When the cold hits the west side of the world, the westerners love to escape that grim weather to the east—and where do they usually go to achieve a perfect getaway? Well, Koh Samui in Thailand is definitely one of the best destinations.
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand , Koh Samui is a captivating island renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches fringed with swaying palm trees and its lush, mountainous interior dotted with coconut groves. Beyond its natural beauty, Samui offers a diverse appeal, from vibrant nightlife and bustling markets in areas like Chaweng and Lamai to tranquil temples and serene, secluded bays. This tropical gem provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, attracting visitors seeking both peaceful escapes and exciting exploration.
What’s more, Koh Samui also has hidden waterfalls cascading through verdant jungles, charming fishing villages retaining their traditional way of life, and luxurious spas offering rejuvenating Thai massages. The island’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of fresh seafood, authentic Thai flavors, and international cuisine, catering to every palate. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding nearby Ang Thong Marine Park, or simply unwinding on a picturesque beach, Koh Samui offers a truly enchanting and memorable island experience.
Because of the extreme natural beauty of the island, you can capture a lot of great memories anywhere you go here. After you get to unwind underneath the warming sunshine and in the cooling waves of the sea, let the best photo spots in Koh Samui be the focus of your next holiday! This paradise island in southern Thailand is an ideal place to capture some of nature’s most stunning creations through the viewpoint of a lens. Post bird’s-eye Snapchats of mangrove forests from a cable car at Lamai Viewpoint, and then trek to Overlap Stone at sunset and brag about your ocean view on Instagram. As Thailand’s second largest island and second most popular island destination, Koh Samui is brimming with things to do, and even novice photographers will find as many photo ops as the pros!
1. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather’s Grandmother’s Rocks)
One of the most popular photo spots in Koh Samui is Hin Ta Hin Yai, the grandfather’s and grandmother’s rocks. This scenic treasure not only provides unique photos but it comes with a local legend as well. Supposedly, the rocks were shaped naturally to look like male and female genitalia after an old couple, Ta Kreng and Yai Riem, died at sea while traveling to a neighboring province in hopes of arranging a marriage for their son.
The coastal landmark is in Lamai, on the eastern coast of Koh Samui, at the southern end of Lamai Beach.
2. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Wat Phra Yai – Big Buddha
On an island of itself, the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) in Ko Fan is one of Koh Samui’s most popular attractions and one of the first things guests see when arriving to the island by air. At ground level, the 12-meter-high golden statue dominates the skyline, making for magnificent photos of the temple and ocean beyond.
Take a selfie with the Mermaid Statue on the eastern tip of Ko Fan, and send your friends a funny Snap of your feet surrounded by hundreds of tiny carp at Fish Spa Samui.
Ko Fan and Big Buddha Temple are in Bo Phut, on the northeast side of the island, near Samui Airport.
Check In to Maryoo Samui Hotel, Step Out to Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
3. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park
Travelers antsy about seeing the inspiration for the novel “The Beach” can book a speed boat tour to Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park at numerous tour agencies in Koh Samui. The “safari boats” take sightseers around the 42 islands of the park in about 45 minutes, but photographers who want more time to hunt down the best photo spots in Koh Samui can opt for the slow boat cruise, which lasts two to three hours.
Visitors also can stay in the park on Ko Wua Ta Lap or Koh Phaluai, the only inhabited islands in the park. A notable photo spot in Koh Phaluai is Eco View Point, and photographers won’t be able to get enough pictures of wild jungles and mangrove forests, native marine life and the hundreds of long-tailed monkeys that inhabit both islands.
Check In to Beach Republic, Koh Samui, Step Out to Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park
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4. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Silver Beach
An excellent snorkeling spot and a favorite for visitors who want isolation and relaxation, Silver Beach is one of the best photo spots in Koh Samui. The secluded area is loved for its tranquil beach and sunset views, particularly in Crystal Bay, but photographers also will find a snap-worthy local scene here. The area contains plenty of open-air restaurants, local vendors and massage parlors, which not only make for great photos but excellent hangout spots as well!
Guests can find Silver Beach on the east side of Koh Samui in Maret, just north of Lamai Beach.
5. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Namuang Waterfalls
What photographer doesn’t hunt for a magnificent waterfall shoot while on vacation? Namuang Waterfalls, known as Purple Waterfalls due to the shade of rocks in the area, offers two scenic photo spots as well as a small swimming pool in which to cool off.
Namuang Waterfalls are designated as Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, and both offer unforgettable focal points. Adventurous photographers can enter the park near Na Muang 1, which features a small swimming pool, and trek up to Na Muang 2, about 30 minutes away.
Besides the obvious attractions, the area’s photo ops include quaint walking trails, natural wildlife and local food shops and souvenir stores.
Namuang Waterfalls are in Koh Samui’s southcentral region and can be reached by motorbike, or by hiring a driver anywhere on the island.
Check In to Baan Tipviman, Step Out to Namuang Waterfalls
6. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Overlap Stone
The climb up to Overlap Stone is a challenge, but the photos are the reward! This off-the-beaten-path attraction is not well known and conquered by few, and travelers looking for a good hike definitely should add Overlap Stone to their Koh Samui itinerary. The rock towers about 150 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of Koh Samui and the blue waters of Lamai Bay that surrounds it.
Journeying to Overlap Stone requires a good set of hiking shoes and some persistence. Though, visitors can take motorbikes up to a point. When the road ends, however, trekkers should expect some steep slopes and rocky paths to the summit.
Overlap Stone is about 2 kilometers west of Lamai Beach, so walking to the site is possible, and an early-morning start is recommended. The hike takes about 20 minutes, and hikers can find a refreshing drink at a roadside stand at the top.
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7. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Fisherman’s Village Bophut
For photos of local life and traditional architecture, photographers in Koh Samui should head to Fisherman’s Village Bophut. While the market area is a treasure trove of local products, it also is a great Instagram tease! Snap away at merchants selling authentic handicrafts, native herbs and spices, handmade clothing and quirky souvenirs, and don’t forget to wander down by Bophut Beach. The entire area is lined with fishing huts, traditional houses and rustic charms that guarantee unique photos for everyone who passes through.
Fisherman’s Village Bophut is on the northeast tip of the island, just off Bophut Beach.
8. Photo spots in Koh Samui | Lamai Viewpoint
Make it a date for a photo shoot at Lamai Viewpoint, where attractions like Valentine Stone and Sivatara Waterfall make fun backdrops. If photos of those landmarks don’t make your Instagram album go viral, buy an all-inclusive ticket that includes a cable car ride … and ziplining!
Lamai Viewpoint actually is a park where guests can hike or relax and take as many selfies as they want. Valentine Stone, which is a large boulder shaped like a heart, is a popular posing point for couples, and Sivatara Waterfall is a refreshing and well-manicured photo spot that features a trickling waterfall.
Sightseers can find Lamai Viewpoint a kilometer northwest of Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather’s Grandmother’s Rocks) at the south end of Lamai Beach.
Entry fee to the park is 100 baht, which includes a cable car ride. Visitors who want to zipline across the region can buy an all-inclusive package for 800 baht.
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