Koh Samui Around The Island Half-Day City Tour 1

Koh Samui Around the Island Half-Day City Tour 1

Leave navigation to the experts and visit Koh Samui’s signature attractions in just half a day on this door-to-door guided tour. Traveling in a group with no more than 15 participants in the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle, see Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai and Hin Ta), Wat Khunaram home to Koh Samui's Mummified Monk, and Na Muang Waterfalls. Along the way, soak up island vistas from the Lad Koh View Point.

1. Big Buddha - Wat Phra Yai

The Big Buddha on the northern coast of Koh Samui is one of Thailand's famous shrines and probably Samui's best-known landmark. The 12-metre-tall golden Buddha statue can be seen from several kilometres away. The Buddha figure sits in the Mara posture, depicting a time during Buddha's journey to enlightenment where he successfully subdued temptations and dangers thrust at him. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment.

Inside the surrounding temple are many different shrines and other smaller Buddhas. There's also a small market selling a wide range of lucky charms and other souvenirs, alongside numerous food stalls.

2. Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on Samui's northeast coast, which features a striking white, 18-armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs as well as some elaborate Buddhist art and architecture.

Wat Plai Laem is a living and active temple. It's where devotees come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, who is also depicted in a number of statues and murals around the temple. The art techniques used in its creation are centuries old and based on ancient beliefs. Adding to its feel of tranquillity, the temple is surrounded by a lake, which is teeming with fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag of food to feed the fish

3. Lat Ko Viewpoint

Lat Ko Viewpoint is one of the best and most straightforward places in Samui to get a great panoramic view of the sea and the beautiful east coast of the island. Located right by the side of the Ring Road between Lamai and Chaweng, you can park your bike and walk along the paved path overlooking the coastline, going down to the coast.

The greyish beige of the boulders, the turquoise water, and the clear blue skies above Chaweng offer a really pleasant sight. The location of Lat Ko Viewpoint also allows you to catch the stunning sunrise here.

4. Hin Ta Hin Yai

The Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks are some fascinating rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Beach on Koh Samui. They've been a source of giggles and wonder on the island since they were discovered by the locals many years ago. Known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai ), the rocks look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.

A signboard near the rocks tells of the legend of an old couple by the name of Ta Kreng (Grandpa Kreng) and Yai Riem (Grandma Riem) who lived with their son in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The views from the rocks and the area around them are spectacular, stretching across the sea to nearby islands

5. Wat Khunaram

Wat Khunaram, home to Koh Samui's mummified monk, is an unusual sight yet it offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. The monk, Luong Pordaeng, died in 1973 in a seated meditative position, and ever since his body has been on display in an upright glass case at the temple. Remarkably, even after several decades, the monk's body shows little sign of decay.

For some visitors, having a dead man in full view might be a shocking sight. But for Thais, it's something to reflect upon and revere. Far from being frightened by death, most Buddhist Thais are highly accepting of the end of life as the natural order of things and they view death as an opportunity to be reborn into a better place, one step closer to nirvana.

6. Na Muang Waterfalls

The Na Muang Waterfalls are among Samui's most picturesque waterfalls, though it's technically 2 consecutive falls. Its name refers to the massive purple rocks at the waterfalls. Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase that leads to the base of Na Muang 1. A large natural pool sits under the waterfall. A ten minute walk further up the mountain leads to Samui's most beautiful waterfall, Na Muang 2.

SAMUI ISLAND HALF DAY CITY TOUR 1

Drop by the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, pay a visit to the famous Big Buddha, visit the Khunaram Temple (the site of Samui's mummified monk), Lad Koh Viewpoint and Namuang Falls Koh Samui's largest waterfalls. This half-day city tour is a great option for visitors who want to see the best of the island.

What's included

Hotel round-trip transfer
English speaking guide
Bottled Water
Fuel & Parking fees
All admission fees

Departure & Return

You will be provided with an exact pick-up time confirmation once your reservation is received. If you’re staying at private accommodation, please provide a contact number for the property you are staying at as soon as possible. Alternatively, allow the tour operator to speak to one of the staff members who work at the property. Please note that an address is insufficient to locate a property on Koh Samui.

Departure Time:

09:00am

Return:

An air-conditioned vehicle will drop you back to the hotel or accommodation you were collected from. All other participants of the tour will be dropped off along the way until the entire tour group has completely reached their accommodations.

Schedule

This tour operates 7 days per week.

Payment

Price and booking is provided by Viator

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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