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Koh Samui is placed in the middle of the gulf of Thailand. The island verdant with coconut palms
and colored with the lushness of tropical plant and fauna, trimmed with purely white sandy
beaches and surrounded by clear turquoise blue water.
In the early days on this third largest island in Thailand , measuring 247 square kilometers, the
main source of income for the natives was derived from the coconut trade. Today, in those same
coconut grooves are integrated bungalows and hotels of all distinctions and price categories.
Most of the interior of the island is untouched. Great for a short or a full day exploratory trip.
The exceptions are the small village and a few sites such as crocodile farm, aquarium, butterfly
farm, horseback riding facilities and the elephant trekking stations. Also available are day trips
to the surrounding small islands, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Angthong and Koh Nangyuan.
Nearby Islands.
Angthong National Marine Park
The 102 square kilometer national marine park, dubbed as “The golden bowl of the Gulf of
Thailand”, is 25 kilometers west of Koh Samui. The park is composed of 42 amazing limestone
cliff islands. The inner lagoon, known as Talay Nai, is a popular destination for tourist and several
impressive viewpoints offer great views of both the lagoon and open sea.
Koh Tao
The island of just 21 square kilometers has the shape of a turtle hence its name Koh Tao
(turtle island). It is a very popular destination for divers all over the world. Most of the beach
here lie on the west coast while the east coast is marked by high, rough rocking outcroppings.
On Koh Tao, there are 11 bays and 10 dive sites which offer some of the best diving in all of
Thailand.
Koh Nang Yuan
The three islands, connected by two 50 meter long sandbanks, charm us with their beautiful
coral reefs and peaceful play of ocean waves. On one of the islands, we find a view point with
scenic views of the island and sandbanks, which run in a star shaped fashion between them.
Koh Phangan
In the small archipelago composed of 6 islands, Phan Ngan with an area of 168 square kilometers,
is the largest of them all. Two thirds of Koh Phangan is taken up by a long mountain ridge which is
covered with a dense tropical rain forest and is still relatively unexplored. On one side of the
island, the mountains drop steeply into the sea while on the other side has picturesque bays with
snowy white sandy beaches. Hat Rin beach is world famous for its “Full Moon Party”
Samui To See.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s rocks)
It was originated in a natural phenomenon, in which granite was worn out and deformed by
seawater and heat. Hin Ta is the granite that changed its shape into a penis shape and Hin Yai is
the one that changed into the shape of uterus.
Namuang Waterfall I
The water comes from the central mountain of the island, passing a range of mountain to the
plain below. It flows down a steep cliff of about 30-40 meters height and 20 meters width.
Namuang Waterfall II
Tourist shall take around 15 minutes to walk up the hill to the waterfall. It is preferable for those
who seek for natural touch by hiking through the forest and viewing waterfall amidst peaceful
nature.
Wat Khunaram
The body of Samui’s most famous mummified monk, Luang Por Daeng, is display here, in the
same meditation position he died over 20 years ago.
Big Buddha Image
Big Buddha Image is the famous visiting point of Samui Island. The Buddha image ‘Phra Buddha
Kodom’ is not an ancient Buddha image but a big and decorated with golden tiles. The image is 5
wah 9 inches and 12 meters tall, built in 1972.
Wat Plai Laem
This impressive new temple was designed by a famous national artist and only built recently. It
includes a huge image of the Buddha’s manifestation as Chao Mae Kuan Im.
Laem Sor Chedi
Laem Sor Chedi, fully decorated with golden mosaic, is located on the coral beach of Laem Sor.
This chedi houses the relics of the former abbots.
Samui Snake Farm
Enjoy exciting and adventurous fights of men against snakes, scorpions and other venomous
animals daily.
Samui Aquarium
This private aquarium in the Laem Set Bay is a center of various kinds of fish and other living
creatures in tropical sea. It is open daily.
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