The Overlap Stones are one of the most interesting sights on Koh Samui and the most famous places in all of Thailand.

These are giant boulders "laid" on the edge of a hillside overlooking the south of the island - and in photos they often look as if they are about to collapse.

But the important thing to know is that there is not just one Overlap Stone. On the contrary - there are two different places that are quite different from each other.

What's more - the main tourist attraction is not the stones themselves, but the hand-shaped bridge, which is the most popular sight in all of Koh Samui.

Just choosing where and how to go? Check out our other articles describing our personal experience:

👉 Transport to Koh Samui
👉 where to stay on Koh Samui
👉 7-Eleven: how much does it cost and what did we buy?

Compare hotel prices on Koh Samui

How much is Overlap Stones (and which one to choose)

There are a total of 2 main stones that are easy to get to.

Both stones are paid overlooks and both are on different private land, so you have to pay for the overlooks separately.

Overlap Stone 1 (original)

This stone lies lower at an elevation of 160 metres and provides views of the south coast.

✅ Closer to Lamai Beach
✅ shorter hike from the parking lot (but Overlap Stone 2 doesn't have to have any hike if you don't want to - it offers free shuttle jeeps)
✅ faster to visit (there are shorter lines and less activities)
❌ more expensive to enter
❌ slightly worse view

I only spent a total of about 15 minutes at Overlap Stone 1.

Suitable if you want a quick stop without much effort.

Overlap Stone 1

View from Overlap Stone 1

Paths to Overlap Stone 1

Stairs to Overlap Stone 1

Box office and parking at Overlap Stone 1

Overlap Stone 2 (better option)

This stone sits at 270 metres and has other attractions built around it, including the famous pier with its hand over the cliff - the most famous viewpoint on Koh Samui.

Because Overlap Stone 2 is on the edge of a mountain ridge, you can see both the south and part of the east coast from here

✅ Higher up in the mountains
✅ a better and more open view on 2 sides
✅ more activities and attractions
✅ large restaurant with bar and comfortable seating with a view
✅ free jeep shuttle from the parking lot by the main road
✅ cheaper admission than to Overlap Stone 1
❌ considerably more people (queues at the "with hand" viewpoint can last up to 15 minutes)
❌ it takes more time to visit

We were at Overlap Stone 2 for about 40 minutes, but if you want to have lunch here, the visit can easily stretch to 90 minutes.

For me a significantly more interesting option.

Have you also visited Overlap Stones? Which one did you like better and do you have better photos? Show them off in the comments below.

Overlap Stone 2

Overlap and queue for photo at Overlap Stone 2

Me at Overlap Stone 2

View from Overlap Stone 2

Overlap Stone 2

View of Overlap Stone 2

Restaurant at Overlap Stone 2

What to expect (reality on the ground)

These aren't just the usual prospects. Overlap Stones is a crowded attraction, but I would still recommend a visit. The views from here are definitely the best of the entire island of Koh Samui.

You're standing on the edge of a slope
below you is the jungle.
the view towards Lamai and the south of the island.

But be aware that the Overlap Stones are becoming more and more popular attractions, and in high season it gets uncomfortably crowded - especially at Overlap Stone 2.

Restaurant prices at Overlap Stone 2 are significantly higher than anywhere down the coast.

View from Overlap Stone 2

Admission and opening hours

Tickets must be purchased separately for both stones.

Have the prices changed? Let us know your current experience and suggest an update to the guide by adding a comment below the article. Thanks!

Overlap Stone 1

Input: 300 thb (car/scooter parking at the box office included)
- cash and credit card
opening hours: 8:00-18:00

Price list for Overlap Stone 1

Overlap Stone 2

Entrance: 200 thb
- cash only (or Thai QR code, which most tourists don't have)
jeep up and down included
opening hours: sunrise to sunset

How to get there

The Overlap Stones are located in the south of Koh Samui and are accessible by car and taxi.

🚗 Car

The best option if you want to travel to more places within Koh Samui and drive to the Overlap Stones on your own.

Drive directly to Overlap Stone 1 or just below Overlap Stone 2 (about 10 minutes hike)
- parking at Overlap Stone 1 included in the entrance fee
- parking under Overlap Stone 2 for 40 thb
you can also leave your car in the large free car park on the main road, where there is a free jeep service to Overlap Stone 2 (but it doesn't stop at Overlap Stone 1)

The road is very steep and winding.

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🛵 Scooter

This is a popular mode of transport, but personally I wouldn't take a scooter up the mountain to the rocks.

The road is so steep that even the more powerful scooters have trouble going up, and even worse - especially going down due to the brakes that are often not well adjusted.

If you do go up, I really only recommend it to very experienced riders.

Otherwise, I'd leave the scooter in the parking lot off the main road and take the free jeep up to Overlap Stone 2.

🚙 Jeep (Overlap Stone 2)

The most interesting option and the safest option - you don't have to drive yourself on winding and steep roads.

Jeeps run from the parking lot by the main road (opposite the Red Temple).

part of the entrance to Overlap 2
driving through the steep jungle
without the stress of driving, plus the great experience of the journey itself

You don't have to pay for the jeep - you buy your ticket for 200 thb at the top of the entrance.

Jeeps usually run once every 10 minutes and the whole journey from the car park takes about 15 minutes.

Transportation jeeps to Overlap Stone 2

🚕 Grab / Bolt

Taxi or Grab / Bolt will most often only take you to Overlap Stone 1. Because there is often a high demand, the prices are usually higher than anywhere else on the island.

On the way back down, you can wait more than 30 minutes for a Grab / Bolt or taxi.

I describe how traveling around the island works from my own experience in the chapter Transportation on Koh Samui.

Distances (for planning)

Lamai Beach: about 15-20 minutes
Chaweng Beach: approx. 45 minutes
Na Muang Waterfall 1: approx. 25 minutes

Daily itinerary

The Overlap Stones combine well with other places in and around the hinterland:

👉 If you are planning more days, the article how many days to spend on Koh Samui or suggestions for itineraries may be useful.

Does it make sense to go on an organized trip?

If you don't want to deal with transportation, there are organized tours around the island.

Find tours on Koh Samui

However, the pace tends to be set by the group. Trips to the Overlap Stones are usually full day trips and often include a cruise and a 2-hour stay at Pig Island.

Where to stay for similar trips

For easy access to the mainland, the Lamai Beach area is ideal.

Most of the attractions in the middle of the island are accessible from its southern half. Plus, from Lamai Beach, you can easily reach the main beaches to the east, as well as, for example, Pig Island.

Hotels near Lamai Beach

Get inspired and find out where we stayed on Koh Samui. I've put together reviews with our own photos of these hotels: