The most obvious thing to do while holidaying on Koh Samui is to laze on one of the beautiful beaches, and swim or paddle in the warm tropical waters, but you will probably want to do other things as well, and there is lots and lots to do. Some of them are mentioned here, you will find out about others as you get around the Island and through reading the guide books.Watersports, Spas and Tours are mentioned in their own sections.

Cabaret

There is now one small cabaret show in Lamai, and two in Chaweng, Christys Cabaret and Teng Corners Cabaret. Please read our Bars in Koh Samui section for more info.

Thai Boxing

Thai boxing is the national sport in Thailand and is recognized as being one of the toughest forms of martial arts in the world. You can watch professional Muay Thai at the Chaweng Stadium on Tuesdays and Fridays and also at the Lamai stadium on Wednesday and Saturdays.

Thai Cooking Classes

Light healthy Thai food is getting more and more popular all over the world. You can learn how to cook classic Thai dishes yourself here on Samui. There is a Thai cooking school "Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts" in Chaweng. Furthermore there are several hotels that offer demonstrations and cooking classes.

Samui Bungy Jump

Face your fears with Samui Bungy Jump. Located near the Reggae Pub just off the Chaweng beach road. Experience the thrill of being elevated 50 metres above the ground into the air on a platform, and then launching yourself off towards the swimming pool beneath. Run by professional & committed British Jumpmasters trained to New Zealand safety standards.

Horse Riding

The Sundowner Horse Riding facility can be found at Laem Sor, Ban Tale on the south coast. You can take a horse ride by the sea and in the countryside. A wonderful experience even for the inexperienced, who are guided and well looked after.

Gyms And Fitness Centers

There are several purpose built gyms and fitness centres with modern equipment and facilities. Some of the large hotels have these facilities as standard.

Butterfly Garden

Located opposite the Central Samui Village in Laem Set, the Butterfly Garden is built into a scenic hillside covered with netting. Vividly colored tropical butterflies can be seen along a winding foot path.

Samui Aquarium And Tiger Zoo

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. On display are five playful Bengal tigers. A recent introduction to the zoo is a collection of tropical birds including parrots, eagles and love birds.

Go Karting

Samui Go-Kart track is located on the main road in Bophut. Their are three types of karts to choose from: The Fun Kart is suitable for all ages; The Pro Kart is for those who prefer a bit more speed. The Speed Kart is the ultimate adrenalin fix which is recommended for more experienced drivers. Play golf on the eighteen hole mini golf course, or Hit some longer balls at the driving range. Next year the International standard golf course will be completed and in use.

Ten Pin Bowling

The Living Bowl Centre can be found in central Chaweng above McDonalds. There are 12 top quality lanes in a disco style atmosphere and a pro shop where you can buy shoes, bowling balls and other accessories . An on-site restaurant provides food and drinks for hungry customers who dont want to stop bowling.

Buffalo Fighting

This widely loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the island, where banners are displayed days in advance. Two male buffaloes face off against one another in what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. The first one to turn and run away is the loser.

Tennis

A few hotels have good tennis facilities. Courts can be rented. The going rate is 200 baht per hour. Racquets can also be rented. If you are a regular player it better to bring your own racquets.

Golf Driving Range

The Samui Driving Range is located between Chaweng and Bophut, about 200 metres from the main road next to Bandon Hospital. Facilities include covered driving tees, targets for practicing distance and accuracy, a putting green and snack bar.

Monkey Theater

Watch monkeys perform various tricks on stage, and then they climb a palm tree to demonstrate how they harvest coconuts. There are several shows a day. The Monkey Theater is located just off the main road about 300 metres from Bophut.

Shooting Range

Samui Shooting Sport is found just outside of Chaweng on the main road about 200 metres from the newly opened Tesco Lotus superstore. Here you can get some real target practice using a wide variety of weapons firing live ammunition, under the guidance of instructors. Open daily from 9am-6pm

Snake Farm

Located at Ban Phang Ka on the south west coast, the Samui Snake Farm is home to a great many species of snakes. There are two shows a day where you can see venomous snakes handled by capable and "death defying" trainers

Spas

There is now on Samui a whole selection of spas available offering you a wide selection of treatments and deals. Pretty much every major hotel in Koh Samui has a spa and massage facilities available but it can be worthwhile to look outside the hotel. Tamarind Retreat & Spa is a well established favourite that is built into the hills near Lamai. It is in such a relaxing environment that you dont even need the massage to start relaxing. They have a unique steam room  that is built against an enormous granite boulder and a cool pool that also runs alongside in the open. With a wide range of massages and treatments available, you are almost guaranteed to leave here relaxed and completely refreshed, in fact so many people didnt want to leave that they also now offer villas adjacent to the spa ! It has to be said that while this may be one of the best spas in Samui the open set up of the changing rooms, showers etc, means that if you are very shy, you may feel uncomfortable.

Shopping

Shopping in Samui, gets better week by week, however most things will be cheaper in Bangkok so it may be worth doing your shopping there. Chaweng is the best area for shopping with Nathon a close second.

Pool

Well it is something to do ! There are many pool tables around Samui in the bars. In Chaweng the best are to be found at the Green Mango Bar / Club and cost 150 Baht an hour. Other pubs such as Murphys and many others also have tables available. See our Bars in Koh Samui section.