The sights
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Forty-two jungle-covered limestone islands scattered across shallow green water about 30 km west of Samui. Highlights are the viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap, the cliff-ringed Emerald Lake on Ko Mae Ko, and kayaking beneath overhangs and through sea arches.
ℹ️ Day trips of 8–10 hours from Samui or Phangan. National park fee. Usually closed for part of November and December. Snorkelling visibility is moderate.
Na Muang waterfalls
Two falls in Samui’s interior named for the purple tint of their rock. Na Muang 1 drops 18 metres into a swimming pool a short walk from the road; Na Muang 2, higher up, needs a steeper 20–30 minute climb.
ℹ️ Free entry; parking fee. Best from September to January; a trickle by April. Decline the elephant rides offered nearby.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
A 12-metre golden seated Buddha on a small island joined to Samui’s north-east corner by a causeway, visible to arriving flights. Stairs flanked by nagas climb to the platform.
ℹ️ Free; donations welcome. Cover shoulders and knees. Best light at sunset; combine with Wat Plai Laem nearby.
Lamai Beach & Hin Ta Hin Yai
Samui’s second beach is a long, deep-water bay with a relaxed village behind it. At its southern end are the “Grandfather and Grandmother” rocks, natural formations that have amused visitors for generations, and a headland of smooth granite boulders.
ℹ️ Free. Good swimming most of the year; stronger waves from November to January.
Haad Rin, Koh Phangan
The crescent of white sand on Phangan’s south-east tip that hosts the monthly Full Moon Party. Between parties it is a fine swimming beach; the calmer sunset side is five minutes’ walk across the peninsula.
ℹ️ Party nights draw huge crowds, and an entry fee is charged. Look after drinks and belongings, wear shoes on the sand, and book rooms well ahead.
Bottle Beach & Phangan’s north coast
A remote bay of pale sand backed by jungle, reached by longtail from Chaloklum or on foot by a hot, hilly forest trail of about two hours. Nearby Thong Nai Pan’s twin bays and the summit of Khao Ra, the island’s highest point, are other rewards for effort.
ℹ️ Longtails run on demand in calm weather. Carry plenty of water for the hike; the trail is marked but rough.
