The best things to do in Koh Samui include varied and interesting highlights that range from splendid natural features to manmade attractions. Leaving the navigation to the experts with a half-day city tour around the island to Buddhist complexes, viewpoints, famous landmarks, taking a short hike through mostly untouched jungle to the island's largest waterfalls, there's nothing to stop you from simply having an amazing time!
Koh Samui Around the Island Half-Day City Tour 3
This half-day door-door guided tour takes you around Samui, making sure you get to see some of the most interesting and unforgettable sights of the island.
Traveling in a group with no more than 15 participants in the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle, drop by 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.
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. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
Drop by the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, pay a visit to the famous Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem, visit the Khunaram Temple (the site of Samui's mummified monk), and Koh Samui's largest waterfall in Namung. This half-day city tour is a great option for visitors who want to see some of the best of the island.
What's included
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.
Round trip hotel transfers from: Chaweng/ Cheong Mon/ Bo Phut/ Plai Laem/ Mae Nam
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.
Drop by the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, pay a visit to the famous Big Buddha, visit the Khunaram Temple, and Koh Samui's largest waterfall on this half-day tour!