Koh Samui Thailand Attractions

* Angthong National Marine Park Angthong National Marine Park, consisting of 42 islands featuring limestone massifs, tropical rainforests, secluded beaches and wildlife, was established as a national park in 1980. Also known as the Golden Basin, the park in Koh Samui is renowned for activities like snorkeling, walking and swimming. Similar nearby islands are Koh Sam Sao, Koh Prayad, Koh Hin Dap and Koh Kha.

* Wat Khunaram Koh Samui This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master and was reputedly able to predict his own death.

* Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Koh Samui The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. Those who are daring enough can have their photograph taken with the animals.

* Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Koh Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

* Big Buddha is a twelve-metre high statue of the Buddha, which lies at the top of ceremonial dragon-steps at the Wat Phra Yai. Samui also has a number of other impressive temples, including Wat Khunaram, where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditating position is on display.

* The Grandmother and Grandfather rocks on the south end of Lamai beach are an occasional source of amusement for tourists due to their striking similarity to a vagina and penis. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.

* The mountain jungle in the interior of the island is an excellent day out, and is home to a number of impressive gardens built by legendary Samuia farmer Nim Thongsuk, the impressive waterfalls at Na Muang, real working rubber plantations and the most amazing views over the Ang Thong archipelago. The roads in the jungle are an adventure in themselves, and tourists normally take a tour with an experienced local Samui driver/guide.

* Muay Thai boxing takes place regularly at the island's stadiums in Chaweng and Lamai.

* Numerous animal attractions are dotted around the island, including a crocodile farm, monkey theatre, elephant trekking, a snake farm, an aquarium and a butterfly garden.

* Most visitors to the island take a day trip out to the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park at least once on their stay in Samui. Boats leave Na Thon several times a day.

* Koh Pha Ngan has a full-moon party at the appropriate time each lunar month, and tourists in Samui often hop a slow ferry or speedboat to the nearby island to join in the dusk to dawn high energy dancing and drinking marathon.