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Wat Phra Yai - Big Buddha Temple |
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This big attraction is named after the 12 meter high statue of the Lord Buddha overlooking the Wat (temple grounds). Here you are required to observe and follow dress and etiquette rules, which basically mean shoes off and shirt on. When ascending to the top of the statue, you are welcomed to some beautiful views. The temple and statue itself makes for great photos to take home. |
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At the entrance to the temple you may make a donation. In exchange your name will be placed upon one of the bricks used for the expansion of the temple. On your approach to the temple you will find small craft shops, clothing shops and restaurants. |
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Wat Khum Aram and the Mummified Monk |
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Wat Khum Aram, situated not far outside Lamai, is home to the famous Phra Khru Samathakittikhun, ex Abbot of Wat Kunaram. At age 50 he devoted his life to the monkhood. He became renowned for his meditation practices and for approximately 20 years had many disciples among both Buddhist Monks and laymen alike. He died at age 79 while sitting in an upright meditating position. |
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After his death his body never decomposed and his relatives, as per his written request, placed him in the same upright position in a glass casket. He has been dead for 35 years and can still be seen today in his glass casket, still with very little decomposing. The Wat and temple creates a calming effect on visitors and a beautiful site to behold. Do make the effort to visit. |
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Na Muang Waterfalls |
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Na Muang Waterfall 1 is easy to reach and parking is available within 15 minutes walk to the waterfall.
Na Muang Waterfall 2 is bigger than number one and elephants are also available to ride to the top if you don’t feel like walking the ten minutes to the base of the waterfall. Of course, for most of us getting from one point to the next through a jungle on elephant is an experience by itself. The waterfall also makes for refreshing swimming.
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Hin Lat Waterfall |
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The most remote of the three and requires a 30 minute walk to get there. However, swimming in the cool water once you arrive and taking in the scenery and tranquility makes it all worth while. See our map of Koh Samui for the location of the waterfalls. |
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Hin Tai & Hin Yai |
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Hin Tai and Hin Yai, meaning grandmother and grandfather, is a true miracle of nature. These two rocks situated approximately 50 meters apart, resemble the male and female genitalia. |
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The male rock is easy to spot while the female plays harder to get. Standing next to grandfather facing the sea, the female rock lies to your left and you need to take care walking down the slippery rock to get a good view. |
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Koh Samui Ang Thong National Marine Park |
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A sight certainly not to be missed is this archipelago consisting of approximately 40 small uninhabited little islands, within an hour by speedboat from Koh Samui. One day excursions can be arranged via your resort or one of the many tourist centers on the island. The snorkeling during such a trip is spectacular with an abundance of tropical fish and coral reefs to be seen around the islands. Part of the trip is a visit to a small fisherman’s village located on one of the islands where you will be treated to a fine lunch included in the price of the trip. |
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A stop at the Mae Koh Island allows you a view point on the spectacular inland lake or blue lagoon in the middle of the small island. This is a sight you will not see anywhere else and certainly not forget. Later you can swim, play volleyball or just lay in the sun for two hours on the pristine beach of one of the other uninhabited islands. You can also use this time to take a kayak to explore some of the rock formations, inlets and reefs around the park. |
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Daily scuba diving excursions to popular dive sites like Sail Rock and Ang Thong National Marine park and nearby Koh Tao, makes Samui a popular destination for those wanting to explore the underwater world of the Gulf of Thailand. |
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Crocodile Farm |
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Take a look at some of Thailand's fascinating jaws and claws! They're all here. Siam crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others. Show time twice a day 14:00 and 16:30. Located behind the airport and easy to find. |
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Secret Buddha Garden |
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This place is worth a visit. The "Secret Buddha Garden" (some people call it "magic garden") was built in the hills of Samui. 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. |
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Other Attractions |
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Monkey shows, a snake around your shoulders at the snake park, tiger shows, a crocodile farm and many other things to feast your eyes on make Koh Samui great for families. The locations for these attractions can be found anywhere on the island. |
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Apart from man-made sights, just cruising along the approximately 50 kilometer cement road circling the island, many other roads and some very steep roads toward the inner part of the island is a sight seeing expedition in itself. Stop and eat at Thong Krut Fisherman’s Village for instance, at a price that will blow your mind. The many things to do on Koh Samui will have your days filled with excitement and wonder. |
