One day 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, Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village, Bophut, then Muay Thai fight night 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. Allow 45 minutes.

   2. Late morning

      Wat Plai Laem

      Combine it with the Big Buddha; children enjoy feeding the fish from the walkways. Allow 45 minutes.

   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. Allow Half a day.

   5. Late afternoon

      Fisherman's Village, Bophut

      Visit on a Friday after 5pm for the market, then stay for dinner on a beachfront terrace. Allow 2–3 hours.

   6. Evening

      Muay Thai fight night

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

If it rains

• Swap in Thai cooking class (Chaweng): Book a morning class with a market visit so you learn about southern Thai ingredients such as fresh turmeric.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 9–12 hours of visiting over one day, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.6 hours in January to 12.7 hours in June.

Getting between stops: Bus. Shared songthaews run along the ring road by day, stopping on request; agree the fare before getting on, as prices for visitors vary.

More or fewer days

• 2 days in Koh Samui
• 3 days in Koh Samui
• 5 days in Koh Samui

Questions travellers ask