Month: May 2017

Koh Samui is one Thailand’s most popular islands. It offers relaxation, exploration, spiritual and recreational opportunities for travelers. It has some or the other attraction for every type of tourist.

From water sports, marine life, sandy beaches, to historical monuments, and places of cultural importance, the island offers hundreds of tourist attractions. Snake farm will annoy you, while the Big Buddha Temple will keep you attracted for several hours.

Beaches on this island are tourist-friendly, so, you can enjoy sunbathing, while your loved ones can enjoy the sea waves.

You can reach the island by road, boat or by plane from Bangkok. But travelling on road might prove to be time-consuming. Once you reach the island, you can either rent a car, taxi, motorcycle or a bicycle. There are several companies that offer vehicles on rent to tourists at affordable rates.

Tiger Showified monk and its Aquarium, the Wat Khunaram (home to the body of Samui’s most famous monk), the Na Muang waterfalls area, Ang Thong Marine Park and the archeologically wonderful Big Buddha Temple are some of the top destinations that manage to attract hundreds of tourists every day. Let’s take a detailed look at some of the popular destinations.

Wat Plai Laem Temple

Wat Plai Laem Buddhist Temple is famous for its statue of Goddess Guanyin. The statue resembles 18 arms of this Goddess; she is famous as Goddess of compassion and mercy. The Temple is located on the island’s north eastern coast. Wat Plai Laem also offers architectural work, statues, and artwork related to Thai, Chinese culture, and Buddhism. So, the tourist destination is also visited by followers of Buddhism from around the world.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations

What will be your reaction if you see rocks shaped like female and male genitalia? This may sound weird and funny, but Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock foundations resemble sexual organs! These rock formations are located in the southern coast of Koh Samui Island. These natural artifacts were discovered several years ago, and they are also known as Grandma (Yai) and Grandpa (TA).

The area surrounding these rock formations is picturesque. It is near the famous Hua Thanon fishing village. The land in the surrounding area is covered with buffalo fields, and some tea plantations. White sandy beach is also visible from the location, but this beach is not good for swimming.

There is no need to worry about food while at this location, as you can easily find food stalls that serve local dishes, snacks and drinks as well.

Purple waterfalls

Purple waterfalls or Na Muang waterfalls prove that Koh Samui is not just about religious and cultural tourist attractions. If you wish to escape from heat for few hours while on the island, you should definitely visit this destination. Na Muang waterfalls are also popularly known as purple waterfalls due to the color of rocks surrounding these waterfalls that are just around 12 kilometers from Nathon Bay.

The spot is popular among tourists. You can visit this destination with your family members, kids would definitely enjoy swimming and relaxing in the clean water.

You can also enjoy elephant ride and some adventure sports in the nearby jungle areas or the Na Muang Safari Park.

Tour operators ask visitors to wear sturdy shoes while visiting this destination, as the road leading to the waterfalls is sleeper and steep. If you wish to walk all the way to the falls, you should be ready to walk considerable number of kilometers. It is advisable to hire a guide, or keep maps for the location with you.

Waterfalls are situated in the southern part of Koh Samui, near Hua Thanon and Nathon mountains.

There is no need to worry about food, as you will find food stalls while on the way for waterfalls.

Food and accommodation on the island

Koh Samui is home to several restaurants, snack centers, pubs, bars, and cafes. You can easily find local and international dishes with ample options for veg and non-veg lovers.

As far as accommodation is concerned, there are many options. You can find both, simple hotel rooms, and expensive as well as affordable world class ocean view luxury villas Samui.

Koh Samui Island is considered one of Thailand’s most preferred tourist destinations. The island is home to several Temples that reflect various aspects of great Buddhist culture. The island also offers great collection of natural tourist attractions like waterfalls, hilly areas, jungles, marine park, sandy beaches, and more.

Visit popular attractions

Some of the main tourist attractions on this island are- Big Buddha Temple, Wat Khunaram Mummified Monk site, the Na Muang Waterfall area, the Ang Thong Marine Park, Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks site, and the Samui snake park.

Explore the jungles

Koh Samui Island is home to many unexplored jungles. You can opt for elephant ride through the jungle areas or hire safari jeep. Several acres of coconut plantations, forests with rare bird species, picturesque rock formations, spectacular waterfalls, and ancient monuments are scattered in various parts of the island. These can be best explored by hiring safari jeep to travel. If you are looking for thrilling experience, you can also think about hiring motor cycle or bicycle to travel across various parts of the island.

Buy a souvenir

As mentioned earlier, the island has something for everyone. There are many shopping centers and evening markets on the island. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones.

• Lifestyle shopping complex

Chaweng based Lifestyle shopping complex is slowly gaining popularity as the island’s best shopping center. It is located near the Chaweng’s beach road. The shopping complex also attracts eyeballs due to its architectural features. The dining cum shopping mall is spread across 90,000sqm area, on three floors.

Not just this, the shopping center also offers garden area with restaurants, shops and a beautiful playground for kids.

• Nathon & Lamai based Samui Hot Club

If you do not feel satisfied after visiting Lifestyle shopping complex, you should visit the Samui Hot Club. The shopping area is best for shoppers who wish to buy beachwear, and T-shirts. There are several stalls inside this big hall. The only drawback about this shopping center is that they do not allow customers to try wearing items before purchasing. Goods once sold won’t be exchanged or refunded.

The shopping center’s policies are very strict, but the overall offers and quality of goods sold under this roof are definitely something worth compromising for.

• Street markets in Chaweng area

Chaweng is not just popular for its beach on Samui Island, but it is famous for its street markets as well. These markets are full of roadside food and clothing shops. So, you can eat snacks, drink cocktail, and continue shopping at the same time. You can buy good quality clothes, art material, watches, sunglasses, bags, cosmetic material and wooden souvenirs from this market.

Several stalls also sell T-shirts with copied designs from big brands. So, don’t feel surprised if you find Ralph Laurent shirts for just few cents.

• Market at Fisherman’s village

Every Friday, the Fisherman village based Bophut area’s main street attracts hundreds of locals and tourists due to its street market. Every Friday, the market is held from 5PM to 10 PM local time.

Fisherman’s market is not just about fish. You can find cocktail stalls, seafood stalls, handicraft material, wooden souvenir items, and clothing as well.

Live like a king

Koh Samui is home to some very good restaurants, pubs, cafes, and tourist-friendly budget hotels. Most importantly, there are many sea facing villas as well. If you are looking for luxury villas Samui, try Samui Villa Retreat. The group offers Villas with garden and pool view, panoramic sea view, villas beside the beach, and beachfront villas.

Their sea facing villas are truly world class, and they also offer some of the best facilities like personal concierge service, free airport pick-up or drop service, continental breakfast, and more. All the villas are inspected every day to make sure that they match certain standards.

Executives at the concierge desk can assist you with maps, and information about the island and various tourist destinations. They can also take care of your transportation needs.

Samui Villa Retreat offers villas that are close to night-clubs, pubs, discos, and bars. This means you can enjoy great night life, and then enjoy some peaceful time at the villa.