them roaming around a tropical paradise. We also did some snorkeling in the area, which was beautiful. If you’re looking for a boat trip or a snorkeling day, this is definitely the best tour to book in Samui. I booked ours through Viator and had a fantastic experience.

Book Here: Boat Trip to Pig Island + Snorkeling

4. Enjoy the Beach

I know, I know, “going to the beach” isn’t exactly a “thrilling” or unique activity, but when I’m in Koh Samui with my family, staying at a resort and just relaxing on the sand is a huge part of the experience. I don’t feel like I need to be doing intense activities every single day!

As far as beaches go, I have a few favorites I want to recommend. I personally love Lamai Beach the most because it’s super chill but still has enough restaurants and bars to keep you happy. We also spent a day at the Carnival Beach Village (a beach club on Choeng Mon Beach), which was really fun and had a great vibe.

But, if you want something a bit more remote and quiet, Natien Beach is my favorite. There’s a tiny little beach bar there called Cool Bar that I absolutely love. They sell simple Pad Thais and ice-cold beers and it’s the perfect place to just hang out away from the crowds.

5. Hike to the Waterfalls

Koh Samui isn’t just about the beaches; the middle of the island actually has some beautiful nature that not many people explore. The middle of the island is quite hilly and packed with thick jungle, hidden waterfalls, and some surprisingly great hiking trails!

One day, we rented a car and decided to drive to Na Muang Waterfall 1 & 2, which are the two most popular spots on the island. It was a lot of fun, but definitely a bit of a workout! 

You can park right there, but you’ll need to hike to reach the falls. I’ll be honest, some people in our group struggled a little bit with the trek, mostly because the humidity in the jungle is no joke. If you go, definitely bring plenty of water and be prepared to sweat!

Book Here: Koh Samui Island Tour including Waterfalls

6. Have a Sunset Dinner + View

I had some truly amazing dining experiences in Koh Samui, but one of my absolute favorites was a sunset dinner at Nahm. It’s a small, stylish restaurant with incredible views over the ocean from their cliffside terrace.

I made a reservation specifically for the sunset time slot, and it was pure magic. We sat there watching the sky change colors while enjoying some amazing wine, appetizers, and fresh seafood dishes. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a spot for a special occasion or just a really romantic date night. Trust me, you’ll want to book ahead to grab a table right on the edge!

7. Visit Koh Samui’s Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

One of Koh Samui’s most iconic landmarks is the Big Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Yai. It’s located on a tiny island connected by a causeway, right on the edge of the ocean, which makes it a really cool and unique spot to visit.

I’ll be honest with you, since I’ve traveled quite a lot throughout Thailand, this isn’t necessarily my favorite religious or cultural site in the country. However, for Koh Samui standards, it’s pretty great and definitely worth seeing. 

Also, it’s super easy to visit! We just pulled up in our car one afternoon, and since there’s no hiking involved, it’s a very low-effort activity. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a quick stop for the photos and the views alone.

8. Watch a Muay Thai Fight

The one thing I actually didn’t get to do myself during this trip was go to a Muay Thai fight. I’ve actually started training a bit of Muay Thai myself while traveling through Thailand, and I absolutely love it, so I really wanted to see a live match.

Koh Samui actually has a pretty decent stadium (Samui International Muay Thai Stadium) compared to many of the smaller islands that don’t have a proper setup.

If you’re looking for a high-level, professional fight, Bangkok is the place to go, and Phuket also has a huge scene. Unfortunately, I just never got around to watching a fight here myself, but it is for sure on my list for my next visit to the island!

9. Visit a Night Market in Koh Samui

For me, night markets are a quintessential part of any trip to Thailand. I go to them all the time, mostly for a cheap dinner, some street food snacks, and just the fun, chaotic atmosphere.

Koh Samui has a few different markets, and in my opinion, some are definitely better than others. The most popular one is the Fisherman’s Village Night Market, which is undoubtedly the “cutest” one. It’s definitely made for tourists, but it can be a bit expensive, and I found the food options weren’t actually the best.

If you’re looking for the best street food and much better prices, I personally think the White Market and the Chaweng Night Market are the winners. They feel a bit more local, and you can find way more variety without the “tourist tax” you sometimes feel at Fisherman’s Village.

FAQs About Activities in Koh Samui Thailand

Is Koh Samui worth visiting?

I definitely think Koh Samui is worth visiting! I personally had a great time here enjoying a beach vacation with my family while staying in a beautiful resort hotel. For that type of trip, it was absolutely perfect. If you want a mix of comfort, great food, and easy logistics, you’ll love it.

What to do in Koh Samui with kids?

There are tons of things to do with kids in Koh Samui! From spending the day at the beaches to visiting one of the ethical elephant sanctuaries like Koh Samui Elephant Haven, there’s plenty to keep them entertained. I’m sure the elephants are something kids would especially love!

What are good things to do for families in Koh Samui?

There are plenty of family-friendly beaches and beach clubs in Koh Samui. Many of them, like Choeng Mon or Carnival Beach Village, have very calm, shallow waters without big waves, perfect for kids to go swimming safely while the parents relax.

Can I go snorkeling in Koh Samui?

Yes, you totally can! I went snorkeling a bit in Koh Samui by just renting a mask and snorkel from my hotel and jumping right in. It was a nice way to spend an afternoon, but I’ll be honest: if you’re a serious snorkeler, Koh Tao has way better underwater life and visibility.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Koh Samui

All in all, I’d say there are a lot of fun things to do in Koh Samui. If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think it’s the absolute best place in Thailand when it comes to the sheer volume of activities. I much prefer Bangkok for culture or Chiang Mai for adventure, for instance.

However, I was here for a relaxed beach resort vacation with my family, and for that, it was absolutely perfect. I spent plenty of time on the beaches and by the pool, and then here and there I did some day trips to the elephants, the waterfalls, and the night markets. It gave me exactly the variety I needed without being stressful. I hope this guide gives you a good idea of what there is to do so you can plan your own perfect trip!

Check Out My Other Koh Samui Guides

Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How to Get to Koh Samui: The Easiest Ways to get there

Best Time to Visit Koh Samui: When I Would Come Again

Koh Tao vs Koh Samui: Which One Do I Like Better

Best Beaches in Koh Samui: My Top Beaches I Went to

How Many Days in Koh Samui: My Day Guide

Koh Samui Itinerary: How I Spent 3 Days in Koh Samui

Restaurants in Koh Samui: My Favorite Food in Koh Samui

Where to Stay in Koh Samui: My Favorite Hotels & Areas

Things to Do in Koh Samui: The Activities I Enjoyed the most