Top Ten Things to Do in Koh Samui, Thailand in 2026

The top ten things to do in Koh Samui include several old favorites along with a few new additions that have become popular within the last year or two. A very new attraction is the Heaven Gate viewpoint overlooking the bay. 

This is a remote viewpoint which requires a vehicle. Fortunately, visitors can easily get a Koh Samui car rental at the airport via Drive Car Rental.

The Top Five Must-Sees in Koh Samui

1. Wat Phra Yai
The most famous temple on the island also has one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. At over twelve metres in height, this Buddha statue sits with his back to the ocean. The Temple is situated on a raised rocky outcropping in the bay, which provides a commanding view of the city and sea. 

2. Ang Thong National Marine Park
While not on the island, this marine sanctuary lies just an hour offshore. Visitors can hire a boat to take them for a small fee that includes a ticket to the national park. Other activities like snorkeling, lunch on the boat, or stops at popular beaches can also be arranged. 

3. Fisherman’s Village
Located a few kilometres to the west of the main port city, Fisherman’s Village is an ideal place to spend an afternoon wandering narrow streets while shopping, dining, or indulging in a massage.

4. Wat Plai Laem
One of the most photogenic temples on the island, Wat Plai Laem has several large and stunning statues along with several medium-sized statues within their own pagodas. There’s also a lake here, which surrounds many of the temple buildings and statues. 

5. Chaweng Beach
With pure-white sand, Chaweng Beach remains a strong draw for a day of sun and surf. The water is azure blue almost year-round, which makes for incredible photos and a great backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. 

The Top Five New Must-Dos in Koh Samui

1. Heaven Gate
An all-new viewpoint complex located on a hill overlooking the main port city, Heaven Gate offers a fantastic place to take photos of the view. This location highlights one of the benefits of renting a car when you’re considering the pros and cons of driving in Koh Samui.

2. White Lotus Filming Locations
The White Lotus featured Koh Samui in its third season. Since then, many of the iconic locations have become tourist sites that are worth a visit for anyone who is a fan of the show. 

3.  Pig Island (Koh Madsum)
This tiny island just to the south of Samui proper is home to hundreds of pigs that swim in the water with visitors. Koh Madsum also boasts plenty of bars and restaurants where you can eat and relax!

4. The Overlap Stones
Recently refurbished infrastructure at this location has provided easy access to some of the best views on the island. Each of these viewpoints is based around huge stones that stand starkly out of place in the surrounding landscape. 

5. Koh Taen
The larger island next to Pig Island is Koh Taen. Koh Taen is largely a protected area, with only a few small businesses allowed to operate for short day or overnight trips. Travellers have come to love it for the diversity of flora and fauna found in one easy-to-access location, perfect for eco-tourists looking into the latest Koh Samui seasonal tourism trends.

See the Sights with Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has a convenient location inside the Koh Samui Airport, so guests can fly in and drive away. Travelling elsewhere in Thailand? Drive Car Rental has locations across Thailand’s major airports and larger provincial capitals, so you can pick up a vehicle in one location and drop it off in another. 

Drive Car Rental also has a huge selection of vehicles, including SUVs, electrics, luxury vehicles, and more. Anyone booking early gets a discount, and to save even more, long-stay tourists, business travellers, and expats can opt for monthly or annual rentals at low rates!