Joanna James
From night market visits to being able to dive down to the depths of unimaginable wonder, the Gulf of Thailand's largest island of Koh Samui is a treasure trove of a holiday destination.
Made up of 42 delightfully laid-out islets that are gems of the rarest form, the region referred to as Ang Thong National Marine Park presents leisure seekers with plenty of space in which to whet their appetite for adventure. Look to opportunities to go snorkelling and kayaking and even a boat tour that will have you hiking to spectacular viewpoints from where a bird's eye view of the surrounding tropics can be caught sight of. Also, be sure to carry your trusty camera with you so that you have snapshots of one of the finest sections in all of Koh Samui.
Should you be a lover of the arts and possess an eye for detail & craft, then consider making a beeline towards the summit of Pom Mountain where the famed Secret Buddha Garden is situated. Comprising a collection of sculpture ranging from Buddha statues, animals, musicians, and even fountains to behold, the visitor will soon learn that the Garden was in fact the brainchild of a local farmer by the name of Khun Num whose tomb can also be located within a beautiful flower garden on the premises.
Move away from sun-kissed sands and dancing waves and to some of the isle's most traversed sections where a different form of appeal can be witnessed. Trekking through the thick jungle will bring you to the location of the Purple Waterfalls which are found within a park. The first falls provides the ease of a quiet swim and rest well away from activity and therefore, be sure to bring along your swimwear. Although, for the adventure-thirsty vacationer, a sharp ascent awaits to reach the 2nd of these falls. Herein, awe-inspiring vistas of a thriving habitat will be spread out ahead. Furthermore, Khun Si Waterfall located from Khun Si viewpoint which is over Chaweng Beach is next on the list, and though smaller in size, an air of solace and solitude will descend especially if you decide to head over during the morning long before the area crowds up with eager travellers yearning for its lush surroundings.
For those of you enthused about bouldering and rock climbing, look to the sheer size and magnitude of what the limestone walls found off Lamai and Chaweng beaches have in store for you. Measuring some 40 meters in height, the avid rock climber in you will surely be at home no sooner than you are strapped up and ready to scale heights never scaled before. In case you're a beginner, you should not shy away from such a challenge as there are a series of alternate routes that will be ideal to learn the ropes of what is a truly enthralling outdoor activity.
No holiday to Koh Samui will ever be complete without ever sampling some of its fascinating and lip-smacking good cuisines. For such a purpose, head down over to the Fisherman's Village in Bophut which is also found in close proximity to many a Samui resort such as the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort for a time where you will not only be treated to some of the finest fares in Thailand but also to a shopping escape with a different flavour altogether. Move from handmade jewellery, handicrafts, and local spices to the inviting scenes of busy food stalls and its pungent aromas which are all part of the Village's Walking Street which opens its doors every Friday at 5 pm. Featuring the outstanding creations of Pad Thai and Som Tam, one will also do well to check out the nearby pier which is often at the center of Muay Thai fights, Thai dance acts, and many other colourful depictions of Thailand's mesmeric culture.
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.
