Joanna James
Koh Samui is brimming with free sights and sounds for the budget traveller or anyone for that matter! Here are some of the amazing ways to relish the tropical island without spending a cent!
Na Muang Waterfalls is an hour from the temple of Big Buddha and two waterfalls called Na Muang 1 and 2! The path is remote, and you won't be able to find public transport to the location. A taxi or a scooter is needed to make the journey. September to November is the wet season and the best time to visit the place. Na Muang 1 has a natural rock pool perfect for swimming; however, it can get quite crowded during the high season. If you prefer seclusion, hike uphill for 30 minutes to reach Na Muang 2. Many a resort in Koh Samui is within reach of this place, and the likes of Avani+ Samui Resort are among the top places to choose from.
This beach is less touristy than others on Koh Samui, so it is the perfect place to relax if you want some alone time. Early mornings are wonderfully quiet, so you can have the beach to yourself. The waters are clean and clear with a brilliant turquoise hue. As there is good visibility, snorkelling is popular here. The big rocks are found jutting above the water, around which all kinds of colourful, little fish gather. But know that snorkelling gear is unavailable in these parts, so take your equipment with you.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai are two unusual rock formations. The locals call them the grandma and grandpa rocks. The rock formations are found on the southern extremity of Lamai Beach. The rocks are reminiscent of certain body parts. According to legend, these rock formations are the result of a married couple who got shipwrecked near the rocks!
This vibrant temple is towards the northern end of the Big Buddha temple. And at its centrepiece is the remarkable image of an 18-armed Guanyin - the Goddess of Mercy.
This is the ideal place to witness a beautiful sunset descending over Koh Samui. Other beaches on the island's west coast don't provide a sunset viewpoint as picturesque as this! Make yourself cosy on the pier with a drink and witness a magical sunset overtake the hills of Samui.
Found near the entryway to Na Muang Waterfall 2, most villagers arrive here to worship at the temple; however, another attraction here is the remains of a Buddhist monk that hasn't decomposed for decades since his death! According to an account, the monk indicated the day of his death and knew his body won't wither. The monk died in 1973 in the very seat you will find his body positioned. Resident monks protect the body from exterior influences and elements on a glass case.
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