Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and the largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands that includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park. The Park is a Kayaking paradise that offers an adventurous day trip from Samui island. While Samui is small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by car, the island features a variety of nice beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam and Natien plus a beautiful background of green mountains and nature.
When flying to Samui’s airport, you will find this airport one of the smallest and most picturesque in the world. It is owned and operated by Bangkok Airways and features an open-air shopping arcade with water ponds and trees everywhere.
Despite being the most over-developed islands on Thailand’s Gulf coast, there is still plenty of natural beauty and charm to be found in the island. Here are top-Five places to see:
1/ Chaweng and Lamai Beaches:
These are the two most famous beaches on the island. Don’t miss driving to Silver Beach as well where dense jungle views and rocky outcrops create a sense of being stranded in paradise from which you will never want to be rescued. Whilst the rocks can make swimming difficult at the end of the beach, it makes for a top snorkelling spot.
2/ Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks:
Nature is full of surprises, and these very special rocks, located on Samui’s south coast, are perfect examples. Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother rocks) are rocks that resemble the male and female genitalia, a constant source of wonder and amusement for visitors.
3/ Ang Thong Marine Park:
Consisting of 42 stunning and uninhabited islands with amazing natural features, this place showcases the best of what Thailand has to offer: from swimming to snorkelling, exploring to hiking; it is a true must-visit for nature lovers. The show stealer is the Emerald Lake View Point on Koh Mae (Mother Island). A flight of steep stairs leads to this point. From there, the view of the glistening lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs on one side and a bird’s eye view of the islands on the other, is definitely worth the effort.
4/ Big Buddha:
Pai Laem Temple features a large Buddha image adopting the Mara posture, and is a popular tourist sight on Koh Samui. In fact, as you begin the descent towards the airport, you can catch a glimpse of it from the plane. The sun rays bouncing of its shimmering golden surface are hard to miss.
5/ Island Hopping to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao:
Close to Samui, lie two amazing islands - Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Both islands are less developed in terms of condominiums and hotels, they are quiet and fun islands to spend a few days. As you can see Samui Island still has a lot to offer and maybe it is now the time to discover the quiet and relaxing Samui island!
Note: while affordable and convenient, motorbikes are the cause of numerous accidents and fatalities; always wear a helmet, never drink and drive and Big Buddha drive defensively at all times.
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/WcfpyorCBsr4Af1g9
April 2023.
