Koh Samui is a large island in the Gulf of Thailand that has grown in popularity over the last 20 years as a holiday destination. A huge part of the reason for Koh Samui’s popularity is obviously the beautiful white sand beaches and year round great weather (except for the month of the monsoon), but also a big part of why people go to Koh Samui is that there is plenty to do and see on the island. Below are details about popular activities in Koh Samui and sightseeing spots.

Water sports

Being an island surrounded by warm tropical waters Koh Samui has naturally lots of water sport options. Several beaches including Chaweng, Laem Set and Coral Cove Bay all have coral reefs near the beach that are suitable for snorkeling.

Most beaches have a dive school. These schools offer PADI courses and for the qualified diver day trips to both local dive sites and other sites in the Gulf such as Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacles and Ang Thong Marine Park.

Sailing enthusiast can hire a catamaran and other yachts at Saard’s Watersports Center in Bophut. Those who enjoy kite boarding can enjoy the sport at Laem Set. There is no surf in the Gulf but during the months from September to February there is often enough swell to body board near the shore.

Other sports

There are a number of golf courses and driving ranges on Koh Samui. The best (and the most expensive) is Santiburi Country Club which has the only full size course. For those still nurturing the inner child there is a go kart place near Bophut which has some powerful carts to drive.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. There are several spots around the island where you can see fights including the spectacle of lady boy s fighting in Lamai. There are also several gyms around the island where you can learn the martial art or just enjoy a good work out.

More gentle activity is available at the bowling alleys at Tesco Lotus on the Chaweng Road. For those who want to see something of the interior there is Canopy Adventures (based in Chaweng) that has a series of tree houses joined by zip lines.

Nightlife

For those who want to party the night away there are some great nightlife options in Koh Samui. Chaweng has the largest selection of bars, restaurants and night clubs. They have Brazilian samba at Zico’s, several discos, places that have live music and of course strip joints. Lamai also has a similar night life scene with more of an emphasis on discos. Bophut is famous for its beachfront bars and pubs overlooking the harbor. You can find Guinness, pub grub, live sports, Irish bars, Auzzie bars and also the infamous ‘beer bars’ on Koh Samui.

Sightseeing

The main tourist attraction on Koh Samui is the iconic 12 meter-high Golden Buddha at Bang Rak. It is perched at the top of a grand staircase that leans out over the bay. It has become a symbol for the island. There is also an impressive Thai temple or ‘Wat’ at Plai Laem. For those who like the strange and curious there is a 30 year old mummified monk at Wat Khunaram near Baan Bang Kao.

Even from this brief survey of things to do and see in Koh Samui it is clear that the visitor will never be at loss for something to do when he or she visits Koh Samui.