Things to do in Koh Samui

This engaging full-day adventure in Ang Thong National Marine Park, to the east of Koh Samui, is the ideal chance to hone your kayaking skills in breathtaking surroundings. You’ll begin at Koh Mae Kok, hopping into your kayak to paddle along the coast, passing hidden coves, tiny beaches and towering limestone cliffs. The island’s real treasure, though, is inland, reached by an exhilarating short hike through dense rainforest and narrow ravines: the spectacular Green Lagoon, an emerald-green saltwater lake surrounded by mountains. After that, lunch on board the boat is a welcome opportunity to just sit back, enjoy the food and soak up the views. Next, you’ll cruise slowly north to another idyllic island, Koh Thai Plao, for your final stop. Here you can do more kayaking, snorkel over a coral reef or just relax until it’s time to return to Koh Samui.

• Departs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Even with factor 50, it’s easy to get too much sun when you’re kayaking, so a rash vest like the ones surfers wear is ideal if you think you might burn.

Discover the breathtaking vistas of Ang Thong National Park in style from aboard a boutique yacht that holds no more than 30 passengers. Cruising east from Koh Samui, you’ll reach Koh Mae Kok where the vessel will moor in a sheltered spot that’s perfect for a quick invigorating swim. Refreshed, you’ll climb the steps to a viewpoint from where there’s an Instagram-worthy panorama of the island’s hidden secret - a dazzlingly green inland lake fringed by mountains - and a scattering of craggy islets on the horizon. A lunch to savour, with the breathtaking backdrop adding to the experience, is served as the yacht glides towards a remote beach on Koh Wua Talap. Here you can sunbathe, take a leisurely dip or keep a lookout for the rare pink dolphins and Bryde’s whales that are sometimes spotted here before the return journey at sunset to Koh Samui.

• Departs on Tuesday and Thursday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Kayaking or snorkelling are not included in this tour; these can be done on the Ang Thong Marine Park By Kayak experience.

A cruise on a traditional Burmese “junk” sailing boat is a memorable way to spend a day exploring the beauties of Koh Samui’s laidback neighbour, Koh Phangan. Three times a week, the characterful wooden Chantara heads off to some of the island’s loveliest spots, such as Koh Ma reef; blessed with crystal-clear waters, it’s a top snorkelling destination, and there’s a dizzying abundance of underwater colour and life, from tropical fish to sea anemones. After a Thai-style buffet lunch, the Chantara stops at Thong Nai Pan beach where you can relax with a cooling drink, maybe have a massage, and appreciate the tranquillity of this secluded bay. As the journey back to Koh Samui begins, you’ll have a final opportunity to soak up the natural beauty of the island’s rugged coastline, stunning coves and deserted beaches - and maybe take just a few more photos.

• Operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Bring plenty of sun cream, but snorkelling gear and towels are provided.

See a side of Koh Samui that most visitors don’t even know exists on this adventure-filled safari by all-terrain 4x4. The imaginative itinerary includes a mix of headline destinations and off-the-beaten-track gems that even the locals rarely get to. You’ll stop to admire the 12-metre-high gilded statue of Buddha at Wat Phra Yai - a real island landmark - and the mummified body of a monk in a glass display case at Wat Khunaram. But you’ll also make two visits to the majestic waterfalls at Na Muang - once to splash in the pools at the bottom and later to take in the striking outlook from the top - and follow sandy tracks to a stunning viewpoint only insiders know about. You’ll discover a verdant secret Buddha garden high in the hills, from where you can see for miles, and find that even lunch comes with stunning views.

• Operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The trip is suitable for all, but the path to the waterfall is quite steep, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and carry your belongings in a backpack to leave your hands free.

There’s more to Koh Samui than its gorgeous beaches as you’ll discover on this half-day journey around the island’s best-known sights. Top of the list is Wat Phra Yai, also known as Big Buddha Temple, on its own little island reached by a short causeway. Its star attraction is its impossible-to-miss 12-metre-high golden statue of Buddha, in a seated pose that represents purity. Other must-see sights on the itinerary include the sparkling panoramic vistas from Lad Koh Viewpoint, reached by a gentle stroll; the vibrant market in the diminutive capital, Nathon, where you’ll have a chance to shop; and the curious natural phenomena known as the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks. Finally, you’ll visit Wat Khunaram and its slightly macabre claim to fame: the mummified body of a monk who died there in 1973, displayed in a glass case.

• Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Bring plenty of cash, as the prices at Nathon’s market are good value compared to those in the main tourist areas.

Set in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is a magnet for scuba divers thanks to the extraordinary range of marine life in its limpid waters, and it’s also a special spot for snorkelling. Sailing there on a sleek catamaran, you’ll have a couple of hours to enjoy the warm sea breezes before you reach Koh Tao, whose name means “Turtle Island”. At your first snorkelling stop, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the amazing underwater world, gazing down on vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful sea creatures of all shapes and sizes, from tiny clownfish to rainbow-hued parrotfish and the occasional passing turtle. You’ll be served a Thai-style lunch on board as you sail to your second incredible snorkelling venue of the day, where you’ll have a final opportunity to spot some of the more elusive creatures that live here before heading back to Koh Samui.

• Departures on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The tour is not recommended for children under the age of six.