A major tourist attraction is Koh (Island) Samui, a palm-fringed paradise with a coastal road that encircles the complete island. Aside from the lovely beaches and coral beds, it is abound with coconut plantations and forested hills. The more popular beaches are on the northern and eastern coasts, namely Chaweng Beach, for its party scene and combination of luxury accommodations, and Lamai Beach. It is Thailand's 3rd largest island.

Many international diving schools have been established on Koh Tao (Turtle Island) because of its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs around the island, making it the best scuba diving spot in the Gulf of Thailand.

The Angthong Marine National Park consists of roughly 40 islands, mostly comprised of limestone masses rising to heights of 400 meters, pristine beaches and lush forests. The emerald saltwater lake on Ko Mae Ko (Mother Island) entails a strenuous climb and is a major scenic attraction. Another popular venue is the Ko Sam Sao (Tripod Island) with an extensive coral reef.

The ever popular Full Moon party is held annual at Ko Phangan where revelers from all over the world come to dance the night away and be merry. It also has many beautiful natural attractions, such as waterfalls, hillside temples, and pristine beaches.

Khao Sok National Park is becoming more popular every day as more people discovers that the lush jungles and mountainous complexes are still inhabited by numerous wildlife, including elephants, tapirs, bisons, bears and black panthers. Highlights include the Sip Et Chan (11-tiered) Waterfall, and many other spectacular waterfalls all within close proximity to the park office. Ideal for camping, trekking and viewing wildlife.

Watch students as they are trained to pick coconuts at the Monkey School on the mainland and at Koh Samui. Majority of students are pig-tailed monkeys captured in the local forest that undergo an intensive 3-month program.

The Phumriang Village is an arts and crafts center well known for its silver brocaded silk cloth and jute headwear.

The late Bhikkhu Buddhadhasa, who was highly respected both locally and internationally for his basic forms of Buddhism teachings, founded the 150-acre forest temple of Suan Mokkha Phalaram, or Suan Mok. Mirroring the teaching of Lord Buddha's earlier disciples 2,500 years ago, the place attracts many Buddhist monks and meditators from Australia, Europe, Japan and North and South America. The enclave is devoid of extravagant ceremonial chapels, instead providing a forest tranquility ideal for contemplation.

The oyster farms concentrated in the estuarine areas of the Kadaeh and Ta Thong rivers produced the largest oysters found anywhere else. Visitors can see the harvesting by hiring long-tail boats to get to the farms.

The elaborately restored and highly revered pagoda at Wat Phra Borom That Chaiya is believed to be more than 1,200 years old. The pagoda contains Buddha relics. A small museum adjacent to the temple houses artifacts from that vicinity

There are several free natural attractions located on or near the main ring road. These are included in most guided tour itineraries. You are likely to stop at most or all of them if you take one of the Island Tours offered by several companies. Or you may prefer to map out your own route, and follow it on rented scooters or in a jeep.

Public Attractions

It's easy to let the sun and sea lull you into the feeling that you never want to budge from the beach. But Samui is an island of great natural beauty and variety. Even those who don't get excited about sightseeing will find that the journeys to these popular attractions will provide their own delights.

The vast majority of the population consider themselves Buddhists. While the devoutness of their practice varies just as it does with religious peoples throughout the world, the temple remains a cultural focal point for every village. Many of the more high profile Wats in the country have become tourist attractions, but remarkably, the presence of foreign visitors does not seem to distract or disturb those residents who come to pray. On Samui, two Wats are home to the displayed bodies of monks who were mummified some 20 years ago.

Some residents go to the local temple regularly to pay their respects to the Buddha, others go at times of misfortune or when they are visited by doubt and uncertainty. But all Buddhists go sometimes. As everywhere in Thailand, Samui's temples range from the simple to the grand, and the latter attract many thousands of tourists each year.

If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers.

Most of the free tourist maps available widely, indicate the locations of Samui's many Wats

Waterfalls

Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admire the view - that is plunge into one of the island's natural waterfalls, then take along a sturdy and non-slip pair of old shoes and tread carefully. Those who have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit Na Muang 1, and content themselves with enjoying the view.
The volume of water at the falls will vary, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. The last few months of the year are the wettest, while the months of March through September are fairly dry.
Na Muang 1

In the southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Choose this one if you tire easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost all the way to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is a large natural pool where you can take a dip.

Na Muang 2

Accessible by way of a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on rte. 4169) this is considered by most, to be the island's most beautiful waterfall. You reach it by ascending a rocky path. The walk takes about 10 minutes.

Hin Lad Waterfall

Hikers will relish the two kilometer walk through the forest to reach this spot, where the falls with their lovely natural bathing pool awaits them. Located two kilometers south of Nathorn, on the eastern end of route 4172.

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Viewing these astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature too, can be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist. Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother rocks"; entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.

High in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways. The inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4 generations of Samuians decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number tourists would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the island's hilltop forests.

Khun Nim spent his life in agricultural innovation, during which he was a pioneer in Durian farming techniques that are now credited for some superb crops of this delectable fruit, still grown and exported by island farmers. With the help of assistants, he sculpted dozens of figures inspired by Buddhist scriptures, in the mountaintop river bed on land belonging to his family. He remained absorbed in the project until his recent death at the age of 91. A spot far too little visited, Heaven's Garden is on some of the island's guided mountain tours.

Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you concentrate on keeping your footing. So be prepared to take your time. Wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.

Heaven's Garden

High in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways. The inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4 generations of Samuians decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number tourists would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the island's hilltop forests.

Khun Nim spent his life in agricultural innovation, during which he was a pioneer in Durian farming techniques that are now credited for some superb crops of this delectable fruit, still grown and exported by island farmers. With the help of assistants, he sculpted dozens of figures inspired by Buddhist scriptures, in the mountaintop river bed on land belonging to his family. He remained absorbed in the project until his recent death at the age of 91. A spot far too little visited, Heaven's Garden is on some of the island's guided mountain tours.

Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you concentrate on keeping your footing. So be prepared to take your time. Wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.

Mummified Monks

Monks are held in great reverence in Thailand, and years ago Samui chose to mummify two of them. Their bodies can be seen in their well preserved forms some 20 years after their deaths at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram

Budda's Footprint

As there is no sign posted, finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left. Housed in a hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop another. There are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view up there of the surrounding treetops and valleys will be worth it.

"Seen one million coconut palms and you've seen them all?" Well not until you've seen the one with 8 heads. To get there, The take 4169 ring road towards Nathon. One kilometer north of town is the turnoff. Wear long pants and study shoes for the hike through the jungle

Secret Hall of Buddhas

Wat Sumret is very old temple housing an ancient white marble Buddha believed to be hundreds of years old. Also inside is a valuable collection of Buddha images. A monk will unlock the door for you on request.

If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers, and always take care to keep your feet tucked away when in the presence of monks. Also keep your head at a level below theirs.

Located west of Hua Thanon off the #4169 ring road, Wat Samret is 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left.

Private Attractions

Monkey Theatre

Located in Bophut, this crude zoo with a performing animal arena features shows several times a day. Small monkeys are trained to perform various tricks on stage, and then they climb the trees to demonstrate how they harvest coconuts; a feat for which the area's monkeys are uniquely skilled.

Samui Snake Farm

Southern Thailand is home to a great many species of snakes, many of them venomous. The mountains of Samui have their share. The bite of a full grown king cobra for example can bring death within one half hour. But don't worry! They are extremely reclusive, and chances are tiny that you will come in contact with one anyplace but at this attractions' two shows a day, where they are handled by capable and "death defying" trainers. Located in the southwest on the 4170 ring road.

Butterfly Garden

Built into a hillside covered with netting, vividly colored tropical butterflies can be seen along the serpentine footpath. In the southeast corner opposite the Central Samui Village resort.

Buffalo Fighting

A pair of male water buffaloes are pitted against one another in what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. This widely loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the island, where banners are displayed days in advance.

Like sumo, the elaborate and theatrical preparations are an important part of the show, after which the animals are set loose to glower and paw the ground. Finally they lock horns and the crowd goes wild. The show at the edge of the ring is just as entertaining as the one within. The first beast to turn and run away is the loser, and so are some punters in the crowd.

Samui Aquarium

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. Also on display are some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.

Naga Pearl Farm - Koh Matsum

A 20 minute boat trip from Ban Thong Krut will ferry you to a sea farm where you can see how cultured pearls are created. The full day trip includes lunch, your choice of afternoon activities, and a stop at the Naga Pearl Shop on the way back. Tours can be booked with most local agents.