Big Buddha  (Wat Phra Yai)

This is the most popular, famous and photographed location on Samui. It is clearly visible on the approach to the airport and is therefore often the first thing visitors see. It is situated on the tiny island of Koh Faan which has a road connecting it to Samui. At the foot of the temple there are numerous little shops and stores to enjoy.

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.

Full Moon Party 

Haad Rin Nok Beach on Koh Phangan is regarded by many as one of the best places in the world for viewing the full moon. It’s also known throughout the world for its famous Full Moon Party. What started out as a private gathering of friends with knowledge of the beach and the spectacular full moon has now developed into a monthly beach party where literally thousands of people attend.

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.

Hin Lad Waterfall 

Hin Lad Waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town and can be reached by a 3-4 kilometre walk. Set in a picturesque rainforest with palms and creepers, the waterfalls here have several levels and a cool pool for a refreshing swim.

Laem Sor Pagoda  (Wat Laem Sor)

This golden pagoda sits majestically on an isolated beach. On a sunny day the pagoda seems to light up and the journey to this part of the island is worth it to see a stretch of tropical beach totally free from bars, restaurants or hotels.

Mummified Monk  (Wat Khunaram)

The body of Samui’s most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay.

Namuang Waterfall1 

The easiest reached, and one of the most spectacular is the fall at Na Muang 1. You can drive to this popular waterfall and a short walk from the car park leads through a small market area, selling a variety of local arts and crafts, there’s a few restaurants and then you come to this very impressive waterfall where you can either watch the falls or jump off the rocks into the pool. There’s also elephant trekking here and you can ride the elephant along the river and through the rocks at the foot of the falls.

Namuang Waterfall2 

Na Muang 2 is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. However it’s worth the trek as it is among the most scenic locations on the island.

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.

Sunset Coastline 

Renowned for our sunset dinners, The Five Islands Restaurant located in the fishing village of Baan Taling Ngam continues to deliver unforgettable experiences in dining and island life.

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 Khao Hua Juk 

Although this mountain is only 90 metres tall the views at the top are breathtaking. From here the airport, Chaweng bay, and the islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Sum, Koh Lum Noi, Koh Tao Poon, Koh Faan, the Big Buddha, Wat Bang Rak, and the sunset are all visible.

Wat Kiri Wongkaram 

The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition.

Wat Plai Laem 

This is an incredible collection of temples that, although not completely finished, is well worth a visit. At present it isn’t included on the organised tours and yet it’s only a very short distance away from the Big Buddha temple. You’ll find a mixture of temples floating on huge man-made lotus leaves as part of this complex, including some intricate and unusual designs. There’s no other temple on the island quite like this.

Wat Sila Ngu  (Pagoda Laem Sor)

Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.

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.