Attractions

Busy Samui has a host of entertainment apart from the usual beach outings. Have a look at "Exploring Koh Samui" at the end of this section for more outdoor activities and happenings.

Many of the sites below can be seen on day trips or combined with jungle tours in jeeps, such as Mr Ung's Magical Safari Tour (tel. 07723-0114; www.ungsafari.com) starting at a reasonable 1,400B (US$40/£22). Join in and enjoy the adventure -- even lunch is taken care of. There are also several companies offering trips with multichoice activities, including quad-biking, jungle coaster cable rides, and even mountain-biking -- so look around to find the best travel agent for you.

Samui has a number of important temples and Buddhist sites to visit. Wat Phra Yai is home to Samui's primary landmark, the Big Buddha, more than 12m (36 ft.) tall and the most important temple for the local islanders. It is set on Koh Faan, a small islet connected to the shore by a causeway, with shops and restaurants at the base. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Two temples in Samui hold bodies of mummified monks, which some may find ghoulishly interesting. The most popular is Wat Khunaram, along the main road (Rte. 4169) as it shoots inland far south of Lamai. Here, the mummified body of monk Loung Pordaeng is in the same meditation position, or mudra, as when he died 20 years ago.

Four engraved imprints of the Lord Buddha's Footprint are held in a shrine near the turn-off to the Butterfly Farm off the 4170 Road near Laem Din. At the southernmost end of Lamai Beach lie Koh Samui's two famous rocks, Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Grandfather and Grandmother Stone, respectively. They have always caused a stir due to their likeness to male and female genitalia (you can guess which is which). The rocks are seen as strong fertility symbols, and local myth has it that these rocks were where a people known as the Mui originated.

Just across Route 4169 from Wat Khunaram is the dirt track leading up to the Na Muang Falls, one of which reveals a large bathing pool (be careful of sharp rocks). You can walk the steamy 5km (3-mile) trek from the coast road to the falls or take the easier route on the back of an elephant (any travel agency in town can arrange this). Once you've finished your picnic, visit the newly accessible Wang Saotong Waterfall a little farther off-road on the other side of Route 4169. Caution: Due to a fatal accident at a waterfall in 2007, visitors are warned to be aware of the likelihood of sudden landslides during heavy rain.

You can escape the heat with the kids at Samui's latest attraction, Paradise Park Farm (tel. 07741-3440; daily 7am-6pm). The cool mountain air will be a welcome relief as you walk through towering natural rocks surrounded by waterfalls, small rivers, canyons, wildlife animals, and exotic birds. Here you can learn about rubber tapping and local flora and fauna. You can then dine in the restaurant, relax in the infinity pool with spectacular views down the valley, or unwind in the spa.

Also well worth a visit is the Magic Statue Garden, if only for the trek deep into the jungle-clad mountains. Built by local farmer, Nim Thongsuk, in 1976, when he was 77, it is now proudly maintained by his son. The road is challenging, so book with a tour company such as Jungle Safari (tel. 07723-0144).

The more adventurous can try being Tarzan and swing through the jungle with Canopy Adventures (tel. 07741-4150-1). Or, if you prefer a quicker adrenaline rush, the British Jumpmasters bungee jump (tel. 08788-74662, mobile) is in Chaweng Center just behind the Reggae Bar.

You won't be surprised that Koh Samui suffers from water shortages when you see the new Samui Aquapark (no phone at press time) that was slated to open in mid-2008. Located off the ring road near the Na Muang waterfalls, prices are expected to be around 1,000B (US$29/£15) for adults and 600B (US$17/£9.25) for children.

If you don't intend to snorkel, but would like to sample some underwater life, Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo (tel. 07742-4017-8) is open daily from 9am-5pm at Samui Orchid Resort, Laem Set Beach, and costs 250B (US$7.10/£3.85) entrance.

Most Thai tourist spots have a snake show, and Samui's snake farm is at the far southwest corner of the island on 4170 Road (tel. 07742-3247), with daily shows at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost 250B (US$7.10/£3.85). Samui Crocodile Farm (tel. 07724-7262) also has reptiles and monkeys. It's open from 9am to 6pm daily and costs 250B (US$7.10/£3.85). At the Samui Monkey Theater (tel. 07724-5140), just south of Bophut village on 4169 Road, you can see "working" demonstrations of monkeys collecting coconuts. Showtimes are at 10:30am, 2pm, and 4pm daily; entrance is 10B (28¢/15p).