Top 10 Things to Do on Your First Visit to Koh Samui

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world, and for good reason. The food, culture and budget-friendly nature of the place make a combination you can;t beat. If you’re visiting Thailand for the first time you might want to consider coming to Koh Samui. It’s the second largest island in Thailand, and one of the most popular destinations, So while your browsing some Koh Samui vacation rentals please keep in mind some of the amazing things you need to do when you arrive.

1) Go Diving

Koh Samui has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is a prime spot for diving. The water around Koh Samui is great for diving, and it’s considered one of the safest locations for first timers anywhere. If you don’t have any experience diving then you can learn from any number of diving schools, get certified, and be out on the water in no time.

2) Enjoy Some Street Food

The street food in Thailand is world famous for being inexpensive, tasty, and one of the biggest draws for tourists. You shouldn’t miss the chance to expand your tastes, and save a little money in the process. One of the easiest tricks to avoid eating at the bad places is to look for the locals. If the local Thais are willing to eat there it’s a good bet the food is healthy and tasty.

3) Visit the Big Buddha

The Big Buddha temple should definitely be on your list of things to see. The statue itself is made of gold and is one of the islands most prominent landmarks. When you first go to the temple you will note how it’s connected by a causeway to the island itself. Please be respectful when visiting the temple.

4) Go to the Samui Aquarium

If you want to see some wildlife and are just looking for a place to relax for an afternoon then Samui Aquarium is it. The aquarium itself has been designed to mimic a fishing village so it might not quite be what you’re used to. It has a really diverse collection of sea life ranging from manta rays, tropic fish, catfish, and sea leopard sharks. There is even an area where you can feed the sea turtles if you feel like getting a little more hands on.

5) Watch A Snake Show at a Snake Farm

If you want to mix a little entertainment and animals you should consider seeing a show at the Koh Samui Snake Farm. You will get to watch professional snake handlers handle everything from king cobras to giant pythons. This can get pretty intense, but don’t worry as these are professionals who are used to handling these deadly creatures. There are also other reptiles to look at it, and if you’re feeling bold you can even handle some of the less dangerous snakes.

6) Work on Your Tan at Chaweng Beach

So you’ve come to this beautiful tropical island, it kind of makes sense you would want to spend some time at the beach. Chaweng Beach is the center of nightlife on Koh Samui, and also a great place to get a tan. The beach itself is nearly 3 kilometers long and can get pretty noisy depending on the time of day. If you’re looking for some peace, and quiet you might want to consider one of the lesser known beaches.

7) Fly Through The Jungle On a Zipline

Who says you can’t fly through the jungle like Tarzan? There are over 2000 meters of cable spread across the jungle here, and it’s an excellent way to take in some of the amazing landscapes on Koh Samui. There are over 20 different stations spread around for you to swing from, and even a waterfall for you to take a dip in when you want to relax.

8) Blow Off Some Steam at The Gun Range

So you’ve gone for a dip in the ocean, and you want to try something a little more exciting? Why not head down to the Koh Samui Shooting Range, and pop off a few rounds. This shooting range offers pistols, revolvers, rifles, and semi-auto weapons. It’s also run by professionals who know what they’re doing and can help you have a good time safely.

9) Visit a Mummified Monk

In 1973 a Buddhist monk died while still sitting in a meditative position. His name was Luong Pordaeng, and it was decided to preserve his remains. They were placed in a glass case and put on display. The body serves as a source of reflection for Buddhists, and many people go to pray there every day. If you’d like to visit this site please remember to show the proper respect.

10) Spend A Few Nights In a Hostel

Not everyone who comes to Koh Samui is a backpacker, but it’s fair to say that a good chunk of them are. If you’d like to get a taste of what’s like to backpack for a while, or just want to engage with people from other places then a hostel is the perfect place to be. Spend a few days experiencing it, and I promise you won’t regret it. The truth is that sentiment can be applied to doing pretty much anything on Koh Samui.