Ko Samui / Samui Island, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It’s known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas. The landmark 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is located on a tiny island connected to Ko Samui by a causeway.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng beach is the longest and most famous one with white powdery sands and clear water. With plenty of restaurants, seafood restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife area.
Choengmon Beach
Choengmon beach is located in the North-East of Koh Samui where is the most quiet areas and perfect for relaxation and honeymoon. Many luxury hotels, resorts and private villas are along Choengmon Beach. Within 7 minutes you can reach the most popular and bustling pristine Chaweng Beach for entertainment and shopping.
Big Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Yai
Big Buddha temple is one of the island’s most popular attractions. known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre seated Buddha statue was built in 1972. The Big Buddha can be seen at a distance of several kilometres and is often the first landmark people see when arriving to Koh Samui by air.
Big Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Yai
Big Buddha temple is one of the island’s most popular attractions. known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre seated Buddha statue was built in 1972. The Big Buddha can be seen at a distance of several kilometres and is often the first landmark people see when arriving to Koh Samui by air. The temple is about 3 kilometres directly north of Samui International Airport, it’s about 7.5 km away from Cheweng Beach. The temple is open all day, if you would like to see a true cultural experience it’s best to go in the morning around 7 AM, the time when local people bring their food and other offerings to the monks do their morning chanting.
Visitors should dress politely. Be sure to wear shirts that cover the shoulders, trousers or long shorts, and no beachwear when visiting the Big Buddha temple.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Hin Ta Hin Yai is is in between Lamai and Hua Thanon. Hin Ta and Hin Yai are natural rocks shaped by wind and water for millions of years. The rocks are well known for resembling male and female genitalia, thus they are known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai) respectively.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Hin Ta Hin Yai is is in between Lamai and Hua Thanon. Hin Ta and Hin Yai are natural rocks shaped by wind and water for millions of years. The rocks are well known for resembling male and female genitalia, thus they are known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai) respectively.
According to several theories, Hin Ta Hin Yai have been formed over millions of years due to the wind and water. Several local tales are associated with the formation of these rocks; one being that the rocks are transformed bodies of an elder couple known as Ta Kang and Yai Riam.
To reach Hin Ta Hin Yai , you need to pass a short narrow alley lined on both sides with souvenir stalls selling mostly items made from coconut shells and seashells, it calls “Ka-La-Mare”
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Mu Ko Ang Thong is a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, on the shores of the Surat Thani Province. It covers 42 islands. The best option to travel to the Marine Park is by speedboat. Most Ang Thong visitors arrive on a join-in day trip or by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. Popular activities are snorkeling and kayaking.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Mu Ko Ang Thong is a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, on the shores of the Surat Thani Province. It covers 42 islands. The best option to travel to the Marine Park is by speedboat. Most Ang Thong visitors arrive on a join-in day trip or by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. Popular activities are snorkeling and kayaking.
Hightlight places are Koh Mae (Mother Island), which has a stunning beach and an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Thale Nai), it will take you to a fantastic viewpoint which looks out over the surrounding islands. Here you will have some time to enjoy the view and take some breathtaking pictures. A short stroll downhill will take you to the famous Emerald Lake, also known as the Blue Lagoon from the movie ‘The Beach’.
Central Festival Samui
Located on Chaweng’s Beach Road, this modern and trendy complex boasts with open-air atrium, a beautifully landscaped garden area complete with benches, contemporary architecture and is inspired by the vintage ‘Chaweng Port’ theme, you’ll see decorative themes such as the Sino-Portuguese, the Fisherman’s Village and the Old Town Market, showcasing the colonial-style architecture and the ‘East meets West’ fusion.
Central Festival Samui
Located on Chaweng’s Beach Road, this modern and trendy complex boasts with open-air atrium, a beautifully landscaped garden area complete with benches, contemporary architecture and is inspired by the vintage ‘Chaweng Port’ theme, you’ll see decorative themes such as the Sino-Portuguese, the Fisherman’s Village and the Old Town Market, showcasing the colonial-style architecture and the ‘East meets West’ fusion. There are plenty of popular restaurants to enjoy your mean for Thai dishes, Indian, Russian, Japanese, Italian, cafe, dessert beverage such as Café Zazen, Zen Sushi, Starbucks, KFC, Haagen Dazs and etc. You will enjoy shopping for a vast choice of branded clothing and accessories such as Timberland, Arrow, Uni Qlo, Xact, Esprit, Rip Curl, Playboy, Paul Frank and etc.
For kids, the plaza has its own beach with kids toys and a fantastic amusement park called Pirates of the Marioland that will keep big kids just as happy as the younger ones.
Na Muang Waterfall
Namuang Waterfall is Koh Samui’s best hidden secret is located just 10 km south from Nathon and boasts two beautiful waterfalls; the first is 18 meters high and the second is approximately 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the Samui island. The paths leading to the falls can be steep or slippery in places so be sure to wear some sturdy footwear and take care when walking. The best time to go is in the wetter months of September through November when the waterfalls are in their full flowing glory.
Na Muang Waterfall
Namuang Waterfall is Koh Samui’s best hidden secret is located just 10 km south from Nathon and boasts two beautiful waterfalls; the first is 18 meters high and the second is approximately 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the Samui island. The paths leading to the falls can be steep or slippery in places so be sure to wear some sturdy footwear and take care when walking. The best time to go is in the wetter months of September through November when the waterfalls are in their full flowing glory.
Between Namuang 1 and 2 is the Na Muang Safari Park, which features elephant rides as well as monkey shows and other entertainment that kids especially will enjoy. An entire day could be spent at the falls swimming, hiking, exploring, picnicking where is a cool and peaceful alternative to the beach.
Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is the most popular walking street in Bophut, Koh Samui. It is also known for its original Chinese-Thai culture. A number of historic and original wooden homes are found here. Visitors will find numerous eateries, coffee shops and entertainment zones adjoining the beach. Here, The East meets The Med, with French-style vintage boutiques mingling with elegant teahouses, and local Samui designer wear outlets next to seafront coffee lounges.
Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is the most popular walking street in Bophut, Koh Samui. It is also known for its original Chinese-Thai culture. A number of historic and original wooden homes are found here. Visitors will find numerous eateries, coffee shops and entertainment zones adjoining the beach. Here, The East meets The Med, with French-style vintage boutiques mingling with elegant teahouses, and local Samui designer wear outlets next to seafront coffee lounges.
Old wooden Chinese shop-houses have been converted into stylish shops, restaurants and bars, yet modern Mediterranean-style buildings. This is definitely one of the things you should not miss while your holiday on Koh Samui. On the day the walking street takes place (Friday & Saturday), the road will be closed for traffic from 5 pm.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small paradise Island in the Gilf of Thailand. Koh Tai is located on the east side of Surat Thani Province coastline with two neighbouring islands, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The Island’s natural beauty with its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life in clear, warm water, bring visitors making it an unforgettable destinations for divers.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small paradise Island in the Gilf of Thailand. Koh Tai is located on the east side of Surat Thani Province coastline with two neighbouring islands, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The Island’s natural beauty with its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life in clear, warm water, bring visitors making it an unforgettable destinations for divers.
Koh Tao can be visited all year round. From October through to March, it’s better for swimming and snorkeling. From April through to September, the tide is low during the day making the beaches wider for sunbathing and beach activities. From Koh Samui to Koh Tao, there is daily ferry service from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, it takes about 1.30 Hrs.
Koh Nang Yaun
Koh Nang Yuan is located only 15 minutes from Koh Tao. It is place of tranquility and serenity and is a perfect place to unwind from the rigors of travel, or for the more adventurous a chance to dive into an exciting new experience.
The Island has some great snorkeling sites and it’s popular for scuba diving, especially at Japanese Gardens. Entry Rules: No plastic or cans. Visitors fee is THB 100 per person. Island closes at 5.00 PM.
Koh Nang Yaun
Koh Nang Yuan is located only 15 minutes from Koh Tao. It is place of tranquility and serenity and is a perfect place to unwind from the rigors of travel, or for the more adventurous a chance to dive into an exciting new experience.
The Island has some great snorkeling sites and it’s popular for scuba diving, especially at Japanese Gardens. Entry Rules: No plastic or cans. Visitors fee is THB 100 per person. Island closes at 5.00 PM.