 Samui Sighseeing
Whether you get around Samui by foot, elephant, motorcycle or car, you will find a wealth of natural beauty and cosmopolitan luxury. The island is small enough to drive a car around in about an hour. But it is big enough to still discover new things and beautiful places even if you stay for weeks. While the most visited areas have roads lined with shops and businesses, much of the island remains covered with coconut groves, rice paddies and forest. A sense of adventure and a bit of exploratory effort will be rewarded with everything from sophisticated shops and restaurants to serene hikes, jungle drives and spectacular tropical views.
Chaweng Chaweng is the longest beach and biggest town on Samui. There are dozens of hotels and bungalows along its fine white sand beach. You can find anything from 5-star luxury to the few budget bungalows that remain from Samui's days as a backpacker's haven. Accommodation prices are higher than elsewhere on Samui but Chaweng remains party central and has the highest density and widest selection of clubs, bars and restaurants on the island.
Lamai Lamai is Samui's second-largest beach and some say its most beautiful. The water is excellent for swimming at the bays southern end and is studding with elegant granite boulders. Nightlife in Lamai Town tends to be of the girly bar variety, although there are a few decent expat watering holes and a couple of decent clubs. There are also some high quality out of town eating, drinking and accommodation options.
Nathon All government offices and banks are located in Nathon and it is the primary point of connection with the mainland and the other islands. Shopping here is less expensive than in Chaweng or Lamai, and there are lots of interesting knick-knacks for sale. Most shops are on the inland road, which is one-way heading south. However, the ocean road has a number of good restaurants for breakfast or lunch, and the teak shophouse lined middle road gives a decent glimpse into Samui's local world.
Maenam Accommodation on Maenam's long sedate beach is mainly of the cheap bungalow variety, although there are now several four and five star resorts as well. The number of good restaurants and businesses along its main road is steadily increasing. There are numerous high-quality holiday and residential home developments and a growing community of long-term visitors.
Big Buddha Beach Its proximity to the airport makes Big Buddha very convenient if you're flying in. The resorts here tend to be well-spaced and laid-back beachside affairs attracting long and short-term guests alike. Prices remain relatively low and they're a great place for a party, as Secret Garden proves with its weekly festival. There are a growing number of fine dining options too.
Bophut Bophut is easily the most charming village on Samui and is made up of a single strip of old Chinese shophouses, many converted into restaurants, bars, shops and guesthouses. Altogether, a great spot for a romantic beachside dinner. Both the cuisine and the architecture lend a distinctly Mediterranean feel to the village. Popular with the French for the past eight years or so, Bophut is now attracting a growing number of British tourists and bar/restaurant owners.
Hua Thanon At the 90-degree turn just south of Lamai is the Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon. There are a few new restaurants on the main road, but the main attraction is the artistry of the local fishermen. Their intricately painted boats dock just offshore from the thriving market. The beach is not good for swimming, but a stroll along it affords a glimpse into the real life of one of Samui's main economic activities.
Lipa Noi Just south of Nathon is one of the best places to catch the sunset. There are a couple of good bungalows on Lipa Noi and some excellent seafood restaurants. But the real wonder of Lipa Noi is the shallow water. You can wade out for 200m and the water is still no higher than your waist. The velvety feel of the ocean bottom here attracts local children as well as visitors in the late afternoons
 Attractions
Ancient House A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Talay is the oldest house on the island. It was built approximately 150 years ago, constructed of teak planks and many beautiful wood carvings.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai Another of nature’s oddities on Koh Samui is that of the “Grandmother and Grandfather rocks”. Also called the “Genital Rocks” they are strange natural formations that have been eroded by the elements over time. They now form sculptures of male and female genitals, which create a lot of humorous interest from tourists and locals alike. Located at a scenic spot along the shore, south of Lamai Beach.
Naga Pearl Farm A 30 minute boat ride from Koh Samui will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm where you can see how pearls are cultured. After the tour, you can enjoy some Thai food and spend the afternoon on the sandy beach. The Naga Pearl Shop, is located on Koh Samui, where all varieties of pearls can be purchased.
Secret Buddha Garden This Alice in Wonderland type garden, in the hills of Samui, is situated in a jungle ravine, adorned with statues, cottages and waterfalls that have been constructed by one man in the last 20 years.
Snake Farm Impressive shows featuring native snakes, centipedes and scorpions are sure to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveller. Watch in amazement as the host surrounds himself with poisonous cobras and touches their reared head! It is a great venue for the entire family and worth looking out for. Follow the signs throughout the island.
Waterfalls The most beautiful and easiest waterfalls to get to are, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool below. If you fancy a jungle walk, head to Hin Lad Waterfall. Here a 2 km path winds its way through lush foliage to the picturesque spot. A must for all nature-lovers and well marked on any tourist map.
 Temples
Big Buddha Temple or Wat Pra Yai Wat Pra Yai is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue and the surrounding views at some point during their stay. Visible from several kilometres away and even from planes flying over the island, the 12m tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Pra Yai is on Bang Rak beach (also called Big Buddha beach) on route 4171 near the airport.
Buddha’s Footprint There are actually four footprints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically engraved. They are housed in a modest shrine, 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers great views of hills and sea over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometres west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.
Leam Sor Chedi This ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) scenically sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. Located off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow signs to "Waikiki Bungalows" to the end of the road.
Wat Kunaram It houses the body of Samui's most famous mummified monk. Dearly departed Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed glass shrine. When he died more than 25 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Located on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.
Wat Sila Ngu is said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometre south of the Genital Rocks on the beach side of the road.
|
