4hours5hours6hours
Summit
631m
1 Guide required 
Hiking24 trails
Koh Samui hiking: into the green heart of the island
Rainforest canopy on the climb to Khao Pom, the island's highest trail
Behind every beach, Samui climbs into jungle: one granite dome, 632 m at the crest, laced with paths to waterfalls, hidden temples and ridge-top views. Here are all 24 trails we have walked and written up, from a ten-minute stroll to a guided six-hour summit, with what each one asks of you and what waits at the top.
- 24trails
- 632 misland crest
- 14reach a viewpoint
- 10end at a waterfall
- 7under an hour
Trail finder
Three questions
Find the trail that fits your day
Tell us how long you have, how hard you want it and what you want at the top. Trails that do not fit step aside; open any one for its briefing: the climb, your day, what you will meet and a pack list built for it.
October on the trails
- Rain this month
- 295 mm
- over 16 days
- Waterfall trails running
- 10 of 10
- strong or good flow
- Midday high
- 31 °C
- 85% humidity
- Daylight
- 06:08-18:03
- start before 8
- At their best now
- 2 trails
- Wang Sao Thong Trail, Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop
1How much time?
Your pace
2How hard?
3What waits at the top?
No trail fits all three. Loosen one answer:
1 Guide required Trail briefingNo. 1 Summit · 400 m and up
Khao Pom
Khao Pom Koh Samui is the island's highest point at 635 m: a hard 8 km, 4-6 hour rainforest trek. Local guide required, 2,000-3,000 THB per group.
The climb
631 m up from sea level: about 210 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 8 km round trip
- Time
- 4 h5 h6 h
- Effort
- Very hard
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 12:00. The last hour gets hot: keep some water for it.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
This is the hardest hike on Koh Samui by a significant margin.
What you will meet
- Big view
- Few people
- Guide required
- Little shade
- Half a day out
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Required
- Best
- Dec-Mar
After the walk
- Swim at Tong Yang Beach 5.9 km
- Falls nearby Tarnim Magic Garden 1.3 km
- Temple nearby Secret Buddha Garden 1.3 km
Your pack 8 things
- 3 litres of waterMost of a day out
- Hiking shoes with deep treadMud, roots and wet rock
- A booked guideNo marked trail to the top
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
- Head torch, just in caseDays run long up there
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
2hours2:15hours2:30hours
Summit
610m
2 Trail briefingNo. 2 Summit · 400 m and up
Samui 360 Viewpoint Trail
Hike the Samui 360 Viewpoint Trail, a 4.3 km moderate trek from the Wat Teepangkorn Buddha statue to Koh Samui's highest panoramic viewpoint.
The climb
610 m up from sea level: about 203 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 4.3 km round trip
- Time
- 2 h2 h 15 min2 h 30 min
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt and concrete
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 9:15, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Little shade
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Aug
After the walk
- Swim at Chaweng Noi Beach 5.5 km
- Falls nearby Khun Si Waterfall 2.4 km
- Temple nearby Secret Buddha Garden 2.4 km
Your pack 4 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
3:30hours3:45hours4hours
Summit
515m
3 Trail briefingNo. 3 Summit · 400 m and up
Khao Phra Trail
Hike the Khao Phra Trail on Koh Samui, a ~10 km, 3.5-4 hour jungle trek through bamboo forest and tall trees rich with wildlife.
The climb
515 m up from sea level: about 172 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 10 km round trip
- Time
- 3 h 30 min3 h 45 min4 h
- Effort
- Hard
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 10:45. The last hour gets hot: keep some water for it.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Shady most of the way
- Few people
- Half a day out
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Feb-Apr
After the walk
- Swim at Tong Yang Beach 5.7 km
- Falls nearby Tarnim Magic Garden 1.3 km
- Temple nearby Secret Buddha Garden 1.3 km
Your pack 8 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Hiking shoes with deep treadMud, roots and wet rock
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
- Head torch, just in caseDays run long up there
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
3hours3:30hours4hours
Summit
448m
4 One way Trail briefingNo. 4 Summit · 400 m and up
Magic Garden Hike
Hike to the Magic Garden on Samui: a hard ~10 km, 3-4 hour ridge trek from the Maenam viewpoint to the Secret Buddha Garden (about 80 THB entry).
The climb
28 m up from the 420 m trailhead: about 9 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 10 km one way
- Time
- 3 h3 h 30 min4 h
- Effort
- Very hard
- Ground
- Dirt and concrete
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 10:30, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Temple on the way
- Few people
- Little shade
- Half a day out
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- about 80 THB
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Na Phra Lan Beach 0.4 km
- Falls nearby Zong Raue Waterfall 5.2 km
- Temple nearby Wat Na Phra Lan 0.6 km
Your pack 10 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Hiking shoes with deep treadMud, roots and wet rock
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Cash for the fee: about 80 THBPaid at the gate
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Shoulders and knees coveredA temple on the way
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
- Head torch, just in caseDays run long up there
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
2hours2:30hours3hours
Summit
442m
5 Trail briefingNo. 5 Summit · 400 m and up
Sleeping Buddha Trail
Hike the Sleeping Buddha Trail on Koh Samui: a ~90 minute moderate jungle trek beyond the Magic Garden to a golden reclining Buddha deep in the interior.
The climb
Starts high, at a 500 m trailhead: mostly downhill to the 442 m pin
- Distance
- time only
- Time
- 2 h2 h 30 min3 h
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 9:30, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
The Sleeping Buddha Trail begins inside the Secret Buddha Garden complex in Koh Samui's central interior hills, above Baan Saket and northwest of Lamai.
What you will meet
- Temple on the way
- Few people
- Little shade
- Fee
- 80 THB
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Dec-Apr
After the walk
- Swim at Hua Thanon 5.5 km
- Falls nearby Khao Yai Waterfall 2.0 km
- Temple nearby Wat Teepangkorn 2.4 km
Your pack 8 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Cash for the fee: 80 THBPaid at the gate
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Shoulders and knees coveredA temple on the way
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
2hours3hours4hours
Ridge
285m
6 One way Trail briefingNo. 6 Ridge · 200-400 m
Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail
Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail on Koh Samui: 8 km to Zong Raue Waterfall or a 13.5 km valley loop, 200-450 m, hard and free. Route, timing, safety.
The climb
85 m up from the 200 m trailhead: about 28 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 8 km one way
- Time
- 2 h3 h4 h
- Effort
- Very hard
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 10:00, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
There are two established ways to walk the Nathon Mountain Ridge, and picking the right one matters more than any other planning decision.
What you will meet
- Big view
- Zong Raue
- Few people
- Little shade
- Half a day out
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Dec-Apr
After the walk
- Swim at Tong Yang Beach 4.4 km
- Falls nearby Hin Lad Waterfall 0.6 km
- Temple nearby Wat Namtok Hin Lad 1.8 km
Your pack 9 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Hiking shoes with deep treadMud, roots and wet rock
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
- Head torch, just in caseDays run long up there
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
3:30hours4hours4:30hours
Ridge
231m
7 One way Trail briefingNo. 7 Ridge · 200-400 m
Grand Viewpoint Traverse
Hike the Grand Viewpoint Traverse on Koh Samui: a ~10.2 km, ~586 m highland route linking Khun Si Waterfall, multiple viewpoints, and a mountain restaurant.
The climb
231 m up from sea level: about 77 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 10.2 km one way
- Time
- 3 h 30 min4 h4 h 30 min
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 11:00. The last hour gets hot: keep some water for it.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Khun Si
- Little shade
- Half a day out
- Fee
- about 50 THB
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Nov-Apr
After the walk
- Swim at Bophut 4.5 km
- Falls nearby Tan Rua Waterfall 2.9 km
- Temple nearby Wat Teepangkorn 2.5 km
Your pack 8 things
- 3 litres of waterMost of a day out
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Cash for the fee: about 50 THBPaid at the gate
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
- Head torch, just in caseDays run long up there
1hour1:30hours2hours
Ridge
231m
8 Trail briefingNo. 8 Ridge · 200-400 m
Khun Si Waterfall Trail
Khun Si Waterfall Trail: a steep 0.5km jungle descent near Bophut to tiered pools through durian plantations. Plan your Koh Samui hike today.
The climb
231 m up from sea level: about 77 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 0.5 km round trip
- Time
- 1 h1 h 30 min2 h
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:30, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Khun Si
- Little shade
- Fee
- about 50 THB
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Bophut 4.5 km
- Falls nearby Tan Rua Waterfall 2.9 km
- Temple nearby Wat Teepangkorn 2.5 km
Your pack 6 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Cash for the fee: about 50 THBPaid at the gate
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
45min2:10hours3:30hours
Foothill
166m
9 Trail briefingNo. 9 Foothill · 50-200 m
Tan Rua Trail
Hike the Tan Rua Trail on Koh Samui: an easy ~45-minute walk to the hidden Secret Falls, or an extended ~9.3 km jungle loop through the Maenam interior hills.
The climb
166 m up from sea level: about 55 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 0.5 km round trip
- Time
- 45 min2 h 10 min3 h 30 min
- Effort
- Easy-moderate
- Ground
- Stone steps
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 9:08, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Parking at the trailhead costs roughly 20-50 THB, and the Tree Bridge zipline is a separate optional add-on priced around 1,600-1,700 THB per person.
What you will meet
- Tan Rua
- Little shade
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Maenam Beach 3.9 km
- Falls nearby Khun Si Waterfall 3.0 km
- Temple nearby Wat Phu Khao Thong 3.4 km
Your pack 5 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Trainers with gripSteep stone steps
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
1:40hours2hours2:15hours
Foothill
164m
10 Trail briefingNo. 10 Foothill · 50-200 m
Hog Trail
Hike the Hog Trail on Koh Samui: a 5.2 km forest loop in the northwest hills with 314 m elevation gain, a steep opening climb, and roughly 2 hours round trip.
The climb
164 m up from sea level: about 55 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 5.2 km round trip
- Time
- 1 h 40 min2 h2 h 15 min
- Effort
- Easy-moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:58, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Shady most of the way
- Few people
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Nov-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Bang Po Beach 1.3 km
- Falls nearby Zong Raue Waterfall 2.5 km
- Temple nearby Wat Na Phra Lan 3.8 km
Your pack 3 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
30min40min45min
Foothill
100m
11 Trail briefingNo. 11 Foothill · 50-200 m
Wang Sao Thong Trail
Walk the Wang Sao Thong Trail on Koh Samui, an easy ~1 km forest path near Hua Thanon leading to a quiet two-tier jungle waterfall in 8-10 minutes.
The climb
100 m up from sea level: about 33 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 2 km round trip
- Time
- 30 min40 min45 min
- Effort
- Easy
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 7:38, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Wang Sao Thong
- Shady most of the way
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Sep-Dec
After the walk
- Swim at Hua Thanon 2.6 km
- Falls nearby Khao Yai Waterfall 0.9 km
- Temple nearby Wat Khunaram 1.5 km
Your pack 3 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
10min15min15min
Foothill
70m
12 Trail briefingNo. 12 Foothill · 50-200 m
Lamai Viewpoint
Lamai Viewpoint on Koh Samui: ~300 steps or a cable car to the top, the heart-shaped Valentine Stone at the base, zipline and tickets from ~100 THB.
The climb
70 m up from sea level: about 23 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 0.8 km round trip
- Time
- 10 min15 min15 min
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Stone steps
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 7:13, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Sivatara
- Little shade
- Fee
- from 100 THB
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Year round
After the walk
- Swim at Lamai Beach 1.8 km
- Falls nearby Wang Sao Thong Waterfall 3.1 km
- Temple nearby Wat Sila Ngu 0.9 km
Your pack 5 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Trainers with gripSteep stone steps
- Cash for the fee: from 100 THBPaid at the gate
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
1:30hours1:45hours2hours
Foothill
62m
13 Trail briefingNo. 13 Foothill · 50-200 m
Tartain Waterfall Trek
Experience the Tartain Waterfall Trek on Koh Samui. A challenging mountain hike featuring steep rope climbs, bamboo forests, and a hidden jungle swimming pool.
The climb
62 m up from sea level: about 21 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 1.2 km round trip
- Time
- 1 h 30 min1 h 45 min2 h
- Effort
- Hard
- Ground
- Rock and boulders
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:45, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Tartain
- Shady most of the way
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- 100 THB
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Lipa Noi Beach 3.7 km
- Falls nearby Lat Wanon Waterfall 1.3 km
- Temple nearby Wat Nara Charoen Suk 3.1 km
Your pack 5 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Hiking shoes with deep treadMud, roots and wet rock
- Cash for the fee: 100 THBPaid at the gate
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
3hours3:30hours4hours
Foothill
56m
14 Trail briefingNo. 14 Foothill · 50-200 m
Monkey Trail
Hike Koh Samui's Monkey Trail network, moderate-hard jungle routes from 7 to 55+ km through the misty southern hills, home to the annual Samui Trail race.
The climb
56 m up from sea level: about 19 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 8 km loop
- Time
- 3 h3 h 30 min4 h
- Effort
- Hard
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 10:30, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Few people
- Little shade
- Half a day out
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Bang Kao Beach 4.9 km
- Falls nearby Khao Yai Waterfall 2.1 km
- Temple nearby Secret Buddha Garden 2.2 km
Your pack 8 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Hiking shoes with deep treadMud, roots and wet rock
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
- Head torch, just in caseDays run long up there
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
1:30hours1:45hours2hours
Foothill
56m
15 Trail briefingNo. 15 Foothill · 50-200 m
Na Muang Waterfalls Trail
Hike Koh Samui's Na Muang Waterfalls Trail, a 3.9 km jungle trek to the Purple Waterfall pool and the island's tallest 80m cascade.
The climb
56 m up from sea level: about 19 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 3.9 km round trip
- Time
- 1 h 30 min1 h 45 min2 h
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt and concrete
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:45, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Na Muang
- Shady most of the way
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Aug
After the walk
- Swim at Bang Kao Beach 4.9 km
- Falls nearby Khao Yai Waterfall 2.1 km
- Temple nearby Secret Buddha Garden 2.2 km
Your pack 3 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
20min30min40min
Shore
27m
16 Trail briefingNo. 16 Shore · 0-50 m
Lad Koh Viewpoint
Lad Koh Viewpoint sits on Koh Samui's ring road between Chaweng and Lamai, an easy 20-40 min walk to views over Chaweng Bay. Free entry, best at sunrise.
The climb
27 m up from sea level: about 9 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 0.35 km round trip
- Time
- 20 min30 min40 min
- Effort
- Easy
- Ground
- Paved road
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 7:30, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Little shade
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Chaweng Noi Beach 1.0 km
- Falls nearby Sivatara Waterfall 5.2 km
- Temple nearby Wat Lamai 3.3 km
Your pack 3 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Trainers or sandalsPaved all the way
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
1:30hours1:45hours2hours
Shore
26m
17 Trail briefingNo. 17 Shore · 0-50 m
Hin Lad Waterfall Hike
Hin Lad waterfall hike on Koh Samui: about 2.6 km round trip, 130 m climb, 30-40 min uphill from a free temple trailhead to cascades and swimming pools.
The climb
26 m up from sea level: about 9 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 2.6 km round trip
- Time
- 1 h 30 min1 h 45 min2 h
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:45, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Hin Lad
- Shady most of the way
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Jul
After the walk
- Swim at Tong Yang Beach 2.8 km
- Falls nearby Hin Lad Waterfall 1.2 km
- Temple nearby Wat Chaeng Nathon 2.3 km
Your pack 3 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
30min45min1hour
Shore
17m
18 Trail briefingNo. 18 Shore · 0-50 m
Overlap Stone Viewpoint
Overlap Stone Samui is a 0.5 km, 15-20 minute climb above Lamai: turn off at Wat Sila Ngu, pay ~200-300 THB, hike or take the free truck to the top.
The climb
17 m up from sea level: about 6 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 1 km round trip
- Time
- 30 min45 min1 h
- Effort
- Easy-moderate
- Ground
- Dirt and concrete
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 7:45, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Little shade
- Fee
- about 200 THB
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Hua Thanon 1.4 km
- Falls nearby Sivatara Waterfall 1.0 km
- Temple nearby Guan Yu 1.0 km
Your pack 4 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Cash for the fee: about 200 THBPaid at the gate
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
2hours2:45hours3:30hours
Shore
16m
19 Trail briefingNo. 19 Shore · 0-50 m
Khao Nui Loop
Hike the Khao Nui Loop on Koh Samui, an ~8.7 km forest circuit near Secret Buddha Garden. A moderate ~2 hour trail ideal for solo hikers and bird watching.
The climb
16 m up from sea level: about 5 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 8.7 km loop
- Time
- 2 h2 h 45 min3 h 30 min
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 9:45, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Shady most of the way
- Few people
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Hua Thanon 2.5 km
- Falls nearby Wang Sao Thong Waterfall 1.6 km
- Temple nearby Wat Pradoem 1.1 km
Your pack 4 things
- 2 litres of waterMore than two hours out
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Snacks or a packed lunchHalf a day out
1hour1:30hours2hours
Shore
16m
20 Trail briefingNo. 20 Shore · 0-50 m
Secret Buddha Garden Hike
The Secret Buddha Garden hike on Koh Samui is a ~1-2 hour jungle climb to the Tarnim Magic Garden. Trail, 4WD road, entry fee (~80 THB) and best time.
The climb
Starts high, at a 100 m trailhead: mostly downhill to the 16 m pin
- Distance
- time only
- Time
- 1 h1 h 30 min2 h
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:30, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Temple on the way
- Shady most of the way
- Fee
- about 80 THB
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Apr
After the walk
- Swim at Hua Thanon 2.5 km
- Falls nearby Wang Sao Thong Waterfall 1.6 km
- Temple nearby Wat Pradoem 1.1 km
Your pack 5 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Cash for the fee: about 80 THBPaid at the gate
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
- Shoulders and knees coveredA temple on the way
1hour1:15hours1:30hours
Shore
13m
21 Trail briefingNo. 21 Shore · 0-50 m
Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop
Explore the Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop (Lat Wanon) on Koh Samui. Discover a tiered jungle cascade, steep rocky trails, and panoramic views away from the crowds.
The climb
13 m up from sea level: about 4 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 2.5 km loop
- Time
- 1 h1 h 15 min1 h 30 min
- Effort
- Easy-moderate
- Ground
- Dirt path
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 8:15, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Falls flow
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Lat Wanon
- Little shade
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Oct-Feb
After the walk
- Swim at Lipa Noi Beach 1.1 km
- Falls nearby Lat Wanon Waterfall 2.3 km
- Temple nearby Wat Nara Charoen Suk 0.5 km
Your pack 4 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Mosquito repellentDamp, shady forest
40min50min1hour
Shore
5m
22 Trail briefingNo. 22 Shore · 0-50 m
Coral Cove to Silver Beach
Walk the ~1.5 km granite boulder route from Coral Cove to Silver Beach on Koh Samui's east coast: hidden coves, snorkeling, and low-tide scrambling.
The climb
5 m up from sea level: about 2 floors of stairs
- Distance
- 1.4 km round trip
- Time
- 40 min50 min1 h
- Effort
- Easy-moderate
- Ground
- Rock and boulders
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
Out at 7:00, back around 7:50, long before the midday heat. An easy morning.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
There is no official signage or blazed trail: this is a self-guided coastal walk, not a maintained hiking path, so a downloaded map pin for each beach is more useful than trying to follow markers.
What you will meet
- Few people
- Little shade
- Fee
- Free
- Guide
- Not needed
- Best
- Dec-Apr
After the walk
- Swim at Silver Beach Samui 1.6 km
- Falls nearby Sivatara Waterfall 4.5 km
- Temple nearby Wat Lamai 2.8 km
Your pack 3 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Closed shoes with gripDirt path, slick after rain
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
30min40min45min
Boat trip
by boat
23 Boat trip Trail briefingNo. 23 Boat trip · by boat
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko is a day tour from Koh Samui: 400-500 steps to the viewpoint, tours from 1,200 THB, park closed about 1 Nov to mid-Dec.
The climb
The marine park islands sit outside our terrain model, so there is no height for them. Expect about 400-500 steps, steep and with railings.
- Distance
- about 400-500 steps
- Time
- 30 min40 min45 min
- Effort
- Moderate
- Ground
- Stone steps
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
A boat day: tours leave in the morning and the park closes at 17:00. The climb itself is short and steep, up a long flight of steps.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Boat trip, park closes 1 Nov to mid-Dec
- Fee
- 300 THB
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Dec-Apr
Your pack 6 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Trainers with gripSteep stone steps
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Boat tour and the park feeBoats leave Nathon or Bang Rak
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
30min40min45min
Boat trip
by boat
24 Boat trip Trail briefingNo. 24 Boat trip · by boat
Ang Thong Wua Talab Viewpoint
Climb ~500 steps to the Ang Thong Wua Talab Viewpoint on a Koh Samui day trip: views of 42 islands, Bua Bok Cave and boat tours from Nathon Pier.
The climb
The marine park islands sit outside our terrain model, so there is no height for them. Expect about 500 steps, steep and with railings.
- Distance
- 1 km round trip
- Time
- 30 min40 min45 min
- Effort
- Hard
- Ground
- Stone steps
Your day
Hot hours 6:0012:0018:00
A boat day: tours leave in the morning and the park closes at 17:00. The climb itself is short and steep, up a long flight of steps.
Best months
J F M A M J J A S O N D
What you will meet
- Big view
- Boat trip, park closes 1 Nov to mid-Dec
- Steep, rough going
- Fee
- 300 THB
- Guide
- Recommended
- Best
- Feb-Apr
Your pack 7 things
- 1 litre of waterAlmost no trail passes a water source
- Trainers with gripSteep stone steps
- A guide, or a friend who knows itEasy to lose the path
- Boat tour and the park feeBoats leave Nathon or Bang Rak
- Hat and sunscreenExposed in the sun
- Offline map on your phoneSignal drops in the interior
- Plasters and a small first-aid kitRough ground
The climb
To scale
One island, one mountain
Samui is a single granite dome. Every trail starts near the sea, and how far up it goes predicts the rest of your day: the heat, the water you carry, the shoes you need. Each flag is a trail, planted at the height we measured at its pin.
Shore0-50 m
Flat, sea-level walks you could do barefoot, with nothing above 50 m to climb.
20 min to 3 h 30 min on foot
- 16Lad Koh Viewpoint27 m
- 17Hin Lad Waterfall Hike26 m
- 18Overlap Stone Viewpoint17 m
- 19Khao Nui Loop16 m
- 20Secret Buddha Garden Hike16 m
- 21Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop13 m
- 22Coral Cove to Silver Beach5 m
Foothill50-200 m
A short rise into the foothills, enough incline to want closed shoes and a bottle of water.
10 min to 4 h on foot
- 9Tan Rua Trail166 m
- 10Hog Trail164 m
- 11Wang Sao Thong Trail100 m
- 12Lamai Viewpoint70 m
- 13Tartain Waterfall Trek62 m
- 14Monkey Trail56 m
- 15Na Muang Waterfalls Trail56 m
Ridge200-400 m
A real climb into the ridgeline forest: an hour or more of sustained gradient and a liter of water.
1 h to 4 h 30 min on foot
Summit400 m and up
A half day or more of climbing above 400 m, proper footwear, and for one trail a guide.
2 h to 6 h on foot
- 1Khao Pom631 m
- 2Samui 360 Viewpoint Trail610 m
- 3Khao Phra Trail515 m
- 4Magic Garden Hike448 m
- 5Sleeping Buddha Trail442 m
Swipe for all four tiers
Field notes
Honest, not scary
What the jungle will throw at you
Nothing here is a reason to stay on the beach. It is the difference between a great day and a long one, drawn from what our own trail guides say.
Take it seriously
Heat and humidity
The real boss of every trail. By late morning the forest holds the heat like a greenhouse, and the climb doubles it.
Start before 8, drink before you are thirsty, turn round early.
Hottest: Lamai Viewpoint, Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail, Magic Garden Hike
Take it seriously
Slippery rock
Wet granite by the falls is slick as soap, and most slips happen on the way down, when legs are tired.
Sit and slide down wet rock, never jump it.
Slickest: Na Muang Waterfalls Trail, Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail, Tartain Waterfall Trek
Part of the fun
Ropes and scrambles
Fixed ropes up to Na Muang 2 and Tartain, boulder hops round Coral Cove. Hands on rock is the best bit.
Test each rope, keep three points on the rock.
Ropes on: Na Muang Waterfalls Trail, Tartain Waterfall Trek, Coral Cove to Silver Beach
Mostly harmless
Leeches
Harmless and a little gross, out on the forest floor after rain. Khao Pom is their capital.
Trousers tucked into long socks, check your ankles.
Most on: Khao Pom, Tartain Waterfall Trek
Mostly harmless
Monkeys and farm dogs
Macaques work the viewpoints, and a few trailheads cross farms with loose dogs that bark more than they bite.
Food zipped away. A walking pole earns a wide berth.
Monkeys on: Monkey Trail, Khao Phra Trail
Rarely seen
Snakes
Only one of our trail guides mentions them, on Khao Pom. They want to meet you even less than you want to meet them.
Stay on the path, look before you grab a branch.
Mentioned on: Khao Pom
Plan around it
The tide
The Coral Cove to Silver Beach scramble runs along the waterline. At high tide, the route is the sea.
Go at low to mid tide, ideally in the morning.
Only on: Coral Cove to Silver Beach
Plan around it
No path, no signal
Some trails fade into the forest, and the interior drops your phone signal right when you want the map.
Save an offline map before you leave the coast road.
Unmarked: Tan Rua Trail, Khao Pom, Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail
Take it seriously
Rain and rising streams
17 of 24 trails
October to December brings most of the year's rain: 295 mm in October, 445 mm in November. Dirt turns to clay and streams rise fast.
Check the forecast. Turn back at a rising crossing.
Dirt or mixed ground on 17 trails
Good to know
When to take a guide
8 of 24 trails
Only Khao Pom requires one. 7 more recommend a guide, mostly because the path is easy to lose.
Khao Pom guides charge about 2,000-3,000 THB.
Recommended: Khao Phra Trail, Magic Garden Hike, Sleeping Buddha Trail
Swipe for all ten field notes
When to go
Month by month
Pick your month
December to February is cool and dry enough for the summits. The waterfalls want the rain that starts in September. Tap a month to see what it does to the trails.
January
- Rain
- 125 mm, 8 days
- Afternoons
- 29°C, 83% humid
- Sunshine
- 6.5 hours a day
At their best: 20 trails
- Khao Pom
- Samui 360 Viewpoint Trail
- Magic Garden Hike
- Sleeping Buddha Trail
- Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail
- Grand Viewpoint Traverse
- Khun Si Waterfall Trail
- Tan Rua Trail
- Hog Trail
- Tartain Waterfall Trek
- Monkey Trail
- Na Muang Waterfalls Trail
- Lad Koh Viewpoint
- Hin Lad Waterfall Hike
- Overlap Stone Viewpoint
- Khao Nui Loop
- Secret Buddha Garden Hike
- Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop
- Coral Cove to Silver Beach
- Emerald Lake
Waterfalls running: 8 of 9
- Zong RaueStrong
- Tan RuaStrong
- Na MuangStrong
- Lat WanonStrong
- Khun SiGood
- Wang Sao ThongGood
- SivataraGood
- TartainGood
- Hin LadLow
February
- Rain
- 65 mm, 4 days
- Afternoons
- 29°C, 81% humid
- Sunshine
- 7.5 hours a day
At their best: 22 trails
- Khao Pom
- Samui 360 Viewpoint Trail
- Khao Phra Trail
- Magic Garden Hike
- Sleeping Buddha Trail
- Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail
- Grand Viewpoint Traverse
- Khun Si Waterfall Trail
- Tan Rua Trail
- Hog Trail
- Tartain Waterfall Trek
- Monkey Trail
- Na Muang Waterfalls Trail
- Lad Koh Viewpoint
- Hin Lad Waterfall Hike
- Overlap Stone Viewpoint
- Khao Nui Loop
- Secret Buddha Garden Hike
- Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop
- Coral Cove to Silver Beach
- Emerald Lake
- Ang Thong Wua Talab Viewpoint
Waterfalls running: 6 of 9
- Tan RuaStrong
- Khun SiGood
- Wang Sao ThongGood
- SivataraGood
- TartainGood
- Lat WanonGood
- Zong RaueLow
- Na MuangLow
- Hin LadDry
March
- Rain
- 115 mm, 5 days
- Afternoons
- 30°C, 81% humid
- Sunshine
- 7.5 hours a day
At their best: 12 trails
Waterfalls running: 2 of 9
- Khun SiGood
- Lat WanonGood
- Zong RaueLow
- Tan RuaLow
- SivataraLow
- TartainLow
- Na MuangLow
- Wang Sao ThongDry
- Hin LadDry
April
- Rain
- 85 mm, 6 days
- Afternoons
- 32°C, 81% humid
- Sunshine
- 6.5 hours a day
At their best: 11 trails
Waterfalls running: 0 of 9
- Zong RaueLow
- Khun SiLow
- SivataraLow
- Hin LadLow
- Tan RuaDry
- Wang Sao ThongDry
- TartainDry
- Na MuangDry
- Lat WanonDry
May
- Rain
- 130 mm, 11 days
- Afternoons
- 33°C, 80% humid
- Sunshine
- 6 hours a day
At their best: 3 trails
Waterfalls running: 2 of 9
- Zong RaueGood
- Hin LadGood
- Khun SiLow
- SivataraLow
- Tan RuaDry
- Wang Sao ThongDry
- TartainDry
- Na MuangDry
- Lat WanonDry
June
- Rain
- 135 mm, 10 days
- Afternoons
- 33°C, 78% humid
- Sunshine
- 5 hours a day
At their best: 3 trails
Waterfalls running: 3 of 9
- Zong RaueGood
- SivataraGood
- Hin LadGood
- Khun SiLow
- Tan RuaLow
- Na MuangLow
- Wang Sao ThongDry
- TartainDry
- Lat WanonDry
July
- Rain
- 115 mm, 11 days
- Afternoons
- 32°C, 78% humid
- Sunshine
- 5 hours a day
At their best: 3 trails
Waterfalls running: 4 of 9
- Zong RaueGood
- Tan RuaGood
- SivataraGood
- Hin LadGood
- Khun SiLow
- TartainLow
- Na MuangLow
- Wang Sao ThongDry
- Lat WanonDry
August
- Rain
- 100 mm, 10 days
- Afternoons
- 32°C, 78% humid
- Sunshine
- 5 hours a day
At their best: 2 trails
Waterfalls running: 6 of 9
- Hin LadStrong
- Zong RaueGood
- Khun SiGood
- Tan RuaGood
- SivataraGood
- Na MuangGood
- TartainLow
- Wang Sao ThongDry
- Lat WanonDry
September
- Rain
- 120 mm, 11 days
- Afternoons
- 32°C, 80% humid
- Sunshine
- 5 hours a day
At their best: 1 trail
Waterfalls running: 8 of 9
- Wang Sao ThongStrong
- Hin LadStrong
- Zong RaueGood
- Khun SiGood
- Tan RuaGood
- SivataraGood
- TartainGood
- Na MuangGood
- Lat WanonLow
October
- Rain
- 295 mm, 16 days
- Afternoons
- 31°C, 85% humid
- Sunshine
- 4.5 hours a day
At their best: 2 trails
Waterfalls running: 9 of 9
- Zong RaueStrong
- Khun SiStrong
- Wang Sao ThongStrong
- TartainStrong
- Na MuangStrong
- Hin LadStrong
- Tan RuaGood
- SivataraGood
- Lat WanonGood
November
- Rain
- 445 mm, 16 days
- Afternoons
- 30°C, 86% humid
- Sunshine
- 6 hours a day
At their best: 4 trails
Waterfalls running: 9 of 9
- Zong RaueStrong
- Khun SiStrong
- Tan RuaStrong
- Wang Sao ThongStrong
- TartainStrong
- Na MuangStrong
- Hin LadStrong
- Lat WanonStrong
- SivataraGood
December
- Rain
- 265 mm, 12 days
- Afternoons
- 29°C, 83% humid
- Sunshine
- 5.5 hours a day
At their best: 21 trails
- Khao Pom
- Samui 360 Viewpoint Trail
- Magic Garden Hike
- Sleeping Buddha Trail
- Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail
- Grand Viewpoint Traverse
- Khun Si Waterfall Trail
- Tan Rua Trail
- Hog Trail
- Wang Sao Thong Trail
- Tartain Waterfall Trek
- Monkey Trail
- Na Muang Waterfalls Trail
- Lad Koh Viewpoint
- Hin Lad Waterfall Hike
- Overlap Stone Viewpoint
- Khao Nui Loop
- Secret Buddha Garden Hike
- Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop
- Coral Cove to Silver Beach
- Emerald Lake
Waterfalls running: 8 of 9
- Zong RaueStrong
- Khun SiStrong
- Tan RuaStrong
- Wang Sao ThongStrong
- TartainStrong
- Na MuangStrong
- Lat WanonStrong
- SivataraGood
- Hin LadLow
Flow is a pattern from rainfall records, not a live report: a dry spell in a wet month still runs low.
The map
Where they lead
Every trail on the map
22 trails on Samui itself, pinned where they lead: the fall, the temple or the top. Tap a pin for the trail, or light up one tier.
22 hikes dashed: one-way trails
Off the island
Ang Thong: two climbs on a boat day
Forty-two islands a boat ride north-west of Samui, with two short, steep climbs that end at the view everyone photographs.
- Emerald Lakeabout 400-500 steps
- Ang Thong Wua Talab Viewpoint1 km round trip
Boat only, from Nathon or Bang Rak. Park fee 300 THB. Closed about 1 November to mid-December.
After the walk: the closest swim, fall and temple
Nearest beach
- Magic Garden Hike Na Phra Lan Beach 0.4 km
- Lad Koh Viewpoint Coral Cove 1.0 km
- Lad Koh Viewpoint Chaweng Noi Beach 1.0 km
- Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop Lipa Noi Beach 1.1 km
- Hog Trail Bang Po Beach 1.3 km
Nearest waterfall
Nearest temple
- Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop Wat Nara Charoen Suk 0.5 km
- Magic Garden Hike Wat Na Phra Lan 0.6 km
- Lamai Viewpoint Wat Sila Ngu 0.9 km
- Overlap Stone Viewpoint Guan Yu 1.0 km
- Khao Nui Loop Wat Pradoem 1.1 km
Swipe for falls and temples
Good to know
Before you start climbing
Questions about the trails and their heights
Where do the trail heights on this page come from?
Each height is sampled from terrain data at the exact coordinate pinned on the trail's article, not taken from the article's prose. Checking that way caught two trails whose published summit figures were off by more than 150 m.
What is the highest point you can hike to on Koh Samui?
The island's measured crest is 632 m. The highest trail pin in this set reaches 515 m, on Khao Phra.
Which Koh Samui hike is the hardest?
Khao Pom, in the summit tier. It is the one trail on this page that requires a guide, and its own article calls it the hardest hike on the island by a significant margin.
Are any of these hikes flat?
Yes. The four shore-tier trails stay under 50 m, and the coastal walk to Coral Cove and Silver Beach barely climbs at all.
Do I need a guide for hiking in Koh Samui?
Only Khao Pom requires one. Several ridge and summit trails recommend a guide for navigation, and the rest are walkable alone with an offline map.
When is the best season to hike on Koh Samui, and which months to avoid?
December through February is coolest and driest for most trails. November is the wettest month, with October close behind, so skip those for ridge and summits. Waterfall trails are the exception: they need wet-season flow, roughly June through December.
Are there good hikes in Koh Samui?
Yes: 24 trails, from shore walks under 50 m to ridge and summit climbs toward the 632 m crest. Every trail starts near the sea, and the tier shows how far up it goes. Waterfall trails are the easiest way to combine a hike with a swim.
