Koh Samui is the 2nd biggest island in Thailand. This is situated off the east shoreline that is near Surat Thani Town, and it is also one of the most visited attractions in the country. At this point, Ko Samui has its own airport. Flights ply from the city of Bangkok to Samui Airport every day. There are also flights from other cities in Southeast Asia.
Koh Samui’s economy was solely based on fishing as well as subsistence agriculture; however the 1980s, the industry of tourism grew fast. Now, the place is one of the major sources of income for Thailand.
Here are some of the popular attractions in Koh Samui which gets the attention of many locals and international guests yearly:
Beautiful Beaches
Being an Island, the major attraction in this place is its white beaches and seaside resorts. Visitors can easily find long stretches of beaches. Some popular beaches are Ao Tong Takian, Choeng Mon, Bangrak, Bophut, Maenam, Nathon, Lamai as well as Chaweng. These amazing beaches are likely to be most crowded as well. For visitors who have a preference for a tranquil beach for comfort, Maenam beach is perhaps the best option.
Big Buddha Temple
Koh Samui is home to a number of beautiful temples, but the Big Buddha Temple is definitely one of the most impressive. The Wat Phra Yai temple is situated on a hilltop overlooking the island, and features a massive golden 12-meter high statue of Buddha. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and take in the incredible views, or even make offerings at the shrine.
Way Khunaram
This place is also a home to many other amazing temples, such as Wat Khunaram. This is where the mummified body Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditative lotus pose, is shown.
Jungle Safai Tour
Are you an adventurous tourist? Looking for something different to do on your next tropical vacation? How about a jungle safari tour? Koh Samui is home to some of the most lush and beautiful jungle landscapes in the world. And what better way to experience it than from the back of an elephant?
During your jungle safari tour, you’ll get to see firsthand the incredible variety of plant and animal life that inhabits this corner of the world. You’ll also get a chance to learn about the traditional methods used by the locals to harvest rubber and other products from the forest.
Most importantly, you’ll get to spend quality time with these amazing animals. Many of the elephants on our tours are rescue elephants, and they love interacting with humans. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks
Head over to the southern part of Lamai Beach to witness these natural sculptures. They are two large rocks that sit on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Visitors can climb to the top of the rocks and enjoy the views. You don’t need much of an imagination to know why these relics have become fertility icons. Travelers are normally brought here as part of an organized island tour.
Butterfly Farm
Koh Samui is home to a number of butterfly farms, making it the perfect place to see these beautiful creatures up close. The Butterfly Garden in Mae Nam is one of the most popular, with over 1,000 butterflies of different species on display. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, as well as how they are farmed and protected. It’s situated in the southern part of Koh Samui islands, and you can visit the place via bus or taxi cab from Lamai Beach. Besides the stunning gardens pack of rare butterflies, the farm also runs an insect museum.
Na Muang Waterfall
This is renowned for the trekking adventure which they provide. The water gushes over a lilac stone and falls for 120ft into a pool. Also, this is a good place for a picnic and refreshing swim.
The Na Muang Waterfall is a two-tiered waterfall with a height of 80 meters. The lower tier can be reached by a short hike from the parking area and the upper tier can be accessed by climbing up a set of stairs. Both tiers offer stunning views of the surrounding jungle and are great spots for swimming and relaxing.
If you’re looking for an exciting activity, you can also try your hand at cliff jumping at Na Muang Waterfall. There are several platforms available for jumping, ranging from 5 to 10 meters high. Cliff jumping is considered to be safe if done properly, but always use caution and follow the safety instructions posted at the waterfall.
Ancient House
This house is situated along Highway 4170, and travelers should arrange transportation or go into a tour operator. This is a 150-year-old house which was built in the 18th century. The elderly couple that owns the house welcomes visitors and tour groups. It is a two-story house that was constructed out of wood, and it has a thatched roof. The house is located in the middle of a forest, and it is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who died in childbirth.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the most popular attractions in Koh Samui. The park covers an area of 42 islands and is home to a variety of marine life. Visitors can explore the different islands, go snorkelling or diving, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The park is a protected area and the government has taken measures to preserve the biodiversity of the islands. There are various eco-tours available to help visitors learn more about the local environment and wildlife. The park is also known for its mangrove forests, which provide habitats for fish and other marine life.
The main island of Ang Thong holds the most attractions with several beaches, waterfalls, caves, hiking trails and viewpoints. On the way to each island, visitors can observe beautiful rock formations as they explore this unique archipelago.
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors such as kayaking, trekking, bird watching and swimming in its crystal clear waters. Visitors should take care when exploring the islands as there may be dangerous wildlife present. The park is open year round but the best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is dryer and cooler.
