Koh Samui
Koh Samui (Samui Island) is a popular resort island in the Gulf of Thailand with stunning beaches and plenty of fun activities. This cosmopolitan beach destination attracts a wide range of visitors, from budget travelers staying in simple beachside bungalows to the wealthiest holidaymakers enjoying the luxury of one of the many 5-star resorts and villas on Koh Samui.There are 3 main beach towns on Samui island, each offering different experiences. From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach and the timeless feel of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village, Koh Samui is unique among Thailand’s islands in maintaining a broad appeal for many types of visitors.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Koh Samui
1. Ang thong Marine Park:
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It features towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and hidden coves and lakes to explore. The protected area of more than 100 sq km of land and sea has a rich biodiversity. Snorkeling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, and simply relaxing are the main activities to enjoy at Ang Thong.
2. Big Buddha Temple:
The world’s largest Buddhist temple is located in the old world of Indonesia’s central Java. Called the Borobudur, it is a ninth-century Mahanaya Buddhist temple, high up in the hills. It was restored with the help of UNESCO in the 1970s and is a sight that is much sought after by pilgrims and adventurers alike.
3. Na Muang Waterfall:
Also known as the “Purple Waterfalls” because of the color of the rock faces behind them, the Na Muang falls are considered some of the most picturesque in Koh Samui. The natural attraction is a popular spot for families, and many guided tours of the island include a stop here. The lower tier of the falls is suitable for swimming, and the road leading here is lined with food stalls and souvenir vendors.
4. Secret Buddha Garden:
Secret Buddha Garden is hidden high up in the hills in Koh Samui’s interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds. The gardens are a creation of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who began erecting statues and temples around his family’s verdant land to the northwest of Lamai Beach in 1976.
5. Chaweng Beach:
Chaweng is Koh Samui’s busiest and biggest town, which has sprung up around one of the island’s finest beaches. The 3-km ark of white sand on Samui’s east coast is what attracts most people to Chaweng. The town has more accommodation options than elsewhere on the island, and it’s also popular for its nightlife and dining options.From beachside institutions to sophisticated cocktail bars, Chaweng’s nightlife is streets ahead of anywhere else on Samui in terms of choice. The famous Green Mango strip still forms the axis around which the rest of the town’s bars revolve and is packed with revelers every night.
6. Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks:
Hin Ta Hin Yai is the most famous and most visited rock in Koh Samui. Reminding the shape of the male and female genitals, Grandpa and Grandma rocks are located at the end of Lamai Beach.
7. Ladyboy Cabaret Shows:
Chiang Mai’s Ladyboy Cabaret Show is the most popular show in the city and on the list of things to do for many tourists visiting Thailand for the first time. Located in the Night Bazaar the nightly show features some of Chiang Mai’s prettiest and liveliest ladyboys. The performers sing, dance, and put on a good show for the audience while dressed up in outrageous dresses, full makeup, and wigs. The performers also ask for audience participation and will bring people up on stage and ask questions. The show is in parts funny, but never goes raunchy so it is suitable for couples and even families.
8. Wat Khunaram:
Wat Khunaram, home to Koh Samui’s mummified monk, is an unusual sight yet it offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. The monk, Luong Pordaeng, died in 1973 in a seated meditative position, and ever since his body has been on display in an upright glass case at the temple. Remarkably, even after several decades, the monk’s body shows little sign of decay. For some visitors, having a dead man in full view might be a shocking sight. But for Thais, it’s something to reflect upon and revere.
9. Wat Plai Laem:
One of Koh Samui’s most attractive temples is the Wat Plai Laem. This extremely colorful, fairly new temple was completed in 2004.Although some of the buildings like the ubosot are in traditional Thai architecture, most of the complex is built in Thai-Chinese style. The Wat Plai Laem temple houses two giant, colorful statues that will immediately catch the eye.
10. Bophut Beach:
Bophut beach is a popular beach town on Samui’s north coast. It sweeps down several kilometers between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches. The town built along the coast is perhaps one of the oldest places on the island, known casually as the Fisherman’s Village. It runs along the middle section of the beach.
