Joanna James
The island of Koh Samui offers many attractions for the visitor that offer captivating local insights; these include the Angthong National Marine Park, the Big Buddha, Bophut's Fisherman's Village, Namuang Waterfall, Wat Plai Laem and the Secret Buddha Garden.
You will see that this entrancing marine park consists of an attractive archipelago of numerous small islands situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Within this marine park, you will encounter towering mountains of limestone, sandy white beaches, thick areas of jungle, waterfalls, verdant mangroves and secluded lakes and coves. Angthong National Marine Park also contains a fascinating collection of marine creatures and interesting kinds of wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to engage in activities like snorkelling, kayaking, diving and hiking at this appealing marine sanctuary.
On Koh Samui's northern coastline you will find the famed Big Buddha, which is a shrine that is also probably the most renowned landmark in the island. This massive 12 m tall gleaming Buddha statue is visible from a considerable distance away. You will see that this Buddha statue is found within a temple that also features numerous other shrines as well as several other lesser statues. In the environs of the Big Buddha, visitors will also find a market offering a selection of souvenirs such as charms for good luck. If your sightseeing exertions have given you an appetite you will be able to buy some snacks from the nearby stalls.
Another religious attraction in Koh Samui is Wat Plai Laem, which is a vibrantly coloured and engrossing Buddhist shrine. You will see that this temple contains very intricate art and decor as well as a prominent statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. Another eye-catching attraction at this temple is a sizable Chinese-style white Buddha image. If you make a donation of money towards the maintenance of this place of worship you will be provided with a bag containing food with which you can feed the numerous fish that live in the temple lake.
The Fisherman's Village is a historically significant locality in Bophut which features a collection of rustic buildings that house stylish restaurants, boutique shops and a number of hotels. On Fridays, this area turns into a lively market which attracts innumerable shoppers who arrive from all over Koh Samui drawn by the diverse selection of goods and the vibrant atmosphere. A choice of accommodation to consider from which Fisherman's Village could conveniently be visited would be Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort which is a pleasingly located Samui resort beside the beach.
Despite the fact that Koh Samui boasts a number of waterfalls, you are likely to find that the pair of Namuang waterfalls could well be the most attractive. Interestingly, the word 'Namuang' is a reference to the huge purplish rocks which can be seen at the falls. The first of the Namuang waterfalls can be reached by ascending the natural stairway made by the roots of trees and rocks. If you continue your ascent you will reach the second waterfall which is renowned for its beauty.
Another interesting attraction in Koh Samui is the Secret Buddha Garden which can be found amongst the lofty hills that you will encounter in the interior of the island. At this garden, you will find an intriguing selection of statues amidst the surroundings of verdant jungle. You can also experience stunning views from this location. The Secret Buddha Garden is the work of Nim Thongsuk, a local farmer who commenced the creation of this garden as long ago as 1976.
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.
