While Koh Samui is undoubtedly one of Thailand's top beach holiday locations, it is no ordinary paradise island. Home to some of Thailand's finest temples and a marine sanctuary that's the envy of the world, Koh Samui is a testament to the diversity that can be encompassed in one single beach hub. From its bustling night markets to natural wonders, here are the features that make Koh Samui an irresistible vacation hotspot.

Image via Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

One of the primary attractions drawing tourists to Koh Samui is its convenient access to Ang Thong Marine Park, making a journey to this region of Thailand immensely rewarding. This pristine archipelago comprises over 40 islands, renowned for their striking limestone cliffs and pristine, sandy beaches. The allure of Ang Thong Marine Park rivals even that of Maya Beach, made famous by the 1990s Hollywood hit "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Home to the breathtaking Emerald Lagoon and some of the world's finest scuba diving and snorkelling sites, Ang Thong Marine Park offers endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

Whether one is based at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort or any other beachfront villa in Koh Samui, there is no escaping the stunning Buddhist temples and the iconic Big Buddha sculpture that is visible for miles. In addition to the Wat Phra Yai Temple where the Big Buddha sculpture and other small statues and other religious artefacts are found, visitors will find that Koh Samui's finest temples also include Wat Plai Laem, Wat Khunaram, The Nathon Hainan Shrine and Laem Sor Pagoda. Wat Khao Chedi and Wat Chaeng are other points of spiritual interest that make Koh Samui unique among Thai islands while Wat Khiri Wongkaram and Wat Khiri Mat are other impressive structures that denote the island's cultural heritage.

In Koh Samui, the night markets offer not only fantastic shopping opportunities but also a chance to indulge in local delicacies. Different islands host these after-dark bazaars on selected days of the week, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. For instance, Mae Nam hosts the night market on Thursday nights, while it shifts to Bophut on Fridays. On Sundays, Lamai takes its turn to host the sprawling bazaar, opening after 5 pm and closing around 11 pm. These bustling marketplaces are renowned for offering a wide array of items, including handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, footwear, and handbags, making them the perfect spots for tourists to stock up on treasures and mementoes.

For beach enthusiasts seeking a Thai island with perfect conditions for a variety of water sports, Koh Samui offers an array of thrilling activities. While the underwater beauty surrounding Koh Samui is renowned, nothing compares to snorkelling and scuba diving off its pristine beaches, offering a close-up view of the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. Additionally, Koh Samui is perfect for kayaking adventures, sailing excursions, and jet ski tours. Local tour operators also organise kiteboarding sessions, providing ample opportunities for unforgettable water-bound experiences in this tropical paradise.

Koh Samui's natural beauty extends beyond its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs to include breathtaking waterfalls where visitors can take a refreshing dip. Among these, the Na Mueang Falls, comprising Na Mueang 1 and Na Mueang 2, are located in close proximity to each other, although reaching Na Mueang 2 requires a hike up a hill. These waterfalls not only serve as picturesque picnic spots but also provide safe swimming opportunities, with plunge pools at the base of the falls inviting visitors for a refreshing bath. Exploring these cascades offers a tranquil escape into Koh Samui's lush and enchanting landscapes.