The Best Viewpoints on Koh Samui
These are natural and sacred spaces. Please take your rubbish with you, respect the environment, and leave every spot exactly as you found it.
- Lat Ko Viewpoint — dramatic cliffs and uninterrupted ocean views near Lamai
- Jungle Club — sweeping views over Chaweng Noi with cocktails in hand
- Khao Hua Jook Pagoda — peaceful golden temple above the airport
- Overlap Stone — adventurous trek to a precarious cliff-edge rock
- Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) — panoramic Gulf of Thailand views from a sacred hilltop
- Laem Sor Pagoda — serene southern coast viewpoint right by the water
Koh Samui is more than its beaches. Climb above the coconut palms and you'll find a different island entirely — one of jungle-draped hillsides, shimmering coastlines, and views that stretch all the way to the horizon. Whether you're heading out to explore after a Living Room delivery or planning a full day of island adventures, these are the viewpoints worth making the effort for.
Lat Ko Viewpoint
Perched on the southeastern coast near Lamai, Lat Ko Viewpoint offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the island. Rugged cliffs drop away to turquoise water below — the kind of view that makes you forget what day it is. It's a favourite for photographers, sunset chasers, and anyone who just wants to sit quietly and take it all in.
Head south towards Lamai from the ring road — the viewpoint is signposted on the left. Accessible by car or motorbike.
Sun hat, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable shoes if you want to explore the rocky paths below. There are local vendors nearby if you need refreshments.
Jungle Club Viewpoint
For those who want their views served with a cocktail, Jungle Club delivers. Perched high above Chaweng Noi on a steep hillside, this rustic-chic bar and resort has sweeping views over the bay and beyond. Grab a sun lounger, order a fresh coconut, and watch the late afternoon light turn everything golden.
The road up is steep — take a 4x4, taxi, or a confident motorbike rider. Not ideal on a normal scooter.
Casual clothes and a camera. The restaurant on-site handles the rest.
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple
One of the island's most underrated gems. This striking golden pagoda sits atop a small hill near the airport, offering panoramic views over Chaweng Beach and the surrounding ocean — and because it flies under the radar, you'll often have it almost to yourself. A beautiful example of Thai Buddhist architecture, well worth a slow, respectful wander.
Easily accessible from Chaweng by car or motorbike.
Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees for temple etiquette), sunscreen, and comfortable footwear for the steps.
Overlap Stone
Not one for the faint-hearted — but absolutely worth it. Overlap Stone is a massive boulder balanced on a cliff edge above Lamai, offering a thrillingly exposed view down to the coast. The trek through forested paths to reach it is half the experience.
The path can be tricky without local knowledge. Ask at your accommodation or hire a local guide for the best route.
Proper hiking shoes, plenty of water, and insect repellent. This is a genuine trek, not a stroll.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
The Big Buddha Temple on the northern coast is one of Koh Samui's most iconic landmarks — a 12-metre golden Buddha watching over the Gulf of Thailand from a small hilltop island. The views from up here across the bay and to the surrounding islands are genuinely spectacular, and the atmosphere at golden hour is something special.
Located on the north coast, accessible from anywhere on the island by taxi or motorbike.
Modest attire (essential for temple grounds), sunscreen, and a camera.
Laem Sor Pagoda
A slightly different flavour — Laem Sor Pagoda sits right on the southern shoreline, giving you a rare combination of ocean-level coastal views and golden hilltop architecture. The horizon stretches endlessly from here, and the whole spot has a calm, unhurried energy that's hard to find elsewhere on the island.
Located near Bang Kao Beach on the southern coast. Best reached by car or taxi.
Modest clothing for the temple grounds, comfortable footwear for the sand, and a relaxed attitude — this one rewards those who slow down.
After a full day of exploring, the last thing you want is to hunt down a dispensary. Order ahead from Living Room and have your delivery waiting at your hotel, villa, or wherever you're laying your head — so you can come back from your adventures and properly decompress. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and tour groups. Sunset here, when the light hits the Buddha, is particularly memorable.
Planning a day out on the island? Order from Living Room before you leave — we'll have it ready for when you get back. 🌿
