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 Monkey
Theatre
Located in Bophut, this crude zoo with a performing animal
arena features shows several times a day. Small monkeys are
trained to perform various tricks on stage, and then they
climb the trees to demonstrate how they harvest coconuts; a
feat for which the area's monkeys are uniquely skilled.
 Hin
Ta Hin Yai
Upon viewing those
astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be
tempted to believe that nature can also be as whimsical as
the most eccentric artist. Also known as "Grandfather and
Grandmother rocks"; entirely formed by the elements, two
extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped
rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.
Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do
more than admiring the view - that is plunge into one of the
island's natural waterfalls, then take along a sturdy and
non-slip pair of old shoes and tread carefully. Those who
have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit
Na Muang 1, and content themselves with enjoying the view.
The volume of water at the falls will vary, depending on the
time of year and recent rainfall. The last few months of the
year are the wettest, while the months of March through
September are fairly dry.
Temples
 The
vast majority of the population consider themselves
Buddhists. While the devoutness of their practice varies
just as it does with religious peoples throughout the world,
the temple remains a cultural focal point for every village.
Many of the more high profile temples in the country have
become tourist attractions, but remarkably, the presence of
foreign visitors does not seem to distract or disturb those
residents who come to pray. In Samui, two temples are home
to the displayed bodies of monks who were mummified some 20
years ago.
Some residents go to the local temple regularly to pay their
respects to the Buddha, others go at times of misfortune or
when they are visited by doubt and uncertainty. But all
Buddhists visit sometimes. As everywhere in Thailand,
Samui's temples range from the simple to the grand, and the
latter attract many thousands of tourists each year.
If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be
sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or
kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the
Buddha or worshipers.
 Na
Muang Waterfall1
At southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily
accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Choose this one if
you tire easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost
all the way to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is
a large natural pool where you can take a dip.
 Buffalo
Fighting
A pair of male water buffaloes are pitted against one
another in what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling
contest. This widely loved spectacle still takes place at
selected venues around the island, where banners are
displayed days in advance. Like sumo, the elaborate and
theatrical preparations are an important part of the show,
after which the animals are set loose to glower and paw the
ground. Finally they lock horns and the crowd goes wild. The
show at the edge of the ring is just as entertaining as the
one within. The first beast to turn and run away is the
loser, and so are some punters in the crowd.
 Samui
Snake Farm
Southern Thailand is home to a great many species of snakes,
many of them venomous. The mountains of Samui have their
share. The bite of a full grown king cobra for example can
bring death within one half hour. But don't worry! They are
extremely reclusive, and chances are tiny that you will come
in contact with one anyplace but at this attractions' two
shows a day, where they are handled by capable and "death
defying" trainers. Located in the southwest on the 4170 ring
road.
 Wat
Laem Sor
Laem Sor Chedi (also called Wat Laem Sor) is ornately
designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at the rocky water's edge.
Covered in countless small yellow tiles and it appears
golden when it is viewed from a short distance. It is
situated at the far South of the island off the 4170 road
between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka.
Wat Plai Laem
 Wat
Plai Laem is a newly built in 2004 and very ornate temple
situated just near Big Buddha statue. Khun Jarit Phumdonming,
artist of this temple, spent more than three years adding
finer details to the external parts of the temple. The
tradition of temple art follows the dates back to centuries
and providing a good example of the influence and style that
are still significant in modern Thai religious architecture.
The elaborate entry doors were made from two enormous
slabs of Laotian hardwood and are intricately carved with
images of the life of the Buddha.
Heaven's Garden
 High
in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the
island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways. The
inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4
generations of Samui people decided at the age of 77, to
create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that
many of the increasing number tourists would appreciate not
only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the
island's hilltop forests.
Khun Nim spent his life in agricultural innovation, during
which he was a pioneer in Durian farming techniques that are
now credited for some superb crops of this delectable fruit,
still grown and exported by island farmers. With the help of
assistants, he sculpted dozens of figures inspired by
Buddhist scriptures, in the mountaintop river bed on land
belonging to his family. He remained absorbed in the project
until his recent death at the age of 91. A spot far too
little visited, Heaven's Garden is on some of the island's
guided mountain tours.
Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are
either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you
concentrate on keeping your step. So be prepared to take
your time. Wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.
 Eight
Headed Coconut Tree
"Have you ever seen one million coconut palms and you've
seen them all?" Well not until you've seen the one with 8
heads. To get there, take 4169 ring road towards Nathon. One
kilometer north of town is the turnoff. Wear long pants and
study shoes for the hike through the jungle.
 Secret
Hall of Buddhas
Wat Sumret is very old temple housing an ancient white
marble Buddha believed to be hundreds years old. Inside
there, it has a valuable collection of Buddha images. A monk
will unlock the door for you on request.
If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be
sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or
kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the
Buddha or worshipers, and always take care to keep your feet
tucked away when in the presence of monks. Also keep your
head at a level below theirs.
Located west of Hua Thanon off the #4169 ring road, Wat
Samret is 200 metres down the second concrete road on the
left.
 Big
Buddha Temples
Being one of Samui's most popular attractions, Big Buddha
image sitting 12 meters tall was built in 1972 by the local
society to give visitors a place to pay respect to The Lord
Buddha. This monumental landmark is placed on the Northern
shore of the island.
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's
most famous landmark and most of the visitors come to marvel
at the sheer size and the beauty of this remarkable statue
at some point during their holiday. Big Buddha is visible
from several kilometers away and even from the air when
landing or taking off on the airplane.
 Butterfly
Garden
Built into a hillside covered with net, vividly colored
tropical butterflies can be seen along the serpentine
footpath. It is located opposite Central Samui Village in
Hua Thanon.
 Buddha's
Footprint
There is no sign showing the exact location of footprint and
finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take
Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly
Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left. Housed in a
hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop
another. There are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view
up there is surrounded by treetops and valleys that will be
worth for a visit.
 Samui
Aquarium
Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set
beach, this newly-opened attraction features live specimens
of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks.
Also
on display are some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.
Naga Pearl Farm - Koh
Matsum
A 20-minute boat trip from Ban Thong Krut, you will cross
the sea by ferry to a sea farm where you can see how
cultured pearls are created. The full day trip includes
lunch, your choice of afternoon activities, and a stop at
the Naga Pearl Shop on the way back.
Na Muang Waterfall2
Accessible by way of a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on
rte. 4169) this is considered mostly to be the island's most
beautiful waterfall. You reach it by ascending a rocky path.
The walk takes about 10 minutes.
Hin Lad
Waterfall
Hikers will relish the two
kilometer walk through the forest to reach this spot, where
the falls with their lovely natural bathing pool awaits
them. Located two kilometers south of Nathon, on the eastern
end of route 4172.
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