Occupying an entire bay, this sprawling uber luxury delight encompasses dozens of pool villas hoisted above the foliage by spider-like stilts. Golf carts zip around the grounds carrying jet-setters between the myriad dining venues and the gargantuan spa (which sports a relaxing rainforest simulator). Villas are spacious and beautifully decorated balancing modern and traditional Thai decor perfectly.
Banyan Tree Koh Samui
Ko Samui
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Ang Thong Marine National Park
28.59 MILES
Known officially as Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, this series of jungle-covered islands – the inspiration for Alex Garland’s cult classic novel,…
5.81 MILES
Spilling down from the island's highest points, this is the first of two waterfalls – close to each other – that are lovely in full spate, pouring frigid…
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19.07 MILES
This lovely beach of leaning coconut trees has the royal seal of approval, literally. Behind the collection of shacks that line the sands and azure waters…
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6.51 MILES
This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying…
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27.32 MILES
For a real escape, head as far down the main beach road as you can, till it joins the 4073, and turn left to follow the coast further south past Hat Nai…
22.09 MILES
This lovely, secluded cove has a stretch of soft sand overlooked by green hills and is a superb choice for a relaxing day of swimming and snorkelling…
29.25 MILES
This viewpoint might just be the most stunning vista in all of Thailand. From the top, visitors will have sweeping views of the jagged islands nearby as…
18.47 MILES
Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park and is a pleasant reward after a short but rough hike. After the waterfall (dry out of season), it's a…
Nearby Ko Samui attractions
1.8 MILES
This simple temple is worth an exploration as a diversion from Lamai beach life. There's a folklore museum containing a display of Buddhist artefacts and…
1.92 MILES
This great viewpoint, a short distance south from Dr Frogs at the top of the hill on the way to Lamai, looks out onto supreme views of the Gulf of…
2.45 MILES
At the south end of Hat Lamai, you’ll find these infamous genitalia-shaped stone formations (also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) providing…
4. Orthodox Church of the Ascension
2.51 MILES
Ridiculously photogenic, this beautiful, baby blue, Russian orthodox church with gold onion domes (similar to the nearby mosque) sits halfway up a…
2.98 MILES
This temple (the name means Snake Stone) on the south side of Rte 4169 has a recently built red-clay temple hall, decorated with a fascinating display of…
3.55 MILES
The high drop at Nam Tok Wang Saotong is in the hills above Ban Hua Thanon. There are signs warning visitors not to climb the falls as there have been…
3.66 MILES
The shrine of the 3rd-century Chinese general, Guanyin (also called Yunchang), worshipped as a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, is dominated by a…
3.74 MILES
This vibrant little village is home to Ko Samui's historic Muslim community, where the headscarf and pâh sîn (male sarong) count peaks. You get a genuine…