Attractions — Surat Thani

It’s basically a large rock about seven to eight metres high standing on a hill at the cliff edge. The view from there is excellent and the stone itself looks quite unusual. The climb can be tough, especially in the heat. Although signs say the entrance fee is 20 бат, in reality you’ll likely be asked to pay 200.

A large spa complex with Russian, Finnish and Thai steam saunas operates seven days a week. Popular among long-term foreign residents and tourists, it features a large pool, an ice plunge and an ice barrel. Group steamings are held three times a day; each attendant has their own signature technique, so you may experience menthol, drum sessions, singing bowls, oak veniks and other treatments. Private steamings are available for an extra fee. The spa restaurant offers dishes familiar to Russians — khinkali, khachapuri, chebureki, soups and desserts. Located on a small hill, the loungers and the cold plunge offer stunning views of the Gulf of Siam and green tropical hills. In the evenings there are movie screenings by the pool — you can watch while floating on a mattress. Full-day entry without discounts costs 500 baht, children 7–14 years — 200 baht, under 7 — free. A family pass (two adults and one child up to 14) costs 900 baht. The spa often has special offers, so subscribe to their social media to save. There are also generous birthday discounts — 50% off entry for the whole group and on private steamings.

Bo Phut's Fisherman's Village has become one of Samui's tourist hubs. You'll find restaurants, souvenir and Buddhist-themed shops, several hotels, and on Fridays the street is closed for the evening market.

Near Ko Wao there are coral formations. You can encounter stingrays, sea urchins and small reef fish there.

There are several sanctuaries on Samui for elephants that previously worked in tourism and logging. One branch is here in Bophut. Riding or bathing with the elephants is not allowed because it disrupts their natural behaviour, but you can feed them.

There are several sanctuaries on Samui for elephants that previously worked in tourism and logging. One branch is here in Chaweng Noi. Riding or bathing with the elephants is not allowed because it disrupts their natural behaviour, but you can feed them.

One of the easiest ziplines — for those who don’t like extreme thrills but want to ride with beautiful views. On the Samui Charm website you can book a trip on eight ziplines at once for 1700 baht. The route is 1200 meters long; the price includes transfer and drinks.

Prices, route length and opening hours vary between operators — it’s best to check by phone or on the company website.

Dipabhavan runs monthly retreats that last seven days and begin on the last day of the month. You don’t need to be a Buddhist or have prior knowledge to take part. The retreat teaches basic anapanasati meditation; lectures are given by Buddhist monk Ajahn Hubert, a Polish-born teacher who speaks Russian well and has lived for many years at the important forest monastery Suan Mokkh. For his work spreading Buddhism and teaching meditation Ajahn Hubert was granted Thai citizenship. Meeting such a teacher is a rare opportunity to learn about Buddhism in Russian from an experienced monk. After the retreat participants are asked to cover expenses — about $100.

Sports fans can visit the Thai boxing stadium.

Wat Khunaram is probably one of the most popular and frequently visited temples. It’s notable for the mummy of a monk displayed under a glass dome right at the entrance to the complex. This is not embalming — the mummification happened naturally. Luang Pho Daeng was once the abbot of Wat Khunaram. In Buddhist tradition it’s believed that a teacher who has attained certain merits can know the day of his death. Luang Pho Daeng, a meditation master, predicted the day of his death and passed away while meditating in 1973. After it became clear his body did not decay, disciples placed him in a prepared dome. Despite Samui’s hot and humid climate, the monk’s body remains preserved. The temple attracts many tourists during the day, so it’s best visited in the morning.

This is the most revered place on the island among local Buddhists because the complex contains the pagoda Wat Sila Ngu, which houses Buddha’s relics. Even before the tourist boom the royal family visited to pay respects to the relics, a major event for locals. Next to the pagoda a long stairway descends to the sea, decorated with sculptures of white nagas (serpent-like mythic beings) believed to have guarded Buddha during meditation. To the left and right of the stairway is a cemetery. Buried here is the former editor-in-chief of the popular English-language newspaper Bangkok Post — and the island’s first tourist — Derril G. Berringar, who did much to popularize Samui.

A relatively low waterfall of just 18 meters with one wide cascade that splits into several streams and flows into a small pool at the base. The water is usually murky, but locals swim here. The waterfall lies deep in the jungle among large rocks and interlaced vines that can be swung like swings. It’s reachable by motorbike; there’s parking right next to it that costs about 20–30 baht.

An 80-meter waterfall where water flows evenly over numerous cascades, so you won’t see a single dramatic drop from a cliff. At the base a trail begins with ropes to help you climb up — the ascent isn’t easy, especially in the heat. Along the way there are small rock pools where you can swim and cool off. At the top there’s nothing spectacular beyond a large stone plateau crisscrossed by small streams, but the jungle atmosphere is impressive. You can reach the waterfall by motorbike or hike through the jungle from Na Muang 1.

Wat Teepangkorn sits at the highest point of Samui, offering stunning 360-degree views of the island. The temple itself is semi-abandoned and weathered, which gives it a special atmosphere. You can see a large Buddha statue and 12 animal figures representing the zodiac years. Getting to the temple is not easy: a harsh serpentine road with blind turns leads up, and it’s especially dangerous when it rains. The road from the south is quite broken, and reaching it from Maenam is also difficult. If you drive yourself, it’s best to take the route that starts in Lamai.

A small park located in a shallow ravine between hills. A mountain stream forms clear pools inhabited by small fish. The garden is a collection of stone statues and small stone structures — some look like houses, others like caves — all covered in green, fluffy moss. Locals say the figures were carved by an elderly durian-farm owner in secret and that the garden was discovered only after his death. He worked at the craft for 14 years, so the small park is literally filled with sculptures. Entrance to the Magic Garden costs 100 baht.

Not far from Samui lies Koh Mat Sum, where wild pigs live on a small patch of land. Accustomed to tourists, they are friendly and not aggressive — you can feed them, pet them and take photos. The island also has beautiful white sandy beaches. Kayaks are available for rent if you want to paddle around the island; if you’re lucky you may see the pigs swimming. Excursions typically cost around 1400 baht.