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    Tourist Attractions in Ko Samui

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Ko Samui. Photos and a brief description.

    Ko Samui
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    91.3 ° F
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    Fri
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    Sat
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    About Ko Samui

    The Thai island of Koh Samui attracts most tourists with its beaches. There are about 30 of them here and they are all excellent – clean, with clear water and palm trees on the shore. But if you want to diversify your beach vacation, the locals have taken care to surprise even the most sophisticated travelers. There are a huge number of temples and religious buildings on the island, including the world–famous Wat Khunaram with a mummy of a monk and a 12-meter sculpture of Buddha. The whole family will be interested in excursions to picturesque corners of tropical nature – Paradise Park, Angthong Marine Park, Butterfly Garden, Safari Park.

    Also, vacationers are invited to visit a number of entertaining performances – bullfights, monkey shows, performances of snake charmers, a colorful show of transvestites and exciting fights at the Thai boxing stadium.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Ko Samui

    Wat Plai Laem Temple

    The largest cult attraction of Koh Samui. It is a complex of structures, in the appearance of which a mixture of several Asian styles can be traced. It was built in 2004. The central objects are a Thai temple and two huge statues – the 18th-century Chinese goddess Guanyin and the Buddhist deity Hottay. They are installed on stilts in the middle of an artificial lake. On a catamaran, you can take a walk on the water, feed fish and small turtles.

    Wat Plai Laem Temple
    Wat Khunaram Temple

    Wat Khunaram Temple

    One of the most visited temples of the island, located near the Namuang waterfalls. The main attraction is the mummified body of an 80–year-old monk, the abbot of this temple, in the traditional lotus position. He died during meditation more than 40 years ago, was placed in a glass sarcophagus, and since then no signs of decomposition have appeared on his body. Near the mummy there is a vessel with numbered sticks. Taking one of them, you can see the monk's prediction on the stand.

    The Big Buddha

    The 12-meter sculpture of the supreme deity is located in the northeast of Koh Samui, near the airport. It is installed on a hill, where a staircase of 60 steps leads. Take off your shoes before entering. There is a good observation deck at the top, and bells are installed, which can be rung to fulfill wishes. The majestic figure of the Buddha is surrounded by small statues of him, symbolizing the days of the week. A temple has been erected nearby. Souvenir shops are located at the foot of the stairs.

    The Big Buddha
    Laem Sor Pagoda

    Laem Sor Pagoda

    It was built in the southern part of the island, on the very seashore, away from beaches and tourist routes. It is made of yellow slabs, from which the rays of the sun are reflected, and is known as the "golden pagoda". The entrance to the sanctuary is guarded by statues of yaksha spirits. There is also a canopy with the figure of a monk who brought a particle of the Buddha's relics to the island. At a short distance from the pagoda, in the middle of an artificial pond, an unusual temple in the form of a Thai ship was built.

    Guan Yu Chinese Temple

    The opening took place in 2012. The temple was created in honor of the god of war and wealth Guan Yu, his huge statue with a red face is located in the center of the complex. A wall of ancestral memory with the names and photos of the first Chinese settlers from Hainan Island is installed nearby. And in general, the construction of the sanctuary has not yet been completed. A large 2-storey building is planned, on the first floor of which there will be numerous shopping malls, and on the second – the temple itself.

    Guan Yu Chinese Temple
    The Red Temple

    The Red Temple

    It stands out significantly for its architecture and terracotta coloring against the background of traditional Thai religious buildings. The facade is decorated with incredibly beautiful bas-reliefs and sculptures. The interior walls are richly decorated with stucco, in the center there is a statue of a sitting Buddha. Also on the territory of the complex is a 250-year-old pagoda, one of the oldest on the island. A staircase with Naga snakes on the railing descends from it to the sea, on both sides of which there is a small cemetery.

    Fishing village of Bophuta

    This is one of the oldest fishing settlements on Koh Samui, which has turned into a tourist place for walking today. A kilometer-long narrow street with various shops, bars, restaurants and other establishments stretches along the shore. In 2016, the shopping center "The Warf" opened, the premises of which are stylized as a fishing village. There is a nice 2-kilometer sandy beach. On Fridays, a night fair is held with incendiary music, dancing, and a fire show.

    Fishing village of Bophuta
    Lamai Sunday Night Market

    Lamai Sunday Night Market

    The main event of the week in Lamai, where numerous tourists and locals flock to the evening. After 17.00, two perpendicular streets are filled with stalls of merchants offering a variety of inexpensive goods – souvenirs, jewelry, dishes, cosmetics, clothing and accessories. And there is also a great opportunity to enjoy famous Thai delicacies and try all kinds of cocktails. Visitors are entertained all night by local musical talents.

    Cabaret Stars

    A very bright and colorful show of transvestites, combining elements of national and European culture. It is located in the north of the island, between the beaches of Chaweng and Bo Phut. The artists perform in fantastic handmade costumes to famous world hits. The 45-minute performance consists of song and rousing dance numbers along with an impressive impersonation of famous pop divas - Tina Turner, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue and others.

    Cabaret Stars
    Chaweng Boxing Stadium

    Chaweng Boxing Stadium

    One of the best rings for Thai boxing popular all over the world. Located in the center of Chaweng. Fights with the participation of local and foreign athletes take place 2 times a week, 7 pairs of boxers participate. The strongest and hardiest of them go to the finals. Sometimes there are fights among women. Cars with loudspeakers move around the island and advertise upcoming battles. In the daytime, those who wish can take a few lessons in Muay Thai from experienced trainers.

    The Buddha's Magic Garden

    The famous landscape attraction in the center of the island, combining the imagination of nature and the creation of human hands. In a small garden on the mountainside, among the stones, there are numerous statues of Buddha, other deities, animals, mythological creatures. All this is shrouded in vines, many statues are overgrown with moss, so the area seems very mysterious and mysterious. The garden appeared in 1976 through the efforts of a Thai farmer who created all the sculptures with his own hands.

    The Buddha's Magic Garden
    Paradise Park

    Paradise Park

    Zoo on top of a mountain in the center of the island. There are aviaries with animals and birds, but most of them roam freely, begging for treats from visitors. Among the inhabitants of the zoo zone are monkeys, ostriches, deer, rabbits, iguanas, parrots. The park has an artificial waterfall, a swimming pool with sea views, an exotic garden, and a restaurant. Benches and gazebos are installed throughout the territory, where you can relax and admire the stunning views of Koh Samui.

    Stones Grandma and Grandpa

    The most famous stone formations of the island. They are located on Lamai Beach, a few dozen meters from each other, and resemble female and male reproductive organs. The names "grandfather" and "grandmother" are associated with an old local legend about old parents who died at sea. There are many other rock piles here, they occupy an area of about 150 m2. The place is beautiful, but very crowded, surrounded by bars, restaurants and shopping stalls.

    Namuang Waterfalls

    Two of the most popular waterfalls. They are located in the center of the island, one above the other, but at some distance. The first waterfall, the lower one, is called Purple because of the color of the surrounding rocks, along which it falls into a spacious bowl. Its height is 18 meters. The second waterfall is located in Namuang Safari Park. It is more beautiful, multi-level and has a height of 80 meters. The path to it is not easy, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. And you can get to the waterfall by jeeps or elephants.

    Hin Lad Waterfall

    It is located in the west of Koh Samui, a couple of kilometers from Naton. The road to the waterfall passes through dense tropical vegetation, up the path and stairs, along the riverbed. The waterfall itself is small, at its foot nature has created a small font where you can splash. The place is attractive for tourists not only because of the beauty of wildlife, but also because of the nearby forest temple-monastery. Peace and tranquility reign here, gazebos for meditation are equipped.

    Hin Lad Waterfall
    Maenam Beach

    Maenam Beach

    Located in the northern part of the island. Suitable for a relaxing family holiday with children. The length is 5 km . The shore is covered with large yellow sand, there are many palm trees giving shade. Convenient entrance to the sea, the bottom is smooth, without stones. Waves are rare. A small drawback – the water in the sea is muddy. The infrastructure is well developed, all establishments are closed in the evening, there are no noisy discos. There are no entertainment on the beach, there are only gazebos for Thai massage.

    Lamai Beach

    It is located on the eastern side of Koh Samui. The length is 4 km . The central part of the beach area is suitable for swimming – the entrance to the sea is smooth, the bottom is clean, without stones. The sand on the shore is large, light yellow. There are few trees on the beach, you can rent a chaise longue with an umbrella. There are often waves. A large selection of entertainment – kayaks, jet skis, parachute flights, etc. The whole coast is built up with cozy bungalows and hotels. Parties and discos are organized at night.

    Lamai Beach
    Chaweng Beach

    Chaweng Beach

    The most crowded and crowded of all the beaches on the island. It is located on the east coast, near the airport. The length is 6 km . It consists of 3 zones, the main life is bubbling in the center. The entry into the sea is smooth, the water is clear. The shore is covered with snow-white fine sand, many trees. There are bars, restaurants, shops, discos. Entertainment for every taste is offered – water skiing, kayaks, jet skis, flyboard. For children – a water park with inflatable slides.

    Lamai Viewpoint

    The most famous observation deck on the island. It is located on the outskirts of the village of Lamai, at a 100-meter height. Along the way, there are local attractions – a huge stone named after St. Valentine, a small waterfall with a beautiful dam and fish peeling. A path leads up, equipped with steps and bridges. The ascent is simple, takes no more than 10 minutes. Next to the observation deck there is a restaurant and a zip-line track.

    Lamai Viewpoint
    Angthong National Marine Park

    Angthong National Marine Park

    It includes 42 uninhabited islands. Each of them is a dense jungle, rocks and caves, secluded beaches, shallow coral reefs. The area of the park is 250 km2. Its territory is home to 16 species of mammals, 54 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles. Walking and boating, swimming in coastal waters, diving, snorkeling are offered as part of the tour. Tourists are sure to visit the largest island – Koh Vua Talap, where the headquarters of the reserve is located.