Koh Samui Highlights Tour: Big Buddha, Na Muang Waterfall & Local Sights

Summary

Island temples, waterfalls & stories in just half a day

You’ll ride across Koh Samui in a comfy minivan with a local guide, visiting Big Buddha Temple, feeling cool mist at Na Muang Waterfall, and pausing at Wat Khunaram’s mummified monk. Feed fish by bright shrines and wander coconut groves—each stop brings new stories and small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to feed the fish?” our driver asked, holding out a little bag of pellets at the pond near the Happy Buddha. I was still laughing about my attempt to pronounce “Wat Plai Laem” (Li, our guide, grinned but didn’t correct me—probably for the best). The air smelled faintly of incense and fried snacks from a cart nearby. We’d only been on this Koh Samui sightseeing tour for an hour and already I felt like I’d seen three versions of the island—giant golden Buddha gleaming against the sky, then those bright red lanterns swaying at the Chinese Lady Monk shrine. Kids were giggling by the water’s edge, tossing food to fat carp. It was humid but not heavy; just enough breeze off the sea to keep you moving.

The minivan was cool inside—thank god—and every stop felt like peeling back another layer. At Wat Khunaram, I’ll admit I hesitated before stepping up to see the mummified monk. There’s something about seeing sunglasses perched on someone who’s been meditating for forty years that makes you pause. Li explained how locals come here for luck or advice; she touched her hands together in a wai and whispered something I couldn’t catch. After that we drove through coconut groves that looked straight out of an old postcard, windows down so you could hear cicadas buzzing and smell wet earth after a quick rain shower.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at Lamai beach—our group trying (and failing) to keep straight faces at those famous rocks. The Guan Yu shrine was next: huge bronze statue towering over us, with families lighting incense and a couple of old men playing chess under a tree nearby. By the time we reached Na Muang Waterfall, my shirt stuck to my back but it didn’t matter; everyone just kicked off their shoes and let cold water run over their toes. There was this moment when everything got quiet except for the waterfall—I still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Koh Samui main sights tour

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Big Buddha Temple
• See Chinese Lady Monk and Happy Buddha statues
• Enjoy panoramic views including Chaweng beach
• Visit amusing sight at Lamai beach
• See Guan Yu bronze statue at Baan Na Khai
• Refresh at Na Muang Waterfall
• Visit mummified monk at Wat Khunaram
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Koh Samui sightseeing tour?

The tour lasts around 5 hours in total.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfer is included from selected hotels on Koh Samui.

What are the main attractions visited?

The tour visits Big Buddha Temple, Na Muang Waterfall, Wat Khunaram (mummified monk), Guan Yu Shrine, Lamai beach rocks, panoramic viewpoints, and several shrines.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided but meals are not part of this program.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No, due to fixed pickup times it is not recommended for cruise ship travelers.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, all admission fees are covered as part of your booking.

Is this sightseeing tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and infants can use prams or strollers.

Can children join this Koh Samui day trip?

Yes, children are welcome and infants can sit on an adult’s lap if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide sharing stories at every stop; all entry fees are covered along with bottled water to keep you cool between temples and waterfalls before returning you back to your hotel.