Joanna James
The party paradise Koh Samui has been one place every backpacker seems to adore. People with a little constraint in the budget file into the city to decorate their memories with a priceless experience.
Sitting on a small rocky island just off the north-eastern corner, the humungous gilded statue has become something of a tourist drawcard. Built in 1972, the statue tops at 12 meters. From the main island, there's a causeway that connects the two islands. The statue is so conspicuous you can see it from a distance, especially if you'd arrive by air. In addition to squinting at the golden glare given to it by the gingery red sun rays, you can also pamper yourself with a bit of retail therapy – at the foot of the statue, there are some small-scale vendors selling artefacts, gift items, amulets and clothing items.
With rustic-style buildings lining the streets, the piscary is a feature of historical Koh Samui. Modern restaurants and many Koh Samui hotels fill up the village to accommodate those who's taken an interest in fishing. Every day at the fisherman's village is an eventful one, though, on Fridays, the whole village turns into a beehive – you'll see shoppers trudging up and down the streets and fisherman hard at work trying to make a sale.
Nature is an artisan who bestows upon us eccentric work of art – one such work of art is Hin Ta and Hin Yai. There's a quite grievous tale behind this attraction: there was an old couple who lived with their son in the southern part of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Once the son came of age, the couple decided that it was time their son got married. Having already found a match, they embarked on a journey to settle everything with the bride's parents. But unfortunately, while at sea, they were caught in a fierce storm and the boat was toppled over. Having no skills of swimming, but with the determination of making their intentions known to the bride's parents, it's believed that they turned the rocks into peculiar shapes which are supposedly indicative of their notion of marriage.
Visiting this marine attraction is on the list of sea excursions if you prefer the likes of Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort. But whatever your preference is, one thing is for sure; the marine park is a must-visit. With over 40 secluded islands which turn it into an ideal cover page for a magazine, Ang Thong National Marine Park is dotted with limestone mountains and lush mangroves. You can splash around in a speedboat while looking for an unfrequented cove where you can enjoy your picnic.
Sounds rather morbid, but if you don't mind feeling a little out of sorts – especially as this is something unique – pay a visit to this decades-old preserved body of Luong Pordaeng. It is seated in a meditative position and is stored in a glass box. It's been more than 30 years since his passing, and the body doesn't seem to be decaying – not at the rate you'd expect anyway. The only part that's been subject to the laws of nature is the eyes which are now covered with sunglasses.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
