Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the south end of
Hat Lamai
, the second-largest beach, you'll find these infamous stone
formations (also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks). These rocks, shaped
like genitalia, provide endless mirth for giggling Thai tourists.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Ban Hua Thanon
Just beyond Hat Lamai, Hua Thanon is home to a vibrant Muslim community, and its an-
chorage of high-bowed fishing vessels is a veritable gallery of intricate designs.
Nam Tok Na Muang
At 30m, this is the tallest waterfall on Samui and lies in the centre of the island about
12km from Na Thon. The water cascades over ethereal purple rocks, and there's a great
pool for swimming at the base. This is the most scenic - and somewhat less frequented -
of Samui's falls.
There are two other waterfalls in the vicinity: a smaller waterfall called
Na Muang 2
, and
the high drop at
Nam Tok Wang Saotong
, which, thanks to recently improved road conditions,
is now accessible. These chutes are just north of the ring road near Ban Hua Thanon.
There's a great fried chicken and
sôm·đam
(spicy green papaya salad) stall near the last
rest stop before Nam Tok Na Muang.
WATERFALL
Wat Hin Lat
( 0 7742 3146)
On the western part of Samui, near the waterfalls of the same name, is a
meditation temple that teaches daily
vipassana
courses.
TEMPLE
WATERFALL
Nam Tok Hin Lat
Near Na Thon, this is worth visiting if you have an afternoon to kill before taking a boat
back to the mainland. After a mildly strenuous hike over streams and boulders, reward
yourself with a dip in the pool at the bottom of the falls. Keep an eye out for the Buddhist
temple that posts signs with spiritual words of moral guidance and enlightenment. Sturdy
shoes are recommended.
Wat Laem Saw
For temple enthusiasts, Wat Laem Saw, at the southern end of Samui near Ban Phang Ka,
has an interesting, highly venerated old Srivijaya-style stupa.
TEMPLE
TEMPLE
Wat Phra Yai
