Buddha’s footprint 

There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed on one another. Each one is artistically engraved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops.

Coral Buddha 

Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby Wat Sumret.

Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks  (Hin Ta Hin Yai)

One of Samui’s most famous landmarks, these rock formations are genuinely unique and must be viewed to be believed. Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks" these ancient rock formations have been fashioned by the natural elements to create extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rocks. You approach this phenomenon via an interesting market area selling a wide variety of crafts and souvenirs.

Heaven’s Garden 

This unusual art gallery sits high in the mountains and is the inspiration and creation of Khun Nim Thongsuk. At the age of 77 he decided to turn this piece of land into a little piece of heaven on earth. He hoped that the rising number of tourists would appreciate his visions, artistry and the natural beauty of the island. The gardens include an eclectic mix of stone sculptures. Some of the creations are immediately apparent whilst others are either so small or so large that you might miss them if you don’t look carefully. So take your time to view everything and wear a sturdy pair of shoes.

Overlap Stone 

It’s quite a challenge to reach these impressive balanced boulders, but like many Samui attractions the views make it worthwhile when you arrive.

Wang Saotong Waterfall 

Wang Saotong Waterfall is fairly tall by Koh Samui’s standards and is a special visit as it is one of the lesser known and least visited falls. You’ll have a one kilometre walk to get there, but the surroundings are so idyllic that you may want to spend the whole afternoon so a packed lunch is a good idea.

Wat Khao Chedi 

Also in the Wat Laem Sor grounds you’ll find the Khao Chedi. Until recently this ruined monument had been forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi has been cleared and there’s easy access. Sat on the top of a hill these peaceful ruins offer a scintillating view of Laem Sor Bay and the surrounding islands.

Wat Sumret & The Secret Hall of Buddhas 

Wat Sumret is a very old temple and the secret hall of Buddhas houses an ancient white marble Buddha believed to be hundreds of years old. Also inside is a valuable collection of Buddha images. A monk will unlock the door for you on request. This building contains many different Buddha images. One is in the recognisable reclining position, while the tallest, standing at three metres, was transported all the way from India.

Butterfly Garden 

Located opposite the Central Samui Village in Laem Set, the Butterfly Garden is built into a scenic hillside covered with netting. Vividly coloured tropical butterflies can be seen along a winding foot path. And the panoramic views from the top are spectacular.

Elephant Trekking 

The elephant is a beautiful and revered animal and it’s one with a long history in Thailand. Originally used for working in the jungle, the improvements in industrial technology saw many elephants left without a role. However, elephant rides have become popular throughout the whole of Thailand and Samui is no exception. Once again the elephants have a job to do that pays for their considerable food and care. There are elephant treks available in different parts of the island and it’s certainly a memorable experience to travel on the back of one of these magnificent animals.

Monkey Theater 

Koh Samui is synonymous with coconut trees, there are plantations all over the island and, until tourism arrived, coconuts provided the island’s main source of income. To harvest the coconuts farmers need a way to get them down from the tall palm trees. Therefore monkeys are trained to do the job, and they do it well. For demonstrations on how talented these animals are visit the Monkey Theatre in Bophut.

Samui aquarium & Tiger Zoo 

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. On display at the zoo are five playful Bengal tigers and a collection of tropical birds including parrots, eagles and love birds.

Thai Boxing Stadium 

Muay Thai is the national sport in Thailand and although gruesome at times it is a popular spectator sport on the island. There are stadiums in Chaweng and Lamai and there are also a number of specific Muay Thai gyms around the island where you could learn to fight Thai-style.