6 Best Viewpoints in Koh Samui
Where to Take the Best Photos of Koh Samui?
Looking for the best viewpoints in Koh Samui? This Go Guide shows you some of the best spots to head to with your camera. Exploring the island to find the best vantage points can be an exhilarating and memorable highlight of your trip. It’s affordable – you only need to rent a motorbike for the day – or you can do it more luxuriously by hiring a taxi to take you to each fabulous viewpoint.
Most of the panoramic vistas in Koh Samui are located on the northeastern coast of the island, roughly between Lamai and Chaweng. Many are pretty easy to reach, with only a few of them requiring much physical effort to be seen. The reward can be even more appreciable after some effort. Read on to learn about the cool spots where you can take the best photos of Koh Samui.
1. Jungle Club Viewpoint
A view worth the uphill drive
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Jungle Club Viewpoint is one of the best spots to take in the beautiful vistas of Koh Samui. The drive up to this hillside resort restaurant may be hair-raising, but it’s worth it for some of the best views on the island. Jungle Club has bungalows, as well as a restaurant with several dining spaces.
You have a choice of a wooden deck with Thai cushions, individual thatch-and-bamboo salas (pavilions) or the actual restaurant area itself. The northerly views from Jungle Club are of Lamai, Chaweng, Bangrak and the airport and, at noon on a clear day, are quite simply unbeatable. Read more
Location: 44/11 Soi Panyadee, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open: Saturday–Wednesday from 8 am to 10 pm (closed on Thursdays and Fridays)
Phone: +66 (0)81 894 2327
Jungle Club Viewpoint
2. Lamai Viewpoint
Impressive views and exhilarating fun
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Lamai Viewpoint is a selection of 3 natural attractions and an exciting ride, all in 1 well-developed location opened daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. It offers impressive views and great photo opportunities within easy reach of Lamai Beach.
For a small fee, you can see the Valentine Stone, Siva Tara Waterfall and Lamai Viewpoint itself. For a little more, you get all that plus a zip-line ride across the nearby valley, giving you an exciting and unique view across Lamai. The park also has a restaurant by the entrance and a bar at the viewpoint. Read more
Location: 127/199 Moo 3, Haad Lamai Rd, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)80 890 9755
Lamai Viewpoint
3. Lat Ko Viewpoint
Panoramic views of the sea and east coast
Good for: Photo
Lat Ko Viewpoint is one of the best and most straightforward places in Samui to get a great panoramic view of the sea and the beautiful east coast of the island. Located right by the side of the Ring Road between Lamai and Chaweng, you can park your bike and walk along the paved path overlooking the coastline, going down to the coast.
The greyish beige of the boulders, the turquoise water, and the clear blue skies above Chaweng offer a really pleasant sight. The location of Lat Ko Viewpoint also allows you to catch the stunning sunrise here.
Location: Moo 3, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open: 24/7
Lat Ko Viewpoint
4. Wat Phra Yai Viewpoint
An impressive landmark with views to match
Good for: History, Photo
A visit to Wat Phra Yai – Big Buddha Temple – allows you to discover the most notable religious landmark in Samui and enjoy beautiful views. The side highlight here is the panorama from the terrace on which the statue stands.
The view to the north is splendid and features the northern coastline of Samui, with Koh Phangan in the background. To the south, you can see planes taking off and landing at Koh Samui International Airport, which is situated right in the alignment of Wat Phra Yai. Read more
Location: Route 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Wat Phra Yai Viewpoint
5. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple Viewpoint
A remarkable spot with eclectic views
Good for: History, Photo
The Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple Viewpoint offers some of the best views on Koh Samui. This temple is located on a 90-metre-tall hill to the north of Chaweng and offers an incredible view from the peak – the entire runway of Samui Airport is virtually at your feet.
If you like aircraft and watching take-offs and landings, this is the place to sit for a while. The islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Sum, Koh Lum Noi and Koh Tao Poon, as well as Big Buddha, Wat Bangrak, gorgeous sunsets and much more are also all visible from this remarkable spot.
Location: Moo 2, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple Viewpoint
6. Koh Mae Koh Viewpoint
Rewarding seascapes on a beautifully preserved island
Good for: Photo
Koh Mae Koh is one of the few islands at which you stop by during a speedboat day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park. It takes about an hour to get there from Samui. This beautifully preserved island features 2 viewpoints.
The first viewpoint can easily be visited during most day trips as a large and relatively easy-to-climb staircase takes you to its peak in a matter of minutes. The second viewpoint is far more impressive, but you need almost 45 minutes to get there. You need to ask first if the tour you want to book stays long enough at Koh Mae Koh to reach this outstanding viewpoint. Note that the path to reach it is quite demanding and somewhat perilous.
Location: Ang Thong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Koh Mae Koh Viewpoint
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