Ko Samui Island, Thailand

An island renowned for posh spas, luxury resorts, mountainous rainforests, coconut groves and palm fringed beaches, is Ko Samui, which is the second largest of the Thailand islands. On a tiny little island that connects to Ko Samui you will immediately spot the 12 meter tall landmark the massive Big Buddha that glistens golden against the Wat Phra Yai Temple.

Some of this lovely island’s popular beaches include Lamai and Chaweng on the eastern coast of the island. Here you find strolling vendors and lounge chairs on white sand while the surrounding towns are the party centers of the island where you will find a myriad of world-class nightclubs, bars and pubs. On the northern side of the island you have Bo Phut, which is very laid back and old traditional Chinese shop houses which today are all stylish and modern upmarket restaurants, boutique hotels and cafes. Here you also get the night market that sells souvenirs, clothing and food. From the island you get day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park with limestone cliffs and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Close to Bo Phut you also have the gloriously tranquil Maenam Beach with the west coast offering the capital Nathon with its own treasures.

Some of the must see top things to do in and on this island include:

• Taling Ngam Beach
• Wat Samret for whale and shark watching
• Samui cable ride
• Sivatara Waterfall
• Na Mueang waterfall
• Silver beach
• Wat Phra Ko Fan Chaweng Beach
• Hin Ta & Hin Ya Rocks
• Wat Lamai Buddhist temple
• Pink Elephant at Samui Water Park
• Mae Nam Beach
• Laem Yai
• Crocodile Farm with live cobra and crocodile shows with lovely monkeys too.
• Paradise Park which have a lovely pool and entertainment area, glorious views and animals and a café situated at the top of the mountain.