Places To Visit On Koh Samui

Wednesday, October 04, 2017
Being the third largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui doesn't have that local island feel to it. Packed with luxury resorts and heavy traffic, this island draws many charter tourists to it's shores. Beach bungalows offers and street food however, makes way for budget travellers. Beaches, view points, religious structures and waterfalls trademarks the island. Here's a list of how a day of sightseeing on Koh Samui could look like.

Big Buddha on Koh Samui, Thailand
The Big Buddha is considered one of the absolut landmarks of the Koh Samui island. Located on a small separate piece of land (Koh Fan) offshore of the northeastern coast. The statue stands at 12 metres in height and is gold-painted. A must-visit.

Guanyin statue at Wat Plai Laem on Koh Samui, Thailand
Located a couple of stone-throw from the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem is most famous for its 18-armed statue of the Buddhist goddess Guanyin. Built in recent times and influenced not only by local Thai culture, but also by the growing Chinese population in this part of the island.

A small part of the long Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand
If you're not staying in the Chaweng Beach area, then a stop here is an absolute must. The whole beach and the street area around it is buzzing with activity. It's the main tourist spot on the island, so expect prices on food, drinks and accommodation to be higher than usual. You need not to stray far from the beach however, before you'll find a Chang beer at 50 Thai Baht.

Lad Koh View Point on Koh Samui, Thailand
About halfway down the east coast, you'll stumble upon the Lad Koh View Point. Offering a stunning view towards the famous Chaweng Beach. There's an easily accessible walking path, which leads all the way down and onto the rocky shore.

Me on Coral Cove Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand
Supposedly Coral Cove Beach is the best snorkeling spot on Koh Samui. We snorkled the whole thing back and forth and wasn't too impressed. Bad visibility was to blame for most of the disappointment. Heavy rains had fallen just a day prior to our visit, which might explain the muddy water.

Silver Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand
Confusingly enough this beach is only accessable through a resort with the name Crystal Bay Beach Resort. The beach is commonly spoken of as Silver Beach, which doesn't really fit the name of the resort. The beach itself is quite nicely tucked into a small bay. We snorkled the bay here as well, and with the same result as in Coral Cove Beach; low visibility.

Hin Ta Hin Yai on Koh Samui, Thailand
On the very southern tip of Lamai Beach, further down the coast, make a stop at Hin Ta Hin Yai or Grandfather's and Grandmother's Rock. A local Thai folklore tells the story of an old couple named Ta Kreng and Yai Riem who lived with their son. They set ashore to ask for the hand of Ta Monglai's daughter, as they felt it was time for their son to marry. Their boat was seized by storm and unable to swim the old couple drowned at sea. As proof of true intentions towards the bride-to-be, they turned into rocks. Things than only happen in Thailand. Go judge for yourself.

Mumified Monk on Koh Samui, Thailand
The Mumified Monk is the undercomposed remains of Phra Kru Samathakittikhun. The ex-abbot of Wat Kunaram. He went into monkhood at the age of 50 and became renowned for his meditation practice. For about 20 years he had many disciples. Phra Kru Samathakittikhun also foresaw his own death, which occurred in 1973 at the age of 79 years and 8 months. After death his body was placed in an uprigt position with a caskel as requested in written instructions. Here he remains to this day.

Na Muaeng-1 Waterfall on Koh Samui, Thailand
There are two Na Muaeng falls on Koh Samui. Muaeng means "purple" in Thai, named so, because of the purple rocks which formed the falls. Na Muaeng-1 Waterfall is an 18-meter high fall easily accessible by a short walk from the parking lot nearby. Below the waterfall there's a naturally formed pool attracting tourists and locals alike.

Fisherman's Village on Koh Samui, Thailand
Last stop on this list is at Fisherman's Village. Walk to Bophut Beach, grab a cold Leo beer, rent a paddle-board, go jet-skiing, get an authentic Thai massage or simply relax in one of the many beach restaurants. End it all off by turning your head East, as the sun disappears behind the island hills.

Sunset near Mae Nam Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand
If you're staying in Koh Samui for awhile I'd recommend having a look at the surrounding islands; Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine National Park. All easily reached from Koh Samui by ferry transfer or day tours.

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