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Samui Attractions - Top Sightseeing and things to see
There are several free natural attractions located on or near the main
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 scooters or in a jeep.
Public Attractions
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.
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Chaweng Beach
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Populated, especially in high season, the beaches at Chaweng are
the island's liveliest. Good for bathing and snorkeling at one of
the coral reefs. Watersports are available at several locations,
including jetskiing, parasailing and waterskiing. Strolling beach
vendors sell food and souvenirs. During the months of January through
April, the sea can get rough on some days, and the waves high.
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Bo Phut Beach
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Between Chaweng and Maenam, this quiet stretch of beach is just
steps away the quaint shophouses of this historical fishing village.
Popular with those staying at the many nearby bungalow resorts.
Boats leave for the northern islands from the nearby piers.
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Choeng Mon Beach
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Located on the quiet north shore between Chaweng and Mae Nam, the
nearest shopping districts are those in Chaweng and Mae Nam. The
nearby village of Bophut is a 10 minutes drive. There you will find
a number of quaint and charming restaurants and cafes. Nightlife
is subdued. Few public taxis.
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Lamai Beach
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On the east coast, home to some of the island's longest and widest
stretches of sand, you're never far from a beachside bar or restaurant,
or activity if that is what you seek. Sea bathing spots are walking
distance from Lamai center.
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Maenam Beach
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On the north coast. Combines wide and sandy stretches with a peaceful
ambience. Especially popular with families and young couples, and
those seeking tranquility.
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Hin Ta Hin Yai
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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.
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Budda's Footprint
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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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Private Attractions
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Monkey Theatre
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Located in Bophut, this crude zoo with a performing animal arena
features shows several times a day. Small monkeys are trained to
perform various tricks on stage, and then they climb the trees to
demonstrate how they harvest coconuts; a feat for which the area's
monkeys are uniquely skilled.
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Samui Snake Farm
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Southern Thailand is home to a great many species of snakes, many
of them venomous. The mountains of Samui have their share. The bite
of a full grown king cobra for example can bring death within one
half hour. But don't worry! They are extremely reclusive, and chances
are tiny that you will come in contact with one anyplace but at
this attractions' two shows a day, where they are handled by capable
and "death defying" trainers. Located in the southwest
on the 4170 ring road.
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Butterfly Garden
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Built into a hillside covered with netting, vividly colored tropical
butterflies can be seen along the serpentine footpath. In the southeast
corner opposite the Central Samui Village resort.
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Samui Aquarium
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Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach,
this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine
life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. Also on display are
some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.
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Buffalo Fighting
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A pair of male water buffaloes are pitted against one another in
what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. This widely
loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the
island, where banners are displayed days in advance.
Like sumo, the elaborate and theatrical preparations are an important
part of the show, after which the animals are set loose to glower
and paw the ground. Finally they lock horns and the crowd goes wild.
The show at the edge of the ring is just as entertaining as the
one within. The first beast to turn and run away is the loser, and
so are some punters in the crowd.
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Thai boxing
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Thai boxing is another form of cultural entertainment and a visit
to this country wouldn’t be complete without watching this
national sport. It is widely considered to be the world’s most
dangerous sport. The speed and dexterity of the contestants is an
art in its own right. Matches are held daily, Monday to Friday at
the Samui stadium.
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Wat Phra Yai and Big Buddha
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This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the
Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty
of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible
from several km away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving
the island, the 12 m 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 Phra Yai is in
the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.
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