Khao Pom (Pom Mountain) — riding to the highest point of Koh Samui (2026)

Getting there by scooter

Khao Pom sits in the centre of the island, so from any coast you leave the 4169 ring road and climb inland. From Chaweng I ride south on the ring road towards Lamai and turn up into the hills; if you are staying in Lamai, the coast is closer and the climbing starts sooner. The simplest way to aim is the Secret Buddha Garden, which is up on the same mountain. In my experience the steep road up there is where the ride gets serious.

The last climb is very steep. The map pin for the peak is approximate, since I have not confirmed it on the ground. Check the last turn locally and do not trust the map to the metre.

I cannot vouch for a proper car park at the top. Leave the bike on its centre stand on level ground, never on the slope.

What you get up there and how long to stay

The point of Khao Pom is simple: it is the highest point of Koh Samui, and you ride most of the way up it yourself. How open the view is depends on exactly where you stop, on trees and on haze. On a clear morning you look down over the green middle of the island towards the sea. On a hazy afternoon you may mostly see jungle and cloud. I would not promise a full panorama. If an unobstructed 360° view is what you are after, Jungle 360 is the safer bet.

Plan for 20–40 minutes at the top. Riding up and down plus a stop at the Secret Buddha Garden makes a comfortable half day from Chaweng or Lamai.

• Water: bring your own. I would not count on a shop near the peak, so check on the way up.
• Fuel: fill up on the ring road before you turn inland. Climbing burns more than you expect.
• Shoes: closed shoes help if you have to put a foot down on a steep bend.

When to go

Go in the morning, ideally leaving the coast by 8–9. The air is clearer, the heat is lower, and in my experience clouds tend to build over the centre of the island after midday, which can hide the view and bring a shower. A cooler engine and cooler brakes on a long descent are a bonus too.

Do not plan this one for sunset. Coming down a very steep mountain road in the dark is the worst way to end it.

In the dry months the main enemy is heat. Take a break halfway up, for you and for the bike.

Combine it with

Khao Pom is part of my mountain roads route (45.7 km), which links Pom Mountain and the Secret Buddha Garden into one ride. It is the easiest way to do the climb without guessing turns.

• Secret Buddha Garden (Tar Nim): a jungle sculpture park on the same mountain. It is on the same mountain, and the road on to the peak is steeper.
• Paradise Park Farm: a mountain animal farm on the same slopes, open 10:00–19:00, entry about 400 baht. It is a good pause if you are riding with kids.
• Jungle 360: to the north-east. It is a separate hard climb, and I would not do both on one morning unless you are confident on steep roads.

If you are still choosing a bike for this, read 50cc or 125cc first. For Khao Pom the answer is 125cc.

Questions