What To Do When You?re Bored Of The Beach On Samui
By Andy Burrows
One of the best modes of transport for exploring the island is a motorbike. These can be hired at numerous shops across the island and although taxis are available, this is the way to travel. Despite some of the roads being a little nerve-racking, with patches of gravel, sharp bends and hills al commonplace, if you take your time and remain cautious, you shouldn?t have any problems.Buddhism is the religion of Thailand, with over 90 per cent of the population practicing the faith. As a result, just like you would see churches and cathedrals across Christian European countries, there are few places in Thailand where you won?t find a temple, or wat, and Koh Samui is no exception.
The most visited of all the temples on the island is Big Buddha temple, or Wat Phra Yai. The large golden Buddha statue overlooking the beach is an impressive example of the reverence that Thai people have for the Buddha. Close by, another temple shows a more modern shrine, designed by a Thai artist who also spent 3 years working on certain features of the temple by hand. On the southern tip of the island you will find Wat Khunaram displaying the preserved body of a famed Samuian monk, Lung Padaeng. His body sits in a glass case in the lotus position as if he were meditating.
High in the jungle covered hills of Samui, in a small hidden valley, there are a number of sculptures created by another of the island?s monks. The sculptures represent the dreams of the monk and are situated along a stream in the valley. In addition to this curious museum, the views of the island offer perfect photo opportunities for capturing the spanning beauty of the area.
Those interested in a little giggle at the expense of nature must check out the Hin Ta and Hin Yai (grandfather and grandmother) rock formations which through years of erosion have naturally formed into close representations of both the male and female genital organs.
While out and about exploring the island, you will come across villages that have managed to withstand the tourist industry and hold onto their unique slow pace and quaint charm. Among these villages is the Muslim town of Laem Set, which offers an interesting insight into the lives of such communities.
Waterfalls which offer cascading showers of fresh water during the monsoon and cool seasons can be found inside the foliage of the Samui jungles. Most require a trek but are worth the trip for the seclusion and dense natural surroundings that you won?t find at the beach. Na Mung and Hin Lad are the two most visited, but beware that if you are visiting between the months of March and September, the falls are usually dry.
