The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden is not a temple but feels like one. It is located high in the hills above Baan Saket in the southwest of Samui up a winding road that leads from the main road through a military zone to one of Samui’s most attractive and bizarre sights. In a small valley, a 77-year-old Buddhist devotee, Khun Nim Thong-suk, began creating figures from his dreams and was still working on the garden when he died a few years ago at the age of 91. Uncle Nim’s statues are a sight to behold as are the views from this spectacular mountain location.
Hua Thanon (pronounced Wat Anon)
The Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon still retains a quaint, old-Samui feel, with rickety teakwood houses lining the road as well as a handful of good seafood restaurants. The main attraction however lies in the ancient cultures of the local fishermen. Intricately painted wooden boats are used to this day to catch and deliver fish directly to the local markets. The beach is a working environment but a stroll through its market captures a glimpse into the lives of one of the island’s original communities. There is also a very old Chinese temple situated on the main road.
Nathon (pronounced NaaTon)
This is the island’s main administrative centre and Samui’s only official town. All government offices, banks as well as the main ferry pier are located in Nathon making it the most important place for communication with the Thai mainland. Shopping is less expensive there but also less varied. Best viewed in the morning, Nathon’s wet market is typically local selling fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood as well as a large selection of Thai spices and cooking ingredients. Nathon, over the years, has not changed like other places and still has a number of original teak shop houses lining the quiet middle roads, which display the more traditional Chinese influence.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
These two strange rock formations are known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rock and are situated a few kilometers south west of Lamai. These two ancient stones have been slowly molded by sea, wind and rain into representations of male and female genitalia. Their formation and shape have been personified into a local tale describing their existence on the island. The story is that of two doomed lovers who drowned themselves at sea because of their family’s disapproval of their relationship. In Thai “hin” means “rock”, “ta” means “grandfather” and “yai” means “grandmother”.
Na Muang Waterfalls
Although Samui has several waterfalls, the two Na Muang waterfalls are probably the islands most stunning. The name Na Muang (meaning purple in Thai) refers to the massive purple rocks that create the waterfalls. Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase that leads to the base of Na Muang 1. A large natural swimming pool sits under the waterfall, although beware of the hidden rocks when diving and swimming. The water is always icy cold, so it’s perfect for a hot day. A gentle walk 10 minutes further up the mountain leads you to Samui’s most beautiful waterfall, Na Muang 2. Na Muang waterfalls are easily accessible from the main ring road between Nathon and Lamai and are well signposted. Elephant trekking is also available at the Nu Muang waterfalls.
Hin Lad Waterfall
Popular with Thai visitors, these high falls cascade down the hillside just south of Nathon. The climb to the top is quite steep and takes around 40 minutes but once there you are treated to a truly tropical experience with roaming jungle scenery and the spectacular power of the falls. Can disappoint during the dry season due to lack to rain. There is an interesting forest temple at the base of the falls accessed by a small bridge.
Island’s Oldest House
This Chinese-style house in Baan Thale is made of teakwood and was built, without any nails, around 150 years ago. It represents Samui’s cultural identity and features many beautiful woodcarvings. Grandpa Si and Grandma Maen Hancharoen, the present owners, open their house to visitors.
Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden, built into the hillside, is a good destination particularly for children. In this tranquil surrounding you can watch these stunning butterflies filling the garden with colour. There are at least 520 butterfly species in Thailand and many of them are represented here along with butterflies native to Malaysia and Indonesia, crickets, tarantulas, spiders and other arachnids. For bug enthusiasts, there is also an insect museum featuring rare insects and a bee house, where you can observe the activities of these honey collectors.
Snake Farm
Phangka, a little village near Thong Krut Bay, became the home of The Phangka Snake Farm in December 2005. Snake charmers from NE Thailand handle some of the most deadliest snakes, including spitting King Cobras. There are about 163 different types of snake in Thailand, 85 of which venomous. The show is staged in a circular arena and the snake handlers stand in a central pit. A steep wall and moat, filled with crocodiles, keeps spectators separate from the snakes. There are two shows daily at 11:00 and 14:00 hours.
Samui Snake Farm also took part in two Guinness Book of World Records: “The Longest Stay with Scorpions”, and “The Longest Stay with Centipedes”. You can meet the world record holders, the Scorpion Queen and the Centipedes King, and watch their courageous stunts with their creepy little friends.
Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo is an exciting place for all, especially children. There are coral fish, cat fish, leopard and black tip sharks, turtles and many other types of beautiful sea life, some of which you can hand feed. The tanks also contain many varieties of rocks and multicolored corals amid natural surroundings. Attached to the aquarium is the Tiger Zoo where, for Bt. 100, you can have your photograph taken with the Royal Bengal Tigers and young leopards. The cats are held only temporarily in the cages and are later returned to a park at the back of the zoo. There is also a chance to see the bird show. Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo opens daily from 09.00 until 18.00.
Monkey Show
On Samui the monkey undoubtedly qualifies as man’s best friend. This isn’t surprising since, for centuries, plantation owners have used monkeys to pick the ripe coconuts from the palm trees. Until the advent of tourism, coconuts represented the island’s main industry so these industrious animals were greatly prized. To see the monkeys at work, show times are at 10.30, 14.00 and 16.00 daily.
Buffalo Fighting
These heavyweights are mostly involved in fighting as there is no longer any rice farming on Samui. This is a sport specific to the south of Thailand and on Samui it generates a great deal of excitement. The fighting season varies according to ancient customs and ceremonies so it is difficult to predict when a bout will take place. There are about a half dozen “stadiums” around the island, most being no more than a cleared area under the palms with a wall of bamboo matting or coconut leaves to hinder the view of those who haven’t paid for a seat. Great crowds gather when a fight is on, and while men pay about Bt. 100, women enter free.
Usually, the more aggressive the buffalo, the greater the crowd’s delight. The fight ends when one animal turns and runs, usually well before either animal gets hurt. For the peace-loving visitor, there is the “Living Thailand Buffalo Show”, which is located at Ban Thale. It features a Thai farming museum, a buffalo theatre, paddy ploughing, rice planting and a buffalo cart ride.
The Thai swamp buffalo is called “Ai Tui” and in Thai it means “an honest royal worker”. Twenty years ago the buffalo population in Thailand was approximately 6 million, which has now declined to approximately 1.5 million. A female buffalo weighs
between 350 – 450 kg and a male around 450 – 600 kg. They can work for 14 years and live up to 20 of age.
Paradise Park Farm
Set on 20 acres of land, Paradise Park Farm is an excellent family day out. Spend a day in the cool air of Samui’s highest mountain covered by tropical rainforest. Surround yourself by waterfalls, small rivers, canyons and exotic birds and wildlife. Sit in a number of beautiful gardens and enjoy the spectacular views. Leisurely walk the trails beneath towering natural rock formations. Have fun among the ponies and deers, visit the aviaries filled with hundreds of birds and laugh at the emus and Pygmy goats.
Swim in the infinity swimming pool, unwind in the spa and marvel at the famous “Free Flying Painted Doves of Samui”, relax in the restaurant and refresh yourself with a drink at the poolside bar. See and smell the local fruit trees, flowers, orchids and view traditional rubber tree tapping on site.
Elephant Trekking
Elephant treks are recommended for the children of 8 years and over. There is an elephant camp at Na Muang Waterfall where the ride lasts about 30 minutes.
Elephants are herbivores and will consume approximately 200 – 300 kg of food per day and 150 litres of water. Elephants may be heavy animals but they can run up to 15 miles per hour. Over 50 elephants call Samui home and all work in the tourist industry.
The Na Muang Safari Park offers a package, which includes elephant trekking, the Na Muang waterfalls, a jungle walk, a crocodile and monkey show, visiting the Magic Garden and lunch. A typical ‘trek’ lasts between 15 minutes and half an hour and is an excellent way to see the island’s jungle clad interior.
NB: Some sites keep gibbons and other endangered species as pets to entertain visitors – as well as being cruel, this is illegal in Thailand and should not be encouraged. Please never have your photograph taken with these wild animals.
Golf
Santiburi Samui Country Club is a highlands golf course that incorporates its design to encompass the natural beauty of the environment. Each hole is positioned along the different altitudes of the natural hills so prepare for an up-and-down-hill golf game. The greens are arranged over the course from an altitude of 30 to 220 meters.
Golf Lessons
Alexander Lester has 17 years experience as a Professional Golf Association and US Golf Teaching Federation certified teaching professional. His approach is to keep it simple and logical with easy to follow communication skills in order to take the student
to the next level. Instruction can be from one hour lessons, 6 hour beginner / refresher courses, 10 hour beginner course package to “playing” lessons. Alex can be contacted on through our front office on 087 275 7925.
Football Golf
Football Golf is a challenging activity, which is great for family and friends because it gets you all playing together.
With bigger holes and footballs instead of golf balls, it’s quite simply a funny version of golf that not only promises you a unique experience but also the perfect opportunity to take a break from the beach.
The course has been designed so that any level or ability can play competitively and have fun at the same time.
Mini Golf
This 18 hole course in located in Choeng Mon and is open from 09.00 – 18.30. Tel: 081 787 9148.
Crazy Golf
Is open from 11.00 until 24.00 daily and is located on Chaweng Beach Road. Tel: 081 892 1416.
Kayaking
Kayaking is best enjoyed as part of a trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park. The trip to the park takes just under 2 hours during which you can observe north east Samui and Koh Phangan, the location of the monthly Full Moon parties. The kayaks, which are for 2 people maximum, enable you to explore the many magical caves and observe the bizarre rock formations.
Anthong National Marine Park
Anthong “The Golden Bowl” Marine Park covers a total of 102 sq km of which only 18 sq km is land. The park does not encompass the entire island chain, its jurisdiction covers approximately 82% of the total area. It became a national park on the 12th November 1980. Most of the 42 islands consist of limestone mountains about 10 -400 metres above sea level. Due to the fact that the limestone can change its structure easily the islands have many strange looking caves and cliffs. Of all the islands, Koh Wua Talap (island of the “Sleeping Cow”) is the largest one. On Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island) there is a beautiful natural inland lake named Thale Nai. It is about 7 metres deep and has several viewing points. It is worth visiting even if you have to walk for a while before getting there. Thale Nai was made famous by Alex Garland’s book “The Beach”.
The monsoon, which causes big waves and heavy rain, approximately 2,000 mm year round and a temperature of approximately 23 degrees centigrade, influence the Angthong National Park. The best time for visiting the islands is between February and April when the sea is calm and suitable for sailing. It is not advised to visit the park during the monsoon (November and December). There are day trips to the Marine Park many of which include kayaking, snorkeling and visiting the inland lake.
Diving
Samui offers high-quality diving most of the year, though it is probably best to avoid the monsoon in November and December. It is still possible to take shore-based courses during this time however. The 4 day PADI Open Water Course is very competitively priced compared to elsewhere in the world and there is a wide range of schools to choose from. The most famous dive site in the area is Sail Rock, north of Koh Phangan, which has an 18 metre natural rock chimney swim-through and is a good place to see whale sharks. Other sites can be found in the north of Anthong Marine National Park and close to the Gulf’s diving mecca, Koh Tao, which has 21 sites off its shores. A day’s diving from Samui should include 2 to 3 sites.
Around the Island Boat Trip
Get to see the beaches of Koh Samui in a different way. During a boat trip around the island you will pass some of the most stunning beaches and coves: Big Buddha Bay, Choengmon Bay, Chaweng Bay, Lamai Bay, Hua Thanon Bay, Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan. A BBQ style picnic lunch will be prepared on a sandy beach along the way and there will be opportunities for snorkeling. Tours departure every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 08.00 to 17.00. Transfer from / to hotel is included.
Samui Fishing Tour
Spend the day on a genuine Thai fishing boat, which provides rods, lines, trawling gear, fresh bait, lures and lunch. The types of fish likely to be caught are Barracuda, Cobia, Shark, Mackeral, Saifish, Snapper, Grouper and Trevally. Boat capacity: 10 fisherman. Program is subject to change due to weather conditions.
08:15 Transfer from your hotel to the pier
10:00 Depart from the pier to the first fishing area
12:00 Lunch & soft drink on board
13:00 Challenge time on game fishing rods
Swimming and snorkeling
17:00 Arrive at the pier and transfer to you hotel
Night fishing is also available with transfer from the hotel to the pier at 18.30 returning at 01.00.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai is Thailand’s favorite sport. This is a martial art like no other and a proud heritage of a nation. Muay Thai was not always as good natured as it is today. Once, it was quite aggressive and even violent with no safety gear for the fighters and only lengths of cords to wrap around their fists in decoration. Rules, along the lines of international boxing regulations, are now adhered to. The sport has attracted a wide following internationally and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet States. Muay Thai Boxing matches in Koh Samui are held in the Chaweng Stadium, located near the Reggae pub. This stadium is the biggest in the whole of Thailand and serves as a venue for all the major boxing championships. The fights are held twice a week on Mondays and Fridays and all matches start at 21:00 and last for 3 hours.
Canopy Ride
To explore Koh Samui’s jungle from a different perspective go to Koh Samui Canopy Adventures. Swinging through the trees on over 500 metres of cable is definitely a different way to see the island! Featuring 6 different tree houses, beautiful waterfalls and even a hammock bar for a refreshing drink. The tour takes approximately 2-3 hours and ends with a refreshing swim in the pool of the “Secret Waterfall”. A free shuttle service is provided. The Canopy Adventures is located in the jungle inland from Maenam beach. Tel: 077 414 1501.
Go Karting
Samui Go-Kart track is located on the main road in Bophut. There are 3 types of karts you can choose from: The Fun Kart is suitable for all ages; The Pro Kart is for those who prefer a bit more speed. The Speed Kart is the ultimate adrenalin fix which is recommended for more experienced drivers. Helmets are provided. Tel: 077 425 097.
Tennis
Courts are available for hire at Centara Resort. The charge is Bt. 250 per hour and racquets are available for Bt. 100. Tel: 077 230 500.
Beverley Hills View Point
From the view point you can see the Gulf of Siam spread out before you and the 7 km Chaweng Beach. The first land you would come across over the horizon is The Philippines. You will notice many spirit houses along the side of the road and how the drivers “honk” their horns when they pass. It is for good luck!
Samui Rum Distillery
Magic Alambic rum is made on Samui using the finest fruits and sugar cane in the old French tradition. The rum is distilled for more than 4 months in stainless steel tanks, and then diluted to 40 degrees and sold as a high quality spirit. Visitors can learn about the process from the owners, watch the rum being made and then enjoy a spot of rum tasting at the on-site garden bar. Tel. 077 419 023.
And if it rains …..
Spa
Tamarind Springs is a tropical oasis spa and is certainly the most well established and famous spa on the island with an excellent reputation. This oasis is set on a lush, boulder dotted hillside just outside Lamia and offers a unique opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. The stunning herbal steam room is built into 2 enormous granite boulders with an outside dipping pool. Enjoy their wide range of top quality massages and treatments administered by fully trained masseurs. Masseurs are also trained in manual lymphatic drainage massage.
Cinema
Samui can, like anywhere else in the world, suffer the odd afternoon of rain so the cinema, which is located at the Tesco Lotus complex, is worth a mention. Films are shown in English and Thai so better to check before going. The national anthem is played at the beginning of each film when the audience stands. Please remember to take something warm as cinemas in Asia are always very cold. Tel: 077 42 7 299.
Bowling
Bowling alley is located in Tesco Complex, and is open from 11.00 until late. The price of the game varies from Bt. 60 to Bt. 100.
Samui Shooting Range
The range has a fairly large assortment of weapons to choose from. It has calibres ranging from .22 (pop gun) up to .45 (cannon!). It also has an AK-47 and a 12-gauge shotgun. Most of the guns seem to be older models but well looked after and maintained. The firing area is excellent, with plenty of eye and ear protection.
Thai Cooking Lessons at SITCA
Try your hand at learning to cook Thai at the SITCA culinary institute.
Gym
APS can make arrangements with Centara Resort, a Seven minutes drive from the villa along the beach, for our guests to use their gym facilities. There is a charge of Bt. 275 per person per day and it is open from 06.30 – 20.00.
Night Life
Green Mangos
Soul
The Reage Bar
The Q Club
1000 others. Just call Charlie for the inside scoop. Something for everyone!
