If lounging on a beautiful tropical beach is not your ideal of a totally perfect vacation, not to worry, on Koh Samui there are enough attractions to satisfy even the most die-hard! Click on a link for information, pictures and sponsors.
Koh Samui is blessed with quite a few spectacular waterfalls; however there are only two that are easily accessed and having good facilities. They are Hin Lad and Namuang. The best time to see any of the falls on Koh Samui is during or just after the rainy season, approximately September to March. If not at these times, there may not be enough of a water flow to make the trip worthwhile.
Hin Lad
is approximately three kilometers from Nathon, due west off route 4172. The signposts are well marked. You will need to hike down a two kilometer trail, at times a little challenging, but the pool at the bottom of the falls is worth it. Make sure you have good footwear for this trail.
Namuang
is actually two different waterfalls, Namuang 1 and Namuang 2. Namuang 1 is 18 meters high and just off the main road, easily accessible by car. Here you will find a beautiful swimming hole at the base of the waterfall. Good footwear should be worn as it can get slippery on the rocks. As with any swimming area, please use extreme caution if you chose to dive.
Namuang 2 is about 80 meters tall and is a little bit more difficult to get to than Namuang 1. Unless you can find the road that will take you about 1/3 of the way up, you will have to hike up from the main road for about 30 minutes. The first little bit seems tough, but it does get easier. If there is enough water, these falls are beautiful and well worth the trip. You will need good shoes for this one.
Wat Kiri Wongkaram
At Wat Kiri Wongkaram you will find the well-preserved, mummified body of the monk named Loung Por Ruam. He was placed here 25 years ago and looks remarkably good. You will find this Wat south of Nathon, close to Taling Ngam, off route 4170. Look for the huge elephant gates and you know you are on the right track!
The Big Buddha
This 12 meter gold statue of the Lord Buddha in a seated position is one of Koh Samui's most popular attractions. A peaceful place to come, relax and contemplate, this Koh Samui landmark is a must for visitors to Koh Samui.
The Big Buddha resides at Wat Phra Yai, which is located on Koh Fan. Koh Fan is joined to Koh Samui by a short causeway. There are many shops and restaurants around the Wat.
Hin Ta Hin yai
These fascinating rock formations have been carved by nature's elements to resemble male and female body parts. Called Hin Ta and Hin Yai, this area is perhaps one of the most photographed places in all of Koh Samui.
Local lore has it that a couple was shipwrecked and their bodies washed ashore here, thus creating these uniquely shaped rocks. Hin Ta and Hin Yai are a few kilometers south of Lamai, off route 4169. The signposts are well marked.
Secret Hall of Buddhas
Wat Sumret is a 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 to 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
Buddha'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.
Angthong National Marine Park
is composed of a group of 40 or so islands making stunning vistas of a forest full of rock formations.
Angthong, meaning 'golden bowl', occupies almost 250 sq km and includes 50 sq km of limestone islands and karsts topography. Most of the islands are close to each other making a breathtaking panorama sailing around the park. The park itself is inhabited by a considerable amount of asian wildlife and dolphins also live in the sea.
All the islands are of different sizes and shapes. Most of them are covered with tropical forests and named after their distinguishing geography, a kind of descriptive appellation, such as 'Sleeping Cow Island' and 'Three Pillar Island'.
Caves in many of the islands have intriguing rock formations. Visit one for an awesome experience. The beaches are surrounded with excellent coral reefs which make for perfect swimming and snorkeling. Hundreds of beaches here in the archipelago are deserted. Get a boat and find your own secret beach away from the crowds.
Mae Ko Island is a must to visit. Here lays an emerald seawater lake in the middle of the island encircled on all sides by limestone cliffs causing a perfectly calm sea. There is an underground tunnel connecting with the sea outside. You can climb from the seashore to the edge of the lake in 40 minutes or so for a rewarding and spectacular view across the whole park. Another major highlight is Wua Talap Island or 'sleeping cow'. The park headquarters is located on the island with basic bungalow accommodation. It takes some effort to climb up the steep 430 m hill to a viewpoint offering great scenery of the entire archipelago and the mainland.
The most common transport is to get tour boats taking 40-50 people, with lunch on board. Or else you can take speedboat tours which also provide a snorkeling program. It gets you to the archipelago faster. The best way is to put together a group of friends to hire a boat and explore the islands and beaches in your own time.
