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In Koh Samui, religion is an important part of culture. That is why temples are abundant and usually seen around the island. However, these temples do not just serve as destinations for religious tourism. As most of these structures boast of magnificent and impressive architectural designs, it is of no wonder why these edifices are often factors which convince tourists to go on a Koh Samui travel.

Among the many temples built in Koh Samui, one of the most impressive is the Wat Phra Yai. It is a structure which can be seen from afar, even from a plane, but its magnificence cannot be fully appreciated unless people see it in person.

An ultimate epitome of grandiosity, it is also famous for its gilded Big Buddha. Known as the ‘Phra Buddha Kodom,’ this statue measures a towering height of 12 meters. It was built on 1972. To further describe, it is crouched on a bed of pink and god carved lotuses, adorned with a ceremonial stare and guarded by several statues.

The Big Buddha is located in an area in Wat Phra Yai from which spectacular views of Pha Ngan Island and the beaches of Bophut and Bang Rak beaches can be obtained.

Located in the northeast part of Koh Fan island, tourists should definitely visit the place.

Another interesting temple in Koh Samui is the Wat Khunaram.  One of the most famous attractions in the island, it is a Buddhist temple which stands magnificent and attractive for its splendid colors of gold and white. Its ornate, layered roofs exude an unquestionable sense of elegance and sophistication despite being a temple.

However, it is not the architectural majesty of Wat Khunaram which it Is famous for. It is constantly receiving a huge number of tourist arrivals due to unique fact that this temple gives home to a mummified monk.

Sitting upright in a glass casket, the mummified monk serves as a reminder to believers that following the Buddhist teaching wlll save them from after-death suffering. This symbolism was due to the fact that the body of the mummified monk, who was Phra Khru Sammathakittikhun during his living days, did not decompose.

The mummified monk is kept in a hall next to the main altar of the temple. In front of the casket are flowers and joysticks which people can offer to Buddha on the next hall.

Tourists are welcome to visit Wat Khunaram anytime. No entrance fees, but donations are accepted.

For any tourist travelling to Koh Samui, it is indeed inevitable to act like professional photographers when the beautiful temples are the subjects. It is one inevitable characteristic of tourists, anyway, to make sure that they get the best shots.

Thus, those who will visit Koh Samui for these spectacles should just concentrate on taking pictures! For booking on Koh Samui hotels, HotelsinAsia.com will always be ready to help.

Koh Samui brings out the photographer in anyone. This is one truth made possible by the existence of so many beautiful attractions in the island. With the magnificent charm these edifices exude, it is impossible for anyone not to leave the comfort of their Ko Samui hotels, roam around the island and just snap pictures of everything. More than finding costless souvenirs, it could also be a relaxing feat.

As said, there are so many places and edifices to see in Koh Samui. But if there are two destinations which are truly remarkable, these are the Old House and the Laem Sor Pagoda.

Little known to many, the rich history and heritage of Koh Samui involves the Chinese and Malay race. During the 15th century, Chinese traders and Malay fishers lived in the island and have spread their legacies on the place. But as time passes by, these remembrances started disappearing. But there are some things which remain unscathed, the ancient structures that were left behind.

One of the famous ancient structures is the Old House. It is a 200-year old edifice which is a definite proof that the roots of Koh Samui are influenced by the Chinese race. The structure, standing in solitude, displays a unique oriental sense and it now serve as a representation of Koh Samui’s cultural identity.

The wooden house is noticeably old due to its design. It is a 2-storey house with a huge roof enough to cover the second floor. Nevertheless, it has a veranda which is definitely ideal in appreciating the nature around it. There is a small flight of stairs to the porch and main door.

The Old House is owned by Grandpa Si and Granda Maen Hancharoen. It is open for public viewing for free.

Another attraction tourists must not forget to visit while in Koh Samui is the Laem Sor Pagoda. Hidden in a meditation forest, this seemingly golden edifice deserves to be seen by many.

Sitting in solitude in the middle of the forest and just in front of the very calm sea, the Laem Sor Pagoda or Chedi exudes a tranquil sense to those who pays a visit. Looking at the distinguishing beauties of the golden pagoda, the shimmering beach and the luscious greens around, it brings people to a realization that religion and nature are perfect to co-exist.

Ornate and exquisite, the Pagoda consists of several layers in yellow. Yes, it is not gold unless the sunlight kisses it. Details are intricate details carved, adding to the glory of this wonderful piece.

The Laem Sor Pagoda may be an underrated tourist destination due to the seemingly complexity of its location but it is, at its own right, one of the most beautiful attractions in Koh Samui.

These are not just the two attractions to take pictures of while in Koh Samui, but these are two of the most beautiful and most ideal subjects for good photos. So take one day off your Koh Samui resort adventures, charge those camera batteries and click on to capture the beautiful sceneries of this Thai paradise.

Focus on enjoying. Allow HotelsinAsia.com.sg to take care of your Koh Samui hotel bookings.

To experience the best Koh Samui, you do not have to limit yourself with just staying in Koh Samui resort, plunge on the ocean water, and just see the different attractions in the island. For a Koh Samui travel to be complete, you should immerse yourself with the beautiful culture and heritage of the locals. And you don’t do that through visiting museums alone. You do that by totally mingling with the beautiful residents of Koh Samui.

To do so, there are two places which you can go to: Bophut and Nathon Town.

Bophut is one of the oldest places in the island of Koh Samui. A village filled with rich culture and beautiful heritage, it is a gem – not just to the island but to the whole Thailand.

The village of Bophut is divided into two parts: the Fisherman’s Village and the beach. The Fisherman’s village is an area which serves as a living proof to the presence and contribution of the Chinese culture in the history of Koh Samui. Its elegance exudes a very Oriental feel, though with a touch of Mediterannean.

Serving as evidences to Bophut’s oriented roots are the old Chinese wooden shophouses that can be found around the Fisherman’s Village. There are few modern buildings line up with it but these were designed to match its surrounding. These edifices house bookstores, cafés, restaurants and high end shops.

The second part, the Bophut beach, is a pristine destination. Parallel to the calm water is the flat bed of white, powdery sand. Accentuated with a tropical weather, it is such a wonderful escape.

Other attractions in Bophut include the Go-Kart tracks, the Monkey Show and the tattoo shops.

The other one, Nathon Town, is not really much of a historical place but it is a place where tourists will surely find ease.

As the only town in Koh Samui, Na Thon is considered an inevitable tourist destination. It is the island’s main port and it gives home to numerous establishments which tourists definitely need in travelling around Koh Samui.

In Na Thon town, a full banking service can be obtained. Thus, the financial needs of the visitors will be catered easily. More so, the town gives home to the main post office so mailing and receiving stuffs from other places, or countries, is a breeze. For those who want to renew their visas can also be entertained in Na Thon as there are immigration offices in the place.

Along the streets, different shops can be found. Most are stores selling sarongs, second hand books, pastries and breads. Others are occupied by internet cafés and travel agencies. There are also old Chinese wooden shop houses, a definite attraction in Na Thon, which sell different kinds of goods, including gold.

Waterfront restaurants are abundant in the town as well. Delicious seafood dishes are served.

It is indeed part of Koh Samui’s culture to be hospitable to visitors and this virtue is reflected on the kind of Koh Samui accommodations hotels in these places provide. For a list of the available Koh Samui hotels, visit HotelsinAsia.com.sg.

Aside from Koh Samui resorts, the island is also famous due to different attractions it gives home to. There are so many picturesque sites to see and many things to discover. Some of these are made even more interesting by the mystical stories surrounding it. These and the other little things are what convince tourists to visit Koh Samui, and these are the same things which make a Koh Samui travel truly spectacular.

One of the most interesting sightings in Koh Samui is the Grandmother and Grandfather rocks. Legends say that in the province of Surat Thani in Koh Samui, there was once an old couple who were sailing on their boat; but due to the strong currents, their boat overturned and drowned. Their bodies were washed ashore, and from the spot where they carried to appeared eccentric rock formations.

Nowadays, the rocks are known as the Grandpa and Grandma Rocks. Called as Hin Ta and Hin Yai to locals, these weird rocks took the shapes of the male and female genitalia; and are located at the end of the pristine Lamai beach.

The Grandpa rock appears like an erected penis in the middle of boulders. The Grandma rock is more difficult to locate. It has a hole, which is similar to women’s vagina, in the middle of two other huge rocks which are shaped by the wind and water to look like a woman’s legs.

Some believe that it helps improve the fertility of a woman so couples who are trying to have a baby frequent the stones. Others come for pictures while getting convinced that Mother Nature could sometimes be humorous.

Another impressive spectacle which tourists must never fail to see is located under the ocean. It is the Samran Pinnacles.

It has been known that Koh Samui gives home to the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. But it is not all what it takes to be known, because through the Samran Pinnacles, the island is also recognized to give home to the most beautiful and exciting diving spot in the country.

Located close to Sail Rock between Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan, the submerged Samran Pinnacles take a depth of 12 m to 30 m. It flaunts three pinnacles and mountainous terrains around which divers can freely swim and explore.

The currents in the spot could be strong at times. And since it could be dangerous, the diving spot are frequented mostly by professional and more experienced divers.

But paradise awaits those who brave all fears. The Samran Pinnacles boasts of a glorious underwater ecology which divers will certainly fall in love with. Other than seeing soft corals glimmering under the reflection of the sun, and radiating colors of white, red, orange and yellow, divers are given the opportunity to swim with schools of jacks and barracudas.

The Samran Pinnacles gives off a very unforgettable vacation. The spot is best visited on days between June and August.

Tourists are always welcome to see these magnificent attractions in the island; and there are always Koh Samui hotels ready to provide utmost accommodations. Visit HotelsinAsia.com.sg for a list.

It is not a secret that resorts in Koh Samui are often crowded. Throngs of tourists desiring for a wonderful Thai vacation are flocking in to the magnificent shores of the island to enjoy and ease away all the stress. But to some, relaxation equates isolation from the noise and busy mobs of people. This is actually possible. Because in Koh Samui, there are hidden paradises – resorts which offer the same beauty as Chaweng and Lamai, but exude quieter charms.

People looking for solitary serenity should travel to Laem Yai. A secluded island at the northernmost part of the island, this resort in Koh Samui is definitely an ideal escape.

Laem Yai is painstakingly beautiful for its beaches. The dramatic pearlescent sky blue water perfectly complements the powdery white sand that lies serenely on the coast. When the sun stats hiding behind the endless horizon, the sky turns gold and the splendour is reflected on the ocean as it glimmers to the night. The calm wind then peacefully breathes as the day comes to its end. The night begins when the ocean waves hum a lullaby lulling the tired souls to a sound comfort in preparation for another tomorrow.

The quiet atmosphere in Laem Yai adds to the romance it exudes. It is particularly perfect for honeymooners to spend time with each other in solitude.

Though secluded from the urban, a few commercial establishments may be found in Laem Yai. To cater the needs of vacationers, restaurants are established in the area. There are Laem Yai hotels, as well, which assure impressive accommodations.

The Bang Rak Village in the northern coast of Koh Samui is another sure paradise for those who wants to get away from everything.

A primary destination is the usually quiet and non-teeming beach. It is an ideal alternative to the nearby Chaweng Beach which is often jampacked with people. With its pleasingly calm bay, people will certainly find solitude in this area.

The village of Bang Rak also assures great nightlife. Though most are girly bars, some are English-style pubs and sports bar. Restaurants are also abundant.

Shopping is also a good activity in Bang Rak. At the easternmost end of the area is a shopping complex which stores sell really cheap items. Tourists will surely find the place an ideal spot to buy souvenirs and stuffs to remind them of their pleasant trip to the place. Nearby is the Bang Rak fish and fruit market.

There are indeed a lot of attractions in Bang Rak but the most famous is the majestic What Phra Yai. Famous for the Big Buddha, it can be seen from afar, even from the plane window.

In Bang Rak, there are no 5-star hotels but a great lodging place will never be compromised as there are different boutique hotels around.

There is no greater thing for a tired soul than finding a quiet retreat. So hesitations in coming to Koh Samui should be set aside. We will help you in booking your Koh Samui hotel. Visit HotelsinAsia.com.sg now.

Koh Samui is one of the most world-famous islands of Thailand. It is a major tourist destination because in almost all part of the island, there is a Koh Samui beach to go to. Relaxing and truly spectacular, these beach resorts are major factors why the number of international arrival to Thailand is always skyrocketing.

For tourists who are having a hard time in deciding which beach to visit when in Koh Samui, it is suggested that you visit the Chaweng Beach.

The Chaweng Beach is an ultimate tourist destination. From time to time, tourists flock in to this Thai paradise for some total relaxation and fun. It is an ideal swimming location, and it is a place which is so easy to fall in love with.

The powdery white sand on the shores of Chaweng is its prime attraction. It goes perfectly in contrast to the pearlescent blue sea water. The two, combined, constitute a very picturesque view and a very ideal spot for lazing off and plunging. Water sports are also held for more fun.

However, the 6-kilometer beach is not the lone attraction in Chaweng, Koh Samui. Bars are abundant in the area, providing a tremendously exciting nightlife. Tourists will certainly have a great time hopping on different bars – drinking and dancing all night. Ladyboy entertainers are often featured on bars to provide Vegas-style performances.

Restaurants are also a hit in Chaweng. Serving local delicacies, these dining establishments will most likely suit the taste of tourists.

There are also some shops in the area perfect for non-stop shopping, as well as different Chaweng, hotels for lodging.

After Chaweng, Lamai is the next best thing in Koh Samui. Primarily flaunting a stretch of white, sun-drenched sand and a pristine view of the Gulf of Thailand, it is impossible not to fall in love with the place.

The shores are definitely perfect for unwinding. But aside from it, tourists also find the odd rock formations of Hin Ta and Han Yi very interesting. Known as the Grandpa and Grandma Rocks, these are very similar to the male and female genitalia.

Other than swimming, sunbathing and strolling around the beach, Lamai also offers scuba diving. It is perfect for those who wish to lay eyes on the impressive underwater ecology in the place. There are scuba diving schools from which people can learn how to dive. They also organize diving activities.

Off the beach, there are lots of sightseeing opportunities available to everyone. The province of Lamai gives home to different majestic temples like the Wat Lamai Temple and the Wat Khunaram, famous for housing a mummified sitting monk.

Shopping is also a pleasurable activity. For sure, nocturnal people will enjoy haggling and bargaining at the Night Market.

The two beaches in Chaweng are already commercialized so tourists need not to hesitate in visiting. There are so many Koh Samui hotels in the area which are always ready to provide the best accommodations. For a list, visit HotelsinAsia.com.sg.