Joanna James
Koh Samui is an island with attractions to suit everyone's tastes! With amazing beaches coupled with nature trails and religious imagery, you will never be bored in Koh Samui.
Head to the Fishermans Village in Bophut and explore the trendy bars, cafes, and rustic buildings. On Fridays, the whole area transforms into a mega-market with lots of interesting wares for sale.
There are many beaches, but Lamai Beach is perhaps the most laid back in Koh Samui. With deep waters, it is a great beach for swimming and relaxing.
The marine park is an archipelago of 42 islands located in the Gulf of Thailand. The islands boast fantastic white sandy beaches, thick jungle, mangroves, Limestone Mountains, waterfalls and hidden caves. Furthermore, close to the national park, there is an area of over 100 sqm of protected land dedicated to conserving wild animals and marine life.
In the northern coast of Koh Samui there lies the Big Buddha shrine. The statue is perhaps the most well-known landmark in Koh Samui. The golden statue is 12 meters in its height and can be seen far into the distance. Inside the temple, you will find many other richly decorated statues and shrines. There is a small market near the temple premises, selling all kind of goods from lucky charms to food items.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai is a popular rock formation site, also known as grandpa and grandma rocks. The geological formations are interesting, to say the least, go and gasp at Mother Nature's art gallery.
Koh Tao is also known as Turtle Island and is a famed spot for scuba diving. This 21 km island has the perfect white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue waters. The coral reefs of the island are home to a variety of abundant marine life, including turtles and colourful fish.
This colourful and ornate temple is located towards the north of the Big Buddha temple. The temple centrepiece is an impressive statue of an 18 armed Guanyin- the Goddess of Mercy. Another statue of Buddha can be found near the lake.
There are many waterfalls in Koh Samui, but the two Namuang waterfalls also known as Namuang one and two are the most beautiful of them all. The name is derived from the large purple rocks near the waterfalls. Naturally formed rocks and tree roots lead the way to the base of Namunag 1, which is also more popular with tourists. Namuang 2 is quite a strenuous hike through the jungle but you will be rewarded with perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in Koh Samui. After a day's trek you are if you wish to relax and unwind consider spending some time at a beach club in Koh Samui the likes of AVANI SEEN Beach Samui which is situated close to this waterfall.
Hidden away in the hills of Koh Samui the garden features a collection of statues of Buddha and various deities. The garden is the creation of a fruit farmer who started placing statues in 1976.
Visit the most famous mummified monk in Koh Samui, Luang Pordaeng as well as several other monks. His body is placed in a glass case and is remarkably well preserved for over twenty years.
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.
