Amazing Tourist Attractions in Koh Samui

Koh Samui (commonly referred to as "Samui") is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, and the third largest island after Ko Chang and Phuket. Despite the fact that Koh Samui has a population of little over 60,000 people, its amazing attractions manage to bring well over 1.5 million tourists every year. Not only the coral reefs and the white sandy beaches are sought-after in Samui, but some marvelous man-made structures as well. Here you will get a deeper insight into some of the breath-taking tourist attractions on the island of Koh Samui:

1. The National Marine Park

The National Marine Park has no less than 100 square kilometers of both land and sea, and it is hope to a wealth of exotic animals and sea creatures. This park is perfect for those who love to dive, go sailing, hike, to snorkel or to go sea kayaking, and it is the most suitable destination for one-day trips. You can easily get to the National Marine Park by boat charter from Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Samui. The Ang Thong National Marine Park is considered the tropical paradise of Thailand, and for a good reason.

2. The Hin Ta/Hin Yai Rocks

These rocks are located on the island of Koh Samui and they are indeed the masterpieces of nature. Basically, Hin Yai and Hin Ta are some outstanding rock formations that have been discovered by the locals thousands of years ago. These rocks are unusual by nature because they resemble human genitalia, yet they attract thousands of tourists who are curious to hear the many different legends that revolve around the rocks Hin Yai and Hin Ta.

3. The Ladyboy Cabaret Shows

Thailand is known for the Ladyboy Cabaret Shows that take place on the islands, and even though these shows may not be everyone's choice in terms of entertainment, they will surely bring a smile on your face. Katoey (the third sex) have played an important role in the entertainment industry of Thailand for decades, and they are famous for their lip-synched interpretations, extravagant costumes and outstanding make-up. If you are visiting Koh Samui, then keep an open mind and enjoy the local attractions - the Ladyboy Cabaret Shows is undoubtedly one of them!

4. The Secret Buddha Garden

Some people come to the island of Koh Samui to have fun and to get a closer look at the local culture, traditions and history, while others choose to come here just to escape from the daily routine and to charge their batteries in the middle of nature. The Secret Buddha Garden is definitely an amazing place where you can connect with nature and relax - here you can find tens of majestic statues and temples that depict deities, animals and human beings. The garden is very peaceful and serene, and there is even a waterfall nearby - if the garden itself cannot help you relax, then the waterfall most certainly will.

The Koh Samui Island is full of sights and attractions that are worth visiting, and the ones detailed in this article are only some of the local tourist attractions in Koh Samui that you should check, even if you only come here for a one-day trip!

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Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Situated between the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui Island, the popular island of Koh Phangan is found in the southern waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It is one of Thailand's most renowned holiday destinations, containing excellent night life, wonderful beaches, and pure crystal waters.

Most visitors make reservations for one of the beachfront Koh Phangan hotels, as many thousands of tourists make their way to the island all year round. The accommodation ranges from very cheap bungalows to expensive resorts. There are numerous activities found around the island that will keep visitors entertained for weeks on end...if they are lucky enough to stay that long!

Motorcycle Tours: most visitors who come to Koh Phangan spend much of their time travelling around in a large van, taxi or car, which is not only a hassle, but not so expedient when it one thinks about the state of Thai driving. However, there is a much better and cheaper option. Motorcycles are very easily rented from all over the island, many of which go for about 150 baht per day. Nevertheless, for those tourists staying extra days, the price per day goes day the longer people rent them. Several different size motorcycles are available, but the most common are the 125cc.

Scuba Diving: is there anything better than forgetting the noise of the city with an afternoon underwater? Whether visitors have previous experience with scuba diving, or are absolute beginners, the island of Koh Phangan provides many different schools and scuba diving centers to help everyone dive. Some of the hotels and resorts in the island provide their own scuba diving programs, and even provide boats to the open water so customers don't have to deal with centers outside their hotel.

Snorkeling: for some, the idea of scuba diving; being that deep under the water just isn't for them. However, with the abundance of dive sites and underwater reefs located around the island of Koh Pha Ngan and just off shore, snorkeling can be just a fun and even more accessible. Sometimes boat trips provide unforgettable trips to outer islands and spectacular reefs, but the island of Koh Pha Ngan already contains riches of marine life and underwater gardens.

Elephant Trek: the jungles of Koh Phangan are home to some magnificent wildlife and memorable natural landscapes. In addition, visitors can find some elephant camps, from which elephant trekking is possible. For several hundred baht, tourists are able to ride through the jungle of the island on the back of an elephant, which is one of the largest and most amazing animals on Earth.

Partying: the full moon party, which occurs usually just once a month, is a great celebration that all tourists to Thailand have to experience at least once. However, there are several other wonderful celebrations throughout the year that also attract many tourists. These include the black moon party, jungle parties and more.

National Park: Koh Pha Ngan is home to several magnificent national parks, which must be visited while holidaying on the island. One such park is the Than Sadet Koh Phangan National Park, which boasts some very beautiful waterfalls. It is important to remember that the roads aren't very good heading into the reserve, so visitors should be ready for a bumpy and generally slow ride.

Muay Thai: if travelers enjoy the old fisticuffs, or are pleased with culture, the martial art of Muay Thai can be seen on the island of Koh Phangan. It is a great way to spend a night, but it doesn't operate every day of the week. There are also some training camps on the island for travelers who want a taste of the action.

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