Am Samui

Ko Samui


Cast modesty aside, spread your curtains wide, and welcome sunshine and sea views in through your floor-to-ceiling windows. Getting out of the main tourist areas to this private beach with superb sunset views on the west coast means more bang for your baht in terms of room quality. Expect quiet nights and a less manicured beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ko Samui attractions

1. Ao Phang Ka

2.17 MILES

This lovely beach at the southwest corner of the island is even lovelier at low tide, when the water recedes to reveal a huge plateau of sand stretching…

2. Na Muang Waterfall 1

3.38 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…

3. Na Muang Waterfall 2

3.9 MILES

The smaller of the two Na Muang waterfalls is a challenge to access for the young and elderly, but those that make it are rewarded with stunning views and…

4. Laem Sor Pagoda

4.01 MILES

Framed against the sea, Laem Sor Pagoda, at the southern end of Samui, is home to an intriguing, highly venerated old Srivijaya-style stupa with scenic…

5. Magic Alambic Rum Distillery

4.26 MILES

The only rum distillery in Thailand produces Caribbean agricole-style spirits (distilled from fresh, fermented sugarcane juice) in a variety of all…

6. Wat Hin Lat

4.51 MILES

Near the waterfalls of the same name, this temple houses two beautiful white Buddha statues surrounded by naga (snake god) heads – one overlooking the…

7. Wat Khunaram

4.53 MILES

The mummified remains of the temple's former abbot who foresaw his own death in 1973, Luang Phaw Daeng, is the key reason worshippers visit this small…

8. Nam Tok Hin Lat

4.61 MILES

Near the wát þàh (forest temple) of the same name, this waterfall is reached after a mildly strenuous 30-minute hike over streams and boulders. The reward…