The island paradise of the South East Asian continent is one of the leading vacation spots in the world. From famed Hollywood stars to solo backpackers, Koh Samui welcomes all of them with open arms. Having some of the most serene and mesmerizing destinations, it is also a Photographer’s heaven.
In this current generation, everything is driven by the media. All of us are affiliated with one or the other social media platforms sharing our most memorable moments with the rest of the world. Some of us even look forward to seeing astounding posts of places we would love to go to. Below are some of the best spots in Koh Samui that make for a beautiful and memorable photo.
When you are in Koh Samui don’t miss out on these places.
Koh Samui Instagram Spots:
1. Lamai Viewpoint:
One of the most popular spots of Koh Samui along Lamai Beach. The view from this point is just unforgettable. With coconut groves on either side, making it an extremely pretty sight to be captured in a frame. Being a park, this is a very popular photo shoot destination, especially for couples. The Valentine rock, a huge boulder shaped like a heart and the trickling beauty, Sivatara waterfalls are the two hotspots here.
If interested you can also get to the beautiful stretch of the calming ocean right below and click some amazing pictures of the mesmerizing scenery.
(Image Source: @aakritiranaofficial – Instagram)
Location: 127, 199 Had Lamai Rd, Tambon Maret, Surat Thani 84310
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
Best time to click pics: During Sunrise and Sunset
Entry Fee: approx INR 250
2. Silver Beach:
A favorite among the tourists, this panoramic place is one that is so beautiful that you will not get enough pictures of its beauty. This beach is also known as Crystal Beach or Thongtakian Beach. Lined with silver-colored rocks this refreshing strip of paradise is the best spot in Koh Samui for a great photo session.
An amalgamation of scenic beauty and adrenaline-driven activities, this is also one of the most preferred hubs for snorkeling in Koh Samui. You also get to see some of the prettiest fishes underwater. This place allows the photographer to put his artistic skills into action and get playfully unique shots.
(Image Source: @olesya_vegtravel – Instagram)
Location: Maret, Surat Thani
Timings: 24*7
Best time to click pics: During Sunrise and Sunset
Entry Fee: Free
3. Lipa Noi Beach:
One among the best Koh Samui Instagram spots, Lipa Noi is a secluded beach with beautiful coral reefs and mesmerizing school of fishes. If you walk a bit on the line of the shore you will come across a small yet tranquil coconut grove. This is a place where you just unwind and relax. Swim with the fishes and click some colorful pictures underwater.
Not many tourists venture until here. You can have as many photos and fulfill your desire for a beach photoshoot in this place.
Location: Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Timings: 24*7
Best time to click pics: During Sunrise and Sunset
Entry Fee: Free
4. Wat Plai Laem:
One of the best temples in Koh Samui, this temple is without any doubt one of the best spots in Koh Samui for a photoshoot. The colors and the fine architecture against the backdrop of blue skies are a treat to the eyes. Each step of the way is photogenic.
Photographer’s favorite abode, and a popular choice for wedding photoshoots. This is one place where you get to feel the traditional Asian vibe and capture them in frames. A modern Buddhist temple with architecture infusing the good of two worlds, Chinese and Thai is one that should definitely be captured in a frame.
(Image Source: @travelisforlovers _: Instagram)
Location: Wat Plai Laem, Road 4171, Koh Samui district
Timings: 6 am to 8:30 pm
Best time to click pics: Early hours of the temple
Entry Fee: Free (but offerings are welcome)
5. Samui Big Buddha:
Officially known as the Wat Phra Yai, this buddha temple is one among the most revered Buddhist temples on the island. Situated on a small hillock, this temple was originally built in 1972. However, the temple has gone through many renovations, and in fact, the chakra is a late addition to the status of Lord Buddha.
Sitting in a meditative posture, the 12mt huge statue of a peaceful, gleaming gold buddha looking over the whole of the island is a sight to behold. Connected by a bridge to the mainland of Koh Samui, this is a must photograph destination. Visiting this temple is always a top thing to do in Koh Samui.
(Image Source: @amseybee – Instagram)
Location: Route 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
Best time to clicks pics: Early mornings, when there is less crowd
Entry Fee: Free (offerings are welcome)
6. Grandpa Grandma Rocks:
Weird rock formations on the shores of the Lamai Beach resembling the genitalia of male and female human beings is all this place is about. Officially called the Hin Ta and Hin Yai, there is even an interesting legend behind why the shape of these rocks are like this and why they are called as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks.
Apparently, an old couple who were traveling across to another province in the hopes of getting their only son married died even before getting there. And this is why these rocks are naturally formed like this.
There is also a hidden gem in this famous Koh Samui Instagram spot which not many people explore. Right on the other side of these famous rocks, there is a blue lagoon among the rocks which is just the place anyone might lookout for to post and share on their Instagram accounts.
So, pack your bathing suits and get going!
Location: 126/92 Moo 3 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310
Timings: 8:30am to 6:30pm
Best time to click pics: During early morning sunrise or evening during sunset
Entry Fee: Free
7. Overlap Stone:
150mts above sea level, this cluster of rocks is a hiker’s goal as well. An offbeat place to the west of Lamai Beach, this offers a spectacular view of the ocean meeting the sky with lush greenery all around.
A strenuous trek indeed with a tough rocky way, is what it takes to get some of the best photos you will get in the whole of Koh Samui. Even preferred by couples this is one among the best spots in Koh Samui for a photoshoot.
(Image Source: @Alwinbranderhost – Instagram)
Location: 438/35, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310
Timings: 5 am to 6 pm
Best time to click pics: During early morning hours
Entry Fee: approx INR 75
8. Namuang Waterfalls:
Waterfalls are a must-have on the vacation photoshoot bucket list. The charm and beauty of the falls amidst thick jungle is all that the cameraman dreams of as soon as a nature photography session comes to mind. Known as the Purple waterfalls due to the purple hinge on the face of the rocks, this waterfall is one of the best spots in Koh Samui to click pictures.
There are two waterfalls namely Namuang 1 and Namuang 2. One can reach the first waterfall through a park and enjoy there for some time and take a dip in the naturally formed swimming pool and then move on to the second falls by hiking there for about half an hour. Not only are these falls mesmerizing, but even the surroundings and the path which leads to it.
So don’t hold yourself back, click as many photos as you wish!
(Image Source: @go4theglobe – Instagram)
Location: Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Best time to click pics: September to November is the peak season
Entry Fee: no entry fee to the first waterfall but you will have to pay about INR 80 for the second waterfall.
9. Fisherman’s Village:
A very unique Koh Samui Instagram spot is this popular tourist destination which is otherwise called Bophut. There are two places in which you can take pictures. One is the Bophut beach and the other is the proper village which occupies the center of the beach.
Just like any other beach Bophut beach is a real charmer with its calming blue waves and swaying palm trees. But what most people come here for is the authentic village. This was a place of french occupancy and hence to date, you can see some french influence in this place. You can also see some of the old Chinese shops in their lanes. The colorfulness of the markets with the merchants enthusiastically selling traditional handicrafts, spices, clothes, showcase pieces, and much more is an experience that cannot be described in mere words. These will make a really good and colorful photo for a wall hanging!
Location: Bophut Beach Road, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Timings: 24*7
Best time to click pics: Anytime
Entry Fee: Free
10. AngThong National Park:
Last but not the least, the ultimate destination of nature and adventure photography is this marine national park of AngThong National Park. With about 42 un-inhabited islands with lush green forests, this is a top scorer among the tourist spots in the whole of Thailand.
Among the 40 odd islands, only two islands i.e Ko Wua Ta Lap or Koh Phaluai are the ones with sparse inhabitance. Covering an area of a whopping 100sqkm, this marine national park is full of mind-blowing jungles, mangrove forests, wildlife, native marine life, and hoards of long-tailed monkeys.
The whole tour of the national park will take hours together if you opt to hire a normal boat, but on a speed boat, it takes about an hour for a complete tour. The best spot from where you can capture some of the most breathtaking pictures is on island Koh Phaluai and called the Eco Viewpoint
Location: 45/1-2 Moo 1, Thongsala Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Best time to click pics: Early morning hours and during sunset
Entry Fee: approx INR 750
Final Thoughts:
Koh Samui never disappoints anyone. You can rest assured that you are in for a real treat when you decide to photograph your way around. It doesn’t matter if you are using professional lenses or just your mobile phones to capture the moments, the result is going to be fabulous.
Don’t worry about anything else and capture away!