Sights of Koh Samui, Thailand
The once sought-after ‘backpackers’ destination of Koh Samui has now grown into a tourist destination where even the spoiled holidaymaker gets his money’s worth. Much has therefore been done to make the island as attractive as possible to a diverse audience. Koh Samui is often included in a trip that visits the other famous islands such as Phuket and K Chang. In addition to visiting temples such as Wat Phra Yai and Wat Khun Aram, there is much other entertainment to be found. For example, there is a butterfly garden at Laem Set beach. You can go karting near Bo Phut and you will find a real pearl farm on the adjacent island of Koh Matsum.
Top 10 things to do on Koh Samui
#1. Wat Phra Yai
For many, the Wat Phra Yai with its large Buddha statue is seen as the top 1 attraction of Koh Samui. It therefore attracts an incredible number of visitors every year. It can be quite busy at times. The gold-colored statue is about twelve meters high. There are some shops and eateries in the area. For a little more culture, it is recommended to visit Wat Phra Yai early in the morning. Many local people then make an offering to this temple.
#2. Bo Phut
Besides its cozy beach, this old beachside village is best known for its Fisherman’s Village and the festival of the same name. Here you will find a cozy atmosphere, which is certainly enhanced by the wooden Chinese buildings and facades. During a festival, the streets are filled with colorfully dressed people and Thai musicians. Of course, this also includes the delicious Thai delicacies that are frequently offered in the stalls present. The most important festival often takes place at the end of August.
#3. Na Muang Waterfalls
After a short walk on a marked hiking trail in Ban Thurian, you will be rewarded with a view of two idyllic waterfalls. The Na Muang waterfalls are about half an hour’s walk from each other. The first one you encounter forms a wonderfully cooling natural swimming pool with its water feature. The rocks behind the falls are remarkably colored.
#4. Wat Khun Aram
In the temple Wat Khun Aram you can admire the most important mummified monk, Luang Pho Daeng. He died during his meditation around 1980. Since he has been dead for a while, his body is still in very good condition. Since his eyes have gone, sunglasses have been put on. The monk is still important and a great example as an inspiration for Buddhist teachings. The temple is located west of Hua Thanon.
#5. Naga Pearl Nursery
According to Extrareference, the largest paral nursery in the world can be found on the otherwise uninhabited island of Koh Matsum. The Naga Pearl Nursery on the island of Koh Matsum is located south of Koh Samui. Here everything is clearly told about the cultivation and processing of pearls. Of course there is a shop where you can buy these jewels from the sea. You will also find beautiful shells here.
#6. Ang Thong National Marine Park
Northwest of Koh Samui lies a group of islands that fall under the protected area of Ang Thong Marine National Marine Park. The area covers about two hundred and fifty square kilometers. The overwhelming rocks, white beaches with the associated fascinating marine life, make this part an excellent snorkeling area. Almost all islands are uninhabited, which means that nature is quite untouched. It is therefore not surprising that there are many different bird species and animals such as monkeys, lizards, iguanas and snakes.
#7. Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo
The underwater world of this Samui Aquarium on Koh Samui is a true paradise. All colorful specimens of the exotic fish are represented there. In addition, there are rays, sharks, turtles and seals to admire. In the Tiger Zoo you will find Bengal Tigers with their young.
#8. Hin Ta and Hin Yai
In the south of the island of Koh Samui, remarkably shaped rock formations can be found at Hin Ta and Hin Yai. That some people’s imaginations run wild when looking at natural forms is evident from the fact that they see the male and female genitals. You will find these rocks between the Islamic village of Hua Thanon and Lamai beach. The rocks are also called ‘grandpa and grandma’.
#9. Ancient House
The oldest and probably most beautiful house of Ko Samui can be found in Ban Thale. What makes this more than one hundred and fifty year old house so special is that it is made entirely of teak wood. The ‘Ban Boran’ house, called ‘Ban Boran’ by the locals, has been worked in such a way that virtually no nails have been used. The authentic wood carvings have been applied very carefully and with precision, which greatly benefits the whole.
#10. Samui Go-Kart
Just outside Chaweng in Bophut is the Samui Go-Kart track of Koh Samui. Speed demons can choose from a number of karts here, after which they can start their race. The track gives you the opportunity to reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour in some places. Of course, the children’s karts are not suitable for this.
