Koh Samui

The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is in Surat Thani province at the southern Thailand. and 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. The island has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui is best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Haad Chaweng and Haad Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Haad Choeng Mon, Haad Mae Nam in the north and Haad Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants are concentrated.

At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall. There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island is Phra Yai . PhratHaad Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.

Attraction & Beaches

Ang Tong National Marine Park

Ang Tong National Marine Park consists of some 40 small islands and combines, dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, lush jungle and wild gibbons, to provide 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. For more information

Big Buddha Temple (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.

Butterfly Farm Visiting a butterfly farm is a great way of getting up close to these beautiful insects. The butterflies on the Samui farm flit about naturally amid tropical foliage. Close range observation is the best way to view some of the region’s most beautiful butterflies. A definite must do if you have children.

Elephant Trekking For quiet relaxation and something most children will love, elephant trekking is the way to go. Here the island’s interiors can be easily accessed from the backs of these wonderful giants. Sit back and enjoy the silent ride. Standard treks last for 30 minutes, but longer trips can be arranged. There are several venues around the island, easy to spot.

Jungles and Waterfalls The most beautiful and easiest waterfalls to get to are, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. If you fancy a jungle walk, then Hin Lad Waterfall is your choice. Here a 2 kilometre path winds its way to the picturesque spot. A must for all nature-lovers and clearly marked on any tourist map.

Monkey Shows On Samui, the monkey undoubtedly qualifies as man’s best friend. This isn’t surprising, since for centuries the people here have used monkeys to do the hardest work, climbing the trees to pick ripe nuts on their coconut plantations. Until the advent of tourism, coconuts represented the main industry here, so these industrious little animals were greatly prized. The monkey theatre offers shows in which the monkeys display their dexterity and not just at picking coconuts. The entertainment also includes performing elephants. Look for the theatre on the main road behind and between Chaweng and Bo Put village.