Koh Samui: Big Buddha & Waterfall Half-Day Tour with Pickup

A 12-Meter Golden Buddha & Five Temples in One Morning

You get picked up from your hotel and visit six temples and natural sites across Koh Samui's south and east coasts, including the iconic Big Buddha, a mummified monk temple, and a freshwater waterfall with a natural pool. Lunch at a local seafood restaurant and all transport are included, and you're back by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Maenam Beach5h
2. Big Buddha Temple30m · entry included
3. Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks30m · entry included
4. Wat Khunaram30m · entry included
5. Na Muang Waterfall30m · entry included

Explore Koh Samui's top attractions

• Visit Big Buddha Temple
• Admire views at Lad Koh Viewpoint
• Visit Wat Plai Laem Temple
• See Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks
• Worship at Khunaram Temple
• Refresh at Na Mueang Waterfall
• Shop in vintage Nathon Town
• Enjoy lunch at Krua Savoey Seafood

The experience

The Big Buddha Temple sits 12 meters tall on a hilltop overlooking the island, and climbing the steps to stand in front of it is the first real moment of this half-day tour around Koh Samui. You start with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van, then head straight to the temple to photograph the golden statue and the view down to the water. From there the pace doesn't slow. You're moving between five different stops, each one a different kind of sacred site or natural landmark, and the driver knows the timing well enough that you're never waiting or rushing.

After the Big Buddha you stop at Lad Koh Viewpoint to look out over Chaweng Beach and Thong Takhian Beach, then down to Lamai to see Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, the stone formation that sits in the water and has a legend attached to it. Wat Khunaram comes next. This is the mummified monk temple, and it's the kind of place that stays with you after you leave. The monk's body is preserved and on display as part of Buddhist practice, and the temple itself is quiet and genuinely peaceful. You'll also visit Wat Plai Laem, where there's an 18-armed white Guanyin statue and a giant Buddha in the middle of a pond, and you can make a donation to feed the fish. The Guan Yu Shrine in Lamai is a Chinese shrine, and there's a traditional coconut ice cream café nearby if you want something cold between stops.

Lunch happens at Krua Savoey, a seafood restaurant that's been popular with locals for years and won't drain your wallet. After eating, you head to Na Mueang Waterfall, where there's a natural pool you can jump into if you want to cool off. It's optional, but most people do it. The whole thing wraps up in the early afternoon, and you're back at your hotel by mid-day. The tour runs with a minimum of two people, and the van fits small groups, so it never feels crowded.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van, entry to Big Buddha Temple, Wat Khunaram, Wat Plai Laem, Guan Yu Shrine, and Lad Koh Viewpoint, a visit to Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, lunch at Krua Savoey Seafood Restaurant, access to Na Mueang Waterfall and its natural pool, and insurance coverage under Thai law.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Or, you can also get picked up from anywhere in Koh Samui. An extra charge will be applied for transfer in some Koh Samui areas. (To be advised)”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Koh Samui's main temples and landmarks in one morning without arranging transport or figuring out which sites to hit: the fixed itinerary and included lunch mean you just show up at your hotel and the day is planned.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the tour?

It's a half-day tour, typically around 4–5 hours including pickup and drop-off.

What's included in the price?

Round-trip hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van, entry to all temples and attractions, lunch at Krua Savoey Seafood Restaurant, and insurance coverage under Thai law.

Can I swim at Na Mueang Waterfall?

Yes, there's a natural pool you can jump into, though it's optional. Availability depends on the season.

Is elephant trekking included?

No, but it's available as an optional add-on at Na Mueang Waterfall.

What's the minimum group size?

A minimum of 2 people is required to run the tour.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. There is some walking and climbing temple steps, but nothing strenuous.

Can cruise passengers book this tour?

No, this tour is not suitable for guests arriving by cruise ship or large boat.