 Natural Attractions
Water Falls
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.
1. Na Muang 1 Waterfall
Those who have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit Na Muang 1, and content themselves with enjoying the view in the southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Not far from the route 4169 ring road between Hua Thanon and Nathon. Choose this one if you tire easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost all the way to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is a large natural pool where you can take a dip. Be careful when diving or swimming in the pool, however, as sharp rocks are hidden by the frothing of the fall. 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. Elephant trekking is also available here.
2. Na Muang 2 Waterfall
Accessible by way of a concrete road to the left, south of Na Muang 1 on the route 4169 ring road. It is the most beautiful waterfall in the island. The pleasant walk up a rocky path will bring you there in about 10 minutes.
3. Wang Saotong Waterfall
It is a beautiful high-altitude fall which has been accessible to the public just for only a year. Accessible by way turn right off the route 4169 ring road at Wat Kunaram near Ban Tha Po (between Hua Thanon and Nathon), and drive right into the hills about 2km past Baan Chang Elephant Trekking. A one-kilometre walk will then take you there.
4. Hin Lad Waterfall
It is located two kilometers south of Nathorn, on the eastern end of route 4172. A pleasant 2-kilometers walk through the forest to reach this spot, cool down by taking a dip in a beautiful swimming pool under this waterfall. Tough shoes and leg protection are recommended for the walk, but the swim makes it well worth it. Packing a picnic will allow you to spend a couple of hours here and really enjoy the solitude. At the foot of the falls is Hin Lad monastery, which is worth seeing as well. The tranquil feel of the grounds and the Buddhist maxims lining the path should encourage those in need of enlightenment.
Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks)
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 called Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks respectively, have been naturally crafted by the elements to resemble male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea. The stones are a favourite tourist destination and equally popular with local Thais on weekends. There can be reach by follow the 4169 ring-road south west of Lamai, and look out for the signs.
Overlap Stone
Located 1 kilometre west of Hin Yai, on the north side of the 4169 ring-road. This rock has a precarious perch overhanging a daunting clifftop high above Lamai. A proper dirt bike will get you most of the way up, but unless you're feeling brave, you really shouldn't attempt it on a scooter. Walking all the way can be pretty exhausting, but the view is fantastic and there's a refreshment stand to help you recuperate when you arrive. Baan Hua Thanon
The old down town of Samui. A land of 3 religions, where Buddhist, Muslim, and Chinese have lived together peacefully for more than 100 years. Visit this place and walk among the ancient historical sites of Samui and feel the warmth of the real Samui lifestyle. Yai Mountain
Yai Mountain is a very new place for traveler. Even though the road looks so excited, it is worth to try. Except Wang Sao Thong waterfall along the way to the top, it is also the most beautifulview point up there. From the view point, you will see through the southern of Samui, including Tan and Mudsum Islands. Moreover, you can sit by and watch the sun goes down. Pom Mountain
The climate up here is similar to the Northern of Thailand. That is the reason Pom Mountain has been an area for orchards for many generations. Pom Mountain has many interesting places such as Magic Garden, or Paradise Park Farm. You can park to see Samui from the highest point of the island at Peak Eye View. Ang Thong Shopping Street
This road is in the middle of Nathon. It is full with a lot of shops like other shopping streets on Samui. But these old wooden buildings make it different. Come to shopping here, you will get more than the things you are looking for. It is the feeling of the real Samui. Market Fair & Temple Fair
There ar always Market Fairs and Temple Fairs on Samui. These fairs will show you the real life style of local people. And you will surely enjoy games and delicious local foods.
Eatables
Kalamare
A desert which has coconut milk as its main ingredient. Sweet and nutty, sticky and gummy. Eaten with white sesame makes it more fragrant... Samui Kalamare is unlike Kalamare from anywhere else. So, please do not be surprised if you are looking for some souvenirs and people tell you to try Kalamare.
Long Thong
It looks similar to Kuay Jub but has more additional ingredients and you can select the noodle style as you please. Long Thong is a Samui local food which is not easy to find its shops nowadays. Anyway, if you want to try it just once, you still can find the Long Thong shop right on the way to Hin Lad Waterfall and Bang Po. Thai Noodle (Kanom Jeen)
Most people already know that Southern Thai Noodle is the most famous. And Samui Thai Noodle has its own characteristic that makes it tastes different from the others. It is one of recommended dishes you should try. For whom who is not familiar with spicy food, just try adding Nam Ya Nam Prik, the sweet of this sauce will decrease the spicy taste in your dish. | Buddhism Attractions
Temples
Big Buddha
73 steps and you are suddenly in front of the largst and most perfectly place idol of Loard Buddha.
Mummified Monks
The temple is a cultural focal point for every village. Some residents go to the local temple regularly to pay their respects to the Buddha, others go at times of misfortune or when they are visited by doubt and uncertainty. But all Buddhists go sometimes, as everywhere in Thailand. Many of the more high profile Wats in the country have become tourist attractions. On Samui, two Wats (temples) are home to the displayed bodies of monks who were mummified some 20 years ago after their deaths, are Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram.
Buddha' s Footprint
Take the route 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.
Secret Hall of Buddhas
Located west of Hua Thanon off the #4169 ring road, Wat Samret is 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left. It is 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.
Private Attractions
Butterfly Garden
The farm is located on a hillside at the south-east end of the island at "Na Tien", covered with netting, vividly colored tropical butterflies can be seen along the serpentine footpath. In the southeast corner opposite the Central Samui Village resort. It is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
 Monkey Theater
Located in Bophut, this crude zoo with a performing animal arena features shows several times a day. The monkey theater proposes shows in which the monkeys can emphasize their dexterity and not only in the cropping of coconuts, also show with elephants. 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.
Crocodile Farm
There are 2 crocodile farms on the island, one which is located behind the airport and on a 7000 square metres area, you will find more than 100 animal species such as Siam and sea water crocodiles, caymans, snakes, lizards, apes and many others. There are 2 daily shows, at 2 and 4.30 pm.
The second one is situated in the south of the island, at Namuang Waterfall II , also not to be missed for the dramatic show, like this beautiful young lady who puts her head in the mouth of the crocodile... and it is a good opportunity to admire the country's wild fauna without needing to venture into the deep jungle...
Samui Snake Farm
Surrounded by lush green jungle in the south-west corner of Koh Samui is the Samui Snake Farm, a very popular and fascinating family attraction. Twice a day visitor can watch and enjoy the only Snake Show on Koh Samui.
For many years, this business has entertained ten thousands of people and is still going strong and stronger. Samui Snake Farm also took part in two Guinness Book of World Records: "The Longest Stay with Scorpions", and "The Longest Stay with Centipedes". Here at the Snake Farm of Koh Samui you can meet the world record holders, the Scorpion Queen and the Centipedes King, and watch their courageous stunts with their creepy little friends.
Open daily, shows start 11:00am and 2:00pm
Buffalo Fighting
The Buffalo Fighting Festival, Ko Samui is a very popular event held on special occasions such as New Year's Day in January, and Songkran in mid-April. This festival features head-wrestling bouts in which two male water buffaloes are pitted against one another. Unlike Spanish Bullfighting, wherein bulls get killed while fighting sword-wielding men, Buffalo Fighting Festival, Ko Samui is a fairly harmless contest. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies.
This hugely cheered spectacle is organized at selected venues around Ko Samui, like the stadiums at Ban Saket, Ban Makham, and just outside Nathon town. Banners are displayed well in advance all over the island.
On the day of the fight, the bulls are adorned with colorful ribbons and gold-painted leaves on their horns. Holy water is sprinkled on them as a sign of blessings prior to the fight. The bout takes place in two rounds, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The buffaloes lock horns with each other - much to the cheer of the huge and lively crowd - until the weaker one submits. The first Buffalo to turn and run away is considered the loser. The champion buffalo becomes worth several million baht.
The Buffalo Fighting Festival, Ko Samui is still a popular sport among the locals, and if you visit Samui at the right time, you might just be lucky enough to watch this thrilling encounter.
Samui Aquarium - a paradise under the sea
They innovated an awesome aquarium with a marvellous collection of tropical marine life, such as sharks, turtles, tropical fish etc. and all other undersea creatures that you ever think of, for all your family to enjoy a wonderful moment with them.
In Samui Aquarium you will explore diversity kinds of fish and undersea creatures from the Gulf of Thailand, especially Koh Samui.
Come loose your track of time to experience the miracle of the undersea world, a sea paradise on earth, at Samui Aquarium.
Samui Aquarium is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Magic Garden (Heaven's Garden)
The "Magic Garden" or "Secret Buddha Garden" is located in the hills of Samui. A Samuian fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, started to build the garden in 1976 when he was 77 years old.
To get there is a bit difficult as the only concrete road leading there is a military road and is not accessible by "normal" people ( in the last couple of month the guards let you pass if you want to visit the garden....so give it a try). So, the only way to get there is through the jungle, rivers and mountains by a four-wheel-drive jeep. The journey takes about 2 hours starting at the back of the Lamai temple and is only recommended for experienced "outdoor" drivers. Another way to get to the garden is by joining one of the jungle tours.
It's quite worth a visit and on the way you can make a stop-over at Samui's highest point overlooking the island from north to south, the surrounding islands as well as the mainland. |
Attractions 
