What are the best free things to do in Koh Samui?
The beaches, the temples, the waterfalls and a fire show at night. Most of the free attractions in Koh Samui are free to enter. You pay for getting there, for food and drink, and for parking at a few sights.
We run ARKbar Beach Club on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, and we know the evening best, so we start there. For the temples and waterfalls we have linked the guide each fact came from. Opening hours differ between guides, so check on the day.
1. The fire show on Chaweng Beach
Free entry, no ticket and no booking: a new show every hour from 8PM to midnight. It is on the sand at ARKbar, weather permitting. You do not need a table. Our fire show page has the detail.
2. Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is open to walk and sit on. It faces east, so sunrise is the quiet hour. After dark the fire show and the beach parties take over the sand at ARKbar. Bring your own water and a towel, and mind the loungers: those in front of a venue are for its customers. Our guide to things to do on Chaweng Beach has the daytime in more detail.
3. The Big Buddha, Bophut
The 12 metre Big Buddha is one of the island's best known sights, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Entry is free and donations are welcome, according to a Big Buddha visitor guide. Cover your knees and shoulders and take your shoes off to go up to the statue.
4. Wat Plai Laem, Choeng Mon
A temple beside a lake on the north coast, with its own large statue of Guanyin. Entry is free, and parking is free too, according to a Wat Plai Laem visitor guide. Dress modestly, as at any temple. Fish food is sold at the lake, so you can feed the fish for a few coins.
5. Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Lamai
Two rock formations at the south end of Lamai Beach, said to look like a grandfather and a grandmother. The rocks are free to see, according to a Hin Ta and Hin Yai guide. The path to them is lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs, so bring a few coins.
6. The Na Muang waterfalls
Two waterfalls inland from Lamai. Entry is free, and there is a small charge for parking, according to Inside Samui. They are fullest after rain. Wear shoes with grip, as wet rocks are slippery.
7. Fisherman's Village walking street, Bophut
On Friday evenings the main street of Fisherman's Village becomes a walking street with stalls and food, according to Inside Samui. It is free to walk through. Only the food and what you buy cost money. Days and hours vary by source, so check before you go.
8. Laem Sor Pagoda
A tall pagoda on the south east coast, free to enter in daylight, according to a Laem Sor Pagoda guide. Beachwear is not allowed in the grounds.
What still costs money
- Getting around. The sights are far apart. Grab lists Koh Samui as a service area, and you can agree a fare first with a local taxi.
- Parking at some sights, and food and drink at all of them.
- Stalls and fish food. A few coins each.
- At ARKbar, entry and the beach party are free. The fire show needs no ticket. A table, a lounger or the pool carries a minimum spend. Staying a night in the resort is the easiest way to be close to the evening.
ARKbar Beach Resort
The resort sits inside the beach club on Chaweng Beach, so the beach, the fire show and your room are all a few steps apart.
Does the weather change what is free?
Yes, a little. The fire show is weather permitting, and the waterfalls are best after rain. Our Koh Samui in November guide covers the weather in November. Staying longer? Our three day Koh Samui itinerary is written for the New Year, and the evening is in things to do in Chaweng at night.
Free things to do in Koh Samui: your questions
What are the best free things to do in Koh Samui?
Do I need a ticket for the fire show in Koh Samui?
Are the temples in Koh Samui free to enter?
Are the Na Muang waterfalls free?
Are Koh Samui beaches free?
What is free to do in Koh Samui at night?
What do I need to wear to visit a temple in Koh Samui?
So, where should you start?
With the sand at 8PM. The fire show on Chaweng Beach has free entry and happens every night. Spend the day on the temples and waterfalls, then walk down to the beach for the first show. If you want a table for the night, book one online.
