Joanna James
The second largest island of Thailand, Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is blessed with a diverse landscape complementing the enchanting beaches with jungle backdrops and offering various water-based experiences and activities overwater as well as underwater.
Koh Samui is unique in providing a good mix of beaches providing variety as well as tranquillity to suit different visitors attracted to its beautiful shores. The popular Chaweng Beach is well developed to welcome loads of visitors with many facilities including an array of Samui resorts catering to different clientele. Chaweng Noi beach is one of the highest-rated beaches in Thailand lying to the south of Koh Samui. Laem Set Beach on the other hand provides an utterly serene environment and is ideal for honeymooners and those seeking solitude.
A short distance from Koh Samui is its sister island Koh Phangan, in fact from the shore of Koh Samui one can see Koh Phangan. Plan a day trip to this island with large granite rocks and green-swathed mountains providing a scenic backdrop to the beaches, whilst the coastline offers many sheltered coves making it an ideal place for relaxation as enjoyed by visitors from Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.
Wat Phra Yai or the Big Buddha Temple is famous for the 12-metre-high seated statue of Lord Buddha which had been built in 1972. Situated on Koh Faan, this temple is connected to Koh Samui through a long causeway. It is a unique experience to view it at close quarters as most visitors have already seen this statue as their flights come to land at Koh Samui airport. Enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings from this temple and visit the market on the temple grounds to pick up religious ornaments and souvenirs on sale.
Covering an expanse of over 100 square kilometres, this park is an archipelago consisting of 42 islands. Boasting a variety of species of aqua life, a day's exploration is ideal at this unique park. Encounter sugar-fine sandy beaches fringed by coconut palms, lush jungles and a variety of flora on your explorations, whilst you come upon those unexpected waterfalls to keep you enchanted.
The night markets at Koh Samui are simply fabulous and rotate locations each evening. These are ideal for tasting authentic Thai street food, picking up souvenirs and many other exciting things that catch your eye like shoes, bags, and accessories at quite reasonable prices. You may even haggle at some of the stalls. These night markets are ideal places to experience the local vibes.
These are also called Grandfather and Grandmother rocks as they resemble male and female genitalia. There are some legends about how they came to be, whatever the reasons may be these unique rock formations have been attracting scores of visitors over the 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.
