Joanna James
Although most travellers holiday in Koh Samui for its stunning beaches and water sports activities, hikers will find that the island is also home to some of Thailand’s best lookout hotspots famed for their panoramic views. Here are 5 Samui viewpoints every tourist should experience.
Ranked among the top viewpoints for holidaymakers in search of an easily accessible and natural observation deck, it takes less than 10 minutes to climb up to the top of Lamai Viewpoint. The views awaiting visitors at the top not only include those of the coastline but also the tree-lined streets and canopies of forests that lie between the hill and Lamai Beach. Don’t forget to drop by the breathtaking waterfall at the base of the hill which features a platform for snapping photos as it is one of Koh Samui’s most underrated waterfalls. Named the Siva Tara Waterfall, this cascade is near Valentine Stone which is another point of interest thanks to the foot spa located nearby.
Avid hikers based at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Chaweng or any other Koh Samui resort on the island must also venture down to the Overlap Stone which is known to provide the best views of the isle’s staggering beauty. Towering above the surrounding landscapes at a height of 30 feet, this round-shaped stone is perched on a naturally formed platform. Although the views of Lamai Beach available from the Overlap Stone are captivating at any hour, the wee hours of the morning and the late afternoon period are the best times to head up to this natural observation deck.
Occupying pride of place on the southern fringes of the island, Hillcrest Drive Viewpoint is found on a cliff situated in Taling Ngam. Dangerously steep, the safest way to reach the summit of this hill is to trek up to the top as driving (even on a moped) is less than ideal given the dimensions of the road and the sharp inclines. While the venue is one of Koh Samui’s most popular observation hotspots, Hillcrest Drive Viewpoint is curiously not well-documented on travelogues and tour books.
As an obscure lookout point that’s known to offer scenic views of Silver Beach, Rock Bridge is located close to Cliff Bar from which visitors must walk down a stairwell to reach the venue. The tiny bridge found at the base of the stairs connects the mainland with a massive rock in the ocean forming an idyllic observation hub that’s suspended above the water. Ideal for couples and honeymooners in search of quiet and uncrowded viewpoints of the ocean, Rock Bridge affords unique views of Silver Beach and the surrounding environment.
Despite the fact that it is one of Koh Samui’s most famous lookout points, the buses full of travel groups that congregate at Lat Koh/Lad Koh Viewpoint should not deter first-timers from enjoying its views. As one of the top observation decks on the east coast, the charming views accessible from this particular viewpoint are some of the best on Koh Samui.
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.
