Overlap Stone 1 + 2 in Koh Samui Travel Guide: How to Visit & What To Expect
Everything you need to know about the experiences | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Two balancing rocks
The Overlap Stone on Koh Samui is a balancing rock, situated on another big rock providing grand views of Koh Samui’s east coast.
Since about 2023, there are two places called Overlap Stone: Overlap Stone 1 (the original) and Overlap Stone 2 (located higher up the same road).
They’re both contenders for the best Koh Samui viewpoint.
When we visited in early 2019, we were all alone at the Overlap Stone. When Alex revisited in 2024, things had changed quite a bit.
Overlap Stone 1 has transformed from being a cool rock in someone’s backyard to being an actual tourist attraction with a logo, staffed entrance and the whole shebangs.
Overlap Stone 2 is now what Overlap Stone 1 used to be: Rustic and off the beaten path. So far, at least!
Here’s our guide to visiting the Overlap Stones, including what to expect, practicalities, how to find the stones and more.
Where to stay in Koh Samui:
- Luxury: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui – A private island. Enough said.
- Value for money: Crystal Bay Yacht Club – Direct access to one of Samui’s most exclusive beaches, close to the Overlap Stones!
- Budget: Samui Green Hotel – A cheap option on Chaweng Beach.
Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Samui here.
Table of contents
What to expect from Overlap Stone 1
The original Overlap Stone is now located at “Overlap Stone Camp View“.
Arriving at the entrance, there’s free parking.
The entrance fee is 200 baht (~ 5.5 USD / 5.15 EUR) which includes a soft drink.
Walking up to the big rock is a relatively steep but short (and paved) hike.
Overlap Stone 1 facilities
There is both a toilet and a bar at Overlap Stone.
There are also quite a few places from which to sit and admire the view.
How to get to Overlap Stone 1
Overlap Stone is located up in the hills relatively close to Lamai Beach on Koh Samui’s east coast.
Driving directions to Overlap Stone 1
Turn off Koh Samui’s main ring road by the red temple (Wat Sila Ngu), towards the mountain.
The road is paved so most scooters should be able to handle the trip up to the stone, no problem.
Just be aware that the road does get pretty steep.
If that makes you uncomfortable, park your scooter further down and hike up. It isn’t too far.
Driving back down is even easier than getting up there; just take it really slow and you’ll be fine.
Walking from Lamai Beach
While it is possible to walk all the way to the Overlap Stone, we would recommend hiring a scooter instead.
Getting around the island is so much easier on two wheels.
And if you hike in the burning Samui sun, you will get hot – not great for those Overlap Stone selfies!
If you do decide to walk, just take it slow up the hill and remember to drink plenty of water.
Overlap Stone in 2019 vs in 2024
We made this caroussel post on Instagram showing the development of Overlap Stone from our visit in 2019 to 2024:
What to expect from Overlap Stone 2
Overlap Stone 2 is what Overlap Stone 1 used to be (at least when Alex visited at the start of 2024!)
Located a little further up the steep road, there’s no actual entrance to Overlap Stone 2. There is a place where you can park your scooter for free, though.
How to get to Overlap Stone 2
Long and steep or short and steeper?
After the parking you’ll be presented with a choice: Long and steep or short and steeper?
Alex went up the short way and down the long way.
The short way is 200 metres (according to the signs) and is quite well signposted. Just keep going up and follow the path.
Wearing flip flops is not recommended for the short way. Especially not if it has rained recently.
The long way is 550 metres, most of it on kind-of paved trails/roads.
The experience at Overlap Stone 2
The entrance fee to Overlap Stone 2 is 1/10th the fee of Overlap Stone 1 (20 baht vs 200 baht).
(Alex paid the fee in cash directly to the owner, which turned out to be the owner of the original Overlap Stone house. As far as we’ve understood it, he has sold the land to the “new” Overlap Stone 1 project and simply started Overlap Stone 2.)
Once at the top, all there’s left to do is to enjoy it and take in the splendid views.
Walking out to the Overlap Stone (2) provides really amazing jungle views.
The views towards Lamai from the other viewpoints are also great.
There’s no toilet at Overlap Stone 2, but it’s possible to buy some soft drinks and coconuts. There are also free bananas (just like there was when we visited the “original” Overlap Stone in 2019).
Where to stay near Overlap Stone 1 and 2
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is the second most popular beach in Koh Samui following Chaweng.
It’s less crowded than Chaweng Beach but you can still find lots of hotels, restaurants and bars lined next to each other on the beach.
In other words; it’s a great option if you don’t need that many party and shopping options, but still prefer to have a wide variety of restaurants, massage parlours and big supermarkets to choose from.
The beach is lovely and long enough to never feel completely packed.
It can be a bit difficult to access the beach if you don’t stay at a beachside hotel though.
Staying near Lamai makes day trips to the waterfalls of the south a breeze and also offers you a quick getaway to the less developed parts of Koh Samui. Including to the Overlap Stones.
The best hotels in Lamai:
- Budget: Marina Beach Resort – Beachside pool with direct access to a lovely part of the beach at a great price. We stayed here for 11 nights in 2024.
- Luxury: The Lamai Samui – Intimate 5-starred luxury resort with different pool options.
- Value for money: Samui Jasmine Resort – A good value 4-star hotel at Lamai’s northern end.
- Budget: Samui Sense Beach Resort – Stay centrally in Lamai by the beach in a cheap, clean room.
Search for the best value accommodation near Lamai Beach here (adlink).
Budget: Marina Beach Resort
We stayed for 11 nights at Marina Beach Resort in 2024 and had a great time.
It has direct access to the beach, a beachside pool and perhaps most importantly: it’s budget-friendly.
While we stayed in a standard room near the road, it’s also possible to get your own bungalow closer to the beach.
The people working at the reception were very kind, and all in all we felt like we got a great deal here.
Check prices and availability at Marina Beach Resort (adlink).
Luxury: The Lamai Samui
The Lamai Samui is situated a few hundred metres south of Silver Beach on the far end of the Lamai area, nestled between the mountains.
This means you’ll be about a 20-minute walk away from most of the tourist options, but if you’re staying at The Lamai Samui, they probably won’t be needed.
The private beachfront location has stunning ocean views and the resort offers great facilities, including a beautiful seaside pool, full-service spa and a gym.
For visiting Koh Samui’s other beaches and towns, The Lamai Samui offers complimentary shuttle services.
Check prices and availability at The Lamai Samui (adlink).
Value for money: Samui Jasmine Resort
Check out Samui Jasmine Resort if you’re looking for a good value 4-star hotel in Lamai.
Situated on the northern end of the beach’ action, you’ll have access to plenty of restaurant options while still being away from some of the noise.
Choose between garden view or sea view, and then hop between the pool and the beach.
Check prices and availability at Samui Jasmine Resort (adlink).
Budget: Samui Sense Beach Resort
For staying centrally in Lamai by the beach on a budget, Samui Sense Beach Resort is a great choice.
With free wifi, a private bathroom and air conditioning you have your bases covered.
Choose between lounging by the pool or on the beach – and then use the money you’ve saved on accommodation at Lamai’s many restaurants or by getting a relaxing massage.
Check prices and availability at Samui Sense Beach Resort (adlink).
Silver Beach
Between the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, you’ll find this little gem surrounded by large rocks.
Silver Beach, or Crystal Bay as it’s called as well, has pure white sand and clear water.
It probably had the prettiest, most saturated turquoise water of all the beaches we visited in Koh Samui. A real treat for beach lovers.
Here you can avoid most crowds while still being just a short drive away from the many options of Chaweng and Lamai (including the Overlap Stones).
Search for the best value accommodation near Silver Beach here (adlink).
Value for money: Crystal Bay Yacht Club
Located behind the rocks on Silver Beach’ south end, Crystal Bay Yacht Club holds amazing views over the bay.
There’s a pool, the rooms look very nice and according to our research, this is the best value accommodation on Silver Beach.
Check prices and availability at Crystal Bay Yacht Club (adlink).
What to bring when visiting the Overlap Stones
- A good camera – here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- Thai baht in cash for the entrance fee(s).
- Sun protection; a hat, sunglasses, light covering clothes and an eco-friendly sunscreen.
- Proper shoes aren’t strictly necessary but are recommended if you plan to hike the short route to Overlap Stone 2
- Plenty of water.
Sustainable travel tips
To minimise your impact when visiting the Overlap Stones, try to follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle (adlink).
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Dispose of waste properly. Preferably take anything you bring to Overlap Stone 2 back to your accommodation with you. There are trash cans at Overlap Stone 1.
- Respect any wildlife you might encounter. It’s (still) quite wild up at Overlap Stone 2.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Don’t miss our guide with tips for visiting Thailand packed with must-know travel advice, local customs and important things to avoid for a lovely vacation and a respectful visit.
The future for the Overlap Stones
Back in 2019 we predicted that Overlap Stone would increase in popularity – and it certainly has.
Now we predict that the same thing will happen (more or less) to Overlap Stone 2.
So better go now to still enjoy the free bananas 😉
Thanks for reading
We hope this travel guide to Overlap Stone 1 and 2 in Koh Samui has been useful.
What do you think about the balancing rocks? Did someone put them there??
If you’ve been to any of the Overlap Stones it would be awesome to hear about your experience in the comments below. Also if you only visited the original one before the commercialization.
If you haven’t been yet but would like to, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to be of assistance.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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