Besides the luxurious resorts and posh spas, Koh Samui is also known for its beautiful and palm-fringed beaches. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you may be interested in knowing which are the most beautiful places to visit in Koh Samui.
Chaweng
Located midway along the coast, Chaweng is the island's most developed beach. It offers something for everyone. It has tons of attractions, activities, and nightlife. It is also known for its soft, white sand and turquoise water.
While there are many things to do in Chaweng, one of the most popular activities is sailing. You can find a variety of travel agencies that offer boat tours. They can arrange for a car or driver to take you around the area's most important sites.
Another must-see is the Secret Buddha Garden. This magical garden features a hidden throne and dozens of Buddha statues. It was built by local fruit farmer Nim Thongsuk. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to see all of it.
You should also visit Fisherman's Village, located on Bophut Beach Road on the northern edge of the island. This area has been redeveloped to showcase the island's history. It contains a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. There are also a few family-friendly attractions here.
You may also want to check out the Wang Sao Thong waterfall. It is a great place to take a photo, or buy some ice cream. There are also plenty of hiking options.
If you're looking for a more laid-back vibe, you should head to Lamai. This area is slightly less crowded than Chaweng, and you'll find a wide range of restaurants and shops here. There are also a couple of beaches here that are great for families. The beach has fine sands and shallow water, and there are a few corals.
If you're looking to experience the best of Koh Samui's nightlife, you should check out Chaweng. It isn't as quiet as other areas on the island, but it has a good selection of bars and clubs.
Lamai
Located in the south of Koh Samui, Lamai Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the area. It's a popular swimming spot, but there's also plenty to do. Unlike Chaweng, it's not as crowded and has less of a party scene.
There are a number of restaurants and bars on the main road. The beach also has a large number of hotels and resorts. Some of the best places to stay include the Banyan Tree, Cape Fahn, and Rocky's Boutique Resort.
Another attraction is the Wang Sao Thong Waterfall. The falls are located near the mummified monk. They are a great place to take a swim and enjoy ice cream. There are also some hiking trails to enjoy the scenery.
Another interesting site is the Guan Yu statue. This 16-meter high sculpture is a symbol of bravery and loyalty. The Guan Yu Shrine is a symbol of Chinese culture in Thailand. The statue is located near a number of local Chinese restaurants.
There are a number of water activities available at Lamai Beach, including snorkeling. Its calm waters make it an ideal place to go for a swim. It's also a good spot for those looking for a quiet place to relax.
Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach in Koh Samui. It's home to a number of bars, restaurants, and shops. It's also a great nightlife destination, so be sure to check out the party scene. It's also a popular spot for honeymooners. However, it's not as crowded as the more secluded beaches like Bophut.
It's also easy to get to from the mainland. The road turns into a lively walking street market on Friday nights. It's also a great place to shop for traditional items, such as clothes and fabrics.
Taling Ngam
Located on the west coast of Koh Samui, Taling Ngam is a scenic area with an authentic Thai feel. It is the place to go to if you want to relax. This region has some glitzy resorts and bungalows, but the beaches are still quite undeveloped.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Koh Samui is the Secret Buddha Garden. This is a green forest where interesting statues are displayed. It was created by a local farmer in 1976.
The temple, which is on the top of Chom Daow Mountain, features Buddhist artwork and a shimmering gold pagoda. It is also home to a statue of the Chinese God of War, Guan Yu.
The area is known for its seafood restaurants, but it is not a big nightlife destination. Instead, it is a great place for families. There are several restaurants that serve excellent wines, as well as fun water sports.
In addition to the Secret Buddha Garden, there are several other areas to visit. The Fisherman's Village is an area that features a variety of shops and houses. It's a good spot for those interested in art and shopping.
The area is home to the famous Big Buddha statue, which is about 39 feet tall. This statue is a symbol of courage and loyalty. It is displayed in a glass case.
Another popular tourist attraction in the region is the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram. This temple is not for the faint-hearted. The monk's body is in good condition and is displayed in a glass case.
Other attractions are the Bophut Beach Road, which is a lively street market every Friday. It's also a great area for tourists, with a large number of cheap hotels and hostels.
Wat Plai Laem
Located near the airport, Wat Plai Laem is one of the most beautiful places in Koh Samui. This temple is built using ancient principles and it is decorated with vibrant colors. The temple is surrounded by a lake filled with fish.
It is also known as the Secret Buddha Garden. The project was carried out by Khun Nim, who devoted 14 years to this project. It features statues and other Buddhist artworks. There is an 80 THB entrance fee to enter the garden.
The Guan Yu shrine on Koh Samui is a symbol of loyalty, courage and strength. It is also dedicated to the Chinese god of war. You can find local Chinese restaurants around the statue.
The temple is located on the northeastern end of the island. It is easy to get to by motorbike. There are guided tours available. Visitors can also purchase fish food to donate to the temple.
There are several other temples located nearby. The Laem Sor Pagoda, which is located in the Laem Sor area, is a small golden pagoda. It is guarded by two statues. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
There are several shops and boutiques along the Bophut Beach Road. This street is a popular place for a night out. There are also street performers and street food vendors. There are some boutique hotels and bungalows nearby.
The Guan Yu statue is 16 meters high and is the tallest statue on the island. It is a symbol of courage and honesty.
Visiting the botanical garden is a great way to cool off in the hot climate of Koh Samui. The grounds are uneven and slick. There are several statues and a small stream.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is located on the west coast of Koh Samui. It is a protected archipelago of 42 islands with stunning limestone cliffs. The park also features white sandy beaches and hidden coves. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, sea urchins, pythons and monkeys.
One of the most popular activities in the area is snorkeling. A guide can show you a variety of spots to explore. The park is also home to a beautiful Blue Lagoon. The sea is also home to colorful fish and iguanas.
Another activity that's definitely worth trying is kayaking. There are several islands in the area that aren't usually visited by tourists, so kayakers can explore them.
Besides exploring the marine park, a lot of people visit the islands of Ang Thong as a day trip from Koh Samui. There are a few day trip islands in the park, but Koh Wua Talap Island is a good choice. There's a restaurant and tourist information center on the island, and hiking is possible. There's also a view point for the best panoramic view of the islands.
Aside from kayaking and snorkeling, Ang Thong National Marine Park has a variety of unique attractions, including a pristine lake and secluded caves. The area is also home to an unusual forest that's filled with limestone cliffs.
There's also a beautiful beach on Koh Mae. It's considered one of the best in the region. There's also a large natural pond called Thale Nai on Mae Ko Island. There's also a coral reef, so it's a great place to go swimming.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is definitely a must-see in Thailand. If you're on a budget, it's a perfect place to spend a day.