Sightseeing

The main reason why people come to Samui is, quite simply, to enjoy the beaches. To see some of Thailand's more famous tourist attractions you might want to consider a short stay in Bangkok to complement your journey. However there are still some worthwhile sites to see once you come to the island. Excursions to these sites can be arranged by the Villa Manageress upon your arrival.

Big Buddha

Samui's most popular attraction, The Big Buddha sitting 15 meters tall was built in 1972 by the local society to give visitors a place to pay respect to The Lord Buddha. This monumental landmark is placed on the island's Northern shore.

There are several shops surrounding the Big Buddha where you can pick up souvenirs and artifacts.

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Buddha's 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., 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.

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Butterfly Garden

Na Tian Butterfly Garden is situated at the bottom of the hill south of the island. Apart from the numerous species of butterflies on display, there are also other interesting features in the garden: The bee house, a Thai style house which allows the visitor to observe the activities of bees. The insect museum, rare insects from Thailand and other countries are displayed here.

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Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks

Locally known as "Hin Ta - Hin Ya"; entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.

A local story tells of an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. Their body's were washed ashore to create the rocks.

There is also a market as you go down to the beach to see the rocks where you can pick up souvenirs and artifacts.

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Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. This is a good attraction for the whole family and especially suited for those who do not want to go on a diving trip, but still wants to see some of the natural life off Samui's shores.

In the Tiger Zoo you will find Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Clouded leopards and Lions which you can also take a photograph with if you want to get up close to these magnificent animals.

A recent introduction to the zoo is a collection of tropical birds including parrots, eagles and love birds.

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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.

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Snake Farm

A definite must see for all those visiting the island. Shows featuring snakes indigenous to Samui as well as Centipede, Scorpion and Cock Fighting shows.

After the show you can have a look around the impounds to see snakes, crocodiles and other wild animals.

Informative and entertaining. Great for the entire family and worth a visit. There are also an opportunity after the show to hold a 35kg Boa snake - if you dare. Show times are 11.00 and 14.00 every day.

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The Magic Garden

The "Magic Garden" or "Secret Buddha Garden" is located in the hills of Samui. A Samuian fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, started to build the garden in 1976 when he was 77 years old.

To get to the garden is an adventure in itself as it is located within the jungle. A jungle tour can however be arranged by the villa's Manageress.

On the way you can make a stop-over at Samui's highest point overlooking the island from north to south, the surrounding islands as well as the mainland.

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The Mummified Monk

In the Wat Khunaram temple you can see the undercomposed remains of Phra Khru Samathakittikhun.

In the first part of his life he was a successful businessman until he at the age of 50 decided to devote the rest of his life to monkhood. When he died aged 79 he was placed in an upright casket as he requested with written instructions to keep it as a symbol for future generations to follow.

Although his remains was not treated on his death, his body remain undercomposed, and you can even see his hair and nails that seemingly still grows.

Waterfalls

There are several beautiful waterfalls you can visit on the Island, some of which you can drive right up to - others require a walk to get to them. The waterfall pictured here is Namuang I.

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.

The waterfalls are located all around the Island and the Manageress will be able to advice you on which one to visit suitable to both season and how adventurous you want to be.