The Thai island of Koh Samui attracts most tourists with its beaches. There are about 30 of them here, and they are all excellent - clean, with clear water and palm trees on the shore. But if you want to diversify your beach vacation, the locals have taken care to surprise even the most sophisticated travelers. There are a huge number of temples and religious buildings on the island, including those famous all over the world - Wat Khunaram with a monk's mummy and a 12-meter sculpture of Buddha. The whole family will be interested in excursions to picturesque corners of tropical nature - Paradise Park, Ang Thong Marine Park, Butterfly Garden, Safari Park.
Vacationers are also invited to visit a number of entertaining performances - bullfights, monkey shows, snake charmers, colorful transvestite shows and exciting fights at the Muay Thai stadium.
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What to see and where to go on Koh Samui?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Temple Wat Plai Laem
The largest iconic attraction in Koh Samui. It is a complex of buildings, in the appearance of which a mixture of several Asian styles can be traced. It was built in 2004. The central objects are a Thai temple and two huge statues - the 18-hand Chinese goddess Guanyin and the Buddhist deity Hottei. They are installed on stilts in the middle of an artificial lake. On a catamaran, you can take a walk on the water, feed fish and small turtles.
Temple Wat Khunaram
One of the most visited temples on the island, located near the Namuang waterfalls. The main attraction is the mummified body of an 80-year-old monk, the abbot of this temple, in the traditional lotus position. He passed away while meditating more than 40 years ago, was placed in a glass sarcophagus, and since then there have been no signs of decomposition on his body. There is a vessel with numbered sticks near the mummy. Taking one of them, you can see the prediction of a monk on the stand.
Big Buddha
The 12-meter sculpture of the supreme deity is located in the northeast of Samui, not far from the airport. It is installed on a hill, where a staircase of 60 steps leads. You must take off your shoes before entering. Upstairs there is a good observation deck, and bells are installed, which you can ring to make your wishes come true. The majestic figure of the Buddha is surrounded by small statues of him, symbolizing the days of the week. A temple was erected nearby. There are souvenir shops at the foot of the stairs.
Laem Sor Pagoda
Built in the southern part of the island, on the very seashore, away from beaches and tourist routes. Made of yellow slabs that reflect the rays of the sun, and is known as the "golden pagoda". The entrance to the sanctuary is guarded by statues of yaksha spirits. There is also a canopy with the figure of a monk who delivered a particle of Buddha's relics to the island. At a short distance from the pagoda, in the middle of an artificial reservoir, an unusual temple was built in the form of a Thai ship.
Guan Yu Chinese Temple
The opening took place in 2012. The temple was created in honor of the god of war and wealth Guan Yu, his huge statue with a red face is located in the center of the complex. Nearby, there is a wall of memory of ancestors with the names and photographs of the first Chinese settlers from the island of Hainan. In general, the construction of the sanctuary has not yet been completed. A large 2-storey building is planned, on the first floor of which there will be numerous shopping arcades, and on the second - the temple itself.
Red Temple
It stands out significantly for its architecture and terracotta coloring against the background of traditional Thai religious buildings. The façade is decorated with incredibly beautiful bas-reliefs and sculptures. The inner walls are richly decorated with stucco moldings, in the center there is a statue of a seated Buddha. Also on the territory of the complex is a 250-year-old pagoda, one of the oldest on the island. A staircase with Nagi's snakes on the railing descends from it to the sea, on either side of which there is a small cemetery.
Bophut fishing village
It is one of the oldest fishing settlements on Koh Samui and has now become a tourist destination for walking. A kilometer long narrow street with various shops, bars, restaurants and other establishments stretches along the coast. In 2016, The Warf shopping center was opened, the premises of which are stylized as a fishing village. There is a good 2 km long sandy beach. On Fridays, there is a night fair with fiery music, dancing, fire show.
Lamai Sunday Night Market
The main event of the week in Lamai, where many tourists and locals flock in the evening. After 5 pm, two perpendicular streets fill the stalls of merchants offering a variety of inexpensive goods - souvenirs, jewelry, dishes, cosmetics, clothing and accessories. And also there is a great opportunity to enjoy the famous Thai delicacies and try all kinds of cocktails. Visitors are entertained all night long by local musical talents.
Cabaret Stars
A very bright and colorful show of transvestites, combining elements of national and European culture. Located in the north of the island, between Chaweng and Bo Phut beaches. Artists perform in fantastic handmade costumes accompanied by famous world hits. The 45-minute show features song and lively dance routines alongside impressive portraits of renowned pop divas - Tina Turner, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue and more.
Chaweng Boxing Stadium
One of the best rings for Thai boxing, popular all over the world. Located in the center of Chaweng. Fights with the participation of local and foreign athletes are held 2 times a week, 7 pairs of boxers participate. The strongest and most enduring of them will reach the finals. Fights are sometimes held among women. Cars with loudspeakers move around the island and advertise the upcoming battles. During the daytime, those who wish can take a few Muay Thai lessons from experienced trainers.
Magic Buddha Garden
A famous landscape landmark in the center of the island, combining the fantasy of nature and the creation of human hands. In a small garden on the side of the mountain, among the stones, there are numerous statues of Buddha, other deities, animals, mythological creatures. All this is shrouded in vines, many statues are overgrown with moss, so the area seems very mysterious and enigmatic. The garden appeared in 1976 through the efforts of a Thai farmer, who created all the sculptures with his own hands.
Paradise Park
A zoo on top of a mountain in the center of the island. There are open-air cages with animals and birds, but most of them roam freely, begging for food from visitors. Among the inhabitants of the zoo are monkeys, ostriches, deer, rabbits, iguanas, parrots. The park has an artificial waterfall, a swimming pool overlooking the sea, an exotic garden, and a restaurant. There are benches and gazebos throughout the area where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of Koh Samui.
Stones Grandma and Grandpa
The most famous stone formations of the island. They are located on Lamai Beach, several tens of meters from each other, and resemble the female and male reproductive organs. The names "grandfather" and "grandmother" are associated with an old local legend about old parents who died at sea. There are many other rock piles here, they occupy an area of about 150 m2... The place is beautiful, but very crowded, surrounded by bars, restaurants and shopping stalls.
Namuang waterfalls
Two of the most popular waterfalls. Located in the center of the island, one above the other, but at some distance.The first waterfall, the lower one, is called Purple because of the color of the surrounding rocks, along which it falls into a spacious bowl. Its height is 18 meters. The second waterfall is located in Namuang Safari Park. It is more beautiful, multi-level and has a height of 80 meters. The path to it is not easy, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Or you can get to the waterfall in jeeps or elephants.
Khin Lad waterfall
Located in the west of Koh Samui, a couple of kilometers from Nathon. The road to the waterfall passes through dense tropical vegetation, up a path and stairs, along the river bed. The waterfall itself is small, at its foot, nature has created a small font where you can splash. The place is attractive for tourists not only by the beauties of the wild nature, but also by the nearby forest temple-monastery. Peace and tranquility reign here, gazebos for meditation are equipped.
Mae Nam Beach
Located in the northern part of the island. Suitable for a relaxing family holiday with children. The length is 5 km. The coast is covered with coarse yellow sand, there are many palms giving shade. Convenient entrance to the sea, the bottom is smooth, without stones. Waves are rare. A small drawback - the sea water is muddy. The infrastructure is well developed, all establishments are closed in the evening, there are no noisy discos. There is no entertainment on the beach, only gazebos for Thai massage are found.
Lamai Beach
Located on the east side of Koh Samui. The length is 4 km. The central part of the beach area is suitable for swimming - the entrance to the sea is smooth, the bottom is clean, without stones. The sand on the shore is coarse, light yellow. There are few trees on the beach, you can rent a sun lounger with an umbrella. There are often waves. A wide range of entertainment - kayaks, jet skis, parachute flights, etc. The entire coastline is built up with cozy bungalows and hotels. Parties and discos are organized at night.
Chaweng Beach
The most crowded and partying of all the beaches on the island. Located on the east coast near the airport. The length is 6 km. Consists of 3 zones, the main life rages in the center. The entry into the sea is smooth, the water is clear. The coast is covered with white fine sand, many trees. There are bars, restaurants, shops, discos here. We offer entertainment for all tastes - water skiing, kayaks, jet skis, flyboard. For children - a water park with inflatable slides.
Lamai viewpoint
The most famous observation deck on the island. It is located on the outskirts of Lamai village, at a height of 100 meters. On the way there are local sights - a huge stone named after St. Valentine, a small waterfall with a beautiful dam and fish peeling. A path with steps and bridges leads to the top. The ascent is not difficult, it takes no more than 10 minutes. There is a restaurant and a zip-line next to the observation deck.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Includes 42 uninhabited islands. Each of them is dense jungle, rocks and caves, secluded beaches, shallow coral reefs. Park area - 250 km2... Its territory is home to 16 species of mammals, 54 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles. The excursion offers walking and boating, swimming in coastal waters, diving, snorkeling. Tourists must visit the largest island - Ko Vua Talap, where the headquarters of the reserve is located.
