Top Things to Do in Koh Samui – Experiencing an Entrancing Island

The renowned Big Buddha statue is a prominent sight situated on Koh Samui's northern shores. One of the island's best-known features, this golden 12-metre-tall Buddha statue is visible from many kilometres away. You will find that the temple compound surrounding the statue also contains other shrines as well as several smaller but intricately fashioned Buddha images. In the environs of the temple compound, you will also encounter a market where you can buy a variety of amulets as well as other souvenirs, while it also features a collection of food stalls.

Nature lovers are sure to be captivated by the lovely Ang Thong National Marine Park which happens to be a beautiful archipelago containing as many as 42 islands. Here, you will encounter lofty limestone mountains, lovely sandy beaches, dense jungles, lush mangroves, secluded lakes and coves, waterfalls and more. This marine park which is located in proximity to Koh Samui is an expansive protected sanctuary that boasts a diverse collection of exotic land animals as well as marine creatures. At Ang Thong, you will also have the chance to engage in activities like hiking, snorkelling, diving and sea kayaking.

The Fisherman's Village happens to be an important historical zone of the town of Bophut, featuring rustic buildings that house stylish restaurants, boutique shops and other attractions. On Fridays, the entire area is transformed into the Fisherman's Village Walking Street Market; it attracts hordes of shoppers who arrive from different parts of the island due to the remarkable collection of merchandise as well as its vibrant atmosphere. You can consider being based at one of the island's Chaweng beach resorts including the property of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas from which you could easily visit Fisherman's Village and other key local attractions.

You will find that Wat Plai Laem which is located towards the northern area of Koh Samui is a vibrantly coloured and fascinating Buddhist place of worship. This temple boasts very intricate artwork and decor, including an elaborate depiction of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, as well as a sizable Chinese-style white Buddha image situated amidst the nearby lake. Visitors who offer funds for the temple's upkeep are provided with a bag of foodstuffs that they can throw to the lake's numerous fish.

For an out of the ordinary experience, take the opportunity to view the renowned mummified monk who may be seen at Wat Khunaram. Although the sight of a dead body could be unusual and even disturbing to foreign visitors, to Thais, death is not something to be feared and this mummified monk is respected and revered. The mummified monk was named Luong Pordaeng and was a greatly venerated Buddhist monk; it was his wish that his body should be kept visible after his death as a reminder of the teachings of the Buddha.