Joanna James
The tropical island of Koh Samui is a beach lover's paradise, but surprisingly the place has many more allures that are just as beguiling and far from the sandy beaches and shimmering ocean.
Wat Phra Yai, home to the huge golden statue, the 'Big Buddha', is just as iconic as the beaches of Koh Samui. The Big Buddha standing at a height of 40 metres will probably be one of the first glimpses of Koh Samui you get when flying in. Standing tall above the red-tiled roofs of the temple, this statue sits on the northern coast of the island, quite close to the airport. At the base of the hill the temple is perched, are a number of shops and restaurants, ready to indulge the tourist in you, while climbing the stairs up to the summit of the hill, will be rewarded with stunning bird's eye views of the island.
If you are enjoying paradise from your Koh Phangan resort and spa, keep in mind that Lamai Beach is just as beautiful. So, go ahead and plan a day's trip to this sandy oasis. Less crowded and likewise less developed, this beach is ideal for spending a relaxed day in tranquillity. The boulder strewn beach offers swimming all year round and is popular for its granite formations, called Grandfather and Grandmother Rock. Located on the south-east coast of Koh Samui, this beach although not as active as the others is well worth a day trip to.
Consisting of 42 karst islands, Ang Thong National Marine Park spans a total of 95 square miles. The place is a sanctuary for a wide array of flora and fauna and is home to powder soft white sand beaches, caves and verdant cliffs waiting to be explored. Of all the islands on this archipelago, only two are inhabited; Koh Wua Talap and Koh Paluay. The former is the larger of the two and boasts, restaurants, bars and a park ranger's office. Explore the tropical forests, trek through verdant paths and keep a lookout for the exotic wildlife, amongst which are Oriental Pied Hornbills, monkeys, herons and bats. Head across the shallow ocean and you will spot, friendly dolphins, giant whales and other marine life, which are a delight to observe. Resorts such as Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas can organise excursions to this marine park which is a convenient option to consider.
Tear yourself away from the beach to check out this waterfall, and you won't regret it! Nestled in the centre of the island, the falls greet trekkers with the refreshingly soothing sound of water falling over the rocks. Consisting of two tiers, the first fall ends in beautiful pool at the base; take along the swimsuits folks for you won't want to miss a chance to cool off in the refreshing water. The higher tier is suited for those up for a good hike, either by foot or on the back of an elephant; the former option comes recommended. There you are treated to one of the best lookout points in Koh Samui. Whilst heading back, don't forget to stop at the food and souvenir stalls, lining the road leading to the first falls.
Aow Leuk is a stretch of sand which is not easy to reach; hence it is not crowded and remains pretty much unspoilt. The shallow bay offers crystal clear waters to swim in, while the surroundings are very conducive to relaxing mind, body and soul.
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