Ko Samui tourist attractions, Thailand - Island guide, tourism, travel information and full moon party.

Attractions in Ko Samui

Na Muang Waterfall
At southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Choose this one if you tire easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost all the way to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is a large natural pool where you can take a dip.

Na Muang Waterfall2
Accessible by way of a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on rte. 4169) this is considered mostly to be the island's most beautiful waterfall. You reach it by ascending a rocky path. The walk takes about 10 minutes.

Hin Lad Waterfall
Hikers will relish the two kilometer walk through the forest to reach this spot, where the falls with their lovely natural bathing pool awaits them. Located two kilometers south of Nathon, on the eastern end of route 4172.

A pair of male water buffaloes are pitted against one another in what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. This widely loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the island, where banners are displayed days in advance. Like sumo, the elaborate and theatrical preparations are an important part of the show, after which the animals are set loose to glower and paw the ground.

Finally they lock horns and the crowd goes wild. The show at the edge of the ring is just as entertaining as the one within. The first beast to turn and run away is the loser, and so are some punters in the crowd.

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 most dangerous martial art, Thai boxing is a superb example of the speed, grace and discipline required in such sports.

The only permanent stadium on Samui is in Chaweng just off the road leading to the Reggae Pub. Boxing matches are help every Monday and Friday at 9:00 pm. (map T10)
 

Southern Thailand is home to a great many species of snakes, many of them venomous. The mountains of Samui have their share. The bite of a full grown king cobra for example can bring death within one half hour.

But don't worry! They are extremely reclusive, and chances are tiny that you will come in contact with one anyplace but at this attractions' two shows a day, where they are handled by capable and "death defying" trainers. Located in the southwest on the 4170 ring road.

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks.

Also on display are some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. Also on display are some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.

A 20-minute boat trip from Ban Thong Krut, you will cross the sea by ferry to a sea farm where you can see how cultured pearls are created. The full day trip includes lunch, your choice of afternoon activities, and a stop at the Naga Pearl Shop on the way back.

At southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Choose this one if you tire easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost all the way to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is a large natural pool where you can take a dip.

Upon viewing those astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature can also be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist. Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother rocks"; entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea. Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admiring the view - that is plunge into one of the island's natural waterfalls, then take along a sturdy and non-slip pair of old shoes and tread carefully.

Those who have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit Na Muang 1, and content themselves with enjoying the view. The volume of water at the falls will vary, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. The last few months of the year are the wettest, while the months of March through September are fairly dry.

Big Buddha Temple

Being one of Samui's most popular attractions, Big Buddha image sitting 12 meters tall was built in 1972 by the local society to give visitors a place to pay respect to The Lord Buddha. This monumental landmark is placed on the Northern shore of the island.

This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark and most of the visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and the beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Big Buddha is visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when landing or taking off on the airplane.

Wat Laem Sor (Wat Laem Sor Temple)

Laem Sor Chedi (also called Wat Laem Sor) is ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles and it appears golden when it is viewed from a short distance. It is situated at the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka

Wat Plai Laem (Plai Laem Temple)

Wat Plai Laem is a newly built in 2004 and very ornate temple situated just near Big Buddha statue. Khun Jarit humdonming, artist of this temple, spent more than three years adding finer details to the external parts of the temple.

The tradition of temple art follows the dates back to centuries and providing a good example of the influence and style that are still significant in modern Thai religious architecture. The elaborate entry doors were made from two enormous slabs of Laotian hardwood and are intricately carved with images of the life of the Buddha.

Mummified Monk

Monks are held as great reverence in Thailand, and many years ago, Samui chose to mummify two of them. Their bodies can be seen in their well preserved forms some 20 years after their deaths at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram.

Secret Hall of Buddha

There is no sign showing the exact location of footprint and finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left. Housed in a hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop another. here are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view up there is surrounded by treetops and valleys that will be worth for a visit.

Buddha's Footprint

There is no sign showing the exact location of footprint and finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left.

Housed in a hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop another. here are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view up there is surrounded by treetops and valleys that will be worth for a visit.

High in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways. The inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4 generations of Samui people decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number tourists would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the island's hilltop forests. Khun Nim spent his life in agricultural innovation, during which he was a pioneer in Durian farming techniques that are now credited for some superb crops of this delectable fruit, still grown and exported by island farmers.

With the help of assistants, he sculpted dozens of figures inspired by Buddhist scriptures, in the mountaintop river bed on land belonging to his family. He remained absorbed in the project until his recent death at the age of 91. A spot far too little visited, Heaven's Garden is on some of the island's guided mountain tours. Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you concentrate on keeping your step. So be prepared to take your time. Wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.
 

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