For all its beaches, the heart of Koh Samui is green and mountainous, and some of its finest moments are found inland.
It is easy to spend a whole Samui holiday by the water and never see the island's wilder interior. That would be a shame, because the jungle hills hide some of its most memorable places.
Waterfalls
The Na Muang waterfalls are the island's best known, two falls tumbling through the jungle with pools to swim in. Hin Lad waterfall, near Nathon, rewards a short forest walk past a temple with a peaceful cascade. Both are at their most spectacular just after the rains.
Viewpoints
- The Lad Koh viewpoint, with sweeping views down the eastern coast
- The hilltop roads above the south, where the whole Gulf opens up below
- Jungle ridges reached by quad bike or 4x4 safari tours
Temples and curiosities
Beyond the famous Big Buddha, the island is dotted with quieter temples and curiosities: the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram, the magical Secret Buddha Garden high in the hills, and the golden Laem Sor Pagoda on the southern shore. Each offers a glimpse of the island's spirit away from the beach.
An island that rewards the curious
The beauty of staying on the hillside is that this green interior is right on your doorstep. Tropical gardens, walking trails, birdsong, and the scent of frangipani are part of daily life at the villa, before you have even set out to explore the rest.