Koh Samui Highlights: Half-Day Sightseeing

Koh Samui , Thailand

Koh Samui Highlights: Half-Day Sightseeing

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About this experience

Discover the beauty, culture, and charm of Koh Samui on this half-day sightseeing tour, perfect for travelers who want to experience the island’s highlights in just a few hours. This guided tour takes you to some of Samui’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views, fascinating history, and cultural insights along the way.

Tour Highlights
Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta & Hin Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Lad Koh Viewpoint
Wat Plai Laem Temple
Na Muang Waterfall

Join us for a memorable journey through Koh Samui’s most picturesque and cultural attractions in just half a day!

Available options

Koh Samui Highlights: Half-Day Sightseeing

Pickup included

What's included

Return hotel transfers

Local, English speaking guide

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on Samui's north-east coast, which features a striking white 18-armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs as well as some elaborate Buddhist-themed art and architecture.

Wat Plai Laem is a living and active temple, where devotees come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, who is also depicted in a number of statues and murals around the temple. The art techniques used in its creation are centuries old and based on ancient beliefs. Adding to its feel of tranquillity, the temple is surrounded by a lake, which is teeming with fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag of food to feed the fish.

This is one of the best spots to take in the beautiful vistas of Koh Samui. The drive up to this hillside is for some of the best views on the island

Stop 3

The Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks have been a source of mirth and wonder on the island as they as the rock formations resemble male and female genitalia.

Stop 4

Nestled among the mountains of Koh Samui, Na Muang is a beautiful 18-meter-high waterfall surrounded by lush jungle.

Although we go to this waterfall for a quick, refreshing dip it is actually getting there through the lush jungle that is the highlight.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Beverages

Any personal expenses or purchases

Available languages

Guide guide

TH EN

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Should your travel plans change, do not worry. I Asia Thailand will do all possible to change your booking to fit with your new travel arrangements free of charge.

Infant free of charge, provided they do not occupy a seat. (Baby seats not available)

Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult.

What to bring - Sun Cream, Sun Glasses, Hat, Towel (in case you wish to swim in the waterfalls), Camera, Dry clothes to change, Swim suit and Comfortable shoes

Proper attire to enter a temple (No dresses above the knee. No short pants or three quarter pants. Modest shirt. No see through garments. No sports-wear. No footwear inside temple.).

Hotel pick up may be 30 minutes prior to tour Start time/Departure time (depending on hotel location). Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.

Important notes

I Asia Thailand will contact you after your booking to reconfirm your booking. Please ensure that you have entered the correct contact details upon booking.

If you have not been contacted by I Asia Thailand, please call us at +66 96 821 3089 (hours of operation are from 08.00am to 18.00pm Monday to Friday and 09.00am to 17.00pm Saturday and Sunday) or email to guest@iasiathailand.com

If you will not be arriving at your destination with sufficient time to ensure reconfirmation, please contact the local service provider prior to travel.

Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.

About Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. The island offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Chaweng Beach

The most popular beach on Koh Samui, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities may incur costs)

Ang Thong National Marine Park

A stunning marine park with limestone islands, coral reefs, and lush jungles. It's a great spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Nature Full day 1,500-2,500 THB (45-75 USD) for tour packages

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

A significant Buddhist temple featuring a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. The temple offers panoramic views of the island and a serene atmosphere.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Fisherman's Village (Bophut)

A charming village with a mix of traditional Thai and colonial-style architecture, known for its vibrant Friday night market and boutique shops.

Cultural Half day to full day Free (shopping and dining costs vary)

Na Muang Waterfall

A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, perfect for a refreshing swim and a scenic hike.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (parking may cost 20-50 THB)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. It's a signature Thai dish known for its bold flavors.

Soup Contains seafood, can be made with chicken or vegetables for non-seafood options.

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce. It's a popular street food dish.

Stir-fried Noodles Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetables. Contains peanuts.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango and coconut milk. It's a popular and refreshing dessert.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten (from rice).

Massaman Curry

A rich and flavorful curry with tender meat (usually chicken or beef), potatoes, and peanuts in a coconut milk-based sauce. It's a mild and aromatic dish.

Curry Contains peanuts, can be made with chicken, beef, or tofu.

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Jungle trekking Kayaking Beach lounging Spa and wellness treatments Yoga and meditation Sunset watching

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather, ideal for beach activities and exploring the island. Expect large crowds and higher prices.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Koh Samui is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, petty theft, scams, and occasional violent incidents can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of jet-ski rentals and inspect the equipment before use.
• Agree on prices for tuk-tuks and taxis before starting your journey.
• Book tours and activities through reputable companies.

Getting there

By air

Samui International Airport • 2 km from Chaweng Beach

Getting around

Public transport

Songthaews are shared taxis that follow fixed routes and are a cheap and convenient way to get around the island.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Chaweng Lamai Bophut Maenam Choeng Mon

Day trips

Koh Phangan

30-45 minutes by ferry • Full day to overnight

Koh Phangan is known for its full moon parties, beautiful beaches, and lush jungles. It offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Koh Tao

1.5-2 hours by ferry • Full day to overnight

Koh Tao is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. It also offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

30-45 minutes by boat • Full day

A stunning marine park with limestone islands, coral reefs, and lush jungles. It's a great spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Festivals

Songkran Festival • April 13-15 Loy Krathong Festival • November (full moon night) Full Moon Party • Every full moon (Koh Phangan)

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder season (March to April, September to November) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Book accommodations and activities well in advance during peak season.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and coral reefs.
Support local businesses and communities by shopping at local markets and eating at local restaurants.
Respect local customs and traditions, and dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites.