3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary: The Best Koh Samui Guide

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Koh Samui? We’ll show you the best things to do on this beautiful Thai island. You can spend your days visiting amazing temples, bathing in waterfalls, and swimming in crystal waters! In this 3 day Koh Samui Itinerary you’ll find out what to do in Koh Samui, where to stay and some of the best restaurants on the island!

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is Thailand’s second-largest island, with Phuket being the largest. If you’re on a backpacking trip to Koh Samui, it’s popular to also visit Koh Phangnan and Koh Tao (which is also what we did)!

As soon as you start to explore Koh Samui, you’ll realise how many palm trees there are and just how hilly the island is. Although the ring road around the island isn’t too steep, the centre of Koh Samui has beautiful hills with some amazing viewpoints.

There are many areas and beaches to discover around the island which makes it a great place to explore if you have 3 days in Koh Samui. Maybe you’ll want to stay even longer after finding out what to do in Koh Samui!

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How to get to Koh Samui?

There are a few ways to get to Koh Samui and it depends on where you’re coming from.

The Airport – Koh Samui has an international airport called Samui Airport. You catch direct flights from Bangkok or Phuket to make your way to the beautiful beaches. It’s also located in a great place on the island as it’s close to many popular beaches, hostels and resorts. Check flights on Skyscanner here.

Get a ferry – You can catch ferries from Surat Thani, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. The ferry from Surat Thani is around ฿600 – ฿900 and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. There are usually speed boats or large ferries that vehicles can also go on. If you’re arriving from another island you’ll be getting a speed boat.

How to get around Koh Samui

As Koh Samui is a large island, it’s not an easy place to walk around. The island has a ring road with many smaller roads coming off of it. It’s not difficult to hire your own transport, although there is also local transport if needed.

Option 1 – Rent a scooter or car

We rented a scooter from Samui S. R. Tour (Here’s the location) as we arrived in Koh Samui at Nathon Pier. We negotiated for ฿150 per day as we wanted to rent for 6 days, the price is usually ฿200.

There are many companies offering car rental on the northeast side of the island, especially near the airport. Your accommodation will be able to help you with a scooter or car rental.

If you’re travelling with large backpacks, suitcases or more people we recommend using Option 2 to get to your accommodation and hiring a scooter or car afterwards.

Option 2 – Get Songthaews (Koh Samui’s Local Transport)

A songthaew is pronounced, “song-tao” and they are Koh Samui’s public transport. You will usually find them awaiting new passengers at ferry terminals or driving around the island looking for people to catch a ride. If you see one, wave it down and tell them where you need to go!

Option 3 – Taxis or Tours

There are a lot of taxis on Koh Samui in the form of minivans or cars, these can be easily arranged with your accommodation to get around the island. You can also hop on guided tours, however, we’ll show you the best things to do in Koh Samui so you can explore at your own pace!

3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary – Best Things to do in Koh Samui

With 3 days in Koh Samui, you’ll be spending your day’s temple and beach hopping, whilst checking out a few other sights on the way. Let’s start with Day 1

Day 1 – Waterfalls, Shrines & Temples in Lamai

Na Muang Waterfall 2

Na Muang has two waterfalls, one that’s easy to get to and one that involves a short but sweaty hike! Na Muang Waterfall 2 is the one with the hike. But it’s totally worth it! We recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot.

Hiking this waterfall was one of our favourite things to do in Koh Samui, it’s so unique compared to the other Thai islands. You get great views, a bit of morning exercise and you can also bathe in the pools at the top as long as it’s safe.

It takes around 20 minutes to reach the top of the viewpoint and waterfall and it’s mostly climbing up rocks so be sure to wear shoes you are comfortable in. Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume!

How to get to Na Muang Waterfall 2

It’s actually quite easy to find the starting point for this waterfall! if you’re renting a vehicle, follow where Google Maps tells you to go and park where it says Na Muang Waterfall 2, you then follow that inclines until you can see the falls in the distance.

Follow the hill down and you’ll have to walk over bridges on the water until you start climbing the path of rocks to reach the top.

Find the location here – Na Muang Waterfall 2

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Na Muang Waterfall 1

After you’ve visited Na Muang Waterfall 2, you have to visit Na Muang Waterfall 1. They’re just around the corner from each other but it’s too far to walk. It’s best to park at the Na Muang Waterfall 1 parking lot and from there you don’t even have to hike to the falls.

They will charge you a small fee for parking here, but no more than ฿50.

This waterfall is much bigger and you can jump into the water from the rocks. It’s definitely the more popular waterfall as it’s easier to get to and better for families. If you don’t have much time, it’s best to visit this one to enjoy a big waterfall.

Find the location here – Na Muang Waterfall 1

Lunch in Lamai

We recommend Pure Vegan Heaven or any of the local Thai restaurants for some lunch! There are many places to choose from in Lamai. Check out our Top 8 Vegan Restaurants in Koh Samui guide!

Wat Ratchathammaram (Red Temple)

Start the afternoon off by visiting Wat Ratchathammaram, also known as the Red Temple. It’s a beautiful Buddhist temple to visit in Koh Samui and as the name suggests, it’s all red! The details of the temple are definitely something to look at when you’re here – warriors, sea monsters and snakes.

If you walk a little further there’s an amazing set of stairs that lead down to the beach, but it can get busy here with ceremonies. It’s worth a quick stop on your 3 days in Koh Samui and you’ll only need 30 minutes here.

Find the location here – Wat Ratchathammaram

Guan Yu Shrine

Although Guan Yu Shrine is a place of worship, it’s an amazing place to visit in Koh Samui. It’s just off the main road and easily spotted if you’re driving passed. Similar to the Red Temple, you’ll only need 30 minutes to admire the shrine, but there are also markets and food stalls in the area.

Find the location here – Guan Yu Shrine

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

One of your last stops of the day is Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks). Our biggest tip when visiting here is to make sure you visit at low tide! Otherwise, you won’t see the main attractions.

The reason people visit here is to see natural rock formations in the shape of male & female genitalia. Yes, that’s correct! You can also see an amazing rock pool at low tide with a mini beach. We missed out on this but it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re wondering what to do in Koh Samui.

There’s a small ฿10 fee to park your scooter or ฿30 for a car and there are markets selling clothes, snacks and many other items!

Find the location here – Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

Chaweng Beach

At this point, you’re probably tired from your first day and there are so many things to do in Koh Samui! Now is your time to rest at Chaweng Beach. It’s also a great spot to find some food as it’s the most popular area to stay in on the island.

Day 2 – Temples, Markets & Beaches

Next on your 3 day Koh Samui Itinerary is a day of visiting temples, beaches and a street market. This will mainly be on the north side of the island.

Visit Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is an amazing Buddhist Temple that you can visit during your 3 days in Koh Samui. It’s located in the northeast area of the island and is easy to get to by car, scooter or taxi.

The temple is joined by two statues – an 18-handed Goddess of Mercy Guan Yin and a laughing Buddha. All three areas are surrounded by a lake and it’s even possible to feed the huge fish for ฿10. We took some lovely photos here as this place is so photogenic!

Find the location here – Wat Plai Laem

Visit the Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is another place to visit in the northeast of Koh Samui, and it’s so close to Wat Plai Laem. If you’ve visited Phuket before, it’s completely different to the Big Buddha there and it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area.

There are many markets and street food here or you can check out Jay Tamachad Vegetarian for a hearty vegan Thai lunch with views of the ocean.

Find the location here – Big Buddha

Fisherman’s Village Market

Fishermans Village is a lovely area to explore in Koh Samui. It’s the place to find amazing restaurants and is great for anyone who needs to shop at the many markets. It’s also next to a beautiful strip of the beach so you can chill after grabbing a local coconut.

Fishermans Village is completely different to the rest of the island and is also a great spot for nightlife! There’s also a Night Market at Fishermans Village!

Find the location here – Fisherman’s Village

Thongson Beach

As you’re in the north of the island and you’ve already had such a busy day so far – it’s time to treat yourself to some relaxation on the beaches of Koh Samui. Thongson Beach is beautiful and a lovely place to relax in Koh Samui.

If you don’t have too much of your afternoon left skip this beach for another day and head onto Silver Beach.

Find the location here – Thongson Beach

Silver Beach

Silver Beach is one of the best beaches on the island and a must-visit on your 3 days in Koh Samui.

Make your way to Crystal Bay Resort and you can simply walk through to the beach. It was definitely our favourite beach in Koh Samui and the ocean was so clear! It’s possible to snorkel on the left and right sides of the beach near the rocks.

It’s the perfect beach to chill on in the afternoon as the palm trees create shade on parts of the beach for everyone to keep safe. The beach also has many accommodation options and restaurants if you want to stay later for dinner.

Find the location here – Silver Beach (On Google Maps it’s actually called Crystal Beach!)

Day 3 – Beach Hopping in Koh Samui

We’ve created this 3 day Koh Samui itinerary for those who are wondering what to do on Koh Samui in a short amount of time. Day 3 will be the most chill of your 3 days here, and this is because you may only be spending 2 nights and have to leave on the third day. So Day 3 will be a mix of beaches and catching up with anything you missed over the last 2 days!

Mae Nam Beach

After enjoying breakfast near your accommodation, head to Mae Nam Beach in the north of Koh Samui! It’s a very peaceful area of the island and you can spend the morning swimming in the calm ocean. It’s also a lovely drive up to the north if you’re renting a scooter or car.

Find the location here – Mae Nam Beach

Ban Tai Beach

Your next stop is Ban Tai Beach! At first, we didn’t know this place existed until we accidentally stumbled across it when trying to find Mae Nam Beach. We’re so happy we found it as Ban Tai Beach is now another one of our favourite beaches on the island. So it definitely makes it onto our 3 day Koh Samui itinerary.

Some of the palm trees hang which gives the beach a really cosy feeling. You can also find restaurants and resorts here facing out onto the ocean.

Find the location here – Ban Tai Beach

Sunset at Lipa Noi Beach

Lipa Noi Beach is one of the best beaches to watch a sunset in Koh Samui and it really surprised us! It’s a beautiful long strip of beach with a few restaurants and resorts. It’s so peaceful and quiet here as it’s on the west side of the island. Another one of the best things to do in Koh Samui!

We even found a hotel that lets you use their swimming pool for a small fee – Lipa Bay Resort. It finished off our 3 days in Koh Samui perfectly!

Find the location here – Lipa Noi Beach

Chaweng Market

One of the best things to do in Koh Samui is Chaweng Night Market. It’s a great place to find street food and shop around markets. It’s worth a visit and a chill way to spend your evening.

Find the location here – Chaweng Market

More Things to do in Koh Samui

• Day Trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
• Explore the Secret Buddha Garden

Best Restaurants in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is filled with many restaurants with amazing Thai cuisine and international food. It’s a very vegan-friendly island to visit and you can find vegetarian and gluten-free food too. Even if you’re not vegan, we highly recommend checking out these restaurants during your 3 days in Koh Samui.

• Pure Vegan Heaven (Lamai)
• Jay Tamachad Vegetarian (Bo Put)
• Greenlight Cafe (Fishermans Village)
• La Fabrique French Bakery (Lamai)

To find amazing Thai food in Koh Samui, just head out to any of the restaurants in the area you’re staying and find a lovely Thai Curry or noodle dish. Most Thai food is great in Koh Samui and you can find the best restaurants on the side of the road!

Are you vegan or vegetarian in Koh Samui? Check our Top 8 Vegan Restaurants to visit in Koh Samui!

Where to stay in Koh Samui

The most popular area to stay in Koh Samui is Chaweng. There are lots of things going on in Chaweng and it has a great party scene, a great beach and many food options all throughout the day. Lamai, Bophut or Choeng Mon are also great areas to stay for more chilled vibes.

We also like the Lipa Noi area, but it’s a little further to find more restaurants and things to do.

Accommodation and Hotels in Koh Samui

Lamai – Private Lodge Beachside Samui Lamai ($) – Find the Booking.com link here

Chaweng – Lub d Koh Samui Hostel Chaweng Beach (SHA+) ($$) – Find the Hostelworld link here

Chaweng – Hotel Samui Beach Residence Hotel ($-$$) – Find the Booking.com link here

Mae Nam – Escape Beach Resort (SHA+) ($$) – Find the Booking.com link here

Where to go after Koh Samui?

Koh Samui to Koh Phangnan

This is one of the most popular routes when backpacking in Thailand. There are speed boats that run daily from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. You can also catch a speed boat to Koh Tao although it may stop at Phangan on the way. Boats to Koh Phangnan are easy to book with your accommodation or any travel company, or you can simply book your tickets at the ferry terminal.

Head to Northern Thailand

After finishing your trip to the Thai islands, you may want to head North of Thailand. The fastest and best way is to fly using Samui Airport to Chiang Mai. Another way to travel to the North is to catch a ferry to Surat Thani, a bus or train to Bangkok and then another bus or train to Chiang Mai.

You can book these tickets with many people on the island and most likely your accommodation too!

Leaving Thailand

If this is the end of your Thailand trip, you can head to Samui airport to catch a flight out of Thailand or to Bangkok to have more options on where to travel to.

Best Beaches in Koh Samui

• Chaweng (Most Popular)
• Choeng Mon (Near Chaweng)
• Bophut / Fisherman’s Village
• Lipa Noi (Best sunset beach)
• Lamai (South East)
• Mae Nam (North)
• Laem Set
• Taling Ngam

Is Koh Samui worth visiting?

Yes! It’s the second-largest island in Thailand and that means there are many things to do in Koh Samui to make it worth visiting. You can enjoy waterfalls, beaches, viewpoints and temples whilst eating amazing food with great accommodation. If you have the time in Southern Thailand, it should definitely make it on your Thailand itinerary.

How many days should you spend in Koh Samui?

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Koh Samui. Our guide shows you how to spend 3 full days on the island, and a lot of the things to do in Koh Samui can be done in 3 days if you have to arrive on the first day and leave on the last day. This means spending 2 or 3 nights in Koh Samui is the perfect amount of time to see the island.

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That’s the end of our 3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary! Have an amazing trip to the second-largest island in Thailand and enjoy the best things to do in Koh Samui – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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