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Samui's unusual attractions
Samui isn't a place with theme parks and hi-tech attractions.
Instead, the island has made the most of its culture. Many attractions
have a distinctly local flavour, like the monkey show and snake
farm, while others simply show off the beauty of the place.
 Snake
Farm
A must-see for almost anyone visiting the island. See some of
the most famous scary and poisonous snakes in action, some indigenous
to Samui, some from other parts of Asia. A ringside view! Also
includes displays of centipedes and scorpions, as well as demonstrations
of Thai Cock Fighting.
The programs are both informative and entertaining in typical
Thai style. Great fun for the entire family. Just make sure your
child doesn't bring home any live souvenirs... Follow the road
signs to get to their location in Talingnam, south of Nathon.
Shows start at 11 am and 2 pm daily.
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Monkey Show
On Samui, the monkey is man's best friend. For centuries the
local people have used monkeys to do the hard work of climbing
the trees to pick coconuts. Samui has masses of plantations and
until tourism, coconuts were the main industry here, so these
industrious little animals are greatly prized. In the outdoor
theatre, monkeys display their incredible dexterity, and not just
at picking coconuts. The entertainment also includes performing
elephants. Look for the theatre on the main road behind Bophut
Village.
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Butterfly
Garden
Located in the south of the island, Na Tian Butterfly Garden
is a kaleidoscope of colour provided by hundreds of spectacular
butterflies. For bug enthusiasts there's also an Insect Museum,
featuring rare insects from Thailand and other countries, and
a bee house, which allows the visitor to observe the activities
of bees. Don't forget your camera!
Naga Pearl Farm
Discover how pearls are cultured. A 30-minute boat ride from
Ban Thong Krut landing will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga
Pearl Farm.
Pearl extraction demonstration and tour around the farm Tours
include Thai lunch leaving the afternoon to enjoy the beach. Don't
miss the Naga Pearl Shop, located at 81/1 Ban Thong Krut, where
varieties of pearls, jewellry and pearl products are on sale.
Pearl shells and special handicrafts make great gifts.
Samui Crocodile Farm
Jaws and Claws! They're all here. Siam crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater
crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others. Showtime
twice a day 14:00 and 16:30.
A fascinating look at some of Thailand's wildlife.
Located behind the airport and easy to find.
Buffalo
A very southern Thai event, and on Samui it generates a lot of
excitement. There are several "stadiums" around the
island, most being a simple cleared area under the palms with
a wall of bamboo matting or coconut leaves to hinder the view
of those who haven't paid for a seat. Men pay about 100 Baht,
women enter free. The events attract a good local crowd and it's
a good opportunity to see a snapshot of local southern Thai life.
The more aggressive the buffalo the greater the delight from the
audience. The fight ends when one animal runs away, usually well
before either animal gets hurt.
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Secret
Buddha Garden
Hidden in the hills of Samui, the secret Buddha garden has several
statues, temples and waterfalls, all of which were built by one
man over the last 20 years.
It's possible to drive to the garden by 4WD vehicle, but probably
easiest to take one of the many jungle tours offered by travel
agencies and resorts. Contact a few places to compare prices.
Hin
Lad Falls
There are several cascades which tumble down into a large, cold
and refreshing pool below. If you feel adventurous enough, take
your swimming gear and cool off after the trek. Hin Lat Falls
are located on the east coast, 2 Km south of Nathon Town on route
4172. From the main road it is about a 3-Km walk down a jungle
path to get to the falls. It's recommended that you wear tough
shoes and leg protection for the walk.
Namuang Falls
There are actually two waterfalls: Na Muang, 18 metres high which
can be reached by car, and Na Muang Two, about 80 metres high,
requiring a 30-minute walk to get to the top. These waterfalls
are the most scenic on the island and a great place to have a
picnic. Located 10 Km south of Nathon.
Hin
Ta - Hin Yai
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| Famous
attraction |
These unusual formations are known as the Grandfather and Grandmother
Rocks. The site is a popular attraction for locals and tourists
alike because of their close resemblance to male and female genitals.
Their formation and shape have been personified into a local
tale describing their existence on the island.
The story goes that an old couple's boat wrecked and sunk in
the bay, where their bodies washed ashore and created these strange
rocks. Whatever their origin though, your pictures will no doubt
make for some interesting conversation when shown to friends back
home.
Samui
Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
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| King
size grouper |
Located in Hua Thanon, the aquarium has many local species of
coral fish, huge catfish and several sharks including leopard
and black tip sharks.
The Tiger Zoo, adjacent to the aquarium, has some beautiful animals,
unfortunately housed in rather small and hot cages, before being
release in a wider part of the park. Bird shows are also on offer,
parrots, hornbills, sea hawks, eagles or even otters will perform
some amusing trick for you pleasure.... if they are in the mood.
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| This
tiger isn't going to bite you... |
Then it's time for the inevitable photo with the tiger (Mainly
to impress your friends). 100 Baht per person with your camera,
200 Baht with the zoo's Polaroid. Money goes to the Tiger's Foundation,
so you will even feel better. On the way out, don't forget to
say hi" to the few birds and monkeys in smaller cages across
the parking, some of the parrots are quite friendly and their
tongues have some funny behaviour.
Ancient
House
A house made of teakwood without any nails can be visited at
Ban Thale. This is the oldest house on the island, built approximately
150 years ago. It is constructed of teak planks and features many
beautiful woodcarvings.
Best
Mountain View Point
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A unique view if you feel adventurous...
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A little further south of Nathon Town on the west coast is the
way to "Best Mountain View Point", at 467 metres. It
can be difficult to find the entrance, which is shortly past Wat
Chaeng temple, on the left hand side of the main road (route 4169).
Look for the sign "Tarzan View" (this is not a spelling
mistake). If you feel confident in your driving skills, you can
try the 6-Km drive to eat a simple but nice lunch on a wooden
terrace overlooking Maenam and Bophut Bay. Weather permitting,
you may catch a bird's eye view of Phangan Island. The first five
kilometers are nicely paved, but be aware that the last kilometer
is rather steep, slippery and dusty (not recommended in case of
rain). If you don't feel like taking a risk but still want to
have a look, many travel shops on the beachfront road next to
the pier conduct well-organized tours in land rovers with qualified
drivers.
The Big Buddha
Samui's most popular attraction, and the island's major landmark.
The Big Buddha overlooks the sea on the north coast. Sitting 15
metres tall, the huge Buddha was built in 1972. (See temples)
Thai Boxing
One of the stadiums on Samui is in Chaweng, just off the road
leading to the Reggae Pub from the main road. The stadium opens
every Monday and Friday at 6 pm with matches until 9 pm. Another
small stadium is located at the center of Lamai Beach. Click
here to read more...
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