Diana Lewis
As one of Thailand's most popular tourist hotspots, Koh Samui is an active traveller's dream come true. From must-experience water sports to nature treks here are some of the area's top activities.
Tipped to be one of the country's most coveted scuba diving hotspots, Koh Samui is the perfect holiday hub to venture beneath the ocean surface. Home to some of the region's most verdant coral gardens, the waters off the coast of the Koh Samui islands are teeming with marine life including mammoth whale sharks and dolphins. Must-dive hotspots around the island include areas of the Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tao and Sail Rock. Whether one is an experienced diver or a novice, the diverse diving sites in Koh Samui will serve as idyllic venues for engaging in one of the island's most popular activities.
Those who wish to explore the beauty and diversity of Koh Samui's landscapes at one's own pace can head out on a kayaking expedition on the waters and beaches of Samui. Visitors can either hire a kayak through a tour operator or sign up for a group kayaking tour of nearby locations and islands. Perfect for travellers in search of Samui's hidden wonders, kayaking around Angthong National Marine Park is a favourite activity among seasoned vacationers to the region.
Travellers who wish stay on land have the option of exploring lesser known patches of green in Koh Samui via a mountain biking tour of the island. Available through various tour organizers, visitors can take part in a cycling tour of Koh Samui or simply rent a cycle and head down to the inner confines of the verdant island to enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Cycling through pastoral village landscapes and rugged terrain in the island's rural hubs, visitors can make pit stops to tour local temples and sacred shrines scattered around the island as well.
Active visitors in search of a truly immersive Koh Samui activity however, can sign up for lessons in the ancient martial arts form known as Muay Thai. As Thailand's traditional school of boxing, learning the ropes in a Muay Thai gym in Koh Samui not only provides visitors with a great workout but also some valuable lessons in self defence as well.
Regarded as one of Thailand's top water sports hotspots, Koh Samui is tailor made for those with a love of water bound activities. Offering ideal conditions for every water sports variety conceivable, visitors can not only engage in jet ski rides and water skiing but also take up stand up paddle-boarding, kite surfing and parasailing in this paradise holiday locale. Travellers who wish to learn the basics of various water sports are also welcome to do so via the many schools and courses available on the island. Visitors based in Koh Samui luxury resorts such as the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort have easy access to a plethora of water sports.
Adrenalin junkies on the other hand can try their hand at a variety of outdoor activities the likes of zip lining and elephant trekking. Nature lovers can explore Koh Samui's lush mountain landscapes and forests on a jungle trek while hikers will also have plenty of ground to cover in the island's verdant heartlands.
