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Koh Samui in the Kingdom of Thailand, is the second largest Island in the country. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the perfect destination for backpackers looking to get away from all the city noise. The island is known for its heavenly beaches, chilled out vibe, relaxed culture and awesome nightlife. There’s a wide range of things you can do and places you can see in Samui. Here are our top picks for Points of Interest in Koh Samui:

Angthong National Marine Park

In the Gulf of Thailand, the Angthong National Marine Park is an archipelago consisting of 42 islands with tall limestone mountains, white sandy beaches, a thick jungle, waterfalls and fertile mangroves. This hundred square kilometres area is well protected due to the rich variety of sea creatures and its exotic wildlife. Water babies can have fun snorkelling, sea-kayaking, sailing, or diving. If you are just looking to lay low and relax, this is the perfect spot.

Luxuriate in the Best Beaches of Koh Samui

Samui has as many as ten beaches which are the best in the country, out of the 40 beaches on this island in Southern Thailand, making it an ideal beach destination. However, unlike the rest of the country, the beaches of Samui are not super crowded. They are a perfect getaway spot and the vibe on these beaches is unlike any other in the country. Some of the best beaches in Samui include the Chaweng beach, the Lamai, The Maenam, The Choeng Mon, Lipa Noi, The Silver beach and Bang Por. Most of these beaches are located along huge five star properties and resorts.

Big Buddha Temple

Locally known as Wat Phra Wai, the Golden image of the Big Buddha is a 12-metre seated statue of Buddha located in the north-eastern corner of the island. It was built in the year 1972 and is a popular tourist attraction. The temple is visible from a distance of many kilometres and is the first landmark seen by people when they arrive at the island, by air. Seated in the Mara position, this statue of Buddha depicts a time during his journey towards enlightenment.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao literally translates to Turtle Island and is Thailand’s choicest Scuba diving destination. The white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, with a host of vibrant and healthy coral reefs, and colourful and exciting sea-creatures including the turtles, makes Koh Tao an instant favourite with the scuba-divers. The island has this charm of being far away from established civilization and yet easily accessible.

Wat Plai Laem

Located on the north-east coast of the island, The Wat Plai Laem is one of the most famous Buddhist temples. This remarkable white 18-arm Statue of the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy is known as the Guanyin and is a sight worth seeing. The Wat Plai Laem is very close to the Big Buddha temple and it offers its visitors a new view into the Thai-Chinese beliefs. You cannot miss the elaborate Buddhist-themed architecture. The temple is surrounded by a lake swarming with fish and visitors who donate to the temple are given a bag of food, as a token, to feed the fish.

Secret Buddha Garden

High in the hills of Samui’s interior, the Secret Buddha Garden offers a divine view with its unique collection of statues in the mid of the lush green jungles. Created by a Samuian fruit farmer called Nim Thongsuk in 1976, these unusual statues were erected by him on his family’s land. There are a number of deities, animals and humans depicted in various poses, including s statue of Khun Nim himself, sitting on a rock in a relaxed position. Nim dedicated his life to this garden and kept developing the garden until he died at the age of 91.

Na Muang Waterfalls

The majestic Na Muang Waterfalls stand as proof that Samui is not just about its beautiful beaches. At a distance of twelve kilometres to the south-east of Nathon Bay, the waterfalls are located in a park of the same name and can be reached by taking a walking path from its entrance. There are 2 waterfalls, simply called Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. Na Muang 1, flows into a pristine and natural pool that makes the outside heat go away. Hiking uphill, in about thirty minutes you can reach Na Muang 2 that is just as inviting.

Mummy Monk

Although Mummy monks are very common in Thailand, the Mummified Monk, monk Luong Pordaeng at Wat Khunaram is the most revered. The mummified monks of Thailand offer a unique insight into the culture of the Thai Buddhists. Monk Luong Pordaeng died in a sitting, meditative position and his body is displayed in the same exact position, although it is now kept in a glass case. The body shows hardly any signs of decay even after thirty years of his death. Loung Pordang’s life and death is seen by Buddhists as a source of inspiration to follow the tenants of Buddhism.

The attractions in Samui extend far beyond the beautiful beaches that have made it a top destination for tourists. Though they are good on the eyes and relaxing for your soul, Samui offers so much more. The entire island is one big playground where you can revel in its breath taking beauty as well as enjoy some culture and history too.