Joanna James
Visiting Koh Samui is sometimes considered to be the highlight of a journey to Thailand by many people, simply because of the stunning landscapes and various activities that can be enjoyed. From forests to temples, this part of Thailand has everything you can dream of!
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is essentially a collection of 42 islands found in the Gulf of Thailand containing large swathes of limestone mountains, vast jungles, and plenty of thriving plant and animal life. This makes it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts from across the globe who want to relax by the beach while also enjoying a hike through the stunning forests in their surroundings.
The best part is this part of Thailand is a protected area that spreads across close to 100 square kilometres of land and sea, while also holding space for people to go kayaking, diving and snorkelling.
If you are staying at one of the Koh Samui resorts such as the Avani Hotels & Resorts, be sure to ask the staff for their favourite things to do in the area in order to cut right to the good stuff.
While the name might have given it away, the Big Buddha is as the name implies. It is a 12-metre-tall golden statue of the Buddha and can be seen from several kilometres away!
This is easily one of the country's most famous shrines and is definitely a top attraction in Koh Samui as well. With this golden statue seated atop a mountain, it is posed in a manner that is referred to as the 'Mara posture' which is believed to have helped the Buddha defeat temptations.
The temple itself is also filled with various shrines and smaller scale models of the Buddha. If you are feeling a bit peckish, you will be able to find a range of little food stalls to sate your hunger.
If walking through the wild forests, or hiking through mangroves is not your cup of tea, then the next best thing is to pop on over to the historical region of Bophut. This region is filled with stunning buildings containing a plethora of quaint stores as well as an array of lovely hotels.
While it may be a little bit of an overstatement to refer to this site as glorious, it is a popular destination for people who are intrigued by the idea of visiting rock formations believed to resemble both male and female genitalia.
The translation of Koh Tao is Turtle Island and justifiably so, as this is one of the best places for travellers to try their hand at scuba diving in Thailand.
With a stunning array of coral reefs as well as an abundance of thriving sea creatures, there is no better place for a nature lover to truly revel in the beauty the world has to offer.
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