Koh Samui Travel Guide
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movies Shot
4.. Iconic Photo Spots
5. Places To Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Pictures and Puns
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Take the Koh Samui Custom Sightseeing Tour with Private Guide via Viator for a fully customizable adventure around the island. This tour allows you to explore a wide range of the island’s top attractions at your own pace, with a private guide dedicated to tailoring the experience to your preferences. Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), where you’ll be awed by the impressive 12-meter statue. Next, head to Wat Plai Laem, home to the striking Guanyin statue with its many arms, a unique sight steeped in spirituality. For breathtaking views, stop by the Lad Koh Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the island’s coastline. You can also unwind at Silver Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene atmosphere. Next explore the famous Grandpa and Grandma Rocks (Hin Ta & Hin Yai), a pair of natural rock formations with intriguing legends. Your itinerary is fully flexible, and you control the schedule to fit your holiday preferences.
Day 2:
- Book the Koh Samui Custom Sightseeing Tour with Private Guide for your second day and explore the remainder of the island’s must-see attractions. Start with a visit to Wat Khunaram, home to the Mummified Monk, an important cultural site. Then, head to the Guan-Yu Koh Samui Shrine and Pagoda Khao Hua Jook, where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters. Nature lovers will appreciate the Samui Butterfly Garden, a peaceful escape full of vibrant species and the serene Hin Lad Waterfall. For something more mystical, visit the Ta Nim Magic Garden, a tranquil hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and sculptures. To experience the local culture, explore the Fisherman’s Village Night Market for street food and unique crafts. End your day at the Laem Sor Temple, famous for its golden pagoda that shines in the sunlight. With your flexible itinerary, you can adjust the day to fit your interests and enjoy a personalized experience.
Day 3: Book a Full Day Ang Thong Islands Luxury Small Group Tour through viator.
- Start your day with a morning pick-up from Koh Samui, then head straight to the pier for an adventure through the islands of Ang Thong. After getting your snorkel gear, you’ll sail to Koh Wao for some snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. Next, kayak around Koh Mae Ko and take in the breathtaking views of the Emerald Lagoon, a breathtaking view that can only be appreciated from above. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing seaside Thai lunch on Koh Phaluai and unwind on the beach before heading back to Koh Samui.
Day 4:
- Sunbathe or kayak and enjoy the clear waters of Chaweng Beach.
- Head to the Secret Buddha Garden for a peaceful afternoon. It is a hidden gem filled with statues and lush greenery.
- Head to Fisherman’s Village in Bophut for a stroll along the streets.
Day 5:
- Hike to the Na Muang Waterfalls, a serene spot with stunning natural beauty. You can swim in the refreshing water at the base of the falls.
- Head to Lamai Beach for some last-minute relaxation or shopping in the local market.
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Do it for the Gram
3. Fun facts
4. Movie Shot
5. Place To Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Pictures and Puns
fun facts
- Coconut Paradise – Koh Samui was once known as the “Coconut Island” because it was the world’s largest producer of coconuts. While the production has declined, coconut palms still dominate the island’s landscape.
- “Koh” means “island” in Thai, while “Samui: may mean “safe haven” or “beautiful beach.”
- Chaweng Beach’s Vibrant Nightlife – Chaweng Beach is the island’s busiest area, known for its long stretch of white sand, clear waters, and a buzzing nightlife scene with beach clubs, bars, and live music.
- Buddhist Temples – The Big Buddha statue is one of the island’s most famous landmarks. Standing at 12 meters tall, the golden statue is located on a hill and offers spectacular views of the island.
- Koh Samui was once a remote fishing community with no roads until the 1970s.
- Fisherman’s Village: This charming area in Bophut is known for its traditional wooden houses, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants.
- Koh Samui’s airport is privately owned and has a tropical open-air design.
- The island has lush waterfalls like Na Muang, known as the “Purple Waterfalls.”
- The island has one of the world’s only naturally occurring “mummified monks,” housed at Wat Khunaram.
- Secret Buddha Garden is a peaceful, hidden garden in the island’s interior, filled with statues, fountains, and lush greenery.
Movies Shot
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
- The Beach (2000)
- Kaho Na Pyar Hai (2000) (Bollywood)
- Phir Hera Pheri (2006) (Bollywood)
- Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)
- Student of the Year (2012) (Bollywood)
- Bang Bang (2014) (Bollywood)
Iconic Photo Spots
- Big Buddha – A towering golden statue offering panoramic views of the island.
- Wat Plai Laem – A colorful and intricate temple with a stunning multi-armed statue of Guanyin, surrounded by a peaceful pond.
- Secret Buddha Garden – Hidden in the jungle, this tranquil spot has serene statues and lush greenery.
- Ang Thong National Marine Park – A stunning archipelago offering jaw-dropping views and crystal-clear waters for breathtaking photos.
- Lipa Noi Beach – A quiet beach known for its gorgeous sunsets and calm waters.
- Chaweng Beach – The island’s most famous beach with soft sand, clear waters; it’s perfect for fun beach shots.
- Taling Ngam Viewpoint – A viewpoint offering amazing views of the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding islands.
- Fisherman’s Village – A charming, rustic village with colorful buildings and traditional shops for picturesque moments.
- Na Muang Waterfalls – A stunning waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery, offering a majestic photo backdrop.
- Lamai Viewpoint – A scenic spot with stunning coastline views and dramatic rock formations.
- The Jungle Club – Located on a hill with panoramic views, this spot is perfect for capturing the island’s natural beauty and sunset views.
- Bophut Beach Pier –A rustic wooden pier extending into the sea, perfect for capturing stunning beachside shots, especially at sunset.
- Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks – Famous for its quirky rock formations, this spot offers fun and unique photo opportunities.
- Coconut Groves –The lush plantations and rows of towering coconut trees create a tropical backdrop perfect for photos.
Places to Stay
- Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: This private peninsula resort has beachfront villas with private pools, fine dining, a world-class spa, and cooking classes.
- Banyan Tree Samui: Banyan Tree offers luxurious pool villas with panoramic ocean views, a well known spa, and an award-winning Thai restaurant.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui: With its beachfront location, this hotel features spacious villas, suites with private pools, a variety of dining options, an impressive spa, and water sports activities.
- Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort: Vana Belle on Chaweng Beach offers beachfront suites and villas with private pools, luxury amenities, and exquisite dining.
- InterContinental Koh Samui Resort: This contemporary luxury resort, set on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, has ocean-view villas with private infinity pools and international dining options.
- Conrad Koh Samui: Set on a hilltop, this secluded luxury resort offers elegant pool villas with stunning ocean views, a signature restaurant, a wine cellar, and an amazing spa.
- W Koh Samui: A trendy resort with a modern, vibrant design and private pool villas. It offers exclusive dining experiences, a luxurious spa, and exciting nightlife.
- Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort: With a blend of Thai heritage and modern luxury, Anantara Lawana offers beachside villas, a world-class spa, exceptional dining, and water sports in a beautiful tropical setting.
- SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort: A stylish, serene resort with luxury pool villas, beach access, exquisite dining, and a relaxed upscale vibe.
- The Library Koh Samui: Known for its unique design, The Library is an ultra-modern beachfront property that combines minimalist architecture with high-end luxury. It features stunning pool villas, fine dining, and one of the best beachfront locations on Chaweng Beach.
Personal Blog
Thailand is well known for its breathtaking temples and pristine beaches. I was eager to experience a more secluded island escape beyond the typical tourist hotspots. While Koh Samui is still a well-known destination, we managed to find secluded spots on the island. I enjoyed private and peaceful moments along its stunning shoreline. The waters were —crystal-clear and shimmering under the tropical sun—creating a dreamy, picture-perfect setting.
I also loved the island’s statues and intricate temples, each showcasing Thailand’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Koh Samui has long been a celebrity-favorite getaway, and for a few days, I felt like one myself. We soaked in the island’s luxurious yet laid-back ambiance. I arrived expecting an exquisite island with a slower pace, and Koh Samui was exactly that. The boutique luxury hotels, the serene beaches, and the overall tropical vibe made it an unforgettable experience.
One of the highlights of our trip was renting a motorcycle and riding through the city, weaving through lush landscapes and coastal roads. It was the perfect way to take in the island’s natural beauty while feeling the warm sea breeze. From its unique temples to its secluded beaches, Koh Samui lived up to the meaning of its name.
PICTURES AND PUNS
Thai-riffic adventures start here
5-Day Palm Springs Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Itinerary
Day 1: Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, it is the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway! Tickets are available through viator and the tram ride takes only a little over ten minutes, giving you panoramic views of both the desert valley below and snow-capped mountains above.
- It reaches over an 8000 ft elevation and then gives you views of the Chino Canyon and Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
- When you reach the top there is a restaurant (Peak’s Restaurant) and a Café (Pine’s Café) where you can grab sandwiches, burgers, mac & cheese, salads, coffee, fountain sodas, and cocktails!
- Next, enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and much more!
- Lastly don’t forget to immerse yourself in the views.
Day 2: Spend a day to enjoy either one or both of Palm Spring’s greatest adventures.
Get an unforgettable ATV experience at Off Road Rentals. The location is only 5 miles away from Palm Springs and has been open for over 4 decades now. All safety equipment, tutorial/instructional videos are provided with awesome staff to help guide you.
Take a Red Jeep Tour. It is an experience that truly allows you to immerse yourself in the California desert. You can select from the Indians Canyon, Joshua Tree, San Andreas Fault tour. A San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour is also available through tripadvisor.
Day 3: Spend a day to enjoy two of the popular museums in Palm Springs
- Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum to see aviation exhibits from World War 2, Korean War, & Vietnam War.
- Vist the Art Museum of Palm Springs to understand the culture, architecture, and history of the city
Day 4: Spend a day to enjoy the Zoo and botanical gardens in Palm Springs
- Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens to see the desert animals, feed the giraffes, and maybe some special animal encounters! Be sure to enjoy the WildLights which light themed animal displays and all sorts of cool exhibits during selected times of the year
- Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden to witness unique desert plants, trees, cacti, crystal, & rocks from all over the world.
Day 5: Start the day with a hike & end the day with spa time.
- For nature lovers, hike the Tahquitz Canyon and discover a 60 foot waterfall, hike the Murray Canyon in the Indian Canyons for the Seven Sisters Waterfall, and/or hike about 400 ft from Palm Canyon in the Indian Canyons to see the West Fork Falls.
- Spend some time to relax at one of the many famous Hot Springs.
Day 6: Spend the day with two popular tours that are important to Palm Springs and available on tripadvisor.
- Take a Windmill Tour to learn more about the windmills & its history in Palm Springs.
- Take the famous Celebrity Tour where you can visit homes of celebrities and learn more about the history and modern Palm Springs. If you are lucky you may get to stop the market and grab the famous date shake!
Fun Facts
- Home to the world’s largest aerial tramway.
- The name Palm Springs comes from Spanish explorers who called it “La Palma de la Mano de Dios” which translates to The Palm of God’s Hand.
- Over 50 golf courses and 50,000 pools.
- Most of the country’s date production is found here.
- Population triples in the winter months
- Popular celebrity getaway spot- Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe even owned homes here.
- Parts of the movies, Ocean’s Eleven, Mission Impossible 3, The Player, Into the Wild, A Star is Born were shot here.
Do It for the Gram
- Cabazon Dinosaur
- Forever Marilyn Statue
- PS I love you sign at the Rowen Hotel
- Angel Wings sign
- Graffiti Yard
- Walk of Stars
- Flamingos at JW Marriott Palm Springs
Places to Stay
- Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs (for Instagram lovers)
- Trixie Motel Palm Springs (for Instagram lovers)
- Saguaro Palm Springs Hotel (for Instagram lovers)
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas
- JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort and Spa
- The Ritz-Carlon, Rancho Mirage
- Ace Hotel Palm Springs
Personal Blog
Growing up in Southern California meant taking yearly trips to Palm Springs. Palm Springs has always been a great mini getaway and the perfect choice for some R&R. One of the most important landmarks on our way is the San Gorgonio Wind Park, which has over two thousand wind turbines to help generate energy for power for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. I have always loved to stop and admire the windmills. My weekends there were spent enjoying the swimming pool and wanderlust in the desert dust! Over the years, I have seen the city develop into having more restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels with exquisite pools. Every time I go, I like to stay at a new resort, enjoy the mountain views from the balcony, try some new restaurants, and have plenty of spa time. I love going to Palm Springs during the last week of January because, some years, I’ve gotten lucky to be enjoying a sunny day in the pool with a view of snow-capped mountains!
When my husband and I got married, our first mini getaway was in Palm Springs. We started our trip ATVing at Off Road Rentals. It was so windy that our sunglasses flew right off! We had to ATV our way uphill first, and my husband zoomed his way up while I was struggling. I eventually learned all the gears & got the hang of it. There was one incident where I was so scared at how fast I was going downhill that I jumped off my ATV and I let it slide downhill. Luckily the ATV didn’t slide too far downhill and I managed to grab it so that I didn’t have to pay Off Road Rentals for a new ATV! It was our first adventure post marriage and I was looking forward to many more.
The first time we took the Aerial Tramway we were so amazed at how warm it was on the floors of Coachella Valley before we took the tramway, yet 8000 ft above at the peak of St. Jacinto mountains it was almost 40 degrees cooler. We always enjoy having a drink at the bar while enjoying views of the snow-capped mountains.
After having a daughter, my husband and I have continued our yearly tradition of having one Palm Springs trip per year since it is such a kid-friendly destination. I always plan at least one excursion outside our resort per trip and will continue to discover new hidden gems in this city.
Puns and Pictures
I'm a big fan of windmills!
