A Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Koh Samui, Thailand

  • 9:00 AM: Namuang Waterfall 1
    30 minutes (11.3 km) from Koh Samui Airport

    Start your day off experiencing the natural beauty of Koh Samui with a trip to the Namuang Waterfall 1. This stunning 18-meter waterfall is located in the heart of the rainforest and offers visitors the chance to swim in its cool and refreshing pools. The hike to get to the waterfall takes only about 10 minutes and is an easy trek suitable for all ages.

  • 11:00 AM: Big Buddha Temple
    40 minutes (17.2 km) from Namuang Waterfall 1

    After experiencing the natural beauty of the island, head to the Big Buddha Temple. As the name suggests, this temple features a massive Buddha statue that measures 12-meters tall and is covered in shimmering gold leaf. The temple complex also offers stunning views of Koh Samui and its surrounding islands.

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Fisherman's Village Bophut
    20 minutes (8.6 km) from Big Buddha Temple

    Take a break from all the sightseeing and refuel at Fisherman's Village Bophut. This charming area is filled with restaurants and cafes serving a variety of local delicacies and international cuisines. Walking through the narrow streets and admiring the traditional wooden houses is an attraction on its own.

  • 3:00 PM: Choeng Mon Beach
    15 minutes (5.5 km) from Fisherman's Village Bophut

    No trip to Koh Samui is complete without visiting one of the island's stunning beaches. Choeng Mon Beach is a perfect choice to enjoy some relaxing time as it is less crowded than other popular beaches. It is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, not to mention the beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand.

  • 5:00 PM: Sunset Cocktails at W Beach Bar
    15 minutes (5.7 km) from Choeng Mon Beach

    End your day in Koh Samui in style with sunset cocktails at the W Beach Bar. Located right on the beach, the bar offers stunning views of the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand while you sip on a refreshing cocktail or mocktail.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Namuang Waterfall 1 (1-2 hours, free)
  • Big Buddha Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Lunch at Fisherman's Village Bophut (1 hour, 500-1000 INR)
  • Choeng Mon Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sunset Cocktails at W Beach Bar (1-2 hours, 500-1000 INR)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1,000-2,000 INR

Transportation:

Finding transportation around Koh Samui is easy as many transport options are available like taxis, shared cab and bike rentals. Hiring a car or bike is recommended for travelling around Koh Samui. It will cost around 200-500 INR per hour for bike rental and 1000-1500 INR for car rental including fuel.

Useful Tips:

If you have extra time, visit the Wat Plai Laem, the stunning Golden Pagoda at Wat Khunaram and experience Adventure Park for Zip-lining with your family. If you have less time, skip the sunset bar and head straight to the beach to save on costs.

Airports:

The main airport in Koh Samui is the Samui International Airport (USM). It is located in the north of the island, about 2 km from the popular tourist area of Chaweng Beach, and about 25 minutes from Bophut. The airport code is USM.

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