How to Spend 7 Days in Koh Samui – Attractions in the Gulf of Thailand

Thailand's largest island, Koh Samui, is known for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and soaking up the sunlight; the island offers boat tours as well. Out of the three islands that Thailand is popular for – Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan – Koh Samui is the only island with an airport, so most travellers land directly here. However, you can travel between the islands by ferry.

Image via Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

1. Bask in sunlight at Koh Samui beaches

The Koh Samui Beaches are the main highlight here. The beaches are lined with forested tracts, and they provide peace and serenity. Tourists are offered Koh Samui suites by places like Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort within close proximity to the beaches.

2. Travel to Koh Phangan

The second-largest island in the region, Koh Phangan, is only a short boat ride from Koh Samui. This is a popular day trip with those who love island hopping. The beaches here are somewhat rugged with granite rocks and a backdrop of forested mountaintops.

3. Tour Ang Thong National Marine Park

This marine park comprises 42 islands, including Koh Samui. If you have time only for one activity while on Koh Samui, make sure you use that time to explore Ang Thong National Marine Park. There's a range of tour packages on offer; to find the best package, speak to your hotel. Most tours include boat rides through the islands, and tourists are also given a chance to try kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking. You don't get a lot of accommodation options at the park, so plan your visit if you want to return to your hotel for the night. Don't forget to take your camera with you as you'll want to capture the gorgeous scenery offered by the park.

4. Diving and snorkelling

Ko Tao is another island here in the region known for snorkelling and diving. From above, the island looks like a bunch of green-clad boulders. Diving is the most sought-after activity here; the region provides some of the best diving spots in Asia. Among the marine species seen here are whale sharks, stingrays and various tropical fish species. Aspiring divers can get their PADI certificate here at Koh Tao.

5. Visit Sail Rock for more diving

You must visit Sail Rock if you are an experienced diver. Lodged between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Sail Rock is a popular wall dive with a depth of 40 metres. The site is known as an excellent place for swimming and witnessing schools of tropical fish. Moray eels, snapper, and batfish are some of the marine creatures spotted here.

6. Hike to the Secret Buddha Garden

Found at the tall mountain cliff, the Secret Buddha Garden is a garden filled with sculptures. Getting to the top is no easy task as it involves a difficult hike. The garden was created by Khun Nim, a retired local farmer who continued to work on the garden until his death. He wanted the garden to be a place of peace and solitude. In later years, he added small shelters so that monks can use the garden for resting and meditating.

7. Kayaking

Kayaking in Koh Taen is a popular tourist activity. The island is located a few kilometres away from Koh Samui; the only way of getting here is by boat. Even though it offers many attractions, including biking trails, coral reefs, and large mangrove forests, many tourists don't visit the island. This can be a good thing if you are someone who wants privacy. There are tour companies that offer kayaking and snorkelling tours to the island.