Dear Hoosier,
Koh Samui, Thailand is a very exciting place that offers many outdoor
attractions.
The Tourism Association of Koh Samui recommends taking advantage of the many
free, public attractions on the island which include:
Temples – or wats, are a cultural focal point in every village. A few of the
recommended temples to visit are Wat Samret, Laem Sor Chedi, Coral Buddha, Wat
Samret 1, and Wat Khunaram. Because of the cultural and religious significance
of these attractions it is important to dress appropriately and remove you
shoes before entering. Additionally, it is very important to never point your
foot at Buddha or any of the worshippers. Pictures of these recommended temples
can be viewed at, http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/temples.htm
Waterfalls- Na Muang 1, Na Muang 2, and Hin Lad are the three waterfalls in Koh
Samui.
1.Na Muang 1 is located in the southwest corner of the island and is the most
accessible of the three. This waterfall is recommended for those looking for a
less rigorous walk, and it offers a large natural pool at its base.
2. Na Muang 2, considered the most beautiful of the three waterfalls, is
accessible via a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on rte. 4169). It is a 10-
minute walk up a rocky path.
3. Hin Lad is located two kilometers (1.25 miles) south of Nathorn on the
eastern end of route 4172. The hike takes you through lush forest before
opening up to this beautiful waterfall and its bathing pools.
Information on these attractions can be found on the Koh Samui tourism site,
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/waterfalls.htm
Hin Ta & Hin Yai- a natural rock formation known as the “Grandfather and
Grandmother rocks” that form “two extraordinarily accurate male and female
genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.” A picture
of this attraction can be seen at
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/hinta_hinya.htm
Heaven’s Garden- located high in the hills lies this amazing art gallery that
was inspired by Nim Thongsuk who wanted to “create a little piece of heaven”
with the hope of creating a greater appreciation for the island’s hilltops.
Bring a good pair of hiking shoes, as the footing is quite uneven. For more
information on the history of this attraction please see
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/heavens_garden.htm.
Mummified Monk- located at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram, these mummies
are more than twenty years old.
Buddha’s Footprint- located at a hilltop shrine, there are four engraved
footprints stacked on top of each other. To get to this site take Rt. 4170 and
2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on
the left. There are 163 steps to climb to get to the top, but you are rewarded
with a beautiful view of the surrounding treetops and valleys. A picture of
this attraction can be viewed at
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/buddha_footprint.htm.
Secret Hall of Buddhas- or Wat Sumret, is a very old temple that houses a white
marble Buddha statue that is over one hundred years old. This temple is
located west of Hua Thanon off the #4169 ring road, and 200 meters down the
second concrete road on the left. For more information on this attraction
please see http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/secret_hall_buddha.htm.
For information on other public attractions in Koh Samui please visit
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/index.htm.
The Tourism Association of Koh Samui also recommends several other private
attractions, which include:
Samui Snake Farm – provides a look at some of Thailand’s many species of
snakes. It is located in the southwest on the 4170 ring road.
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/snake_farm.htm
Butterfly Garden – provides a look at some of the most colorful species of
tropical butterflies. This attraction is built into the hillside and covered in
netting. It is located in the southeast corner opposite the Central Samui
Village resort.
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/butterfly_garden.htm
Samui Aquarium – located just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden, the
aquarium offers a look at some of the local marine life as well as the Bengal
tiger and leopards.
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/samui_aquarium.htm
For more information on some of the private attractions please see
http://www.samuitourism.com/attractions/index.htm
Koh Samui has gorgeous beaches that offer great opportunities for diving and
snorkeling. The Tourism Association recommends Calypso Diving School, a five
star instructor center. The instructors are all multilingual. This school
operates in the Gulf of Thailand covering the regions around Koh Samui,
Angthong Marine Park, Sail Rock and Koh Tao. Calypso can be contacted at,
27/5 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach Road
Bophut, Koh Samui
Suratthani 84320 , Thailand.
Tel / Fax: +66 77 422 437
Email: info@calypso-diving.com
For more information on Calypso Diving school visit
http://www.samuitourism.com/sport_fitness/diving/calypso/index.htm
Island tours are a fun way to see the island and Koh Samui offers many
different types. The Tourism Association recommends Samui Ocean Sports Boat
Tour
(http://www.samuitourism.com/sport_fitness/watersports/samui_ocean_sports/index2
.htm), Mr. Ung’s Fishing Tour
(http://www.samuitourism.com/tour/mr_ung/index.htm), and Mr. Ung’s Safari Tour
(http://www.samuitourism.com/tour/mr_ung/index.htm) .
For more information on Koh Samui tours please visit
http://www.samuitourism.com/tour/index.htm
Additional websites with information on outdoor activities in Koh Samui,
Thailand that may interest you are:
Koh Samui: a Guide to Paradise – offers more detailed information on the
festivals and nightlife in Koh Samui
http://www.kohsamui.org/
KohSamui.com – offers general guide for visitor information
http://www.kohsamui.com/
GoSamui.com – offers travel information better suited for the business traveler.
http://www.gosamui.com/
Search Terms Used:
Koh Samui, Thailand
I hope this information is helpful. Good Luck!
Thank you,
Shal |
