Joanna James
A slice of history and culture to your seaside idyll that you look forward to excitedly can only add to a delightful getaway in tropical Chaweng Samui. Tour the beach town's top cultural and historical sites and discover an authentic, old-world side to now touristy Chaweng Samui that's still intact.
Nestled high away at the top of Pom Mountain, the Secret Buddha Garden lies on one of the highest points on the island of Koh Samui. The secluded private sculpture park is home to an incredible collection of sculptures, which include differently posed animals, angels, musicians, and of course, the highlight of the park, the slew of remarkable Buddha statues depicted in various positions. As the "secret" in Secret Buddha Garden hints, the park boasts boundless tranquillity to escape Koh Samui's infamous touristy feel and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
Just northeast of Koh Samui, connected by a short 3-kilometre causeway, on the island of Ko Phan is Wat Phra Yai — one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in all of Thailand. The striking ancient temple is best known for its 12-metre-high golden Buddha statue, which also gives the temple its name, Big Buddha Temple. The majestic golden Buddha is undoubtedly a sight worth admiring, but the temple has a whole lot more for you to experience besides its humongous star attraction.
The famous mummified monk is, without a doubt, one of the strange yet fascinating things about the island of Koh Samui. Wat Khunaram — also known as Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng — is the Buddhist temple that is home to the shrine of the mysterious "Mummy Monk". The ancient temple is both an important cultural site as well as a popular tourist destination, where tourists flock in droves almost every day to lay their eyes on the bizarre historical treasure.
Bringing you to the pristine white sands and turquoise blue waters that Koh Samui is most renowned for, Hin Ta and Hin Yai — or Grandpa and Grandma rocks, as they are known among the tourists to the Thai island — is a popular site on many Koh Samui itineraries. If the first sight of the rock formations made you think of what you think it is, it isn't your bawdy mind, but what the natural rocks and the associated intrigue are all about. It goes without saying the whimsical rock formation has long been a source of giggles for tourists and locals alike.
Set on a hilltop north of Chaweng Samui, Wat Khao Hua Jook is one of the least visited temples on the island, but it is no less charming. The century-old Buddhist temple is renowned for housing a replica of Buddha's footprint, but there's a whole lot more to be seen than just that. Get your fill of history, culture and heritage and make your way to one of the finest restaurants in Koh Samui offered by properties such as Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club to fill up on mouth-watering local delicacies.
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.
