Epic Koh Samui viewpoints you need to visit

Koh Samui is an absolutely gorgeous island off the east coast of Thailand. At every twist and turn there are views to make you oooo and ahhhh. You’ll probably fill up your camera roll in just a few days. The mountains in the interior of the island offer viewpoints from up high. And pristine beaches showcase the rest of the archipelago and glorious turquoise sea. If, like me you’re always looking for the ultimate vista, these are the best Koh Samui viewpoints and how to reach them.

Lamai Viewpoint

Most of the Koh Samui viewpoints mentioned in this post are accidentally found and free to visit however the Lamai Viewpoint is an official and well organised spot. Although this is Thailand so official and well organised look a bit different to how it does back home! Kids will especially love a visit to the Lamai Viewpoint as it involves a cute funicular ride to reach the top.

It will cost you less than £4 which I think is great value for amazing trip up into the jungle. At the top you’ll find a lovely little restaurant offering fabulous views out to Lamai Bay. Adrenaline junkies can also try out the zip wire.

Make sure you check out my full post on the Lamai Viewpoint for more info and photos.

The Jungle Club

I like nothing more than a cold drink or some great food whilst taking in a gorgeous view. There’s no where better on Koh Samui to do this than at the Jungle Club Restaurant. This is definitely one of the more unique places we ate on the island. You have to arrive on the back of a 4 x 4 truck (the restaurant can arrange this for you).

Once you arrive at the top you’ll see that the restaurant is all dark floating platforms offering a totally unspoilt view out to the turquoise sea. This is a great one to head to just before sunset so you can take it in in all lights.

Read more about this restaurant with a view in Koh Samui.

Big Buddha – Wat Phra Yai

Located on a peninsular to the North of the island near the airport, this has to be one of the most spiritual Koh Samui viewpoints.  The Big Buddha Koh Samui is probably the first thing you’ll see on the island as you’ll fly over it when you arrive. You’ll need to scale 72 steps to reach the base of this huge, golden Buddha. The views from the top are incredibly rewarding.

It doesn’t stop there, the jewelled temple and intricate statues are absolutely breathtaking. This is a great place on Koh Samui to watch the sun set. So if you can time your visit to coincide with the sun going down it will be well worth it. Remember this is a religious place so you’ll need to cover up to visit. Sarongs and shawls will be fine.

Cliff Restaurant

If you like a fantastic meal with a view the book yourself into the Cliff Bar and Grill located on the South East coast of the island between Lamai and Chaweng. Outdoor tables on the terrace overlook stunning Crystal beach or you can eat inside if you would prefer. Food here is some of the best international cuisine on the island. It offers mainly Italian dishes with great quality meat and thoughtfully presented plates. The menu isn’t cheap but I think its a fantastic place for a celebration. We spent our last night in Koh Samui here and it was the perfect way to finish a wonderful trip.

Read my review of the Cliff restaurant.

If you don’t fancy paying for dinner then slightly North of the Cliff Bar and Grill is the Lat Ko viewpoint. Just park up off the ring road and walk down the path to the coast. It’s well worth stopping even if you don’t have time for dinner.

Red Temple

Wat Ratchathammaram or the Red Temple is another stunning temple to visit in Koh Samui where you can take in the culture and also experience a gorgeous view. This temple is bizarrely overlooked by many of the Koh Samui guides but it should absolutely be on your island bucket list. I love that this means it’s normally pretty quiet and you’ll often have the place to yourselves.

The deep terracotta colour of this temple makes it a truly unique place to visit on Koh Samui but linger a little longer and head down the cobra lined steps behind the golden stupa past the Buddhist cemetery for some lovely views across the sea. Wat Ratchathammaram can be found just off the ring road near Hin Ta and Hin Yai.

Taling Ngam

My favourite beach views on Koh Samui can be found at Taling Ngam near the Intercontinental hotel on the South West of the island. This is one of the quieter beaches on Koh Samui and boasts soft white sand and clear turquoise water. The views across to the neighbouring Angthon Marine park and its archipelago of islands are reminiscent of all those Thailand images that had you booking your trip in the first place. Taling Ngam is a bit tricky to reach. You’ll have to leave the main ring road and drive through a small village to reach the beach. I explain exactly how to get there in my post on Taling Ngam Beach.

Waterfall 1 and 2

If you tire of amazing sea views then you can still get plenty of gorgeous jungle views that are well worth the drive inland. We’re huge fans of waterfalls and if we can throw in some wild swimming even better. Na Muang Waterfall 1 is one of the most picturesque waterfalls on Koh Samui and can be reached via a very short trek through the jungle. You used to be able to hike up to the top of neighbouring waterfall 2 which is higher but this is currently closed as the rocks get very slippery and people have been injured. trying to reach it.

Follow the signs off the ring road and find a space in the large carpark. It’s just next to the Na Muang elephant safari park which is not somewhere I would recommend visiting. leave the carpark past the small stalls and head down the path to the water.

Lamai beach rocks

The rocks at the Southern end of Lamai Beach is another favourite Koh Sami beach view of mine. This is also where you’ll find the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks which is a hugely popular tourist spot on the island. But just head to the carpark to the right of the main entrance to the rocks and you’ll find the sand of Ta Yai beach practically deserted. There’s a small cafe bar bordering the sand. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a cold drink whilst taking in the amazing views.

Mae Nam Hills

This one’s a bit of a cheat as it’s from the villa we were staying at but basically head up anywhere into the Mae Nam Hills and you’ll find some pretty epic views. Drive inland from the ring road just past the fishermans village and keep going up until you find a pull in or small local restaurant or bar to take it all in. Better yet this is a great part of the island to stay being so close to Bophut. Have a look at my review of Villa Victoire, the gorgeous Koh Samui private pool villa we rented for one of our stays.

I hope this round up of Koh Samui viewpoints has been useful for planning your next trip to the island. As you can see there are plenty of organised places to stop for a view. But also many opportunities to stop all over the island for views to make your jaw drop. My best advice is to hire a car and explore, you’re bound to come across something amazing.

Read next: Ultimate guide to Koh Samui