Muang Boran, translated "Ancient City", is a museum park in Thailand located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. This is not an amusement park, but instead is a real-life open-air museum where the most famous monuments of the country are replicated.
Thailand: Koh Samui – ten great things to do
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It's known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas.
Samui is the third largest Island in Thailand and the largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands that includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking paradise and a day trip from Koh Samui.
While Samui is small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car, the Island features such a variety of beaches and activities that it would be impossible to experience everything in a single visit.
There are many beautiful beaches here like Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Natien. Besides plentiful nature, the Island is also full of history and culture. Despite the extensive development, a local law stating that no building is allowed to be taller than the closest coconut palm has helped preserve a picturesque shoreline.
Activities around Koh Samui include cooking courses, yoga instruction, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and even golf. While there are a few quieter Beaches that are ideal for relaxation, particularly those that feature some of the finest 5-star resorts in the world, and some that exude old-world charm, such as Bo Phut, which features converted old Chinese shophouses, Samui is a lively, exciting place than it was a few decades ago. Koh Samui has developed into its style of Island paradise, retaining much of its natural beauty while offering nearly every imaginable activity or service for the ultimate beach Holiday.
1. BIG BUDDHA
The 12m high Big Buddha image was erected in 1972 and is now one of the landmarks of Koh Samui. Many Thai visitors come here to worship and in recent times, the Big Buddha has also become a favourite attraction amongst foreign tourists.
2. WAT PLAI LAEM
The Wat Plai Laem, sometimes also called the Lady Monk Temple, is located in the northern part of the island and is, without a question, one of the most beautiful temples in Koh Samui.
3. GUAN YU SHRINE
The Guan Yu Shrine is one of the few Chinese temples of Koh Samui. It was only opened in 2016 and is therefore one of the more modern temples on the island. But also this very colourful and modern holy site is worth a visit.
4. GRANDFATHER AND GRANDMOTHER ROCKS
Grandfather and Grandmother Rock are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Koh Samui, hundreds of people come to photograph and be photographed with them every day.
5. WAT RATCHATHAMMARA
Wat Ratchathammaram, or better known as the Red Temple of Koh Samui, is another beautiful sacred site on the island. Right next to it is a golden pagoda, which shines incredibly impressively in the sun. In addition, a staircase decorated with snake heads leads directly down to the sea.
6. GO TO A MUAY THAI EVENT
Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon.
7. ANG THONG NATIONAL PARK
Established as a marine national park in 1980, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands covering 102 km² at the shore of the Surat Thai Province east of Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.
The islands cover 18 km² of the park, the major ones are Ko Phaluai, Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko, Ko Sam Sao, Ko Hin Dap, Ko Nai Phut and Ko Phai Luak. The highest peak is located on Ko Phaluai at 396 metres asl. Islands consist mainly of rugged and steep limestone hills, sinkholes, caves and inland marine lakes. There is one nomadic village at Ko Wua Ta Lap and one other at Ko Phaluai, other islands are uninhabited.
8. VISIT FISHERMAN”S VILLAGE
Once a sleeping fishing community by the sea, today Koh Samui’s Fisherman’s Village is a must-visit. Wooden shophouses have been converted into charming boutiques, bars, and restaurants to become one of the most fantastic and popular attractions after dark.
9. NAMUANG WATERFALL
Set in Jungle surroundings are two beautiful waterfalls that are certainly worth a visit, the waterfalls are known as Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, the first waterfall flows into a small pool that you can swim in, and the second waterfall is about thirty minutes further uphill and is also just as stunning. The park featuring the waterfall is completely free of charge and there are lots of beautiful spots along the way as well as small food stalls and souvenir huts to make purchases from. With many tourists choosing to go to the various beaches this makes for a nice change and an idyllic spot for a swim
10. SECRET BUDDHA GARDEN
Secret Buddha Garden is hidden away high in the hills in Koh Samui’s interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds. The gardens are a creation of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who in 1976 began erecting several statues and temples around his family’s verdant land. The statues depict several animals, deities and humans in various poses, including one of Khun Nim himself, in a relaxed position sitting on a rock. Khun Nim continued to work developing his garden until his death at the age of 91.
The garden surroundings are cool and peaceful, with a waterfall and stream flowing through, all shaded by thick jungle foliage. The Secret Buddha Gardens are found in Samui’s interior, to the north-west of Lamai Beach. With the steep and bumpy road, getting up here is a challenge best done in a 4×4 vehicle. Many visitors choose to come here on a day trip that includes a tour of the gardens.
Getting to Koh Samui
There are a couple of ways you can reach Koh Samui and for the most part, it depends on your budget. Not to mention, it also depends on your starting location and how long you are willing to travel.
Moreover, there are numerous options for buses, trains, ferries, and planes.
Koh Samui is an island. So, no matter what, you will need to take either a ferry or a plane to complete the last leg of the journey.
Bus and Train Rides
There are a couple of options for getting to Koh Samui (or to the nearest docking point) via bus and train ride. If you are coming from the mainland, you will need to make your way to Surat Thani to reach Koh Samui via ferry.
There are buses from Krabi, Chumphon, and Bangkok that will take you to Surat Thani.
Travel times:
- Bus from Bangkok and ferry to Koh Samui: 14hr 30 min
- Train from Bangkok and ferry to Koh Samui: 14hr 30 min
- Bus from Krabi and ferry to Koh Samui: 5hr 15 min
Flying
One of the easiest ways to get to Koh Samui. This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Koh Samui, and the flight time from Bangkok is around 1hr 15min. is via a plane flight.
There are direct flights from several locations in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. There are several international direct flights from locations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China.
The best time to visit Koh Samui
Koh Samui, a tropical haven located in the Gulf of Thailand, is classified under the Köppen climate system as a tropical rainforest climate. This type of climate is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. This island experiences a hardly noticeable annual temperature variation, with an average high temperature ranging from 29°C in January and November to 32.6°C in April. The average low temperature varies between 24.1°C in November and 26.1°C in April.
Relative humidity remains high throughout the year, averaging from 78% in July, August, and September, to a noticeable peak of 85% in October and November. Sea temperatures remain fairly constant from 27.8°C in January to a slightly warmer 30.1°C in May. These warm temperatures make Koh Samui a perfect beach destination at any time of the year. Daylight hours show a slight increase from 11.6 in January and December to a peak of 12.7 in June.
Regarding rainfall, there is a significant difference throughout the year. Drier months like February offer about 54mm of rainfall, whereas November shows a stark contrast with a heavy downpour of approximately 507mm. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days ranges from 4 to 5 days in February and March to a high of 20 days in October and November.
The best time to visit Koh Samui
Given the climate characteristics of Koh Samui, the best time to visit would be during the drier months of February and March. During this period, visitors can expect less rainfall, approximately 54mm and 81mm respectively, and fewer rainy days. The number of sunshine hours sits at a higher scale of 8-9 hours per day, and the UV index reaches its top level at 12. This makes for excellent weather conditions for sunbathing and exploring the natural beauty of the island.
The worst time to visit Koh Samui
Conversely, the worst time to visit Koh Samui would be in November due to the highest rainfall amount of 507mm and the considerable number of rainy days reaching up to 20. Despite the warm sea temperature of 29.2°C, the high relative humidity of 85% combined with substantial rain might make outdoor activities and exploration less enjoyable.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the most popular place to stay when you are in Koh Samui and therefore also the busiest. On the beach and along the main street you will find numerous restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs. Although it’s very busy, the length of 6 kilometres means that Chaweng Beach is never overcrowded and on this endlessly wide and clean beach you can find enough quiet places to relax and sunbathe.
Lamai Beach
A very popular place to stay in Koh Samui is Lamai Beach. This white sand beach is one of the best beaches on Koh Samui and especially the southern part, with the large round rock formations, is breathtaking. In addition, you will find a great choice of accommodation along the 4-kilometre-long beach. There is not as much going on here as at Chaweng Beach, but there are great restaurants and plenty of quieter bars.
A vacation at Lamai Beach is ideal for those who like to have a quiet day but still want to enjoy a pleasant nightlife in the evening.
Fisherman’s Village & Bophut Beach
The resort of Bophut is located in the north of Koh Samui, more precisely between Maenam and the famous Big Buddha Temple. Bophut Beach is well-known for its beautiful Fisherman’s Village, where a great night market takes place once a week. In addition, you will find small boutiques and good shopping opportunities in the pretty village. This charming place is located directly on the beautiful Bophut Beach and inspires vacationers with great restaurants, bars and cafés! The flair in the resort is unique, the atmosphere is enchanting and especially Koh Samui connoisseurs and individualists like to come here to spend their vacations.
1. LUXURY – TOLANI RESORT KOH SAMUI
Tolani Koh Samui with its absolute beach front location nestled within a vibrant urban landscape, our resort offers an exceptional private beach front pool villas and the comfort of home. Discover a haven where every aspect of convenience, and elegance has been meticulously curated to create a place you’ll truly want to call home. The resort’s private beachfront setting provides the perfect backdrop for its unique design and offers the utmost privacy for those who choose.
2. MID-RANGE – PALM COCO MANTRA
At the nice part of Lamai Beach. Palm Coco Mantra, a Boutique beach front resort in Samui, Thailand. This great beach resort is located on a hill that gently slopes towards to ocean, yet privacy and calmness encapsulate this wonderful resort environment. Almost of the hotel’s rooms offer panoramic ocean views, infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean where you can take a break at the cozy pool bar. You may have it all with us in making your perfect stay at Palm Coco Mantra Beach resort. Palm Coco is an oasis of calm and Boutique in one of the finest locations on Samui, Thailand. Spectacular Island, Gulf of Thailand, sunrise & sunset views are part of everyday life here at Palm Coco mantra, the boutique hotel in Samui.
3. BUDGET – THE ROCK SAMUI
Situated in Lamai, 80 metres from Rocky’s Beach, The Rock Samui – formerly known as The Rock Residence – SHA Extra Plus features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a private beach area. The property is around 15 km from Fisherman Village, 18 km from Big Buddha and 1.3 km from Lamai Viewpoint. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.
More to Explore
