Ko Samui
Coconut forests and dream beaches
Categories: Ko Samui Thailand
Fine white sandy beaches, coconut forests and hot party nights: that's the Thai Ko Samui. The holiday island is the third largest island in Thailand and is part of the Chumpon Archipelago. Together with about 80 other islands it is located in the middle of the Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Ko Samui is located about 35 kilometres from the mainland. 
© Vladyslav Danilin / Fotolia
The island has its own airport, which makes it an easily accessible destination in South East Asia.
Ko Samui is especially popular with bathers thanks to its numerous beaches. The most popular beaches are located in the densely built-up centres of Chaweng and Lamai, where the party scene is also located. Here you can feast, shop and party day and night to your heart's content.
If you prefer a quieter time or arrive with small children, you should look for accommodation in the north at Mae Nam, Bophut or Chong Mon. Away from the big tourist centres, the building development is limited to palm height, which is supposed to preserve the rural character of the island.
Numerous natural and cultural sights await the visitor on Ko Samui. It is often worthwhile to explore the island on your own with a rented scooter. Ko Samui is surrounded by a ring road, which makes navigation very easy.
Recommended destinations include the strange rocks Grandmother and Grandfather Rock, whose shapes suggest comparisons with human anatomy.
In the tropical environment of the island there are also many waterfalls to visit, such as Namuang Waterfall 2, where visitors can refresh themselves in the cool water.
In the Secret Buddha Garden on Ko Samui, numerous Buddha and animal statues have been erected, which should be especially interesting for children.
The culture of Ko Samui is influenced by Buddhism. Therefore many fascinating Buddha temples can be found on the island. They are easily accessible for visitors. In Wat Phra Yai, for example, visitors can admire a 15-meter high Buddha statue. In Wat Khunaram there is a famous monk mummy. 
© lkunl / Fotolia
The pagoda in the Laem Sor temple with its golden yellow tiles is also very worth seeing.
A boat trip to the beautiful Ang Thong Marine National Park is a good idea for an excursion. These usually start in Ko Samui at the Big Buddha Pier in Bangrak. Besides snorkeling and diving you can admire beautiful lagoons and rock formations in untouched nature. If you like, you can also explore the many secret corners of the national park by kayak.
