KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
Ko Samui, 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.
KOH SAMUI is blessed with many temples mostly Buddha and some other religions. As part of your travel journey you can hire a guide or hand pick some of the most interesting temples to visit? A great way to learn about Thai heritage and culture.
History of Koh Samui
The history of Koh Samui is immersed in culture and religion. Historians have documented 1,500 years ago Samui first became inhabited by fishermen and traders from the Malay Peninsula and the southern China coast.
Koh Samui is the third largest Island in Thailand and the largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands that includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking paradise and day Trip from Ko Samui. While Samui is small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car, the island features such a variety of Beaches and activities that it would be impossible to experience everything in a single visit. There are so many beautiful beaches here like Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Natien. Besides plentiful nature, the island is also full of History and Culture.
Activities around Ko Samui include cooking courses, yoga instruction, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and golf. While there are a few quieter beaches that are ideal for relaxation, particularly those that feature some of the finest 5-star resorts in the world, and some that exude old-world charm, such as Bo Phut, which features converted, old Chinese shophouses, Samui is a lively, exciting place than it was a few decades ago. Ko Samui has developed into its own style of island paradise, retaining much of its natural beauty while offering nearly every imaginable activity or service for the ultimate beach Holiday.
Key Koh Samui Tips: While affordable and convenient, motorbikes are the cause of numerous accidents and fatalities; always wear a helmet, never drive drunk, and drive defensively at all times. Negotiate all taxi and tuk-tuk fares prior to departing for your destination. Be careful walking on the beach or swimming at night, particularly if alone. Make sure your scuba diving instructor is fully certified. Respect Thai values regarding dress: women should not go topless on the beach and men should not walk around shirtless other than at the beach.
Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand
We are proud to be the first truly ethical and award winning elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui in Southern Thailand. Thanks to the kind support of our guests. Since elephants have such excellent memories and a love for foodie adventures dont forget to feed the elephants bananas?
Koh Samui has many waterfalls in the mountains: Some have large pools where you can swim. Others require quite a hike to reach, but if you are in excellent shape defintely worth the effort. You can arrive with tour guide or private taxi.
FISHERMANS VILLAGE: Fisherman’s Village In Koh Samui Fisherman’s Village in Koh Samui is a beautiful walking street of hipster cafes and boutique shops. The Fisherman`s Village in the Bophut area is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Koh Samui.
How To Get To Fisherman’s Village in Koh Samui
Fisherman’s Village in Koh Samui is located on the Northern coast and is just a short 30 minute drive up from the popular tourist area or Chaweng. COCO TAN FIRE SHOW GOOD PLACE TO EAT AND HANG OUT AND LUNCH AT PIER
Chaweng Night Market: Local foods and many souvenir shops. One of the food stalls offered fried allegator. Fisherman village is probably a better option...but how about visit both night markets and you decide?
ACCOMODATIONS KOH SAMUI The tourist has many choices with budget, mid- range, luxury and choice of locations. What is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander so take your time read reviews and select best accomodations that fit your lifestyle.
Samui Natien Resort on Chaweng Beach...centrally located and situated right on the beach with swim pool and restaurant. Picture post-card location with easy swimming just in front of hotel and very close to airport.
Marine Chaweng Beach Resorthttp:
Marine Chaweng Beach Resort is located in the middle of Chaweng beach, Koh Samui offers 40 bungalow style accommodation set on a white sandy beach. Ideal for budget minded no- swimpool no aircon but awsome beach location. Ideal for beach lovers and kayakers. Laidback with restaurant and sun bathers.
BEST DAY TRIP BY BOAT TO OUTER ISLANDS: Can you do a day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
Much closer to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is another great day trip destination. Just 20 minutes by speedboat, Koh Phangan is famous for monthly full moon parties that last until morning. If all-night beach parties aren't your speed, you'll still find things to do in Koh Phangan on your day trip from Koh Samui.
ANG THONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Established as a marine national park in 1980, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands covering 102 km² at the shore of the Surat Thailand. Great for kyaking, diving, marine and exploring crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Go to the Nathon Pier and board large tourist boat which has its own kayaks plus breakfast and lunch...trip time approx 45 minutes.
PIG ISLAND KOH SAMUI: If you heard about Pig Island, it is a new trend calling, actually the real name is “Koh Mudsum” where located next to Koh Tan and Five Islands. Originally, Samui local people go to this island for fishing and picnic with friends and families on the weekend. Later on, there are some tourists go to visit the island for relaxing and someone brought the pigs to take care on the island. After that, once tourists come over to visit Koh Mudsum and see all cuties pigs stay on the beach, feeding and playing with them are created to be a new activity and became very popular destination for both of Thai and foreigners’ tourists.
SECRET MAGIC BUDDHA GARDEN:
Secret Buddha Garden is hidden away high in the hills in Koh Samui’s interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds. The gardens are a creation of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who in 1976 began erecting several statues and temples around his family’s verdant land. The statues depict a number of animals, deities and humans in various poses, including one of Khun Nim himself, in a relaxed position sitting on a rock. Khun Nim continued to work developing his garden until his death at the age of 91.
The garden surroundings are cool and peaceful, with a waterfall and stream flowing through, all shaded by thick jungle foliage. The Secret Buddha Gardens are found in Samui’s interior, to the north-west of Lamai Beach. With the steep and bumpy road, getting up here is a challenge best done in a 4×4 vehicle. Many visitors choose to come here on a day trip that includes a tour of the gardens.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW: SOME POSSIBLE EXCURSIONS: ELEPHANT BEACH CLUB ON CHANENG BEACH .5 KM, WATER FALL FARM..INLAND GOOD PLACE FOR LUNCH, THREE ISLAND TRIP INCLUDES PIG ISLAND, KOH TAO, KOH PHANGAN. VISIT LANAI BEACH ON KOH SAMUI MORE QUIET BUT BEAUTIFUL BEACHES WITH WHITE SAND PLUS DOOR BEACH CLUB, CHOENG MUN BEACH QUIET LOCAL THAIS LIKE IT, GRANDFATHER & GRANDMOTHER ROCKS FOR PHOTOS, SAMUI CROCODILE FARM & ZOO CLOSE TO AIRPORT, AMBA SAUNA & STEAM ROOM & ERANDA SPA OVER LOOKING MOUNTAIN STREAM...FREE PICK-UP
VISIT THE AWSOME BUDDHA STATUES ...ONLY 6 KILOMETERS FROM HOTEL. SPECIAL TOURIST TRIPS: EXPLORE ANGTHONG MARINE PARK BY BIG BOAT 8 HOURS WITH LUNCH $35.00 PER PERSON BOOK FROM INTERNET? FISHING DAY TRIP $71.00 APPROX 8 HOURS RATED 4 STAR...BOOK FROM INTERNET
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE: ELEPHANT HABITAT? How would you like it, if someone destroyed where you live and took your food?
ZENTRAVELER SAYS:“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” Whilst traveling Dont eat too much and make a pig of yourself.
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