Joanna James
Koh Samui is an island in the south of Thailand which is a very popular destination because it boasts 40 spectacular beaches but there are many more other reasons to visit Koh Samui as well.
The complete coastline of Koh Samui is dotted with gorgeous beaches. Some beaches have a calm and relaxing atmosphere while some have a vibrant and upbeat vibe. But amongst the island's many beaches there's a perfect beach for everyone. Chaweng and Lamai are the most famous beaches and are quite crowded at times. But the towns surrounding these two beaches offer the most things to do for tourists. Bophut and Maenam are the beaches you need to check out if you just want to kick back and relax.
Koh Samui is the perfect place to visit if culture and temples interest you. The island has many exotically beautiful temples. The more famous locations are the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem and Wat Kunaram however the most beautiful are definitely the less-visited Laem Sor Pagoda and the Wat Rattanakosin.
Thai markets boast an atmosphere that can be found nowhere else and Koh Samui has several such markets spread across the island. Walkthrough the crowds and follow the scent of spices and discover amazing local cuisine or just simply enjoy the evening, strolling through the many stalls. Checkout the Chaweng Night Market if you get a chance as it happens every evening.
Having many hills Koh Samui has many amazing viewpoints that offer great views of the Gulf of Thailand. Some of the best include those near Wat Rattanakosi and Khao Hua Jook Pagoda. But don't overlook the amazing views from Samui and Lamai viewpoint; there you can even find a nice little cafe to have a cup of tea while taking it all in.
This odd little site is located off the beaten track on Khun Num Peak and can be reached the easiest by motorbike. Tarnim Magic Garden is also called the Secret Buddha Garden mainly because it is a garden which is decorated by many Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, you can also see statues of snakes and mythical creatures.
It should be possible to rent or arrange a motorbike from any of the Koh Samui hotels. It is inexpensive and easily the most fun way to get around the island. Even if you're staying somewhere high-end like Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort a bike should be affordable and easy enough to arrange. The island has a road that circumnavigates its coastline; you can use this to get to all the major places on Koh Samui.
The nightlife in Koh Samui is mainly focused around Chaweng on the Beach Road. There are two popular areas to party; Soi Reggae near Chaweng Lake which has many beer bars and the famous Reggae pub and is a great area if you like live music as many of the venues have live bands playing every evening. The other is Soi Green Mango which has a nightclub of the same name however the party comes here only after midnight.
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