Koh Samui is a Thai island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It became popular for the tourism business in the 90s of the XX century. There are more than 30 beaches with white sand and coral reefs, which are loved by divers and windsurfers. In addition, a road has been laid around the island, allowing you to conveniently visit the sights of Samui, inhabited by fishermen as early as the 6th century. The island has prepared many interesting places for tourists, both natural and man-made. Some of them are specially built to attract travelers. For them, there are spa salons, where skilled hands will offer all kinds of services to restore tired soul and body.
Big Buddha Temple
The founder of the Buddhist religion, who chose the path of the Teacher, has a golden statue 12 meters high on the northeastern coast. The figure of Buddha in the lotus position, located in front of the temple complex, serves as a symbol of reverence and veneration for everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. It is considered one of the most important attractions. It is located on the island of Ko Faan, specially equipped in 1972, and is visible from everywhere. Despite the fact that the structure was created recently, it is popular among those who want to touch the wisdom of the great mentor, cleanse themselves of all that is superfluous and reflect on the transience of the transitory.
Among them are representatives from all over the world: America, Asia, Europe. The pose in which the Buddha is seated demonstrates the stage when the Master was on the path to enlightenment. His left hand is on his knee, and his right hand is lowered with his fingers. He managed to overcome all difficulties, temptations, temptations. Now, while meditating, he is calm and unperturbed. An embankment road with a staircase of 60 steps leads to the reclining Buddha, divided into three sectors by railings with the heads of serpent-dragons.
The central one is for monks. Around the main figure there are images of the teacher's reincarnations in the form of various deities. While climbing, you can relax and take pictures at one of the three observation platforms. At the base of the stairs, take off your shoes and take off your socks. An exception is the time from 10 am to 4 pm, when the stones are heated to such an extent that they burn the soles. Many tourists know that after overcoming all the steps and looking into the eyes of the Buddha, one should make a wish. You can take a special stick from the monks on the upper observation deck and hold it over the bells, reproducing sounds.
In this way, karma is purified and good fortune is attracted. After that, you can make a wish again in the hope of its early fulfillment. Around the statue is the Wat Phra Yai temple, open to the public. Under him there is a school where they learn the basics of Buddhism and join religion. Many tourists buy special tiles here. Having written their wish on it and given it to the monks, the travelers contribute to the further construction of Wat Phra Yai. These tiles are used to cover the roofs of the ever-growing complex. It is believed that nothing should happen to the island while the Big Buddha is sitting on it.
Magic Buddha Garden
This place has been compared to the Garden of Eden, and indeed it closely resembles it. On the Kao Yai mountain, the local peasant Nim Thongsuk built a kind of stone park. At the age of 77, he decided to build a magical garden at the bottom of the ravine, which was decorated with several dozen mythological figures carved in stone. A river runs along a winding channel. People, birds, animals are located along its banks. Under the influence of time and water, some of them are overgrown with lichens, and seem to be the most natural. Others appear incomplete.
In special niches, the author of the sculptures built both his own figure and the figure of his brother, not wanting to leave his garden. For the monks, Nim and his brother built separate houses, where they could be alone and meditate. It was possible to stop in these dwellings and ordinary travelers who needed rest and recuperation. Currently, no one lives in them. Most of all there are Buddha figures, representing his various reincarnations.
That is why the locals named the park that way. All his life as a peasant, Nim Thongsuk was engaged in peasant labor and raised durians. And in his old age, he decided to realize his dream of the Garden of Eden in stone among the rainforest. The countryman himself and his wife were buried here as a sign of respect, having arranged a crypt for them.
Plai Laem Temple
It is known as the Temple of the Many-armed Buddha. Since Thais respect any religion, representatives of different faiths can be found in this place. It features recognizable features of three cultures at once: Thai, Chinese and Japanese. Therefore, this place can be called a complex. The centerpiece is given to the Thai Bot. This is Play Laem, where daily prayers are performed and meetings of believers are held. It was built in the middle of a small lake on an artificial island, around which old-time turtles and catfish swim.
Feeding them is another tourist attraction, and food can be purchased from a nearby tent. To go to the temple, you need to take off your shoes. Particularly religious Thais take off their slippers right at the bridge, thrown from one bank to the other. Plai Laem's walls are decorated with colorful paintings inspired by the Ramayana. The goddess Kuan Yin sits on the green dragon. She is considered the keeper of the hearth and mercy. Her eighteen hands are designed to help people who turn to her and to do good deeds.
You can make a wish, and then tie a red thread on one of her hands, but so as not to touch the deity. Opposite the deity of the feminine principle, the Chinese Hottei smiles, to which a bridge is also thrown. According to legend, in order to fulfill his cherished desire, his stomach should be rubbed 300 times. In front of the deities, there is a small square with peculiar automatons inviting tourists to find out their future. To do this, after paying a small fee, you need to take a net and try to fish out a plastic ball. Within it is a prediction for you. There is also a shop with souvenirs and shell jewelry.
Namuang Falls 1
This lean-to waterfall is located in the southern part. Translated into Russian, the word "namuang" means "violet". It carries its waters among the purple stones, for which it received its name. Its height is only 18 meters. But at the bottom of the lake formed near its foot, many sharp stones are poured. Therefore, it is forbidden to dive from the ledge in order not to get injured. And swimming itself here is hampered by a powerful water flow.
It is much more pleasant to bask in the water in the summer, when the mountain lake is at its most calm. Local kids prefer to splash away from the falling stream, where it is already warmed up by the sun. Statues of Buddhist deities are installed on the equipped viewing platforms. An attraction is organized near the waterfall where you can ride elephants. The elephant trail leads directly through the tropical jungle, and provides an opportunity to get an idea of the surrounding nature and forest inhabitants.
The surrounding area is so impressive that tourists love to take numerous selfies. At the end of the walk, the elephants can be thanked by purchasing a treat right here. The locals have taken care of this and offer not only bunches of bananas and other fruits, but also reeds.
Namuang Falls 2
This waterfall is considered to be more dangerous. Its waters fall from a height of 80 meters in several cascades.Gradually calming down, its waters rush into the forest jungle. For swimming, a place is equipped only around its lowest bowl. The water in it is only + 15-17 ° C. When the rainy season in Taiwan (October-December), mountain streams rush from heights at great speed.
It also happens that in late winter and early spring, on some upper tiers, the waterfall partially dries up. In order to admire the entire panorama opening from the mountain peak to the tropical island, you will have to climb the equipped paths and ladders above the water to the top. It is at its foot that a safari park is equipped, which is popular among tourists. There are numerous entertainment attractions for children built here, and between it there are cages with monkeys and tropical birds.
Locals will offer to be photographed not only against the background of the waterfall, but also with their pets: tiger cubs, poisonous snakes, birds, monkeys, crocodiles. There is also an attraction where little elephants dance vigorously. In addition to him, you can go to the show of crocodiles, snakes, monkeys and even birds.
Paradise Park
Khao Pom is one of the highest mountains of the island. It is equipped with Paradise Park. This is a zoo, spread over an area of 20 acres, in which birds and animals live in the most close to natural conditions. Each animal species has its own "residence" zone. They are separated from each other by paths along which visitors walk. All pets can be fed and petted. Paradise Park was conceived as a bird park, but over time, animals began to be brought here.
The attraction of the park is the collection of colored pigeons. They say that feather dyeing is done with special dyes that are run under the eggshells in an incubator. Other gossips claim that feathers are dyed with brushes and sponges in multi-colored bathtubs. For parrots there are houses made of coconuts. Among them are macaws, aratins, wavy, gray, cockatoo, cockatiels, lovebirds.
In addition to parrots and pigeons, the collection was replenished with ostriches, peacocks, ducks. Goldfish are splashing in the pond, which help to fulfill the wishes. Deer, goats, reptiles, rabbits live in the mini-zoo. And the popular gibbon is so fond of Coca-Cola, which tourists treat him to, that he received the name Cola. Although, this is a violation of the monkey's diet and it is forbidden to give drinks. He loves gibbon and massage, which tourists are allowed to do with an ordinary scallop.
The high location of the park, and its total area of almost 80 acres, allows you to admire the panorama of the surrounding tropical nature while visiting the nursery. At the very top, there is an original pool. Its perimeter is constructed in such a way that it creates the illusion of a steep cliff just behind it. You can swim in the cool water while admiring the jungle far below.
Temple of Wat Kunaram
In the eastern part there is a temple complex with the mummy of Luang Pho Daeng, the founder of the Buddhist monastery. He was able to spend the whole night in meditation classes, and in the morning to be full of strength and energy. He also advised his followers to meditate in order to be filled with light and grace, to be healthy and cheerful. The old priest passed away while meditating on May 6, 1973. Before that, he warned his disciples about the time of his death.
Everything happened as the teacher predicted. Before his death, he refused to eat and drink, and did not touch them for a long time. He was found sitting in the lotus position, as if he was meditating, with no signs of breathing. Warned by the abbot, people waited for the allotted time, but the body did not acquire a single drop of decay. Then the remains of the respected teacher were placed in a glass sarcophagus and installed in the temple so that anyone could approach it. Buddhists from all over the world come to Wat Kunaram.
At present, by tradition, the mummy is wearing an orange robe, and dark glasses are covered over the eyes so that empty eye sockets do not frighten those who are especially susceptible. They go to the remains of the abbot not only to bow to the righteous person, but also ask for help or make a cherished wish. To do this, you can buy incense sticks with numbers from local monks. You cannot choose them, you should take the first one that comes across, and then go to the stand and read the prediction for the dropped out number. You can also rub the magic gong. If he started to make sounds under your "wet" hand, then you are a lucky person.
Khin Lad waterfall
This is the third popular island cascade. At the foot of the waterfall, a small Buddhist pagoda of the same name was built, crossing the bridge at which you can start your journey into the jungle. There is also a pond in which goldfish swim. They are allowed to be fed. There are paths for tourists. The ascent is hampered not only by the hot climate, but also by the protruding roots of mountain trees.
But on the way, you can admire the tropical jungle, see how exotic fruits grow in nature. The water stream runs from a height along several ledges, but in all its beauty it will come only after heavy rains. To the right of Khin Lada there is a small stream, and between them is a mysterious oasis. Once there, you can imagine yourself in reality in a world lost in space and time.
Tiger Zoo and Aquarium
They are located on the southeast coast. A highlight of the zoo are tigers of different species. So you can not only admire them, but also take a picture even with a Bengal tiger. In addition to the lord of the jungle, numerous species of birds, monkeys, and seals live in the park. At approximately 1 pm, the show of the animals that live here begins. Seals come first, followed by tigers. The wide, dimly lit corridor features aquariums with tropical fish. Not only beautiful representatives of the underwater fauna live here, but also predatory sharks and moray eels, as well as bottom ones - crabs, mollusks, turtles. The latter can be fed.
Angthong National Marine Park
42 islands with uninhabited jungle make up this Thai gem. In translation, the name means "golden bowl". In 1980 they were declared a park in order to preserve the pristine nature. The coral reef islands are located 35 km from Koh Samui, and their total area is only 18 km². The popularity of the archipelago was brought by the novel by Alex Garland, who wrote the novel "The Beach", based on which a picture was filmed here with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.
Here you can swim underwater with a mask and see in natural conditions butterfly fish, angel fish, parrot fish, stingray teniura limm, sea cucumber, giant veneer clam, oysters, Malgash night sharks, snapper (red snapper, fish of the perch family) , grouper, blue crab.
Temple Wat Khao Hua Juk
Residents believe that there are five Buddha footprints all over the world, and one of them is located here. This is evidenced by a tablet with an inscription installed at the rise in the sanctuary. In the lower part of the holy place there is a statue of him, and on the upper part there is a pagoda of gold. Shining day and night, it is visible from every corner. There is also a magnificent observation deck with a view of the immediate surroundings, the local airport and the sea bay. There are no official excursions here, but you can come on your own to get acquainted with another attraction of the island.
Water Park "Pink Elephant"
The 15,000 m² water park was opened in 2015 on the territory of Maenam Bay. This place is ideal for families with little ones. While they frolic in the play area, parents can relax in the jacuzzi and refresh in the cafe. There are no extreme attractions in the water park, but there are many that contribute to a calm pastime.
So a special device helps to change the strength of the waves in the pool from gentle to stormy. On both sides of the tower, there are 12-meter slides. A lighthouse tower was built for extreme lovers. The attraction in the form of a long calm river rocks on its waters and slowly carries along the long pool. An area with fountains, a paddling pool and low slides is organized for children. There is also a corner for babies.
Laem Sor pagoda and temple
They are located in the south of the island and are rarely included in the excursion program. But for the residents it is a sacred place. Once the pagoda stood on a nearby hill, but after being hit by lightning twice, it was decided to move it to the seashore. Now the largest pagoda is washed by the waves of the sea, and it shines gold against the blue sky. Next to it is a small shrine with models of boats and the mummy of a monk who died in the 19th century. According to legend, he founded this sanctuary, and then rested here. Some argue that the figure is not real, but made of wax. But most likely, like other sacred island remains, the mummy is real.
Skyhawk Cable Car
The trail, which is fascinating for extreme lovers, stretches for 9 kilometers and has 50 intermediate platform stops. Depending on the degree of preparation, you can choose a route that suits your needs. For children from the age of 10, there has been developed its own fascinating track. She is no less fun than the adults. Moving on the cable car, you can admire the surrounding jungle and freeze from the impressions. Several routes are offered for adults, but they all run in such a way that a person imagines himself as a bird flying in free flight over tropical trees.
Sila Ngu Temple
Translated into Russian, the name means "golden snake". Unfired red clay gives an unusual color to the sanctuary. Therefore, many call it "red". According to legend, it was built in 1935. Next to it is the grave of the founder of the Seeton Temple. They say that the golden serpent rests here. The construction of the sanctuary is not completed, as it is being built with donations, but Buddhist monks live in it. The walls of the pagoda are covered with numerous sculptures of mythological creatures. The stairs leading from it to the seashore are decorated with serpentine bodies. Monks believe that it was the snake that protected the Buddha during his meditations.
Khao Yai waterfall
You can find it in the southern tip of the island. The name translates as "Mr. Si" and is named after the owner of the nearby durian plantation. It attracts numerous tourists not only with its beauty, stunning views of the surroundings, but also with a sculpture of a girl. She is dressed in national Thai clothes and is installed at the very top. You can climb up the concrete ladder. There is a panoramic view of the jungle from there.
The cascade falls in several ledges, forming several small dams. To swim, it is worth going up to the upper observation deck, where the baths are equipped. Like many other waterfalls on the island, Khao Yai can dry up in some areas during the transition from winter to spring.
Butterfly garden
On the southeast coast is the Butterfly Garden, which the local population calls the Kingdom. Numerous wooden stairs allow you to climb higher and higher, as it is located on a mountainous hill. It is believed that 25 species of these insects live here. They cannot leave the territory, since it is all fenced off with a net.
Many bright flowers are planted to attract butterflies. The House of the Bee, built in the traditional architectural style, and the Museum, where you can get acquainted with insects from all over the world, are also built here. The walk in the Garden can be completed by the pavilion, where aquariums with cocoons are installed, from which new representatives of the beautiful world of butterflies will soon appear.
Siwa Tara waterfall and the stone of love
Another cascade has formed around the unusual stone that resembles a human heart. This is how it attracts tourists. An equipped path leads to its top. And so - this is a small water stream that dries up in the season of absence of rains. There are fish swimming in the pool at the foot, a salon is organized where you can get an original massage that is gaining popularity.
The fish will gently massage your legs and remove excess cornification for an additional fee. The observation deck equipped for observation is built at an altitude of 80 meters and allows you to take a bird's eye view of the surroundings of Lamai Beach. The suspension cable allows you to jump from one observation deck to another, bypassing 450 meters.
Temple Wat Lamai
The most popular place where the local population conducts their religious rituals: they play weddings, get married, bless children. For representatives of the Buddhist faith, the most important ceremony is the funeral, for which they are preparing all their lives. Therefore, this rite is also performed here. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to take part in numerous festivals and events related to religion.
The building resembles a lotus in its shape, and the goddess Shiva sits at its entrance with numerous hands. In each of them she holds gifts for the pious parishioners. The complex is guarded by figures of warriors with terrifying masks. Representatives of any confession can visit it, the main thing is not to violate local customs.
Stones Grandma and Grandpa
On Lamai Beach, among the talus of rock remains, unusual stones rise, resembling the genitals of a woman and a man. There are legends about their origin. According to one legend, a ship wrecked here, on which a couple of elderly people sailed, who had lived their whole lives in peace and love. They went to a neighboring island to marry a bride for their son and died. The bodies washed ashore turned into stones, and remained together forever.
Another legend says that these are the bodies of a couple in love, whose union was not to the liking of their parents. So they stayed together forever in this place. But the question arises: why "Grandmother" and "Grandfather"? The local population ascribes miraculous values to the stones. In order for your children to resemble one of the heroes of legends, you need to hold onto the rocks and make a wish.
Temple of the Lord's Ascension
Orthodox Church located on the west coast. It was founded on March 28, 2009, and is considered the fourth Orthodox parish in Thailand. 540 m² of island land was purchased so that Orthodox people on Koh Samui could attend their Church. The first service was held on April 17, 2012. On the Day of the Ascension of the Lord on June 13, 2013, the temple was illuminated in this honor. It is a white building with eight gold and blue domes.
The openwork iconostasis was made using the old technique of wood carving. The icons are enclosed in golden crayfish. The frescoes on the walls were made by artists from the Novy Afon workshop. Particles of the relics of Alexander Nevsky, Matronushka and Alexei the Man of God are kept here, an icon with the relics of St. John of Tobolsk has been installed. Divine services are regularly performed in front of all these shrines. Currently, baptism and wedding ceremonies are held in the church, all Orthodox holidays are celebrated.
In the parish school, everyone who wants to learn the Orthodox writing and singing. In addition, general education disciplines are taught for Russian-speaking children. It also has its own Library, which is dominated by religious and Russian history books. 14 million baht were spent on the design work, which made it the most expensive construction site of its kind in Thailand.
Coconut farm
Before the island became a tourist destination, coconuts were grown here and shipped all over the world. Small farms for their cultivation and collection remain now.The most famous of them is located between Lamai and Taling Ngam beaches. Here various oils are produced from coconuts, which are used for food and cosmetic purposes.
In memory of the production that helped Thailand through difficult times, the Coconut Museum was opened. Here tourists will be invited to take part in the process of making coconut oil themselves. And then they will give you a bottle of a handmade product. In the Museum, you can also admire objects made from coconuts: musical instruments, interior items and souvenirs.
Snake farm
It is located in the southwest and welcomes guests daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Many tourists come here to visit it. Here, not only are they introduced to the life of reptiles, but they are also producing drugs based on snake venom. Therefore, tourists try to buy them exactly at the place of manufacture. Various types of reptiles live in the zoological garden: poisonous snakes, including the king cobra and the giant python, crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards. All of them have their own terrariums. The original snake show can be seen twice a day.
During it, viewers can not only touch dangerous snakes, but also take pictures with them. In addition to them, the performance is attended by the King and Queen centipedes - poisonous predatory insects. And after the show, the most daring guests are offered to taste a tincture made on the basis of python bile. Other medicines from snake organs and secretions will also be discussed here. Next to the farm, there is a café serving snake meat culinary delights, as well as a gift shop specializing in farm-themed gifts.
Crocodile farm
The farm is located next to the airport and covers an area of 7000 m². More than a hundred species of these terrible mammals live here, including the rare Siamese, crested, saltwater crocodiles, caimans, in the most natural conditions. And besides them, monkeys, rabbits, parrots, snakes. Each cell has a detailed description of the species and its habitat. An intriguing crocodile show is held for everyone six times a day.
At the very beginning, the trainer enters the enclosure to the motionless crocodiles and begins to shake them. At this moment, he not only tries to sit down on his torso. Having pushed the animal, he thrust his head into its mouth. At the end of the performance, the crocodile is dragged by the tail to the audience and given the opportunity to touch it. The snake show gives you the opportunity to look at which snakes are graceful dancers. The trainer can demonstrate a kiss with any of them, as well as how poison is obtained from a snake's teeth for drugs.
On the farm, a lot of work is being done to breed crocodiles, whose eggs are stored in an incubator. The young cubs are then raised in a terrarium until they can live in a designated enclosure. There is also a specialized museum, where an experienced guide tells about all the inhabitants of the animal world found in the country.
Hainan Chinese Temple
The central administrative center is the town of Nathon. A Chinese shrine building was erected on its territory in 1962, guarded by two golden lions. Its dome is adorned with golden dragons, and the walls are painted with colorful designs. Immigrants from China participated in the construction of Hainan. It is surrounded by a high wall that allows you to keep silence and peace. For the Chinese diaspora living here, it has become not only a religious place, but also a center for preserving authenticity.
Fishing village
It is located in the historic district of Bophut and has retained its originality. Currently, it is a shopping and entertainment complex. The houses that used to belong to fishermen now have souvenir shops. There you can buy everything your heart desires: clothes made of natural silk and cashmere, jewelry made of gold and pearls, leather and ivory souvenirs. The fishing village is very similar to the Moscow Arbat. There are also many local musicians here, and hired barkers invite you to numerous cafes and restaurants. They prepare not only traditional Thai food from fresh seafood, but also traditional European.
Khun Si waterfall
The road to its top turns from concrete to unpaved, which makes climbing difficult during the rainy season. But there are no difficult sections, so you can climb along it, moving over the roots of powerful trees. You can even find mango. In winter, the stream is filled with rainwater and looks more majestic. But in the spring it becomes shallow and calm.
At each of the steps of the cascade, a natural pool is formed, in which you can swim. The main thing to remember is that the bottom is strewn with sharp rocky fragments. Some tourists prefer to jump into the water from the rocks that form the topmost bowl. An observation deck is built at the top, from which a panorama of the coast and forest jungle opens up. From time to time in the forests you can meet snakes, you should be careful.
Sheep farm
In addition to sheep itself, the farm specializes in growing green vegetables for local cafes and restaurants. Its territory is conditionally divided into pens for sheep, rabbits and a playground. Visitors are allowed to feed the animals, children can pet them (like in a petting zoo). They also sell food already prepared for feeding animals: carrots, grass, milk. All conditions for a quiet rest of parents with children have been created on the originally designed area.
Children play on the playground, parents relax in a cafe. If the weather does not allow playing outdoors, you can go up to the play area located on the second floor. It offers a variety of games and books for young visitors. Given that there are few playgrounds on Koh Samui, you can visit the Sheep Farm more often.
Elephant farm
Elephants are respected in South Asia. These are not only working animals, but also artistic representatives of the animal world. So at the Elephant Farm, located near the Namuang Falls, animals will show all their abilities. They can not only dance, but also paint, play football. Visitors also like the unusual massage that these huge "specialists" are able to gently do. In gratitude for showing the show, they will ask the visitors for bananas. For those who wish, a route is organized along which you can ride on elephants through the jungle.
Tan Rua waterfall
Perhaps this is the most mysterious waterfall on the island. Visiting tourists gave it the name Secret Falls, as not everyone can find it. He hid not far from Maenam Beach. You can stay on the territory free of charge. The mountain stream flows down several steps of a cascade into a basin located at the very base of the rocks. Here you can swim carefully. The equipped "bungee" allows you to even jump there, swinging like a monkey on vines.
It is better to visit this water stream, like all other waterfalls in Thailand in winter - from December to March. Then they appear in their greatest beauty. To get to the top more conveniently and faster, there is a ropeway. It will instantly carry you over the jungle and allow you to admire the local beauty. You can also climb on foot. In this case, a ladder of planks, thrown over a mountain stream, and delivering extreme sensations will appear on the way.
