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Samui Attractions - Top Sightseeing and things to see
Attractions
There are several free natural
attractions located on or near the main ring road.
These are included in most guided tour itineraries.
You are likely to stop at most or all of them if you
take one of the Island Tours offered by several
companies. Or you may prefer to map out your own
route, and follow it on rented scooters or in a
jeep.
Public Attractions
It's easy to let the sun and sea lull you into the feeling that
you never want to budge from the beach. But Samui is an island of
great natural beauty and variety. Even those who don't get excited
about sightseeing will find that the journeys to these popular
attractions will provide their own delights.
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Chaweng Beach |
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Populated, especially in high season, the
beaches at Chaweng are the island's liveliest. Good for
bathing and snorkeling at one of the coral reefs.
Watersports are available at several locations, including
jetskiing, parasailing and waterskiing. Strolling beach
vendors sell food and souvenirs. During the months of
January through April, the sea can get rough on some days,
and the waves high. |
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Bo Phut Beach |
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Between Chaweng and Maenam, this quiet
stretch of beach is just steps away the quaint shophouses of
this historical fishing village. Popular with those staying
at the many nearby bungalow resorts. Boats leave for the
northern islands from the nearby piers.
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Choeng Mon Beach |
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Located on the quiet north shore between
Chaweng and Mae Nam, the nearest shopping districts are
those in Chaweng and Mae Nam. The nearby village of Bophut
is a 10 minutes drive. There you will find a number of
quaint and charming restaurants and cafes. Nightlife is
subdued. Few public taxis. |
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Lamai Beach |
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On the east coast, home to some of the
island's longest and widest stretches of sand, you're never
far from a beachside bar or restaurant, or activity if that
is what you seek. Sea bathing spots are walking distance
from Lamai center. |
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Maenam Beach |
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On the north coast. Combines wide and sandy
stretches with a peaceful ambience. Especially popular with
families and young couples, and those seeking tranquility.
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Hin Ta Hin Yai |
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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. |
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Budda's Footprint |
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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. |
Private Attractions
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Monkey Theatre |
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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. |
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Samui Snake Farm |
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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. |
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Butterfly Garden |
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Built into a hillside covered with netting,
vividly colored tropical butterflies can be seen along the
serpentine footpath. In the southeast corner opposite the
Central Samui Village resort. |
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Samui Aquarium |
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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. |
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Buffalo Fighting |
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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.
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Thai boxing |
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Thai boxing is another form of cultural
entertainment and a visit to this country wouldn’t be
complete without watching this national sport. It is widely
considered to be the world’s most dangerous sport.
The speed and dexterity of the contestants is an art in its
own right. Matches are held daily, Monday to Friday at the
Samui stadium. |
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Wat Phra Yai and Big Buddha |
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This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most
famous landmark the Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel
at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at
some point during their holiday. Visible from several km
away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the
island, the 12 m tall golden image stands proud.
At the base of the structure, several shops
and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists
alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route
4171 near the airport.
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