Temples, viewpoints and waterfalls – the places that make Samui unique.
Tap a pin or a name to find it – then jump straight to the details.
1Temple · Plai Laem
Samui's best-known landmark: a 12-metre golden Buddha on a small island connected by a causeway, with sea views from the top of the steps. A must-see on your first visit – and free to enter.
2Temple · Plai Laem
A colourful temple set on a lake, famous for its 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. Very photogenic and only a few minutes from Big Buddha.
3Viewpoint · Lamai hills
A giant boulder balanced on a rock high above Lamai, reached by a short climb and a bamboo walkway. The view over the south-east coast is breathtaking.
4Viewpoint · Lamai hills
Higher up the same hill, with panoramic views over the island, lots of photo spots – including the famous giant hand – and a restaurant on site.
5Viewpoint · Lamai hills
A little-known viewpoint near the Overlap Stones, with views just as good and usually nobody else there. A more adventurous, local alternative.
6Pagoda & Viewpoint · Chaweng
A peaceful hilltop pagoda right behind Chaweng with views over the north of the island – and a perfect spot to watch planes landing at Samui airport.
7Viewpoint · Between Chaweng Noi and Coral Cove
A roadside viewpoint with a wooden walkway and a sweeping view of the rocky coastline and deep blue sea. An easy, free stop between Chaweng and Lamai.
8Mountain Temple · Central mountains
A remote temple high in Samui's central mountains with a large Buddha statue and huge views over the island. The journey up is part of the adventure.
9Art Park · Lipa Noi
An immersive art park on the west coast full of sculptures and themed zones that glow with thousands of lights at night – like stepping into another world. Pool, food and evening shows.
10Waterfall · Na Mueang
The higher of the two Na Muang waterfalls, reached by a jungle trail of about 30 minutes. Cool off in the natural pool with lush green jungle all around – a real adventure away from the beaches.
11Garden · Na Mueang hills
Also called Tarnim Magic Garden – a hidden garden high in the island's hills, full of stone statues among streams and jungle. Peaceful, mysterious and very different from the rest of Samui.
12Shrine · Hua Thanon · south of Lamai
A huge, colourful statue of the Chinese warrior god Guan Yu facing the sea. Impressive up close and a nice short stop when you are exploring the south of the island.
13Rock formation · Lamai
Hin Ta and Hin Yai – Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks – are famous natural rock formations at the southern end of Lamai, with a story locals love to tell. Fun, cheeky and with lovely sea views.
14Temple · Lamai
Wat Ratchathammaram – the 'Red Temple' – is built from red terracotta with intricate carvings covering every wall. One of the most unusual and beautiful temples on the island.
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