| In light of its spectacular Andaman waters with their | | | | to Samui will hear about the notorious Full Moon parties |
| clear water and coral reefs, rich animal and plant life, | | | | held once a month on neighbouring Pha Ngan Island. |
| top-notch resorts and intense party scene, Samui has | | | | Locals taxi boatloads of partygoers out to this island in |
| set itself apart as one of Thailand's most popular | | | | preparation for the heart-pounding party that rage all |
| resort destinations. There's plenty to do in the towns | | | | night in honour of the full moon. There's a variety of |
| as well as out and about on the water, underwater | | | | music playing, and peddlers take advantage of their |
| and in the forest. The monthly Full Moon parties that | | | | corner on the market by selling all sorts of souvenirs, |
| take place on a neighbouring island are an absolute | | | | food and other ingestibles at exorbitant prices. The |
| requirement for all full-throttle partiers. All of this | | | | popularity of this monthly party has led to the addition |
| together makes for a first-class holiday in one of | | | | of further weekend parties to mark less memorable |
| Thailand's most coveted locations. | | | | phases of the lunar cycle. |
| Temple of the Big Buddha | | | | Waterfalls |
| Wat Phra Yai is Samui's Temple of the Big Buddha, | | | | There are several waterfalls on Samui that many |
| with its signature 12 metre tall Buddha statue. Built in | | | | tourists choose to visit. Na Muang Fall 1 flows over a |
| 1972, this iconic temple sits on a little island that is | | | | very tall cliff and spills into a rocky pool; while it isn't |
| connected to the main island by a bridge. The temple | | | | great for swimming, it makes for wonderful scenery. |
| grounds also house a centre for meditation, another | | | | Its counter, Na Muang Fall 2, is located nearby and is |
| draw for inspired visitors. When visiting any temple in | | | | easily accessed by groups of elephant riders and |
| Thailand, it's important to follow the standard rules of | | | | trekkers. Another option is to head to Hin Lat Fall, |
| dress and etiquette which includes wearing long pants, | | | | which is a great place to enjoy a cool, freshwater |
| sleeves and removing your shoes before entering the | | | | plunge for a change of pace from swimming in the |
| actual temple. | | | | ocean. |
| Beaches | | | | Diving |
| The beaches of Samui are its greatest attraction, and | | | | Koh Samui is a world-class diving destination and the |
| each one is known for its own specific qualities. Ao | | | | fabulous offshore coral reefs pose a great opportunity |
| Tong Takian is also called Silver Beach due to the | | | | for all skill levels. Beginners can enrol in accredited |
| glimmer of its sand and shimmering water; Lamai | | | | training courses at many dive shops in Bo Phut, |
| Beach is a popular family destination in light of the | | | | Chaweng and Lamai. More skilled divers prefer diving |
| abundant water sports and activities; Choeng Mon | | | | at Sail Rock or Ang Thong National Marine Park, an |
| offers higher-class accommodation in a remote setting | | | | impressive 40-island archipelago that boasts a pristine |
| and Chaweng Beach rallies as the most popular | | | | natural environment. The ultimate diving destination in |
| among tourists, with its peripheral of exciting activities | | | | Thailand, Koh Tao isn't too far away either. |
| like Muay Thai boxing and bungee jumping. | | | | Daytrip south |
| Eating out | | | | If you're looking for an escape from the hectic tourism |
| Nothing beats an evening at a beachside restaurant | | | | scene, head to the south side of Samui where groves |
| where you can enjoy a laid-back dinner right at the | | | | of coconut trees and quiet Muslim fishing towns have |
| water's edge. Samui's fresh seafood makes way for | | | | staved off the development that has come upon the |
| all kinds of top-notch cuisine--be it gourmet Thai food | | | | rest of the island. It's possible to find a secluded beach |
| or international fare. More authentic and highly | | | | to while away some hours, and there are also some |
| affordable Thai food can be hunted out on the streets | | | | unique temples and chedis to investigate. |
| from local vendors, and in the opinion of the locals, the | | | | Adventure sports |
| spicier the better. | | | | Adventure sports are an everyday pastime on Samui. |
| Partying and nightlife | | | | The whole family will appreciate elephant rides in a |
| The tourism industry has paved the way for a varied | | | | jungle setting, and multiple agencies can arrange tours. |
| nightlife that spans all the major developed districts. | | | | Closer to town, kids will enjoy spending some time at |
| Clubs can be found at Lamai Beach, with | | | | the go-kart track. Samui Shooting Range is located in |
| tourist-grabbing exhibitions and shows to hold your | | | | Chawang, as is the bungee jumping pavilion. The latter |
| interest. This is also the seedier side of the island with | | | | sits off the beach road near the Reggae Bar. |
| its fair share of go-go bars and the periphery of | | | | Viewing wildlife |
| business that comes along with it. Live bands and | | | | The display of wildlife at Samui ranges from insects |
| slightly more upscale bars and clubs can be found at | | | | and butterflies at the Butterfly Farm to the raging |
| Chaweng Beach. A more laidback scene is on Big | | | | buffalo fights scheduled at local stadiums. There is a |
| Buddha Beach with western-style ambiance and | | | | snake farm, crocodile farm and an aquarium all on the |
| expatriate-owned establishments. | | | | main island. The nearby Ang Thong National Marine |
| Full Moon parties | | | | Park has wild gibbons living in lush, jungle surroundings |
| Even if they haven't attended one, almost every visitor | | | | amid quiet lagoons and limestone cliffs. |