5 days in Koh Samui

Day by day

1. Day 1: Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and Wat Plai Laem

   Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Wat Plai Laem and Chaweng Beach, then Fisherman's Village, Bophut in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

      Go at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light; cover shoulders and knees, and wraps are available at the entrance. (45 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Wat Plai Laem

      Combine it with the Big Buddha; children enjoy feeding the fish from the walkways. (45 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Khao yam

      Morning market stalls in Nathon and Lamai and southern Thai restaurants.

   4. Afternoon

      Chaweng Beach

      Walk the north end in the early morning, when the sand is empty and the water is clearest. (Half a day, free).

   5. Evening

      Fisherman's Village, Bophut

      Visit on a Friday after 5pm for the market, then stay for dinner on a beachfront terrace.

2. Day 2: Hin Ta and Hin Yai and Wat Khunaram

   Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Wat Khunaram and Silver Beach (Crystal Bay), then Muay Thai fight night in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Hin Ta and Hin Yai

      Go in the early morning before tour buses, and wear shoes with grip for the slippery rocks. (30 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Wat Khunaram

      Dress respectfully and make a small offering if you wish; combine it with the Na Muang Waterfalls nearby. (30 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Gaeng som pla

      Local rice-and-curry shops away from the beachfront.

   4. Afternoon

      Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)

      Arrive before 10am to get a spot; it gets crowded later. (2–3 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Muay Thai fight night

      Ringside seats are pricier but give a much better view of the rituals before each bout.

3. Day 3: Na Muang Waterfalls and Secret Buddha Garden

   Na Muang Waterfalls, Secret Buddha Garden and Lad Koh Viewpoint, then Chaweng in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Na Muang Waterfalls

      Visit after rainfall for the best flow, wear sandals with grip and avoid climbing on the wet rocks at the top. (1.5–2 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Secret Buddha Garden

      Go with a 4x4 tour or an experienced driver; the access road is too steep for most scooters. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tom kha gai

      Most Thai restaurants across the island.

   4. Afternoon

      Lad Koh Viewpoint

      Stop here at sunrise when driving between Chaweng and Lamai. (20 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Chaweng

      Clubs and bars around Soi Green Mango and beach parties at Ark Bar, busy until late.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park

   About 1–2 hours by boat each way. Getting there: Organised boat or speedboat tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Ang Thong National Marine Park

      About 1–2 hours by boat (Organised boat or speedboat tour); about 35 km.

   2. Day

      Ang Thong National Marine Park

      An archipelago of more than 40 limestone islands with kayaking among the karsts, snorkelling, a steep climb to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talab and the enclosed Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko. Best for first-timers, families and couples.

   3. Evening

      Back in Koh Samui

      Dinner: try Seafood barbecue.

5. Day 5: Coral Cove and Samui Elephant Sanctuary

   Coral Cove, Samui Elephant Sanctuary and Thai cooking class, then Lamai in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Coral Cove

      Bring your own snorkel and wear reef shoes; avoid standing on coral. (2 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Samui Elephant Sanctuary

      Choose the morning programme, when it is cooler and the elephants are most active. (Half a day, expensive).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Seafood barbecue

      Beach restaurants in Fisherman's Village, Lamai and the south coast, and stalls at the walking-street markets.

   4. Afternoon

      Thai cooking class

      Book a morning class with a market visit so you learn about southern Thai ingredients such as fresh turmeric. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Lamai

      A compact bar scene with live music and Muay Thai nights.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Samui Elephant Sanctuary before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Chaweng keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Lamai ($$) suits budget, couples, beach and nightlife. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 22–29 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.6 hours in January to 12.7 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Koh Samui
• 2 days in Koh Samui
• 3 days in Koh Samui

Questions travellers ask