Koh Samui is a Thai island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It became popular for the tourism business in the 90s of the XX century. There are more than 30 beaches with white sand and coral reefs, which are loved by divers and windsurfers. In addition, a road has been laid around the island, allowing you to conveniently visit the sights of Koh Samui, inhabited by fishermen back in the 6th century. The island has prepared for tourists a lot of interesting places, both natural and man-made. Some of them are built specifically to attract travelers. Spa salons work for them, where skillful hands will offer all kinds of services to restore tired souls and bodies.
Big Buddha Temple
The founder of the Buddhist religion, who chose the path of the Teacher, has a golden statue 12 meters high on the northeast coast. The figure of Buddha in the lotus position, located in front of the temple complex, serves as a symbol of reverence and reverence for everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. It is considered one of the most important attractions. It is located on the island of Koh Faan, specially equipped in 1972, and is visible from everywhere. Despite the fact that the building was created recently, it is popular among those who want to touch the wisdom of the great mentor, cleanse themselves of everything superfluous and reflect on the frailty of the transient.
Among them are representatives of all corners of the world: America, Asia, Europe. The posture in which the Buddha sits demonstrates the stage when the Master was on the path to enlightenment. His left hand is on his knee, and his right is lowered with fingers down. He managed to overcome all difficulties, temptations, temptations. Now, during meditation, he is calm and unperturbed. An artificial road with a staircase of 60 steps leads to the reclining Buddha, divided into three sectors by a railing with the heads of snake-dragons.
The central one is for monks. Around the main figure are images of reincarnations of the teacher in the form of various deities. When climbing, you can relax and take pictures on one of the three observation platforms. At the bottom of the stairs, take off your shoes and remove your socks. The exception is the time from 10 am to 4 pm, when the stones are heated to such an extent that they burn the soles. Many tourists know that having overcome all the steps and looking into the eyes of the Buddha, one should make a wish. You can take a special wand from the monks on the upper observation deck and run it over the bells, reproducing sounds.
Thus, karma is cleansed and good luck is attracted. After that, you can again make a wish in the hope of its speedy fulfillment. Around the statue is the Wat Phra Yai temple, open to the public. Under him there is a school where they learn the basics of Buddhism and join the religion. Many tourists buy special tiles here. Having written their wish on it and given it to the monks, travelers contribute to the further construction of Wat Phra Yai. These tiles cover the roofs of the buildings of the ever-growing complex. It is believed that nothing should happen to the island while the Big Buddha sits on it.
Magic Buddha Garden
This place is compared to the Garden of Eden, and indeed it closely resembles it. On the mountain Khao Yai (Kao Yai) a local peasant Nim Thongsuk was built like a stone park. At the age of 77, he decided to build a magical garden at the bottom of the ravine, which was decorated with several dozen mythological figures carved in stone. A river runs along a winding channel. Along its banks are people, birds, animals. Under the influence of time and water, some of them are overgrown with lichens, and seem to be the most natural. Others appear unfinished.
In special niches, the author of the sculptures built both his figure and the figure of his brother, not wanting to leave his garden. Nim and his brother built separate houses for the monks, where they could stay alone and meditate. It was possible to stop in these dwellings for ordinary travelers who needed rest and recuperation. Currently, no one lives in them. Most of all here are figures of the Buddha, representing his various reincarnations.
That is why the locals named the park that way. All his life as a peasant, Nim Thongsuk was engaged in peasant labor and grew durians. And in his old age, he decided to make his dream of a Garden of Eden in stone in the midst of a tropical forest come true. The villagers buried the fellow countryman and his wife as a sign of respect here, having arranged a crypt for them.
Plai Laem Temple
It is known as the Temple of the Multi-armed Buddha. Since Thais respect any religion, in this place you can meet representatives of different faiths. It recognizable features of three cultures at once: Thai, Chinese and Japanese. Therefore, this place can rather be called a complex. The central place is given to the Thai Botu. This is Plai Laem, where daily prayers are made and meetings of believers are held. It was erected in the middle of a small lake on an artificial island, around which old-timer turtles and catfish swim.
Feeding them is another tourist attraction, and food can be purchased at a nearby tent. You have to take off your shoes to enter the temple. Particularly believing Thais take off their slippers immediately at the bridge, thrown from one side to the other. The walls of Plai Laem are decorated with colorful paintings based on the Ramayana. The goddess Kuan Yin sits on a green dragon. She is considered the guardian of the family hearth and mercy. Her eighteen hands are intended to help people who turn to her and perform good deeds.
You can make a wish, and then tie a red thread on one of her hands, but so as not to touch the deity. Opposite the deity of the feminine, the Chinese Hottei smiles, to which a bridge has also been thrown. According to legend, in order to fulfill a cherished desire, his stomach should be rubbed 300 times. In front of the deities, there is a small square with a kind of automata, offering tourists to find out their future. To do this, paying a small fee, you need to take a net and try to catch a plastic ball. Inside it is a prediction meant for you. There is also a shop with souvenirs and shell jewelry.
Namuang waterfall 1
This shed waterfall is located in the southern part. Translated into Russian, the word โnamuangโ means โpurpleโ. It carries its waters among the purple stones, for which it received its name. Its height is only 18 meters. But at the bottom of the lake formed near its foot, many sharp stones are poured. Therefore, diving from the ledge is prohibited, so as not to get injured. And swimming itself here is hampered by a powerful water stream.
It is much more pleasant to bask in the water in the summer, when the mountain lake is the calmest. Local children prefer to splash away from the falling stream, where it is already warmed by the sun. Statues of Buddhist deities are installed on equipped viewing platforms. Near the waterfall there is an attraction where you can ride elephants. The elephant route is laid right through the tropical jungle, and provides an opportunity to get an idea of โโโโthe surrounding nature and forest inhabitants.
The surrounding area is so impressive that tourists like to take numerous selfies. At the end of the elephant walk, you can thank by buying a treat right here. The locals have taken care of this and offer not only bunches of bananas and other fruits, but also cane.
Namuang Waterfall 2
This waterfall is considered more dangerous. Its waters fall from a height of 80 meters in several cascades. Gradually calming down, its waters rush into the forest jungle. For swimming, a place is equipped only around its lowest bowl. The water in it is only + 15-17 ยฐ C. When the rainy season (OctoberโDecember) is in Taiwan, mountain streams rush from a height at great speed.
It also happens that at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, on some upper tiers, the waterfall partially dries up. In order to admire the entire panorama that opens from the mountain peak to the tropical island, you will have to climb the equipped paths and ladders above the water to the top. It is at its foot that a safari park is equipped, which is popular among tourists. Numerous amusement rides for children have been built here, and cages with monkeys and tropical birds stand between it.
Local residents will offer to take pictures not only against the background of the waterfall, but also with their pets: tiger cubs, poisonous snakes, birds, monkeys, crocodiles. There is also an attraction where little elephants dance vigorously. In addition to it, you can go to the show of crocodiles, snakes, monkeys and even birds.
Paradise park
Khao Pom is one of the highest mountains of the island. It is equipped with Paradise Park. This is a 20-acre zoo where birds and animals live in the most natural environment possible. Each type of animal has its own zone of โresidenceโ. Between themselves, they are separated by paths along which visitors walk. All pets can be fed and stroked. Paradise Park was conceived as a bird park, but over time, animals began to be brought here.
The attraction of the park is a collection of colored pigeons. It is said that the dyeing of feathers is done with special paints that are run under the shell of eggs in an incubator. Other gossips claim that the feathers are dyed with brushes and sponges in baths of colored paints. Houses made of coconuts are hung for parrots. Among them are macaws, aratingi, wavy, jaco, cockatoo, cockatiels, lovebirds.
In addition to parrots and pigeons, the collection was replenished with ostriches, peacocks, ducks. Goldfish are splashing in the pond, which help to make wishes come true. Deer, goats, reptiles, rabbits live in the mini-zoo. And the popular gibbon is so fond of Coca-Cola, which tourists treat him to, that he received the name Cola. Although, this is a violation of the monkey's diet and it is forbidden to give drinks. He loves gibbon and massage, which tourists are allowed to do to him with the help of an ordinary scallop.
The high location of the park, and its total area of โโโโalmost 80 acres, allows you to simultaneously admire the panorama of the surrounding tropical nature while visiting the nursery. At the very top there is an original swimming pool. Its perimeter is constructed in such a way that it creates the illusion of a steep cliff immediately behind it. You can swim in the cool water and at the same time admire the jungle that stretches far below.
Temple Wat Kunaram
In the eastern part there is a temple complex with the mummy of Luang Pho Daeng, the founder of the Buddhist monastery. He was able to spend the whole night in meditation, and in the morning be full of strength and energy. He also advised his followers to meditate in order to be filled with light and grace, to be healthy and cheerful. The old priest died right during meditation on May 6, 1973. Before that, he warned his students about the time of his death.
Everything happened just as the teacher predicted. Before his death, he refused food and drink, and did not touch them for a long time. He was found sitting in a lotus position, as if he were meditating, with no sign of breathing. Warned by the abbot, the people waited for the allotted time, but the body did not acquire a single drop of decay. Then the remains of the respected teacher were placed in a glass sarcophagus and installed in the temple so that anyone could approach him. Buddhists come to Wat Kunaram from all over the world.
At present, according to tradition, the mummy is dressed in an orange robe, and dark glasses cover the eyes so that the empty eye sockets do not frighten the especially susceptible. They go to the rector's remains not only to bow to a righteous person, but also to ask for help or make a cherished wish. To do this, you can buy incense sticks with numbers from local monks. You can't choose them, you should take the first one that comes across, and then go to the stand and read the prediction for the dropped number. You can also rub the magic gong. If he began to make sounds under your โwetโ hand, then you are a lucky person.
Hin Lad Waterfall
This is the third of the popular island cascades. At the foot of the waterfall, a small Buddhist pagoda of the same name was built; after crossing the bridge, you can start your journey into the jungle. There is also a pond in which goldfish swim. They are allowed to be fed. There are trails for tourists. Climbing is hampered not only by the hot climate, but also by the protruding roots of mountain trees.
But on the way you can admire the tropical jungle, see how exotic fruits grow in nature. The water stream runs from a height along several ledges, but in all its beauty it comes only after heavy rains. To the right of Hin Lad there is a small stream, and between them a mysterious oasis. Once there, you can actually imagine yourself in a world lost in space and time.
Tiger Zoo and Aquarium
They are located on the southeast coast. The highlight of the zoo are tigers of different species. So you can not only admire them, but even take a picture with a Bengal tiger cub. In addition to the lord of the jungle, numerous species of birds, monkeys, fur seals live in the park. Approximately at 13 o'clock, the presentation of the animals that live here begins. Fur seals come first, followed by tigers. Aquariums with tropical fish are equipped in a wide corridor with subdued lighting. Not only beautiful representatives of the underwater fauna live here, but also predatory sharks and moray eels, as well as bottom ones โ crabs, mollusks, turtles. The latter can be fed.
Angthong National Marine Park
42 uninhabited jungle islands make up this Thai gem. In translation, the name means โgolden bowlโ. In 1980, they were declared a park in order to preserve the pristine nature. Islands with coral reefs are located 35 km from Koh Samui, and their total area is only 18 kmยฒ. The popularity of the archipelago was brought by the novel by Alex Garland, who wrote the novel โThe Beachโ, based on which a picture was filmed here in Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.
Here you can swim under water with a mask and see in natural conditions butterfly fish, angel fish, parrot fish, teniura limm stingray, sea cucumber, giant venus clam, oysters, Malagasy night sharks, snapper (red snapper, fish of the perch family), grouper, blue crab.
Wat Khao Hua Juk Temple
Residents believe that there are five Buddha footprints all over the world, and one of them is located here. This is evidenced by a tablet with an inscription, installed at the ascent to the sanctuary. At the bottom of the holy place is his statue, and on the top โ a pagoda of gold. Shining day and night, it is visible from every corner. There is also a magnificent observation deck, it offers a view of the immediate surroundings, the local airport and the sea bay. There are no official tours here, but you can come on your own to get acquainted with another attraction of the island.
Aquapark โPink Elephantโ
The water park with an area of โโ15,000 mยฒ was opened in 2015 on the territory of Maenam Bay. This place is ideal for families with kids. While they frolic in the play area, parents can relax in the jacuzzi and refresh themselves in the cafe. There are no extreme attractions in the water park, but there are many that contribute to a relaxing pastime.
So a special device helps to change the strength of the waves in the pool from gentle to stormy. 12-meter slides descend from both sides of the tower. A beacon tower has been built for extreme sportsmen. The attraction in the form of a long calm river sways on its waters and slowly carries along a long pool. An area with fountains, a paddling pool and low slides is organized for children. There is also a corner for babies.
Laem Sor Pagoda and Temple
They are located in the south of the island and are rarely included in the excursion program. But for the inhabitants it is a sacred place. Once the pagoda stood on a nearby hill, but after it was struck by lightning twice, it was decided to move it to the seashore. Now the largest pagoda is washed by the sea waves, and it shines with gold against the blue sky. Next to it is a small shrine with models of boats and the mummy of a monk who died in the 19th century. According to legend, he founded this sanctuary, and then he rested here. Some argue that the figure is not real, but made of wax. But most likely, like other sacred island remains, the mummy is real.
Skyhawk cable car
Fascinating for thrill-seekers, the track stretches for 9 kilometers and has 50 intermediate stops-platforms. Depending on the degree of preparation, you can choose a route that meets your needs. For children, starting from the age of 10, a fascinating track has been developed. She is no less attractive than adults. Traveling by cable car, you can admire the surrounding jungle and freeze from impressions. For adults, several routes are offered, but they all run in such a way that a person imagines himself a bird flying in free flight over tropical trees.
Sila Ngu Temple
Translated into Russian, the name means โgolden serpentโ. Unbaked red clay gives the sanctuary an unusual color. Therefore, many call it โredโ. According to legend, it was built in 1935. Near it is the tomb of the founder of the Temple of Seaton. It is said that the golden serpent rests here. The construction of the sanctuary has not been completed, as it is built on donations, but Buddhist monks live in it. The walls of the pagoda are covered with numerous sculptures of mythological creatures. The stairs leading from it to the seashore are decorated with snake bodies. The monks believe that it was the snake that protected the Buddha during meditation.
Khao Yai Waterfall
You can find it at the southern tip of the island. The name translates as โMr. Xiโ and is named after the owner of a durian plantation located nearby. It attracts numerous tourists not only with its beauty, stunning views around, but also with a sculpture of a girl. She is dressed in national Thai clothes and is installed at the very top. You can climb up the concrete stairs. From there you have a panoramic view of the jungle.
The cascade falls in several ledges, forming several small dams. To swim, it is worth climbing to the upper observation deck, where baths are equipped. Like many other waterfalls on the island, Khao Yai can dry up in some areas during the transition from winter to spring.
butterfly garden
On the southeast coast is the Butterfly Garden, which the locals call the Kingdom. Numerous wooden stairs allow you to climb higher and higher, as it is located on a mountainous hill. It is believed that 25 species of these insects live here. They cannot leave the territory, as it is all fenced with a net.
Many colorful flowers have been planted to attract butterflies. The House of the Bee, built in the traditional architectural style, and the Museum, where you can get acquainted with insects from all over the world, are also built here. The walk through the Garden can be completed near the pavilion, where aquariums with cocoons are installed, from which new representatives of the beautiful world of butterflies will soon appear.
Siva Tara waterfall and love stone
Around the unusual stone, resembling the contours of a human heart, another cascade formed. This is what attracts tourists. A paved path leads to its summit. And so โ this is a small water stream that dries up in the season of lack of rain. Fish swim in the pool at the foot, a salon is organized where you can get an original massage, which is gaining popularity.
The fish will gently massage your legs and remove excess keratinization for an additional fee. An observation deck equipped for viewing is built at a height of 80 meters and allows you to take a bird's eye view of the surroundings of Lamai Beach. A suspension cable allows you to jump from one observation deck to another, bypassing 450 meters.
Wat Lamai Temple
The most popular place where the local population conducts their religious rites: plays weddings, gets married, blesses children. For representatives of the Buddhist faith, the most important rite is the funeral, for which they have been preparing all their lives. Therefore, this rite is performed here. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to take part in numerous festivals and events related to religion.
The building resembles a lotus in its shape, and the goddess Shiva with numerous arms sits at its entrance. In each of them she holds gifts for pious parishioners. The complex is guarded by figures of warriors with frightening masks. Representatives of any denomination can visit it, the main thing is not to violate local customs.
Stones Grandma and Grandpa
On Lamai beach, among the talus of rocky remains, unusual stones rise, resembling the genitals of a woman and a man. There are legends about their origin. According to one legend, a ship wrecked here, on which a couple of elderly people were sailing, who had lived in peace and love all their lives. They were heading to a neighboring island to marry a bride for their son and died. The bodies washed up on the shore turned into stones, and forever remained together.
Another legend says that these are the bodies of a couple in love, whose union was not to the liking of their parents. So they stayed together forever in this place. But the question arises: why โGrandmotherโ and โGrandfatherโ? The local population ascribes miraculous meanings to the stones. In order for your children to be like one of the heroes of legends, you need to hold on to the rocks and make a wish.
Temple of the Ascension
Orthodox church located on the west coast. It was founded on March 28, 2009, and is considered the fourth Orthodox parish in Thailand. 540 mยฒ of island land was purchased so that Orthodox people on Koh Samui could attend their Church. The first service was celebrated on April 17, 2012. On the Day of the Ascension of the Lord, June 13, 2013, the church was lit in this honor. It is a white building with eight golden and blue domes.
The openwork iconostasis was made using the ancient wood carving technique. The icons are enclosed in golden shrines. The frescoes on the walls were made by artists from the New Athos workshop. Particles of the relics of Alexander Nevsky, Matronushka and Alexei the Man of God are stored here, an icon with the relics of St. John of Tobolsk was installed. Divine services are regularly performed in front of all these shrines. Currently, baptismal and wedding ceremonies are held in the temple, all Orthodox holidays are celebrated.
In the parish school, everyone who wants to learn Orthodox reading and writing. In addition, general education disciplines are also taught for Russian-speaking children. It also has its own Library, which is dominated by religious books and the history of Russia. 14,000,000 baht was spent on the design work, which made it the most expensive construction of its kind in Thailand.
coconut farm
Before the island became a tourist island, coconuts were grown here and shipped all over the world. Small farms for their cultivation and collection remain to this day. The most famous of these farms is located between the beaches of Lamai and Taling Ngam. Here, various oils are produced from coconuts, which are used for food and cosmetic purposes.
To commemorate the production that helped Thailand through hard times, the Coconut Museum has been opened. Here, tourists will be invited to take part in the process of making coconut oil. And then they will give a bottle of a product made by their own hands. In the Museum, you can also admire objects made from coconuts: musical instruments, interior items and souvenirs.
snake farm
It is located in the southwest and invites guests daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Many tourists come here to visit it. Here they not only introduce the life of reptiles, but also produce medicines based on snake venom. Therefore, tourists try to buy them at the place of manufacture. Various types of reptiles live in the zoological garden: poisonous snakes, including the king cobra and giant python, crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards. All of them have their own terrariums. Twice a day you can visit the original snake show.
During it, spectators can not only touch dangerous snakes, but also take pictures with them. In addition to them, the King and Queen of the centipedes, poisonous predatory insects, take part in the performance. And after the show, the most daring guests are offered to taste a tincture made on the basis of python bile. Here they will also talk about other medicines from snake organs and secretions. Near the farm, there is a cafe that prepares various culinary delights from snake meat, as well as a souvenir shop specializing in farm-themed gifts.
Crocodile farm
Located next to the airport, the farm covers an area of โโ7000 mยฒ. More than a hundred species of these terrible mammals live here, including rare Siamese, combed, saltwater crocodiles, caimans, in the most natural conditions. And besides them, monkeys, rabbits, parrots, snakes. Each cell has a detailed description of the species and its habitat. Intriguing crocodile shows are arranged for everyone six times a day.
At the very beginning, the trainer enters the enclosure to the motionless lying crocodiles and starts to shake them. At this moment, he not only tries to sit on his torso. Pushing the animal aside, he sticks his head into its mouth. At the end of the performance, the crocodile is dragged by the tail to the audience and given the opportunity to touch it. The snake show gives you the opportunity to see what graceful dancers snakes are. The trainer can demonstrate a kiss with any of them, as well as how poison for medicines is extracted from the snake's teeth.
On the territory of the farm, a lot of work is carried out on the reproduction of crocodiles, whose eggs are stored in an incubator. The small cubs are then reared in a terrarium until they can live in a designated enclosure. There is also a specialized museum where an experienced guide tells about all the inhabitants of the animal world found in the country.
chinese temple hainan
The central administrative center is the town of Nathon. On its territory in 1962, the building of the Chinese shrine was erected, which is guarded by two golden lions. Its dome is decorated with golden dragons, and the walls are painted with bright drawings. People from China participated in the construction of Hainan. It is surrounded by a high wall, allowing you to maintain silence and peace. For the Chinese diaspora living here, it has become not only a religious place, but also a center for preserving authenticity.
fishing village
It is located in the historic district of Bophut and has retained its originality. Currently, it is a shopping and entertainment complex. In the houses that used to belong to the fishermen, there are now souvenir shops. Here you can buy everything your heart desires: clothes made of natural silk and cashmere, jewelry made of gold and pearls, souvenirs made of leather and ivory. The fishing village is very reminiscent of the Moscow Arbat. There are also many local musicians, and hired barkers invite you to numerous cafes and restaurants. They prepare not only traditional Thai food from fresh seafood, but also traditional European food.
Khun Si Waterfall
The road to its summit changes from concrete to dirt, making it difficult to climb during the rainy season. But there are no difficult sections, so you can climb it by climbing over the roots of powerful trees. You can even meet mangoes. In winter, the water stream is filled with rainwater, and looks more majestic. But in the spring it becomes shallow and calm.
At each of the steps of the cascade, a natural pool is formed in which you can swim. The main thing to remember is that the bottom is strewn with sharp rocky fragments. Some tourists prefer to jump into the water from the stones that form the uppermost bowl. An observation deck is being built at the top, from which a panorama of the coast and the forest jungle opens. From time to time in the forests you can meet snakes, you should be more careful.
sheep farm
In addition to sheep, the farm specializes in growing green vegetables for local cafes and restaurants. Its territory is conditionally divided into paddocks for sheep, rabbits and a playground. Visitors are allowed to feed the animals, children can pet them (like in a petting zoo). They also sell food already prepared for feeding to animals: carrots, grass, milk. On the originally designed site, all conditions for a relaxing holiday for parents with children are created.
Children play on the playground, parents relax in the cafe. If the weather does not allow you to play outdoors, you can go up to the play area located on the second floor. It offers a variety of games and books for young visitors. Given that there are few playgrounds on Koh Samui, you can visit the Sheep Farm more often.
elephant farm
In South Asia, elephants are well-deserved respect. These are not only working animals, but also artistic representatives of the animal world. So at the Elephant Farm, located near the Namuang waterfalls, animals will show all their abilities. They can not only dance, but also draw, play football. Visitors also like the unusual massage that these huge โspecialistsโ are gently able to do. In gratitude for the shown show, they will ask the visitors for bananas. For those who wish, a route is organized along which you can ride elephants through the jungle.
Tan Rua Waterfall
Perhaps this is the most mysterious waterfall on the island. Visiting tourists have given it the name Secret Falls, as not everyone can find it. He hid near Maenam beach. You can stay on the territory for free. The mountain stream flows down several steps of the cascade into a pool located at the very base of the rocks. Here you can swim carefully. The equipped โbungeeโ allows you to even jump there, swinging like a monkey on vines.
It is better to visit this water stream, like all other waterfalls in Thailand in winter, from December to March. Then they appear in their greatest beauty. To make it easier and faster to get to the top, a cable car is equipped. She will instantly fly over the jungle and allow you to admire the local beauties. You can also go up on foot. In this case, a staircase made of planks will appear on the way, thrown over a mountain stream, and delivering extreme sensations.