Joanna James
Ranked among Thailand’s top beach holiday destinations, Koh Samui is a popular travel hub for families, honeymooners and solo visitors. While its full-moon parties and marine parks are the main focus of every travel itinerary, here are 7 unusual things to do on a getaway to the pristine island.
Although most holidaymakers pay homage to Koh Samui’s Buddhist temples or Wats, including the Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem, few are aware of the Chinese temples and shrines dotting the island. The Chinese temples in Koh Samui, unlike the Theravada Buddhist shrines of Thailand, display the architectural features of Taoist buildings. The Chao Eng Sae Shrine is one such example, while those with an interest in the island’s Chinese heritage should also visit the Nathon Hainan Shrine.
Those with a passion for a well-brewed rum can’t afford to miss a tour of this Koh Samui distillery. In addition to the opportunity to sample rum that’s produced on the island, a guided tour also educates visitors on the finer points of crafting the island’s signature vintage.
Although Wat Khunaram is not among Koh Samui’s most sacred places of worship, it is home to a curiosity that’s been drawing tourists for decades. Displaying the remains of a monk who passed away decades ago at the age of 79, it is interesting to note that the body of Luang Pho Daeng has not gone through any formal mummification process, despite its well-preserved appearance.
Bangkok isn’t the only destination where travellers witness the thrills and spills of a live Muay Thai boxing match, as the Samui Phetch Buncha Boxing Stadium hosts its own share of boxing events. Taking place after sundown, it is an engaging way to spend an evening amidst throngs of local boxing fans cheering for their favourite fighter. Travellers based at NH Collection Samui Peace Resort and other similar hotels in Koh Samui will find that they are within easy driving distance of the popular boxing venue.
Yoga fanatics and water sports lovers bound for the Gulf of Thailand can combine their passion for both activities with a SUP Yoga session with the help of a local tour operator. While performing yoga poses on a paddleboard might not be easy, it is one of the best ways to test your skills as a seasoned yoga practitioner or an avid Stand Up Paddleboarder.
While Koh Samui’s interiors may not draw as many visitors as its coastlines, the large collection of waterfalls occupying the island is an invitation for nature lovers to embark on an entirely different kind of adventure. Whether it’s hiking up to witness the majesty of Tang Rua Waterfall or the Hin Lat Waterfall, both tours will afford visitors the chance to cool off with a swim in a natural pool.
Signing up for a quad biking adventure in the forests occupying the sun-kissed island is another must for off-road enthusiasts. Often described as a great way to uncover Koh Samui’s hidden beauty and rugged terrains, quad biking tours are easily accessible via local resorts and tour operators.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
