Big Buddha

Many of the more high profile Wats in the country have become tourist attractions, but remarkably, the presence of foreign visitors does not seem to disturb those residents who come to pray. As Samui's most high-profile temple (no pun intended) the Big Buddha is certainly the most lively of Samui's religious attractions. With its carnival-style games and offering various colorful and ritualistic ways in which you can make cash contributions, it is an important fund-raising venue.

At Big Buddha beach on the North shore. Take the ring road (Rt. 4169) and turn in on Rt. 4171 towards Bophut. If in doubt, ask. Everyone knows where Samui's tallest statue is.

Credits.
Photos by Steve Taylor. (with the exception of mountain view - Mr Ung's)
Editoral by Martin Amada.
Art & design by Darren Kemble.

Waterfalls
(Na Muang 1 & Na Muang 2)

Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admire 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.

Na Muang 1

In the 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.

Na Muang 2

Accessible by way of a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on rte. 4169) this is considered by most, to be the island's most beautiful waterfall. You reach it by ascending a rocky path. The walk takes about 10 minutes.

 

Wat Samret
(Secret Hall of Buddhas)

Wat Sumret is very old temple housing an ancient white marble Buddha believed to be hundreds of years old. Also inside is 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 Sumret is 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left.

Hin Ta Hin Yai
(Grandfather Grandmother Rocks)

Viewing these astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature too, can 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.

 

Buddha Footprint

As there is no sign posted, 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 of the surrounding treetops and valleys will be worth it.

Start Tour

Tour begins at Chaweng and finishes at Big Buddha.

Wat Khunaram
(Mummified Monk)

When was the last time you saw a mummified monk in sunglasses? Monks are held in great reverence in Thailand, and years ago the religious community on Samui chose to mummify two of them. Their bodies can be seen in their well preserved forms some 20 years after their deaths at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram.

 

 

Heavens 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 Samuians 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 footing. So be prepared to take your time. Wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.

Hin Lad Waterfall

Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admire 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. 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.

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 Rt. #4172.

Best Mountain Viewpoint

If you think Samui's beaches look great, wait until you get up into the mountains. Whether in a rented jeep or on a guided tour in an off-road vehicle, the experience will be exhilirating. The mountain roads snake through the lush forest, diving again and again into the jungle, only to appear again and again at the top of yet another hill, and each mountaintop view seems more breathtaking than the last. This is an opportunity worth taking, though perhaps not during rainy season, when parts of the mountain roads are often washed out.

Eight-Headed Coconut Tree

"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, The 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.

Viewpoint
(Koh Lad) near Birds Eye View.

Samui's most dramatic seascapes can be seen on the stretch of road that connects Chaweng with Lamai. There are several places to stop and park at roadside, beneath which impressive rock outcrops cover hillsides that drop steeply to the sea. Many footpaths down to the beaches exist, and there is some good snorkeling in this area when water visibility is clear.

During the "winter" months the Northeast winds blow, and on certain days some impressive surf pounds the rocks on this; the east coast of the island. On sunny days the views are spectacular, but if it is romantic sunsets you seek, head over to the other side of Samui.