Koh Samui attractions

As a tourist destination Koh Samui offers a wealth of things to do and see. The island offers natural, cultural and commercial attractions and thanks to its size, they are all within easy reach of the main beaches and accommodation centres.

The Namuang Waterfalls are a popular choice for day trippers on Samui and particularly spectacular after the rains. You can ride on an elephant to the top of a mountain and watch the water cascading down or dive into the lower level pools for a refreshing dip. The falls can get very busy at weekends and during Thai holidays, a quieter alternative can be found just outside Nathon Town and Hin Lad.

Another natural attraction for visitors to Samui sits on the coast just south of Lamai. Hin Ta and Hin Ya are two rocks mysteriously carved by the sea to look like male and female genetalia. A great spot for photos and there's a small food and souvenir market that lines the road down to the rocks.

Cultural attractions on Samui centre on the temples or 'wats', which are open to the public and offer a fascinating insight into Thai beliefs and spirituality. The most famous temple on Samui is Big Buddha, named after the huge golden statue of the Lord Buddha that many people believe protects the island. More dramatic symbols can be found just round the corner at Plai Laem temple where a famed Thai artist has installed huge statues in a lake teaming with carp. He also painted intricate murals in the main temple building, depicting the life of the Buddha.

The older temples on Samui tend to be located in the south. One that draws plenty of visitors is Wat Kiri Wongkaram, home of the famous Mummified Monk. He was a monk at the temple for many years and is preserved, sunglasses and all, in a glass case for worshipers to pay their respects.