If you have decided to visit the beautiful island of Koh Samui for more than just its amazing beaches and clear waters, then you will certainly not be disappointed.
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are true geological marvels with plenty of natural and man-made tourist attractions – from mummified monks to breath-taking waterfalls,
these islands have everything you can ask for in terms of attractions, history and natural wonders.
Here are 5 of the most popular tourist attractions on the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan:
1. The Namuang Waterfall
No tourist that comes to Koh Samui should miss the Namuang Waterfall – despite the fact that the island has several truly amazing waterfalls, none of them compares to this one.
The purple rocks and the crystal clear water at the Namuang Waterfall attract thousands of tourists, and at the base of the waterfall you can find an impressive natural pool.
Besides, you can easily get to the waterfall by foot, as it is very easy to access, and 10 minutes away from this waterfall there is another one that is just as impressive!
2. The Big Buddha Shrine
You do not necessarily have to be a religious or spiritual person to admire the amazing Big Buddha Shrine that is located right on the North Coast of the Koh Samui Island.
This statue measures no less than 12 meters in height, and it can be easily spotted from miles away.
There are several temples and shrines that surround the Big Buddha statue,
and here you can find plenty of souvenir shops and stores where you can purchase gifts, lucky charms and such.
These precious souvenirs will remember you of Koh Samui and the Big Buddha Shrine throughout the years!
3. The Mummified Monk
Although it may sound scary at first, the Mummified Monk (also known as The Mummy Monk) is actually one of the most appreciated and most sought-after tourist attractions on the Koh Samui Island.
The monk died over two decades ago, and his body was placed in a special glass casket.
What is truly amazing about the Mummified Monk is that to the present day, he has barely shown any signs of decay.
4. The Wat Phu Khao Noi
The Wat Phu Khao Noi is the oldest temple on the Koh Phangan island,
and it is basically a small mountain (translated, the name means “The Small Mount Temple”) that is located close to Thongsala.
If you appreciate the temple monks and you want to learn something from them or ask them for advice,
then visiting the Wat Phu Khao Noi temple is certainly a wise decision.
5. The Samui Aquarium
If you travel to Samui or to Koh Phangan with your children and you want to entertain them,
then you should not miss the Samui Aquarium and the one-of-a-kind tiger show.
This is also a very popular attraction here, and the Aquarium serves as home for a plethora of marine creatures,
from sharks and catfish of impressive dimensions to sea hawks and coral fish. A bit of fun and entertainment should do.
It is easy nowadays to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and other destinations by Ferry Koh Samui.
Featured images:
License: Creative Commons
image source
License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source
John Chen is a travel writer currently located in Bangkok, Thailand.