Samui boasts a variety of attractions, both natural and cultural. A vacation on this fabulously beautiful island can be combined with a visit to religious sites rich in history.
It is customary to take off your shoes when entering Samui's temples.
It is better to choose closed clothing when visiting places of worship.
Don't forget to bring your camera for sightseeing.
The religious buildings on Koh Samui may not be as famous as those in Bangkok or other resort towns, but they too boast their own unique history of creation.
The Big Buddha Temple or Wat Pra Yai is rightly considered the main attraction of Samui Island. The main highlight of this temple is the large statue of the "golden" Buddha which was built in 1972. The statue is 12 meters high and 6 meters wide.
There is a magnificent staircase leading up to the statue, decorated with a banister with the heads of mythical dragons. Near the staircase, right in the sea, there are original statues of mermaids, a rider on a horse, a monk, and a flute player.
The foothills of Wat Pra Yai boast several human-sized statues of deities. Several bells have been placed around the perimeter of the grounds. Their ringing is said to absolve guests of their sins.
The Big Buddha will also appeal to those who are not interested in religious buildings. Not far from the temple is a lookout with stunning views of the entire island.
Entry to the temple is free.
A favorite attraction of many tourists, the temple complex Wat Plai Laem, is made in an unusual for Thailand Chinese style. It is located very close to the Big Buddha. The complex of religious buildings was built in the early 2000s and contains two dozen buildings of varying heights and complexity.
On the grounds of Wat Plai Laem it is possible to meet:
The protected archipelago, established in 1980, is home to 42 islands, almost all of which are uninhabited. The most famous for tourists are the following islands:
The island of Wua Ta Lap is a good place to start your visit. This is where the official archipelago administration is located, as well as several hotels and restaurants.
The marine reserve offers beautiful photos:
When to visit: The best time to see the national marine park is from November to April. There is minimal rainfall here during this period.
How to get there: The archipelago can only be reached on an organized tour (from 2000 THB).
The first and second Namuang Waterfalls are located in the heart of Samui Island. Namuang 1 is about 20 meters high and Namuang 2 is more than 80 meters high.
When to visit: It is better to go to the waterfalls from April to November, during the rainy season.
How to get there: A hundred meters from the waterfalls is the parking lot for cars and motorcycles of guests. The hike will take about 20 minutes up a steep mountain. If desired, this distance can be covered by elephant.
To make sure you don't miss out on all the significant sights, it's best to get a map of Samui Island.
