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koh samuiEight-headed Coconut Tree An enjoyable jungle walk is the one that takes you to this rather odd coconut palm. A rare freak of nature this tree seems to divide continually. Normally the coconut palm only bears one head. At the moment there are 8 but recent reports say it’s showing signs of splitting again.
Ancient House A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Talay is the oldest house on the island. It was built approximately 150 years ago, constructed of teak planks and many beautiful wood carvings.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Another of nature’s oddities on Koh Samui is that of the “Grandmother and Grandfather rocks”. Also called the “Genital Rocks” they are strange natural formations that have been eroded by the elements over time. They now form sculptures of male and female genitals, which create a lot of humorous interest from tourists and locals alike. Located at a scenic spot along the shore, south of Lamai Beach.
Naga Pearl Farm A 30 minute boat ride from Koh Samui will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm where you can see how pearls are cultured. After the tour, you can enjoy some Thai food and spend the afternoon on the sandy beach. The Naga Pearl Shop, is located on Koh Samui, where all varieties of pearls can be purchased.
Secret Buddha Garden This Alice in Wonderland type garden, in the hills of Samui, is situated in a jungle ravine, adorned with statues, cottages and waterfalls that have been constructed by one man in the last 20 years.
Snake Farm Impressive shows featuring native snakes, centipedes and scorpions are sure to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveller. Watch in amazement as the host surrounds himself with poisonous cobras and touches their reared head! It is a great venue for the entire family and worth looking out for. Follow the signs throughout the island.
Waterfalls The most beautiful and easiest waterfalls to get to are, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool below. If you fancy a jungle walk, head to Hin Lad Waterfall. Here a 2 km path winds its way through lush foliage to the picturesque spot. A must for all nature-lovers and well marked on any tourist map.
Outer Islands
Ang Tong National Marine Park It consists of some 40 small islands, with dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, lush jungle and wild gibbons. It provides an unspoilt island experience for the whole family.
The park lies 31km from Koh Samui, accessible by a 45-minute speed boat ride or 2 hours by ferry. Here one can kayak over mangrove-lined waters or drift silently to land and step onto a deserted beach. One of the first things that will strike you is the quiet. Then you’ll notice the gentle slosh of water as it glides up the sand or gurgle as it’s sucked between limestone boulders. If you’re quiet and alert, you may be lucky enough to spot a sea otter or gibbon nearby. The tropical bird life here is good too and you are sure to be rewarded with a number of sightings.
Most islands consist of limestone formations reaching heights of up to 400m, fringed by sandy beaches and tropical rain forest. Some islands are mangrove-lined and make interesting exploration areas. The wildlife here is abundant both in and out of the water.
The park office is on Koh Wua Talap and here the visitor will find bungalow-style accommodation. Popular sites include Hat Chan Charat (Moonlight Beach), a high viewpoint and the Tham Bua Bok (Waiting Lotus Cave, named after spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations). An emerald saltwater lake known as Thale Nai on Koh Mae Koh is the park’s major attraction. To reach it requires a strenuous climb but the view is well worth the effort.
Koh Phangan This island, directly north of Koh Samui can be explored by foot or motorbike. Attractions include the Tan Sadet Waterfall, the Laem (Cape), Hat Rin (Rin Beach) and the Paen National Park.
Koh Taeuai This small island, not far from Koh Phangan, is popular with tourists for its natural beauty. There are high, jungle-covered hills, long stretches of golden sand beach and coral reefs to explore.
Tan and Matsum islands These small islands make a fine day trip from Samui. Located just 2km away, these quiet islands offer long, sandy beaches and good snorkelling. There's also hiking, fishing, bat caves and scenic sightseeing.
Koh Tao The island of Koh Tao is northwest of Phangan Island. Small and beautiful, the island earned a reputation for picturesque coves and coral gardens, making it a popular diving destination.
Temples (Wats)
Big Buddha Temple or Wat Pra Yai Wat Pra Yai is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue and the surrounding views at some point during their stay. Visible from several kilometres away and even from planes flying over the island, the 12m tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Pra Yai is on Bang Rak beach (also called Big Buddha beach) on route 4171 near the airport.
Buddha’s Footprint There are actually four footprints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically engraved. They are housed in a modest shrine, 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers great views of hills and sea over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometres west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.
Leam Sor Chedi This ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) scenically sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. Located off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow signs to "Waikiki Bungalows" to the end of the road.
Wat Kunaram It houses the body of Samui's most famous mummified monk. Dearly departed Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed glass shrine. When he died more than 25 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Located on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.
Wat Sila Ngu is said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometre south of the Genital Rocks on the beach side of the road.
Top Things To Do
Ride an Elephant. Elephant trekking is an experience of a lifetime. See the islands interior from the back of one of the largest creatures that roam our planet. Standard treks last for 30 minutes, but longer trips can be arranged.
Explore the Jungle. Difficult places to reach without a guide can be easily accessed by booking a daylong jungle tour. See Thailand's nature first hand in the comfort of a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Explore the Sea. Paddle yourself along Samui’s shores, or discover deserted beaches in the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Keep an eye out for sea otters, sea eagles and other animals in picturesque surroundings.
Climb a Waterfall. Namuang Falls is the most scenic of Koh Samui's waterfalls. The falls consist of two waterfalls within a short distance of each other. Na Muang 1 is 18 meters high and can easily be reached by foot or vehicle. Na Muang 2 is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30-minute walk.
Visit the Genital Rocks. Hin Ta and Hin Yai are strangely shaped rocks that resemble male and female genitals. Located at a scenic spot along the shore, south of Lamai.
Visit the Naga Pearl Farm and discover how pearls are cultured. A 30-minute boat ride from Koh Samui will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm. After you learn about pearl culture, you can enjoy eating Thai food and spend the afternoon on the white sandy beach.
Go Diving or Snorkelling. There are many scuba diving schools located around Samui, offering a wide range of dive facilities. There are also tours available for snorkelling, fishing and other water excursions.
Visit the Big Buddha. Big Buddha Temple or Wat Pra Yai is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visible from several kilometers away and from airplanes flying over the island, the 12 meter tall golden enjoys a scenic location on top of a hill on Big Buddha Beach. Ring a temple bell and check out the view!
Visit the Mummified Monk at Kunaram Temple. The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here. When he died more than 25years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Located on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.
Watch Thai Boxing. A visit to this exciting country wouldn't be complete without seeing its national sport. The pre-fight rituals and the traditional music throughout are as much part of the event as the fights themselves. Widely considered to be the world's most dangerous martial art, Thai boxing is a superb example of the speed, grace and discipline required in such sports. Boxing matches are held every Monday and Friday at the Samui stadium.
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