Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Temple of the Big Buddha)
At Samui's northern end, on a small rocky island linked by a cause-
way, is Wat Phra Yai. Erected in 1972, the modern Buddha (sitting in the Mara posture)
stands 15m high and makes an alluring silhouette against the tropical sky and sea. Nearby,
a new temple,
Wat Plai Laem
, features an enormous 18-armed Buddha.
Wat Khunaram
Several temples have the mummified remains of pious monks, including Wak Khunaram,
which is south of Rte 4169 between Th Ban Thurian and Th Ban Hua. Its monk, Luang
Phaw Daeng, has been dead for over two decades but his corpse is preserved sitting in a
meditative pose and sporting a pair of sunglasses.
TEMPLE
Wat Samret buddhist
At Wat Samret, near Th Ban Hua, you can see a typical Mandalay sitting Buddha carved
from solid marble - a common sight in India and northern Thailand, but not so common in
the south.
TEMPLE
Activities
Ko Samui is an excellent choice for families travelling with kids as there are many activit-
ies especially geared to the little ones.
KAYAKING, SNORKELLING
Blue Stars
( 0 7741 3231;
www.bluestars.info
;
Hat Chaweng; kayak & snorkelling tours 2200B)
There are many
choices for snorkelling and kayak tours to Ang Thong Marine National Park, but Blue
Stars has the best reputation and the coolest boat. Even if you don't go with this company,
don't miss taking a trip to these islands.
Naish SUP
WATERSPORTS
( 08 6947 7233; Hat Chaweng; SUP rental per hr/day 200/500B)
Paddle it like a boat (although you're
standing up) or try to surf it; popular stand up paddle boards have reached Ko Samui and
you can rent them here. Take an hour-long lesson in the sandy shallows if it's your first
time for 300B.
Football Golf
FOOTBALL GOLF
