Koh Samui Day Tours with a Private Driver

Lad Koh Viewpoint · 15–20 min

Roadside viewpoint between Chaweng and Lamai looking over Chaweng Noi and Coral Cove. Free, quick and best in the morning light.

Overlap Stone · 45–60 min

Balancing boulder on a hill above Lamai with a café, a big swing and wide views of the east coast. Small entry fee or drink purchase.

Lamai/Chaweng viewpoint and Coral Cove · 30–45 min

Small rocky cove with clear water for a quick swim or snorkel; there are a few cafés with views on the headland.

Chaweng Beach · 60–90 min

Samui's busiest and longest beach, white sand and a lively beach road. Your driver drops you near the beach and waits nearby.

Nathon town · 30–45 min

The island's old port town on the west coast, with shophouses, a pier and local food. Ferries to the mainland leave from here.

Lipa Noi sunset · 45–60 min

Quiet, shallow beach on the west coast, one of the best places on Samui to watch the sun go down over the sea.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · 30–45 min

Large golden seated Buddha on a small island linked by a causeway, near the airport. Climb the stairs barefoot; cover shoulders and knees.

Wat Plai Laem · 30–45 min

Temple on a lake with an 18-arm Guanyin statue and a white Buddha. You can feed the fish from the walkways.

Fisherman's Village Bophut · 60–90 min

Old Chinese wooden shophouses turned into cafés, boutiques and seafood restaurants by the beach. Walking street on Friday evenings.

Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) · 30 min

Rock formations at the south end of Lamai with a local legend, sea views and stalls selling coconut sweets.

Wat Khunaram · 20–30 min

Temple on the road south of Lamai where a revered monk is kept in a glass case, still seated in meditation, wearing sunglasses.

Lamai Beach · 45–60 min

Relaxed beach with calmer water than Chaweng, cafés and a small night market area.

Na Muang Waterfall 1 · 30–45 min

Easy-to-reach 18-metre waterfall with a pool at the bottom, only a short walk from the car park. Good for families.

Na Muang Waterfall 2 · 60–90 min

Taller fall higher up, reached by a 30-minute jungle path or the shuttle. Wear shoes with grip.

Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden) · 45–60 min

Stone statues of deities, animals and people set among streams in the hills, created by a local farmer. Small entry fee, cooler air and fine views on the way.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary · 2–3 hours

Ethical sanctuary where rescued elephants are watched and fed, no riding. Book your session time in advance and tell us; we plan the day around it.

Car ferry Samui to Donsak · ~1.5 hours

You stay with the car on board, with a lounge, snacks and sea views. Ticket for car and passengers included in the price.

Surat Thani town and the Tapi River · 1–2 hours

Busy southern city with riverside markets, local food and the Ban Don night market in the evening.

Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake · 3–4 hours

Jungle and towering limestone karsts around a large emerald lake. Longtail boat trips on the lake and the national park fee are paid on site.

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya · 45 min

Ancient Srivijaya-era stupa in Chaiya, north of Surat Thani, a quiet stop for history lovers.