Updated June 17, 2025
Located in the Gulf of Thailand in the South Sea in the Pacific Ocean, Koh Samui is a quiet tropical haven where you can try out many new things, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Some of these activities may be new to guests staying in the most elegant private villas on Koh Samui, but the island also has attractions and activities that not everyone may know off-hand.
Koh Samui’s hidden surprises come from unexpected activities that are not always on the tourist radar. These activities take an unconventional approaches they take to leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing. The “wow” factor comes not just from the activities themselves, but for the out-of-the-box ways that they showcase Koh Samui’s natural environment and culture.
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5 Unexpected Things You Could Do on Koh Samui
Many of these activities are unexpected and surprising precisely because they don’t fit into the category of “typical” tourist activities on Koh Samui. Some of these activities involve going off the beaten path, literally and figuratively, but what ties all these activities together is the way they embrace every single aspect that makes Koh Samui a unique place to be.
1. Try Ziplining
If you think that ziplining is for kids and teens, think again–adults can also enjoy the thrill of flying through rainforests and catching glimpses of Koh Samui’s amazing landscape. Zipline operators on Koh Samui can also accommodate adults, making the activity a family-friendly experience as well as a fun way to bond and hype each other up as a group. Be sure to check all safety precautions before you start!
2. Go On an Inland ATV Tour
Touring Koh Samui’s inner landscape may be challenging, but booking an ATV tour will give guests a different perspective on the island itself. A typical ATV tour will involve easy rides through the island’s jungles and rainforests, followed by a journey through rougher terrain. Waterfalls, beaches, and even temples can also be encountered during these tours. As with ziplining, be sure to take all the necessary safety precautions before your ATV tour.
3. Surf the Monsoon Waves
While there is a lot of debate on whether or not Koh Samui should be considered a “surf spot,” the fact remains that surfers still flock to places like Chaweng Beach to ride the waves. The waves in Chaweng’s waters often max out at 3 to 4 feet during the monsoon season, but are challenging enough for intermediate surfers. For beginner-friendly waves, Lamai Beach is a good alternative.
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4. Watch a Muay Thai Match
Muay Thai, or Thai kickboxing, may seem physically dangerous and challenging, but watching a match can be eye-opening for anyone who’s new to the sport. Sit back and watch as fighters perform the wai khru to warm up and pay homage to their elders and trainers, then get caught up in the atmosphere complete with live commentary and crowd-hyping music.
5. Get A Taste of Samui Rum
La Rhumerie de Koh Samui offers free tours of its rum distillery as well as tasting sessions where guests over 20 years of age can try liquors made with Samui’s native fruits. The distillery’s own bar and restaurant also offers snacks and meals to compliment the rum-based tropical cocktails. Be sure to check opening and closing times before visiting.
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Expect the Unexpected in Koh Samui
Koh Samui may be a calm tropical paradise, but the range of unexpected activities on the island covers everything from family-friendly adventures to grown-up pursuits. While these activities can bring an eye-opening perspective to the beauty of Koh Samui’s natural and cultural landscape, what’s even more surprising is that a lot of visitors to Koh Samui have yet to discover them.
For those who welcome a break from the routine, the activities on this list come as a pleasant surprise. Not only will guests discover that Koh Samui is more than just beaches, but they will also have their eyes opened to the diversity of experiences available to both locals and visitors.
If you ever find yourself thinking about what to do outside your villa on your trip to Koh Samui, feel free to consult with your villa’s Guest Experience Services team prior to your trip. Coordination with the Guest Experience team will ensure that your activities are booked in advance so that you can relax and enjoy your trip as much as possible.
Start your journey to Koh Samui with the Koh Samui Travel Guide.
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Featured Image by ATV & Buggy Adventures
