Sightseeing in Ko Samui - what to see. Complete travel guide

Koh Samui is a true sandy and tropical paradise. This is the most beautiful island of Thailand. Founded as a seaport in the Gulf of Siam, Koh Samui has quickly developed thanks to fish trading, growing of coconuts and, subsequently, development of tourist business.

Amazing climatic conditions and beautiful nature attract many tourists to the island. A mountain range that crosses the island from west to east is the main artery of Koh Samui. The central part of the island is occupied by the jungle, while flat areas of the island are entirely occupied by coconut trees. There are approximately 3.5 million of palms here.

The heart of the island and its capital is Nathon, which was founded by a major Chinese trader in 1905. In order to see the true nature of the city and the island, you can make a fascinating journey on jeep or motorbike. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most spectacular sights of the city are Butterfly Garden, which features a myriad of different types of these fabulous creatures; Monkeys and Elephants Park, Wat Ning Ngu Park with a huge statue of Buddha, Ang Thong National Marine Park; two picturesque waterfalls - Hin Lad that cascades down from mountains, and Na Muang, at the base of which there is a pool of fresh water with the coral reef that can be seen from the bottom - an ideal place for swimming.

The Temple of Play Laem is an attractive sightseeing object. It was built quite recently, about 10 years ago. Since its foundation, it is one of the most massive cult buildings on the island. The temple is a complex set of buildings for different purposes, complemented by beautiful pools and sculptural compositions. A huge statue of the goddess Guanyin with eighteen hands represents its central decoration.

In the most secluded and deserted areas of the island is the Buddha Garden. It was formed in a beautiful natural area, among dense tropical thickets. Local artists carved beautiful Buddhist sculptures from wood. This looks just unique with spectacular views of stone landscapes and exotic plants in the background. The history of the foundation of the garden is really exciting. A local monk created the very first sculptures there more than twenty years ago. Subsequently, he was assisted by disciples from the local monastery. Now, the Buddha Garden is considered one of the most significant landscape objects of Thailand.

The most beautiful architectural monument is the Lamai temple. It is built with the observance of beautiful national traditions. The multi-tiered roof of the church is adorned with decorative carved elements and garlands. The facade is painted literally in all colors of the rainbow. The surrounding area has an incredibly beautiful design, as well. You can see a lot of beautiful sculptures, artificial pools, and a large pond. The pond is full of fish. At little cost, visitors can purchase a sachet with a special snack and feed them.

Next to the Butterfly Garden is a beautiful mountain, the ascent to which remains a popular entertainment for tourists. During the walk, they can admire the most fabulous landscapes. The top of the mountain opens a panoramic view of the island. There is an ancient temple at the top. It conceals an interesting religious artifact - the Buddha's Foot. This is the name of a large imprint on the land, beautifully decorated during the construction of the temple. It is an important place for pilgrims. The construction of the ancient temple on top of the mountain is also very interesting. Pilgrims and travelers can enjoy it free of charge.