Ko Samui Surat Thani
Dingen om te doen in Ko Samui Surat Thani
1, Big Buddha
"Big Buddha temple sits majestically on a small rocky island off Koh Samui's north-eastern corner. Known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre seated Buddha statue was built in 1972 and remains one of the island's most popular attractions. Set on Koh Faan, Big Buddha temple is reached by a causeway that connects it to the main island. The Big Buddha can be seen at a distance of several kilometres and is often the first landmark people see when arriving to Samui by air. The Big Buddha sits in the Mara posture, with the left hand's palm up resting on the lap and the right hand facing down, the fingers hanging over the knee and grazing the ground. It depicts a time during Buddha's journey to enlightenment where he successfully subdued the temptations and dangers thrust at him by the devil-figure Mara by meditating and remaining calm. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment. Around the base of the tall statue is a courtyard and vendor area where amulets, religious artefacts, clothing and souvenirs are sold, and there are two more Buddha images set in pavilions. There are also food stalls and small restaurants to enjoy a snack or a meal. A staircase with a colourful, striking dragon design leads up to the platform area on which the Buddha sits. Buddhist devotees come daily to make offerings of fruit and flowers and light incense at the base of the statue, while curious tourists are welcome come and to observe these graceful religious rituals any time of day. In addition to offering an insight into the local culture, the platform affords excellent beach and sea views. By night, the Big Buddha is bathed in the golden glow of spotlights, making for a holy and exotic sight. All over Thailand the wat serves as a major centre for cultural festivals and Big Buddha temple in Samui is no exception. During such festivals as Loy Kratong or Songkran the temple becomes crowded with people making merit and enjoying the entertainment, food and markets set up in celebration. The beach nearby was originally called Bang Rak, but due to the prominence of the temple at its eastern end it is now more commonly known as Big Buddha Beach. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses along its sandy shoreline, and plenty of places to eat and shop. To get to Big Buddha temple, take the main route 4169 up to the northeast region of Samui, then turn off on route 4171. The temple is about 3 kilometres directly north of Samui International Airport, 3km east of Bophut Beach and 7.5km away from Cheweng Beach. The temple is open to visitors all day, but for those hoping to catch a true cultural experience it's best to go in the early morning hours, the time when local people bring their food and other offerings to the temple and the monks do their morning chanting. Since this is a sacred place, visitors are advised to dress politely. Be sure to wear shirts or scarves that cover the shoulders, trousers or long shorts, and no beachwear when visiting the Big Buddha temple."
2, Fisherman's Village Bophut
"Every Mondays is food market and every Friday is walking street with many local food and souvenirs."
3, Central Festival Samui
"Laid back modern open air shopping mall with a cinema and the best grocery store for imported goods on Samui."
4, Chaweng Beach
"Chaweng Beach A very busy beach in Samui is Chaweng Beach. This is very popular because of its proximity to the airport and the fact that it is a highly developed area on the island. People come here to experience the local nightlife at the Green Mango Strip and get a taste of yummy Thai dishes. Those are looking for souvenirs to give to friends and family, will love it here as there are a good number of shops where you can buy locally made trinkets and goodies "
5, Wat Plai Laem
"Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on Samui's north-east coast of Samui, featuring a striking white 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs as well as some elaborate Buddhist-themed art and architecture. Wat Plai Laem is a living and active temple, where devotees come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, who is also depicted in a number of statues and murals around the temple. This is a relatively new temple but the art techniques used in its creation are centuries-old and based on ancient beliefs. Adding to its feel of tranquillity, the temple is surrounded by a lake, which is teeming with fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag of food to feed the fish."
6, ARKbar beach resort
"Great music venue on the beach with plenty of bars, thumping out great retro music."
7, Samui bespoke Tailor
"Friday night market is a must! Choice of many great restaurants on the beach "
8, Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui
"A fun place to indulge the beauty that offers dancers and sun bathers alike"
9, The Green Mango Club
"One of Samui's oldest clubs, this club is located in the heart of the nightclub scene in Chaweng. "
Pizzatent
10, Lamai Beach
"Popular resting status. Can walk, jogging, swimming, strolling in the fresh air and beautiful view. And the people are not too many."
11, COCO TAM'S
"Coco Tam's is a fun and extremely popular beach bar located just outside of The Wharf Samui. With beanbags on the beach, swing seats at the bar, cabanas, shisha and even a large projector screen, it is the ideal tropical relaxation spot and one of the top nightlife attractions in Fisherman's Village."
12, 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 a number of 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 4WD vehicle. Many visitors choose to come here on a day trip that includes a tour of the gardens. Secret Buddha Garden, also known as Heaven's Garden or Magic Garden, is the kind of place where each visit brings some new discoveries. With statues of all shapes and sizes scattered around the grounds, a wrong turn or a closer look behind a tree may yield yet another hidden surprise. During his working years, the Garden's founder Khun Nim was known as an innovative durian farmer, who helped Samui become famous for this prized pungent fruit. Upon his retirement he opened his family's land to the public and assembled a team to develop the garden, sculpting many figures representing mainly Buddhist folklore. Each statue has a story to tell, and most Thais will know the meaning and mythology behind these evocative works of art. Secret Buddha Garden sits atop the Tar Nim Waterfall peak. The views from within gardens and on the road leading up to it are spectacular, with many stops to enjoy the island panorama along the way. Location: Secret Buddha Garden is found on a hilltop, just off Route 4169 (ring road) at Baan Saket. Remarks: If visiting Secret Buddha Garden on your own, the entry fee is 80 baht per person. How to get there: In Baan Saket, get on the air force road leading up to Ta Nim Waterfall. The road turns into a dirt track for the last 400 metres of the ascent. There are many signs along the way. Only experienced drivers should attempt the road, best done in a 4WD vehicle. Those who do not wish to make the trip themselves can visit the gardens as part of an adventure day trip such as a jungle/safari tour or ATV ride. These are easily arranged with most tour agents on Samui. There are some steep paths and a lot of steps to get around within the gardens, so those with limited mobility may find it a challenge."
13, Na Muang water fall 2 - upper natural pool & rocks
"Na Muang Waterfalls, a majestic set of two cascades on Koh Samui, show that the island's beauty is not limited to its beaches. Found inland about 12 kilometres south-east of Nathon Bay, the Na Muang falls are reached by taking a walking path from the entrance to the park. The first waterfall, Na Muang 1, flows down into a pretty natural pool that provides a cool escape from the heat. About 30 minutes by foot further uphill is the smaller yet equally inviting Na Muang 2."
14, Jungle Club
"amazing views, beautiful natural surroundings, relaxed atmosphere and good food"
15, The Wharf Samui
"The Wharf Samui is a stylish cross between a shopping mall and a marketplace. A 5,000 sqm open-air space with 120 units in a mix of eastern and western historical architectural styles, it blends smoothly with the existing attractions of Fisherman's Village, adding an impressive selection of good-quality products and services to the already excellent shopping in Bophut. "
Samui Cooking class Thai food
Snorkeling & Pig Island Experience
Let's Hike - Jungle, Sunset and Music
Snorkeling Kayaking Climbing Marine Park
Pig Island Experience & Eco Tour Combo
Snorkeling near Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan
Rock the Wok Private Thai Cooking Class
Seven Island Sunset Tour & Pig Sanctuary
Big C SUPER CENTER Samui
"Shopping mall and very large grocery store, a few restaurants, banks, and even a StarBucks outside. They have most everything, even imported goods as well as Thai favorites."
Beach Republic
"beach republique its a beach with a nice swimming pool facing a quite a fabulous beach.There are yoga class outside with the ocean view.On sunday you can enjoy a great brunch with Dj."
The Cliff Bar & Grill
"The Cliff Bar and Grill provides luxurious Mediterranean cuisine and the best dinner that Koh Samui has to offer, located between Lamai and Chaweng with the best views."
Thais restaurant
Dr Frogs Bar & Grill
"Well known bar and restaurant in Samui. Lovely spot for a nice lunch or a cold drink."
Chez Francois
"Without a doubt the very Best Food on Koh Samui !!! Chez Francois is an absolute Legend, the food he serves is second to none, Absolutely 5 Star this place is the Best !!!"
The Larder Ko Samui
"Modern Restaurant with great meals and a cool vibe. Great place to celebrate a special event. Best to book in advance."
Coast Beach Club & Bistro
"Avec son brunch du dimanche, vous passerez un agréable moment au bord de la piscine de l'hotel Centara ou sur la plage de Chaweng. Le bu!et est très beau et les mets de qualité. Un très bon rapport qualité-prix. Pensez à réserver."
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Guide créé par Antoine
Guidebook for Ko Samui
Accommodaties in Ko Samui Surat Thani
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Ervaringen in Ko Samui Surat Thani