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Visitors can travel around the
island by public transport called “Song Thaews”
by Thais. The fares range from 10-40 baht, depending
on distance. Motorcycles and jeeps for rent are also
available.
Moo Ko Ang Thong Marine
National Park This comprises some 40 islands
about 20 kilometres, or two hours by boat, northwest
of Ko Samui. The park covers 250 square kilometres,
of which approximately one fifth is landmass. The most
attractive islands include Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko,
Ko Prayat, Ko Sam Sao, Ko Nai Put and Ko Wua Te. Most
islands comprise limestone masses reaching heights of
up to 400 metres, and fringed by beaches and rain forest.
An emerald saltwater lake known
as Tha-le Nai (Inland Sea) on Ko Mae Ko is the park's
major scenic attraction and entails a mildly strenuous
climb. The resultant views are well worth the effort.
Another popular venue is Ko Sam Sao where an extensive
span of coral reef and a huge rock arch offer scenic
fascination.
The park office is on Ko Wua
Ta Lap where bungalow-style accommodation is available.
Visitors wishing to stay overnight should make advance
bookings and specify whether meal services are required,
either through the Ang Thong Marine National Park office,
145/1 Talatlang Road, Surat Thani. Tel: 0-7728-6025
or 0- 7742-0225, or the National Parks Division in Bangkok,
Tel: 0-2561- 2920-21
Getting There: A
ferry departs from Ko Samui’s Na Thon pier daily
at 8.30 a.m. and arrives at Moo Ko Ang Thong at 10.30
a.m. On return, the ferry departs from the Ang Thong
National Park at 3 p.m. A one-day tour package to Moo
Ko Ang Thong is also organised by travel agents on Koh
Samui.
Ko Taen This
is a small island to the south of Koh Samui. It can
be reached by chartered boat from Koh Samui’s
Thong Krut Bay within 30 minutes. The island has peaceful
atmosphere and its natural beauty is well preserved.
A long sandy beach is found in the east of the island
while a stony beach and mangroves are in the west. Coral
reefs are found around the island especially on the
west. Visitors can trek along nature trails, varying
in 4 routes, passing villages, mountains, mangrove forests
and scenic coastal areas. Accommodation on the island
is available. Nearby isles, such as Ko Mat Sum and Ko
Mot Daeng, are suitable for snorkeling.
 The
Big Buddha
Koh 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.
Namuang Fall
Na Muang Waterfall is located 10 km south from Nathon
at Ban Thurian. There are 2 waterfalls.Na Muang one
is 18 meter high and can be reached by vehicle. Na Muang
two is about 80 meters high and can only be reached
by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic
on the island
 Hin
Ta - Hin Yai
Strangely shaped rocks at south Lamai.
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
Hin Lad Water fall
Hin Lad Waterfall is located? 2 km south of Nathon Town.He
can be reached by a 3-4 kilometer walk down a country
foot walk. In evergreen, rain forest setting with palms
and creepers, the waterfall have several levels with
a cool pool for a fresh water swim.
Magic Buddha Garden
The magic Buddha garden is hidden in the hills of Samui.
You can see several statues, temples and waterfalls
which are build by one man in the last 20 years.
Ancient House
A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Thale
is the oldest house on the island. It was built approximately
150 years ago, is constructed of teak planks and shows
off many beautiful woodcarvings.
 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.
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. Informative
and entertaining. Great for the entire family and worth
looking for. Follow the signs seen throughout the island.
Show times are 11.00 and 14.00 everyday.
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