Koh Samui

An archipelago of 42 islands featuring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, thick jungle, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Highlights include the Emerald Lake (Thale Nai), a green saltwater lake in the midst of jungle, Koh Sam Sao for amazing snorkeling, and Koh Mae with its scenic viewpoint hike. The park is well protected, preserving exotic wildlife and natural beauty. Only government-approved tour boats can enter, so booking a tour is required. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and beach relaxation.

Koh Samui's most iconic landmark, the 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue sits on a small island connected by causeway near Bang Rak Beach. Built in 1972, the temple offers stunning views across the bay and to Koh Phangan. Visible from arriving flights, the statue is particularly impressive when floodlit at night. The temple grounds include smaller shrines, bell ringing for luck, and a market selling souvenirs and religious items. Remember to dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

A striking Buddhist temple complex featuring an 18-arm statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, surrounded by a lake filled with fish. The intricate designs, vibrant colors, and unique blend of Thai and Chinese religious art make this a photographer's paradise. Visitors can purchase fish food to feed the resident carp and catfish in the pond. The peaceful atmosphere and colorful architecture offer a contemplative experience different from the Big Buddha temple.

Every Friday evening, Bophut's charming Fisherman's Village transforms into a vibrant walking street market. Traditional Sino-Portuguese shophouses provide a picturesque backdrop for stalls selling local handicrafts, clothing, artwork, and souvenirs. The food scene is exceptional with freshly grilled seafood, Thai street food favorites, and international options. Live music and performances add to the festive atmosphere. This is the best place to experience local culture and meet other travelers and expats.

Koh Samui's most accessible waterfalls, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, offer refreshing jungle escapes. Na Muang 1 (18m) is easily reached with a short walk from the parking area, featuring a natural pool perfect for swimming. Na Muang 2 (80m) requires a more challenging 30-minute uphill trek through jungle but rewards with more impressive views and fewer crowds. Both waterfalls are surrounded by lush tropical forest and are best visited after rainfall when water flow is strongest.

Created in 1976 by a local farmer named Nim Thongsuk, this mystical hillside garden is filled with statues of Buddhas, deities, animals, and mythical creatures scattered throughout lush jungle. The peaceful setting high in Koh Samui's interior mountains offers a unique, almost magical atmosphere quite different from traditional temples. The journey there is part of the adventure, requiring a 4x4 vehicle or joining an ATV tour on steep jungle roads. A tranquil spot for contemplation and photography.

Koh Samui's longest and most popular beach stretches for 7km along the east coast, offering soft white sand, palm trees, and generally calm waters perfect for swimming. The beach is divided into sections with different vibes from busy central areas with beach clubs and watersports to quieter north and south ends. Beach vendors offer everything from massages to grilled seafood. At night, the beachfront transforms with bars, restaurants, and clubs making it the center of Samui's nightlife scene.

A Buddhist temple famous for displaying the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, a revered monk who died in 1973 while meditating. His remarkably preserved body sits in a glass case in the meditative position he died in, wearing sunglasses to cover his decomposed eyes. While unusual, the site is spiritually significant for Thai Buddhists and offers insight into local beliefs about death and preservation. The temple grounds are peaceful and less touristy than other attractions.