Surrounded by the warm, sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a sophisticated beach resort, an impenetrable jungle mountain for the most adventurous hikers and a lush tropical Eden in one. Relax on powdery white beaches, explore sleepy fishing villages, and then dine under the stars in one of the luxury beach resorts.
But Koh Samui has so much more to offer. With the following 10 sightseeing’s you will get a fabulous glance of Koh Samui’s interesting repertoire.
1. Big Buddha
Koh Samui’s beautiful coastline and renowned Big Buddha sculpture will be first thing you will notice as you approach the island from the air. This majestic 12-meters tall golden statue sits on an elevated platform, adorned with dragons and traditional decor that visually dominates the landscape.
2. Hin Ta and Hin Yai
Art often imitates nature, but less common is nature imitating art. On Koh Samui, however, you can find such an unusual example. The natural geological formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (the Grandpa and Grandma rocks), located on Koh Samui’s South coast, look like male and female genitalia. These unique yet interesting rocks are one of the most popular spots on the island 😉
“The Grandpa and Grandma Rocks”
3. Ang Thong National Marine Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning oasis that consists of 42 islands, each featuring something unique. You will see limestone massifs, breathtaking coastlines and verdant tropical rain forests.
4. Silver Beach
Silver Beach is a 250m-long tropical beach paradise. The beach is set in an enchanting bay between Lamai Beach to the North east and the more popular bustling beach at Chaweng. It is a mid-point of sorts that offers spectacular views of Koh Samui. The location of Silver Beach makes it ideal for numerous water activities, like snorkeling and kayaking.
“Silver Beach” by kosamui.com/beaches
5. Fisherman’s Village
Bophut Fisherman’s Village has successfully entered the age of tourism without renouncing its traditional style. This beautiful and quaint village has a charming vintage touch with its wooden houses (built by Chinese immigrants), its fishing pier, and its cool beach. The serene village Bophut also has a pleasant but crowded “walking street” with local handicrafts, clothing and delicious street food sold in dozens of stalls lining the main street.
Fisherman’s Village
6. Na Muang Waterfall
This amazing oasis is Koh Samui’s best hidden secret, located just 10 km south from Nathon and boasts two beautiful waterfalls. Both the waterfalls reveal some of the most scenic views on the island. The higher Na Muang Waterfall can only be accessed by taking a 30 minute walk. If you are an enthusiastic hiker, you will enjoy this walk to the summit and nearby hiking trails.
7. Secret Buddha Garden
The Secret Buddha Garden is hidden away high in the hills in Koh Samui’s interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds. These Magic Gardens are a creation of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who in 1976 began erecting several statues and temples around his family’s verdant land. The road to the Magic Garden is very steep and requires good driving skills and a 4×4 wheel drive car.
8. The Thai spirit houses (San Phra Phum)
Koh Samui is littered with colorful and ornate spirit houses (San Phra Phum) and most of them are very beautiful. They resemble miniature temples and are positioned outside homes, businesses and schools to provide shelter for the spirits who reside on the land. You are encouraged to leave small offerings of water, flowers, incense or food to honor the guardians.
9. Hua Thanon Village
Hua Thanon, is best-known for both its inherent Muslim community and also for its fleet of colorfully hand-decorated fishing boats. Not surprisingly one of the big draws in this part of the island is the quality and diversity of the seafood restaurants, that will provide a unique experience of Samui cooking.
Hua Thanon
10. Koh Tan Island by long tail boat
Visit the primitive tranquil Coral Island, locally called Koh Tan, by traditional Thai long tail boat. This proud Thai creation was developed in Thailand as a simple, low cost mean of transport used in rivers with shallow waterways.The island, surrounded by coral reef with serene white sandy beaches, offers a perfect spot for snorkeling and sun-bathing.
Getting to Koh Samui
The most convenient way to get to Koh Samui is flying with Bangkok Airways either from Bangkok itself, or from Singapore or Phuket. Alternatively, several ferries and catamarans run from Surat Thani or Don Sak on the Thai mainland. Enjoy your holidays!