In Koh Samui for a short period of time and wondering how best to spend it? Check out this itinerary of how I spent 3 days in the tropical paradise of Koh Samui.
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- Intro
- Where to Stay in Koh Samui
- Recommended Koh Samui Tours & Activities
- KOH SAMUI 3-DAY ITINERARY
- Final Words
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Intro
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s tropical paradises and offers a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and serene beaches. If you’re heading to Koh Samui for a short getaway, this 3-day itinerary will contain experiences in each of these categories. It includes island-hopping with a chance to see incredible views, a memorable ethical elephant encounter, and ultimate beach relaxation.
Note that this itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much as you can in a short amount of time. So feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
There are several areas you can stay at in Koh Samui. The most popular areas are Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Bo Phut. Affordable accommodations can be found in Lamai and Chaweng Beach, whereas Bo Phut accommodations are more on the pricier side.
However, picking an area to stay in is based on your preferences. Lamai Beach has a more laid-back atmosphere that exudes beach relaxation and honeymoon vibes. Chaweng Beach is best for being close to amenities, shops, and nightlife. And Bo Phut is best fit for those traveling with families.
For me, I wanted to be within walking distance to central Samui and have access to shops, the beach, as well as experience island nightlife. So I opted to stay in Chaweng Beach area at OZO Chaweng Samui Hotel. I had a beautiful ocean-view beachfront room where the back patio has a direct path to the beach! Book a stay with them here, or in the widget below:
Recommended Koh Samui Tours & Activities
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Koh Samui tours, activities and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:
- Koh Samui to Angthong National Marine Park Trip By Big Boat
- Elephant Nature Care, the largest elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour
- 2.5 hours Pig Island-Virgin Islands & Snorkeling Jet Ski Safari
- Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Snorkel Tour (Speedboat from Koh Samui)
KOH SAMUI 3-DAY ITINERARY
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Koh Samui itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:
- Day 1 Points of Interest → BLUE
- Day 2 Points of Interest → ORANGE
- Day 3 Points of Interest → PURPLE
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE KOH SAMUI MAP:
| Action | Description / Step-by-Step Instructions |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Star Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the STAR ☆ right of the “Koh Samui, Thailand“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing* |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer) | In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps” → Locate “Koh Samui, Thailand” → Click it to open the Map |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone) | In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “TKoh Samui, Thailand” → Click it to open the Map |
Day 1: Adventure at Ang Thong National Marine Park
On the first day of your 3-day itinerary in Koh Samui, take a full-day tour and island hop from Koh Samui to the nearby archipelago of Ang Thong National Marine Park. You’ll cruise through Ang Thong National Park known for its limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, and experience being immersed in the park’s beauty with hiking and kayaking adventures.
I recommend booking a full-day tour to experience this since it includes boat transportation, two islands with breathtaking views, and a kayaking experience (if you choose this), as well as guides to give information every step of the way. The tour I went on can be booked here or in the widget below:
7:00 AM-6:00 PM: Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Tour
The tour includes pickup from hotel where your full-day adventure to Ang Thong National Park begins! The tour includes the below where you will also be able to participate in adventurous hiking and kayaking experiences:
- Boat Ride to Ang Thong Park: Relax on the big boat, enjoy a light breakfast, and admire the views while it transports you to Ang Thong National Park
- Hike up to Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint: Go on an adventurous hike up rocky steps, and reach the top at Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint. At 1,640 feet (500 meters) high, see breathtaking views of the surrounding islands
- Enjoy a Hot Lunch: The tour includes a hot lunch served in buffet-style, and enjoyed onboard the big boat
- See the Emerald Lake: Follow a trail to a secret lagoon that has a beautiful striking teal color.
- Cave and Sea Kayaking: Go on another adventure and kayak through cramped waterways, low-ceiling caves, and alongside towering limestone cliffs.
- Boat Ride back to Koh Samui: You’ll cruise back to Koh Samui, and be dropped off at your hotel.
For more details on my experience and review, check out Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Tour by Big Boat – Review.
Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Tour • photos by Jeanie A
Night: Dinner and Early Night
My partner and I were so pooped from the day full of activities, we ended up just having dinner at our hotel restaurant, Stacked. Then we called it an early night and headed back to our room. But I went to sleep satisfied with the day and yet still super excited for what’s to come the next day 🙂
Day 2: Ethical Elephant Encounter & Central Samui
On the 2nd day of your 3 day itinerary in Koh Samui, head to an ethical elephant sanctuary for an unforgettable animal experience, then end the day exploring central Samui and watch a fire dance!
9:00 AM-1:00 PM: Samui Elephant Home
Check off a bucket list item and have an ethical elephant encounter at Samui Elephant Home! To experience this, purchase tickets here, or in the widget below. You won’t regret it!
Samui Elephant Home is an ethical elephant rescue that takes a humane approach. Here, you can interact with rescued elephants in a respectful and enriching way. You will learn about elephant conservation, and also participate in hands-on activities, such as feeding and bathing these gentle giants.
The experience begins with a briefing where you learn about the home, its mission, and what you’re expected to do on the tour. Then you get to participate in the following hands-on activities:
- Food Preparation: Using the provided ingredients, mix and prepare food balls for the elephants
- Elephant Feeding: Feed the prepared food balls to the elephants. There may be a chance to touch the elephants
- Elephant Walk: Walk alongside and observe the elephants in natural environment
- Elephant Mudding: Observe the elephants mud themselves
- Elephant Bath/Rinse: Join the elephants in the shallow pool and bathe/rinse the mud off of them
For more details, information, and my review based on my experience, check out Samui Elephant Home Experience: A Humane & Unforgettable Encounter – Everything You Need to Know
Samui Elephant Home Tour • photos by Jeanie A
Afternoon: Freshen Up
Since we had dipped into the shallow pool with the elephants, we freshened up at the hotel once we got back. Then since the lunch provided at the Elephant Home was a bit light for us, we decided to get more food at our hotel restaurant. After we filled up, we made our way into central Koh Samui
Evening: Central Samui Mall & Chaweng Night Market
Head into central Samui and check out the Central Samui mall. There are a ton of shops and right next to it is the Chaweng Night Market with more outdoor shopping stalls and food vendors where you can got some street food. While here, we checked out and browsed through several stores, and went souvenir shopping.
We walked around, explored the mall, surrounding streets, and checked out places that interest us. We ended up eating dinner at a restaurant nearby as well.
Central Samui Mall • photos by Jeanie A
Night: Beach Club & Fire Show
After dinner, head towards the beach and grab some drinks and catch a fire show at one of the many beachside beach clubs!
There’s so many to choose from where you really can’t go wrong with any. Check out some of the below, all of which are a short walk from Central Samui Mall:
- ArkBar Beach Club
- #LOVE Beach Club
- Elephant Beach Cub
- Lub d Beach Club
- Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club
- Sandbox – Pink Sand Beach Club
We ended up at Lub d Beach Club. Lub D is also a hostel where you can stay at. If you’re interested in staying here, check them out and book here. But even if you’re not staying here, you can still enjoy the restaurant & beach club!
When we visited, it was super chill but I have heard that it can be quite busy! There are a couple pools, where one has a swim-up bar, and the other has a DJ booth on the days they play loud music. We decided to get a drink, grab a sun chair, dip our feet into the pool, and simply enjoyed the atmosphere.
Then around 8 PM, the fire show began! Everyone congregated to the edge of the beach club looking out toward the sandy beach and ocean. We found a bean-bag-seat on a hanging net to watch this amazing show. The show was so cool where the performers played with fire and did so many crazy tricks with it! We were in awe of their skills and their performance. I definitely recommend finding a night fire show while in Koh Samui!
Beach Club & Fire Show • photos by Jeanie A
Day 3: Relax and Unwind on Koh Samui’s Best Beaches
On the last day in Koh Samui, spend it relaxing on one of the many beaches, or at the pool at your hotel (if it has one), and enjoy some water activities! Since we stayed at OZO Chaweng Samui Hotel which is located right on Chaweng Beach, we decided to enjoy Chaweng Beach since it was already right at our doorstop.
Alternatively, if you want to tour Koh Samui island, consider taking an island tour that will bring you around the island to various landmarks, viewpoints, and temples. Check out one of the below tours:
Additionally, if you want venture away from Koh Samui again and visit other nearby islands, such as Pig Island or Koh Tao & Koh Nang, then check these out!
Otherwise, today will be more chill so no need to wake up super early if you don’t want to! (especially since the last couple days had early morning starts).
Morning: Relax at the Beach
Start your morning relaxing out on the beach! If you stay at OZO Chaweng Samui hotel, or at a beachside hotel, then leave the comforts of your hotel room and simply walk right onto the beach. At OZO Chawang Samui, I found a hammock where I relaxed, took in the views, and reflected on my time here in Thailand.
Then as the sun came out to be stronger and hotter, I then migrated to one of the sun chairs with umbrellas and continued to relax. As the day heated up, we also made our way into the ocean to help cool off.
Relaxing on Chaweng Beach • photos by Jeanie A
Midday: Beachside Massage & Lunch
For further relaxation, consider getting a massage on the beach! There are several places where you can get a relaxing Thai massage right on the beach. Just walk along the sandy beach and you’ll find massage signs and prices.
You’ll also find beachside restaurants where you can enjoy lunch with amazing ocean views. We found a spot where there was a cute teepee table and enjoyed a nice traditional Thai lunch and coconut drink.
Enjoy a beachside massage and lunch • photos by Jeanie A
Afternoon: Water Activities or Beach Day Club
Enhance your beach day with a fun-filled water activity, like swimming at your hotel’s pool or a more thrilling activity like a watersport! Not too far down the beach from OZO Chaweng Samui Hotel is a watersports spot called Khalifa Samui. They offer a wide range of watersport activites you can partake in, such as:
- Parasailing
- Flyboarding
- Wakeboarding
- Water Skiing
- Banana Boat
- Towable Boat
You can book your desired Watersport online or also try walking up to them at the beach.
Alternatively, if you want to experience a Beach Club during the day, you can also do so at one of the many beach clubs. They typically have pools you can relax in and can also have a DJ playing music:
- ArkBar Beach Club
- #LOVE Beach Club
- Elephant Beach Cub
- Lub d Beach Club
- Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club
- Sandbox – Pink Sand Beach Club
Enjoying Water Activities • photos by Jeanie A
Night: Beach Club
End your time in Koh Samui at another beach club (maybe one you didn’t go to the night before, and if you didn’t go to one earlier in the day). And cheers to your time well spent in the tropical paradise of Koh Samui. Here’s the list of beach clubs you can check out:
- ArkBar Beach Club
- #LOVE Beach Club
- Elephant Beach Cub
- Lub d Beach Club
- Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club
- Sandbox – Pink Sand Beach Club
Beach Club in Koh Samui • photos by Jeanie A
Final Words
Koh Samui is an island that has it all! You can have an adventure out in a beautiful national marine park, an unforgettable wildlife experience with incredible gentle giants, and even relaxation time on serene beaches with amazing ocean views. I hope you add some or all of the activities on this 3-day itinerary to your Koh Samui adventure. Bon Voyage!
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Have you been to Koh Samui, Thailand? What was your experience like – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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