What to See in Koh Samui
No one can deny that the biggest draw to Koh Samui is its beaches and each offers its own different characteristics and charms. Still, even the best beaches can sometimes grow a bit tedious and that's when it's time to go looking for a change.
Samui's waterfalls are a pleasant and cool change from the beach; the major ones being Hin Lat Fall, Na Muang 1 and nearby Na Muang 2. On the north-eastern tip of the island stands the Big Buddha on its eponymous beach. Built in 1972, this iconic temple sits on a little island that is connected to the main island by a bridge.
Koh Samui Waterfalls
Koh Samui has many waterfalls, some of which are spectacular after a few days of rain. Some waterfalls have a car park nearby, others require a trek through the jungle of up to 2 hours but are worth it when you get there. Swimming in the pools at the bottom is very refreshing and makes for great photos.
Na Muang and Hin Lat waterfalls are both within easy reach. Na Muang 1 Waterfall is the most vistited with an 18m purple rockface, 30 minutes walk up Na Muang 2 is 80m high. Hin Lat is on the upper, northwest side of the island and has many pools to swim in.
Big Buddha Temple
Wat Phra Yai is Samui's Temple of the Big Buddha. It features a 12-metre tall Buddha image. Built in 1972, this iconic temple sits on a little island that is connected to the main island by a small bridge.
The temple grounds also house a centre for meditation, another draw for its more spiritual visitors. When visiting any temple in Thailand, it's important to follow the standard rules of dress and etiquette which includes eschewing beachwear, wearing long pants, sleeves and removing your shoes before entering the actual temple. Female visitors should never touch male monks and male visitors should stay clear of nuns. A small donation is always appreciated. (Read more...)
Grandmother & Grandfather Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai)
Local legend claims that eons ago an elderly couple were sailing past south Lamai Beach and their boat foundered, drowning them both. Their bodies were washed up on shore, subsequently forming the Hi Ta and Hin Yai rocks. These rocks strongly resemble male and female genitalia.
To get to this spot, pass Lamai heading south and turn left down the beach where it is signposted. There is a parking lot and plenty of tourist-related stalls and stores. On the beach the rocks are to the right. The surrounding rocks are slippery after high tide so care should be taken. The male rock, for obvious reasons, is easily spotted while to see the female takes a bit of manoeuvring over the rocks near the waterline. (Read more...)
Other Attractions in Koh Samui
There is a lot to see in Samui that is not necessarily tourist related. Renting two-wheel or four-wheel transportation and exploring the island's nooks and crannies is a great way to get to know the place and to get away from the tourist circuit. Make use of Samui's comprehensive circular road system and its offshoots and back sois.
There are various tourist information offices around the island and attractions, should you wish to visit them, are well posted. Make sure to tank up first as gas stations, while not a rarity, are sometimes located quite a distance from each other. (Read more...)
