Roland Lefevre
One of the most beautiful and blissful islands of Thailand is Ko Samui. Located in close proximity to the mainland province of Surat Thani, this tropical island is visited annually by over 1.5 million tourists from all over the world. Known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, amazing coastal features, thriving hospitality and tourist industries, and many leisure and recreational attractions, there are many things that visitors can do in and see in Koh Samui.
Being a tropical island, Koh Samui has many beautiful beaches. Yet none can be compared to Chaweng, which is regarded as the longest and most beautiful strip of untarnished beach of Koh Samui. With clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and luscious coconut palms, the tranquil beach of Chaweng is truly a paradise on earth. It is great for just basking in the tropical sun, sea bathing, working on your tan, and also some great photo ops. The Anantara Vacation Club Thailand is great for finding luxury accommodation, so why not browse through an Anantara Vacation Club review?
Located on a small island called Koh Faan, the Big Buddha statue is one of Koh Samui's most popular cultural and religious attractions. The Big Buddha statue is within the temple complex of Wat Phra Yai, and stands a might 12m tall. This stunning golden statue, depicting Lord Buddha in a seated position, stands atop a high platform allowing it to be seen many miles away. This holy statue is visited daily by many locals who offer flowers and fruits in return for blessings. The Big Buddha and the Wat Phra Yai and architectural and cultural marvels of Koh Samui, and are thus well worth a visit.
The two cascades at the Na Muang Waterfalls are considered to be most picturesque waterfalls in Koh Samui. The cascades; named Na Muang I and Na Muang II of beautiful natural attractions and attract many tourists and local families. Namuang I cascades into a shallow pool which is great for a dip. Located close to Namuang Waterfalls is the Namtok Na Muang, or "the Purple Waterfall", which gets its name from the unusual purple shade of the rock along which the water cascades, giving the cascade a unique purple tint.
It doesn't beat diving and swimming with fish, but the Samui Aquarium is the next best option if you want to explore the marine life of Koh Samui. This aquarium, modeled after a traditional Thai fishing village, is home most of the marine fauna that inhabit the waters of Koh Samui, such as turtles, nurse sharks, cat fish, and manta rays. The aquarium also has its own zoo, with tigers, bears, birds, leopards, and monkeys as well. The daily tiger, bird and sea lion shows are a major attraction of Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is known throughout the world for its thriving nightlife. With Beer Bars, Go go bars, nightclubs, discos, and pubs; you can assured of a great nightlife experience in Koh Samui. Offering a nightlife that ranges from trendy nightclubs to the signature transgender cabaret shows, you can be assured of never being without partying options in Koh Samui. Also look out for the legendary full moon parties on the beaches of Koh Samui.
It is not every day that you see nature imitating human sexual organs, and that is exactly what is in store at the Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai Rock Formations. Quite oddly, this rock formation has two formations that unmistakably resemble male and female genitalia, and is thus considered one of the unique attractions of the island!
