The island of Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and is known for its tropical scenery and beautiful beaches. The taverns and the restaurants near the water provide the best opportunity to watch the sunrise and sunset with your friends and family. There you can also book a retreat to soak up the peace of the Buddhist culture all the while having a fun vacation.
Wat Phra Yai-
It is situated on Koh Faan, a tiny island that is joined to Koh Samui's northeastern coast. The main highlight of Wat Phra Yai is the impressive 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue hence getting its name- Big Buddha Temple, which sits atop a platform at the top of a flight of steps. The statue is visible from a distance and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Koh Samui. You can take a picture of the entire region from the top with the surrounding village framing the entire background. There is a temple that is dedicated to the Chinese goddess Guanyin. You can even ring the bell located in the Bell Tower next door for some good luck.
Wat Plai Laem-
This is a Chinese and Thai mixed architectural style temple, whose main deity is Guanyin. It stands surrounded by a lotus with multiple arms on the side and a calm expression. The nine arms carry a bowl, rosary, and many other religious paraphernalia. Apart from these, there are smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as the laughing Buddha.
Angthong National Marine Park-
Follow the peach-colored sands and arrive at the archipelago of 42 islands that form a stretch of Angthong National Park which has an area of 102 square kilometers. If you are an enthusiast of water activities you can even go snorkeling or diving here. The key highlight of this park is Emerald Lake which is a saltwater lake with a shade of deep emerald color. You can go hiking through the trails and see the beauty of Thailand. You can see monkeys and lizards on the land and discover the hidden caves and coral reefs underwater by going underwater or kayaking in the perfect waves.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary-
This elephant sanctuary is all for cruelty-free interaction with these gentle giants. Over here are elephants that have been rescued from abuse, exploitation, and neglect and continue to live happily in their natural reserve. You can learn about their conservation and even get hands-on experience in feeding them and creating a mixture of food for them to eat with coconut as you watch them play around with the herd and dip their trunks in water.
Laem Sor Pagoda-
The pagoda has a lustrous effect as the rays of the sun fall on its exterior enhancing the golden effect of its exterior in the backdrop of the Bang Kao coastline. It is a place of great spiritual reverence and is dedicated to Luang Por Daeng who is a Buddhist monk. In the center of the Pagoda is a stupa that contains the remains of enlightened Buddhist monks making it an important place of worship for the locals but lesser known amongst the tourists.
Wat Khunaram-
It is located on the northeastern side of the island and is famous for the monk who is mummified that is the preserved body of Loung Pordaeng, a revered monk who passed away in 1973 is displayed in a glass case sitting in a meditation posture. Important Buddhist religious activities take place here and you can offer flowers and incense here as a part of the custom and gain insight into the way of life. There is even a meditation hall where you can sit in silence and introspect.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai-
These are also called Grandma and Grandpa rocks because of the story of the drowning of an old couple on their way. It is a symbol of good luck to couples. These rocks are said to be a result of years of erosion that takes place with the wind and water slowly shaping the rock that at a certain angle even looks like the human body. You can have a nice walk along the beach and take pictures along the water of Dalai Beach.
