Koh Samui is one of the tourist-friendly islands in Thailand
. If you are only able to spend 48 hours in Koh Samui, then you are going to have to hustle to see and do everything available on this island. The good news, however, is that it is only about 15 miles long and 13 miles wide, so you can quickly get from one point to another.
While the answer to how many days to spend in Koh Samui would ideally be more than two, it is possible to see the main attractions on the island in two days.
There are also many wonderful day trips from Koh Samui, so you may want to keep that in mind when choosing the number of days to spend here. If you are forced to limit yourself to two days, then here is a suggested itinerary of places to visit in Koh Samui.
Day 1: Spend time outside
- Join a Half-Day Safari Tour
Start your trip to Koh Samui with a half-day safari tour. This tour will allow you to appreciate the animals including elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles that also call this island home. You can even go elephant trekking before riding zip lines giving you a chance to see the rainforest from a bird’s viewpoint. Cool off by taking a ride or two down the jungle waterslide before you venture further with your guide to see the mummified monk with his sunglasses. Next, join our guide for a stroll through the Secret Buddha Garden before enjoying a typical Thai lunch.
- Play on Bophut Beach
While Koh Samui has many wonderful beaches to explore, Bophut Beach is one of the best for those looking for adventure sports. While some other beaches on Koh Samui may be prettier, this beach offers jet skiing, sitting on a sofa while being towed through the water and parasailing. Do not leave Bophut Beach, however, without trying flyboarding.
- Shop in Fisherman’s Village
Very nearby Bophut Beach is Fisherman’s Village, which is one of the best night markets in Koh Samui
. Once a traditional fishing village, this is the place to relax and eat a great dinner while you watch the sunset over the water. Nearby venues offer many places to have a cocktail or a local beer. The old wooden buildings also offer many boutiques along with places to go souvenir shopping.
- Go on a Night Fish
You may want to skip sleeping during your two days in Koh Samui so that you can go night fishing. The evening starts off with catching squid to use as bait. After you have caught enough squid, then enjoy a wonderful barbecue dinner on board the boat before using the squid to catch a variety of species of catfish. While you can opt to have the cook prepare your fish for you on the boat, others choose to take the fish with them to be prepared later or choose to catch and release the fish.
Day 2: Be more laid-back and relaxed
- Eat Sunday Brunch
After a night of fishing, you will be ready for a wonderful Sunday brunch. There are many places you can go. But if we’re talking about having a big branch where you can enjoy a wide variety of food and booze by the beach, Sunday brunch at Beach Republic is your perfect choice
. Dine on many fish dishes along with ham, lamb, turkey, sushi and many other dishes. This is also a great place to get a cocktail. Listen to the D.J. spin the tunes as you watch the water lap quietly against the shore as you dine on your Sunday brunch in Koh Samui. This Koh Samui beach club draws a young and fun-loving crowd making it a great place to interact with locals.
- Journey to Ang Thong National Marine Park
Climb on board one of the tourist’s boats headed to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Sit back and enjoy the tranquil blue water as you ride on top of the boat. Go snorkeling once you arrive at Ang Thong. Drift along stunning coral reefs surrounded by tropical fish. Then, rent a sea kayak allowing you to explore even more of this park. You can opt to go alone or join an organized sea kayaking tour.
- Take a Cooking Class
End your two-day adventure to Koh Samui with a cooking class on an organic farm. Help harvest fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden as you learn about eco-friendly farming practices on the island. Then, venture into the outdoor kitchen where you can prepare tasty creations under the watchful eye of a master chef. You will be given recipes to take home with you helping you to remember the wonderful things that you have experienced in Koh Samui.
While you cannot experience all that there is to do in Koh Samui during two days following this itinerary is a great place to start. You will not want to leave the island, so you might as well try to talk your boss into an extra day or two before you leave on your vacation.