EXPLORE KOH SAMUI'S AMAZING ATTRACTIONS
How to get around Samui by Car, Taxi, Songtaew and Motorbike taxi.
There are several natural attractions located on or near the main
road around the island. (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 motorbikes or in
a jeep.
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.
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.
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.
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Big Buddha |
Temples
The vast majority of the population consider themselves Buddhists.
While the devoutness of their practice varies just as it does with
religious people 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. The most popular temple attraction
is the gold covered Big Buddha statue located on the tiny island
of Koh Faan, the island is connected by a short causeway from Big
Buddha beach.
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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 Samuian's
decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on
earth in the hope that many of the increasing number of tourists
would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty
of the island's hilltop forests. 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 and wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.
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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.
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. |
