Koh Samui Cruise Port: How To Spend an Awesome Shore Day
Are you headed to Koh Samui Cruise Port for one day and are in need of an itinerary to plan your shore day? Then you are in the right spot.
Koh Samui is a tropical paradise known for its gorgeous palm tree-lined beaches and clear turquoise waters. It is also a popular destination for many Southeast Asia cruises.
My friend Alika is one of the best travel bloggers in Southeast Asia, and I got to interview her for this post. She’ll give us insights into all the best hidden gem things to do in Koh Samui if you just have one day.
Whether you love nature, are keen on exploring cultural sites, or seeking adventure, Koh Samui has something for everyone. The following list of the best things to do will help you make the most of your one day in Koh Samui.
Let’s get to it!
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Table of Contents
- About the Koh Samui Cruise Port
- How to Get Around Koh Samui From Cruise Port
- Best Things to Do in Koh Samui in One Day
- Best Lunch Spots in Koh Samui
- Conclusion
- About the Author
About the Koh Samui Cruise Port
Koh Samui’s cruise port is a tender port! This means, that ships anchor offshore, and passengers are ferried to Nathon Pier.
The pier is located on the island’s western side. It serves as a gateway to Koh Samui’s stunning beaches, lush jungles, and amazing culture.
From here, it’s easy to arrange tours to famous attractions like Big Buddha, the Na Muang Waterfalls, or the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park.
There are a couple of local shops, markets, and casual restaurants near the pier. The closest town is about 10 – 15 minutes away, but you can find taxis waiting at the pier!
How to Get Around Koh Samui From Cruise Port
Getting around Koh Samui is pretty easy. The island has a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Renting a scooter is both affordable and convenient. There are plenty of rental options near the cruise port where you can hire scooters for around 200 Baht a day.
Alternatively, Songthaews, shared taxis operating along fixed routes. That’s another budget-friendly means of transport.
For a more direct and speedy journey, private taxis are available, though they come at a higher cost.
Recommended Tour to Book: 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour, Cruise Passenger Shared Group Tour
For a fun way to see all of Koh Samui’s top attractions, book the 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour. This tour includes visits to all major tourist attractions such as Wat Plai Laem, Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, Guan Yu Shrine, Na Muang Waterfalls, Mummified Monk, and Secret Buddha Garden.
Following a traditional Thai lunch, you will be taken on a thrilling 4WD experience to the summit of Koh Samui. You will enjoy a water fight with your fellow jeeps, adding an element of fun to your adventure.
The cost includes lunch, accident insurance, water, entrance fees, and roundtrip transfers from the cruise terminal. The tour starts around 9:30 a.m. and lasts approximately 7 hours. This option is specifically for cruise passengers who need to be picked up and dropped off at the cruise terminal.
Best Things to Do in Koh Samui in One Day
1. Visit Famous Temples
When visiting temples and sacred sites on Koh Samui, it’s essential to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
This respectful attire is a cultural norm and demonstrates reverence for the spiritual significance of these places.
Don’t worry, many temples provide sarongs on loan for visitors who may need them to meet the dress code requirements.
Big Buddha
One of Koh Samui’s most famous landmarks is the Big Buddha. It is a majestic 12-meter-tall golden statue.
It is located on a small rocky island off the northeastern corner of Koh Samui. The temple is open all day.
Alika’s Tip: for an authentic cultural experience, visit in the morning when locals make offerings, and monks perform morning chants.
Wat Plai Laem
A short four-minute drive from the Big Buddha, you can find the Wat Plai Laem temple.
Wat Plai Laem is a colorful temple complex where you can admire a blend of Thai and Chinese architecture.
This temple has beautiful statues. The most famous one is a large, serene statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin.
Wat Khunaram
Wat Khunaram is another temple worth seeing in Koh Samui on your cruise day.
It is a Buddhist temple known for housing the mummified remains of the monk Phra Khru Samathakittikhun. He passed away in 1973.
This temple offers a bit of a glimpse into Buddhist practices and the concept of life after death.
Wat Ratchathammaram
Wat Ratchathammaram is also known as the Red Temple. It is another cool spot that you should visit when going to Koh Samui for a day.
Wat Ratchathammaram is decorated with lots of sculptures of sea monsters and warriors. The temple’s unique red color and detailed carvings make it a super photogenic site to visit.
2. Ethical Elephant Experience at Samui Elephant Haven
For an unforgettable, yet still ethical elephant experience, visit Samui Elephant Haven.
This lovely place is a sanctuary for rescued elephants. There are two half-day programs available that you can join.
The first one will be starting at 9 and the other at 2 pm. Make sure to inform first and book your slot in advance on their website.
The total cost includes pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, elephant food for feeding, a Thai buffet, and complimentary water, coffee, and tea.
You’ll learn about elephant conservation, make nutritious rice balls to feed them, walk with them through the park, and observe them taking a mud bath. It is a lovely experience for sure.
3. Tarnim Magic Garden
Nestled in the hills of Koh Samui, the Tarnim Magic Garden is a mystical place.
You can see a wide variety of sculptures, houses, a freshwater stream with segmented waterfalls, and stone seating.
The garden is accessible by scooter, but be cautious as the road can be steep in certain areas. It’s a serene spot to explore and enjoy the arts and crafts of the locals.
4. Guan Yu Shrine
The Guan Yu Shrine is famous for a giant 16-meter statue of Guan Yu.
He is a revered figure in Chinese history known for promoting harmony.
The shrine is a beautiful place to explore Chinese culture and pay respects to Guan Yu – it is a cool hidden gem you can check out on your day in Koh Samui.
5. Hin Ta Hin Yai
Hin Ta Hin Yai is also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. I love this place because it is so quirky, so make sure to put it on your list.
They are natural rock formations that resemble male and female genitalia. You can find them near Lamai Beach. These rocks are a popular tourist attraction.
6. Na Mueang Waterfalls
Koh Samui has two stunning Na Mueang waterfalls.
Na Mueang Waterfall 1 is famous for its beauty, while Na Mueang Waterfall 2 offers a better view and a natural pool.
Both waterfalls have separate entrances, so check Google Maps for their locations. The hike to Na Mueang Waterfall 2 takes about 20-25 minutes and can be slippery after rainfall.
7. Overlap Stone
There are two Overlap Stones in Koh Samui. The first one has a 200 Baht entrance fee. Luckily, that also includes a free drink.
The second Overlap Stone, only costs 20 Baht to enter. It is further up a steep hill past the first one.
Both offer spectacular views and are great spots for photography.
8. Tree Bridge Zipline
For adrenaline seekers, the Tree Bridge Zipline offers a bit of an adventure.
The program includes ziplining across eight cables, roundtrip transfers, basic insurance, and a drink at the Treebridge Cafe.
9. Relax on Koh Samui Beaches
Koh Samui is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
You can spend some time basking in the sun and swimming in the turquoise waters of Crystal Beach. On the right side of the beach, a wooden walkway leads to a secluded, picturesque cove surrounded by rocks.
At Choengmon Beach, you can sunbathe, relax, swim, get a massage, or enjoy thrilling water sports activities. Renting a sunbed costs 200 Baht, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars for refreshments.
Other favorite beaches of mine are Lamai Beach, Chaweng Beach, and Maenam Beach.
Unwind and relax at The Deck Beach Club. Enjoy a drink, lounge by the pool, and soak in the stunning views of the ocean as you relax in style.
10. Take a Cooking Class at Island Organics
If you love food, you should take a cooking class with Island Organics.
This highly-rated class offers more than just meal preparation; you’ll learn to make coconut cream, curry pastes, and herb drinks.
Lat, the owner and chef, will guide you through her and her husband’s micro-organic farm, teaching sustainable living practices.
The class runs Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with weekend classes available by request. Book via their website.
Best Lunch Spots in Koh Samui
- Sea La View Restaurant: Perfect for ocean-view dining
- Jungle Club: Known for its panoramic views and vibrant ambiance. Due to its popularity, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance
- Nana Beach: Offers Thai cuisine with scenic beach views
- The Cocoon: Provides stunning island and ocean panoramas
- Benzo Sushi Bar & Grill: Ideal for those who love Japanese cuisine
- Noori India: Serves authentic Indian dishes
- Pepenero: Brings Italian flavours to Koh Samui
- The Shakespeare Pub: Offers a cozy English-style pub experience
Vegetarian Dining
- Halapua Restaurant: Gourmet vegetarian dishes
- Vegan Khunnay: Budget-friendly vegan meals
- Lamai Veggie: Known for its diverse vegetarian menu
Conclusion
If your cruise stops at Koh Samui cruise port, get ready for an unforgettable day! My friend Alika from Alika in Wanderlust has given me the ultimate scoop on the island.
Start your adventure at the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), just a short drive from the port. This iconic golden statue is massive and gives you a great view of the island. Next, head to Samui Elephant Sanctuary for an ethical and lovely experience!
For nature lovers, a trip to Na Muang Waterfall is a must. It’s peaceful, lush, and super refreshing.
If you have time, visit a coconut plantation to see how they climb trees for coconuts. Or why not join a cooking class at Island Organics?
End your day at Chaweng Beach. Relax, swim, or sip a coconut drink by the water.
Koh Samui is all about chill vibes, stunning scenery, and delicious food—an ideal island escape in one day!
About the Author
Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.
Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.
