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Koh Samui in 5 days: a travel itinerary based on our experience
If we were to return to Koh Samui for a full five days, we’d organise them a bit differently. In reality, we split our stay with a trip to Koh Phangan lasting several days – mainly because of the cost of accommodation.
The result is an itinerary where you’ll see the main sights, but you won’t have to get up before dawn every day and return to the hotel just to sleep.
Koh Samui is still a tropical island holiday that entices you not only to explore but also to relax on the beach.
Find accommodation on Koh Samui
Is 5 days on Koh Samui enough?
Yes. In our opinion, five full days is the ideal minimum for a first visit to Koh Samui.
You’ll have time for two boat trips, the main temples, one or two beaches away from your hotel, a waterfall, the inland areas and the evening markets.
At the same time, there’s still plenty of time left in the itinerary for swimming and relaxing.
In 3 days, you’ll have to choose between a trip to Ang Thong National Park, a boat trip to Pig Island and exploring the island itself. If you’re staying for 7 days, on the other hand, you won’t need to add any further attractions. Instead, you can slot in another day off between your excursions.
This itinerary allows for five full days on the island. We do not include the day of arrival or departure in the programme.
If you don’t arrive on Koh Samui until the first day, start with a relaxing second day and reschedule the trip to Ang Thong National Park for another day.
We set out the costs of such a stay in the article ‘Prices on Koh Samui: how much we spent over 6 days’.
Koh Samui itinerary at a glance
| Day | Main activities | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ang Thong National Park | Organised excursion with pick-up from the hotel |
| Day 2 | Hotel beach, Khao Hua Jook Pagoda, Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Night Market | Grab, Bolt or a taxi |
| Day 3 | Pig Island, relaxation and Fisherman’s Village | Organised tour and taxi |
| Day 4 | Wat Plai Laem, Big Buddha, Silver Beach, Hin Ta Hin Yai, Red Temple and Overlap Stones | Hired car |
| Day 5 | Maenam Beach, Tarnim Magic Garden, Na Muang Waterfalls and Wat Khunaram | hire car |
The order of the first three days is not set in stone. Trips to the sea depend on the weather, and the evening markets depend on the day of the week.
However, we would stick to the driving routes on days 4 and 5, as the individual sites are naturally situated along the way.
One hotel, or move around Koh Samui?
For a five-day stay, we’d choose one hotel for the whole time.
The main road around the island is approximately 50 km long and takes about 2 hours to drive around without stopping.
Moving to a different hotel therefore usually doesn’t save you enough time to make up for the hassle of packing, checking out and waiting for a new room.
During our trip, we tried Homm Chura Samui on the northern edge of Chaweng Beach and the significantly more luxurious W Koh Samui, situated between Bophut Beach and Maenam Beach.
However, for this itinerary, moving between them would offer no practical advantage.
Which area is best for this itinerary?
| Location | Why stay here | What to expect |
| Chaweng Beach | the best all-round base, a beautiful beach, restaurants and nightlife | the centre is busy; we’d opt for the northern or southern outskirts |
| Bophut Beach | within walking distance of Fisherman’s Village, a good location for exploring the north of the island | it’s a longer drive south and to Pig Island |
| Lamai Beach | quieter than Chaweng Beach, an excellent base for both days out by car | It’s a longer journey to the northern temples and the nightlife at Bophut Beach |
| Maenam Beach | A quiet beach with very little evening noise | without a car or taxi, you’ll be limited to the area around the hotel |
For a first visit, we’d recommend choosing between Chaweng Beach and Bophut Beach. You can find a detailed comparison of the areas and specific hotels in our guide to where to stay on Koh Samui.
How to get around in 5 days
You won’t need a car or scooter for the whole duration of your stay.
For trips to Ang Thong National Park and Pig Island, transport from the hotel is usually included in the price as part of an organised tour.
On the second day, you’ll only be travelling a few times, so it makes sense to use Grab, Bolt or a taxi.
We’d only hire a small car or a scooter for the last two days. Pick it up in the morning before heading to the northern temples and return it at the end of the fifth day or on the sixth day before your flight.
You can find our full experience, including prices, parking and traffic, in the article ‘Car hire on Koh Samui’.
We compare all other options, including taxis, apps and songthaews, in the section on transport on Koh Samui.
Compare car hire prices in Koh Samui
Day 1: Ang Thong National Park
- Itinerary: full-day organised tour
- Usual departure time: between 7.00 and 8.00
- Return to the hotel: around 18:00
- Difficulty: the most challenging part of the entire itinerary
We’d include Ang Thong National Park on the very first day.
A full-day boat trip usually combines views of the archipelago, the lagoon, kayaking, snorkelling and several boat transfers.
The climb to the main viewpoint itself is considerably more challenging in the heat than it looks in the photos.
That’s precisely why I wouldn’t put off this trip until the end of your stay.
On the first day, you’ll still have plenty of energy, and there’s no risk of cutting the whole trip short simply because, after four days of beaches and excursions, you’ve had enough of it all.
When choosing a trip, check that the price includes the kayak, food and transport from the hotel.
We always compared the various programmes and types of boat via GetYourGuide, where virtually all the local travel agencies are listed.
What if the weather’s bad?
Reschedule the boat trip for another day and start the second day with a relaxing programme.
The organisers cancel trips when the sea is rough, and there’s no point in insisting on sticking to the exact itinerary at all costs.
Furthermore, Ang Thong National Park is usually closed from early November to mid-December.
If you’re travelling during this period, allow an extra day to relax on the hotel beach instead, or split the programme for the fifth day into two more relaxed parts.
We describe the current conditions throughout the year in the section on the weather in Koh Samui.
Day 2: the beach, Chaweng and the night market
- Route: hotel beach, Khao Hua Jook Pagoda, Chaweng Beach, Chaweng Night Market
- Transport: Grab, Bolt or taxi
- Start of the programme outside the hotel: around 2.30 pm
After a full day’s excursion, you deserve a rest.
Spend the morning and early afternoon on the beach by the hotel.
The fact that you can step straight out of your room onto the beach is one of the main reasons why it’s worth paying a bit extra for good accommodation on Koh Samui. It doesn’t make sense to head out every day straight after breakfast.
At around 2.30 pm, book a transfer to the Khao Hua Jook pagoda. This small temple stands on a hill above Chaweng and offers views of the coast and the airport.
We’ve included the pagoda before your visit to Chaweng Beach, as it closes in the late afternoon. You’ll only need about 20 minutes there.
Then head down to the centre of Chaweng Beach, take a stroll along the beach and, once it’s dark, carry on to the Chaweng Night Market.
It’s a large open-air food court where you can easily sort out your dinner and sample several dishes instead of just one.
The main Chaweng Night Market is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If your second day falls on a different day of the week, swap the evening’s plans with a visit to Fisherman’s Village on the third day.
Day 3: Pig Island and an evening at Bophut Beach
- Itinerary: morning trip to Pig Island, relaxing at the hotel, evening in Fisherman’s Village
- Transport: organiser’s transfer and a taxi in the evening
- Level of difficulty: depends on the type of excursion chosen
We set off for Pig Island – officially known as Koh Madsum – on a jet ski. It was one of the best experiences of the whole trip, but with the rough seas, it was also a much bigger adrenaline rush than we’d expected.
For most travellers, we would therefore recommend a standard half-day boat trip:
| Option | Who it’s suitable for | What to expect |
| Group boat trip | the best option for most visitors | Lowest price, with transfer and often lunch included |
| Private boat | couples, families and smaller groups | Option to set off earlier and adjust the length of stops |
| jet ski | experienced and active travellers | significantly more expensive and physically demanding in rough seas |
Choose the morning departure. There’ll be fewer people on Pig Island, the pigs tend to be more active, and you’ll have the afternoon free when you return.
We wouldn’t add any more sightseeing after the trip.
Head back to the hotel, have a late lunch, enjoy the pool or a massage, and don’t head out again until the evening.
We also always compared the individual itineraries and types of boats for Pig Island via GetYourGuide.
An evening in Fisherman’s Village
Head to Fisherman’s Village around 6 pm. This part of Bophut combines a pedestrianised street, seaside restaurants, small bars, shops and food stalls.
The night markets in Fisherman’s Village are currently held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Friday market is usually the most extensive.
However, the pedestrian zone with its brick-and-mortar restaurants and shops is bustling every evening.
On other days, you can sort out dinner at the nearby Free Wave Market. It’s smaller, quieter and, in our experience, more pleasant if you’re mainly after a quick meal without the crowds.
Ang Thong, or Pig Island?
If you only have time for one boat trip, we’d recommend Ang Thong National Park.
It offers a more varied programme, more striking natural scenery and, in our opinion, is one of the most memorable experiences Koh Samui has to offer.
Pig Island is a shorter, less demanding and more photogenic option. It makes more sense if you’re travelling with children, for a shorter afternoon outing, or if you’re really keen to interact with the pigs on the beach.
Day 4: Temples, Silver Beach and the south-east of the island
- Itinerary: Wat Plai Laem, Big Buddha, Silver Beach, Hin Ta Hin Yai, Red Temple, Overlap Stones
- Transport: hire car
- Recommended start time: around 8.00 am
On the fourth day, you’ll use the car for the first time. The route runs from the north-east along the east coast to the south, with the individual stops following on logically one after the other.
8.00 am to 10.00 am: the two most famous temples
Start at the colourful Wat Plai Laem complex, then drive over to the nearby Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha.
Both sites are free to visit, and it’s usually more pleasant there in the morning than around midday. Allow about 30 minutes for Wat Plai Laem, and around 30 minutes for the Big Buddha as well.
As you’ll be heading to the coast later, make sure you leave some clothing in the car that covers your shoulders and knees.
Beachwear is not appropriate at active Buddhist temples.
10.30 am to 1.00 pm: swimming at Silver Beach
For a longer stop at the beach, we’d choose Silver Beach.
This small cove between Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach is more photogenic than most beaches on the east coast, and two to three hours there is plenty of time.
Parking in the area is usually limited. If the cove is crowded or you can’t find a space, don’t spend half an hour driving round the neighbourhood. Choose another beach from our guide to the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samui.
1.30 pm to 5.00 pm: the rocks, the red temple and the best viewpoint
After lunch, head to the bizarre Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, which resemble male and female genitalia. It’s a well-known spot, but you’ll only need about 20 minutes to see it.
Another short stop is Wat Ratchathammaram, also known as the Red Temple.
The temple stands right by the main road; entry is free and you can walk around the whole complex in about 20 minutes.
Round off the day at the Overlap Stones. Of the two viewing points, we’d recommend Overlap Stone 2, which offers better views and features the famous hand-shaped jetty.
Leave your car in the car park on the main road opposite the Red Temple and take the jeep up the hill, which is included in the admission price.
The mountain road is extremely steep, and it’s not worth risking a hire car or scooter.
If this day happens to be a Sunday and you’re not staying too far away, you could round off the evening at the Lamai Night Market. Otherwise, after a full day out, we’d head straight back to the hotel.
Day 5: the northern beach, the inland area and the waterfalls
- Itinerary: Maenam Beach, Tarnim Magic Garden, Magic Stone Fruits, Na Muang 1 Waterfall or Na Muang 2 Waterfall, Wat Khunaram
- Transport: hire car
- Pace: adjust according to your energy levels and the weather
On our last day, we didn’t want to spend time driving round several similar beaches in the east of the island again. In our experience, this part of Koh Samui didn’t really capture our interest.
Approximate itinerary:
| Time | Stop |
| 8:00 | Swimming and a walk along Maenam Beach |
| 9.15 | departure for the inland |
| 10:15 | Tarnim Magic Garden |
| 11:15 | Short stop at Magic Stone Fruits |
| 11:45 | Na Muang 1 Waterfall or Na Muang 2 Waterfall |
| 13:30 | Wat Khunaram and a late lunch |
| from 14:30 | free time in the west of the island or return to the hotel |
Alternatively, start at around 8.00 am on the peaceful Maenam Beach on the north coast.
An hour for a walk and a swim is enough. If you’re already staying right by the lovely northern beach, do give this stop a miss, of course.
A morning in the mountains
From Maenam Beach, head into the mountainous centre of the island to Tarnim Magic Garden, sometimes also known as the Secret Buddha Garden.
Don’t expect a traditional temple or a major attraction. It’s a private garden in the jungle, full of stone sculptures, streams and small waterfalls. We went there without high expectations, and in the end it turned out to be one of the most peaceful stops on Koh Samui.
Allow about 45 minutes for a visit to Tarnim Magic Garden. The road is winding and steep, but we managed it without any problems by car.
Just a few minutes from the garden lies Magic Stone Fruits, a bizarre collection of stone fruit by the roadside. We wouldn’t have gone there specifically, but it works well as a five-minute stop along the way.
Which Na Muang waterfall should you choose?
Once you’ve come down from the mountains, choose just one of the waterfalls:
- Na Muang Waterfall 1 is ideal for a quick and easy stop. It’s close to the car park and the whole visit takes about 30 minutes.
- Na Muang Waterfall 2 requires a steeper climb through the jungle. Allow about an hour and make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes.
For this five-day itinerary, we would choose Na MuangWaterfall 1. If you’d prefer a more active day, choose Na Muang Waterfall 2, but skip the morning swim at Maenam Beach.
A short stop at the mummified monk
The final fixed stop on the itinerary is Wat Khunaram. Inside the temple, the mummified body of the monk Luang Pho Daeng, who died in a meditative posture, is on display.
It may sound like a tourist oddity, but it is actually a peaceful place of worship. A visit takes just 15 minutes, and the temple is situated right by the main road.
We’d leave the rest of the afternoon open. You can continue along the western section of the main circuit, stop for a late lunch, or head back to the hotel for a final swim.
After four planned days, this open-ended finale is more worthwhile than another three run-of-the-mill stops added simply to make the itinerary longer.
How to shorten the itinerary to 3 or 4 days
Koh Samui in 3 days
Include a trip to Ang Thong National Park, a day relaxing on Chaweng Beach and a day out by car or scooter.
During your road trip, combine visits to Wat Plai Laem, the Big Buddha, Silver Beach, the Red Temple and the Overlap Stones. We’d skip Pig Island and the inland areas on a first, short visit.
Koh Samui in 4 days
Skip the fifth day. You’ll still have time for Ang Thong National Park, Pig Island, a day of relaxation and the main attractions along the north-eastern and south-eastern coasts.
If you don’t want two boat trips, skip Pig Island and stick to the inland route instead, visiting Tarnim Magic Garden and Na Muang Waterfall.
How to extend the itinerary to 7 days
We wouldn’t add another two full-day trips.
We’d spend one day just enjoying the hotel’s beach, the swimming pool and a massage.
We’d keep the other day in reserve in case of bad weather, or use it to split the fifth day into a separate trip to the mountains and a separate tour of the north of the island.
A seven-day stay is better mainly because you don’t have to worry about rescheduling the whole programme every time it rains. Not because you’d have to find ten more places to visit.
View the top beach resorts on Koh Samui
What to book before your trip
First, choose a hotel.
For this itinerary, we’d recommend Chaweng Beach or Bophut Beach, but your specific choice depends mainly on whether you’re looking for a more beautiful beach, peace and quiet, or nightlife.
- 👉 Our hotel recommendations –Chaweng Beach
- 👉 Our hotel recommendations –Bophut Beach
Then book:
- a trip to Ang Thong National Park
- compare offers on GetYourGuide
- a trip to Pig Island
- Compare offers on GetYourGuide
- Car hire for days 4 and 5
- Check car hire prices on Booking.com
- Transport to Koh Samui and back
- Buy a ferry and bus ticket via 12go.asia
The most convenient option is a direct flight to the local airport. A combination of flight, bus and ferry via Surat Thani is usually cheaper.
We compare all options, including ports and hotel transfers, in the section on how to get to Koh Samui.
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