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Check out the fabulous fish market |
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Once a month at Haad Rin Beach on Koh Pha Ngan (about a 20 minute speedboat ride from Koh Samui), 10,000 or more people make it a party to remember along the one-kilometre beach. People party from dusk till dawn and sometimes onto the next day. Thai and western DJ's play sounds to cater for all party goers tastes from Hip-Hop, House, Trance, Garage and Jungle. International visitors and Thai celebrate this world famous event together. |
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. It arrived here a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and fashionable.
The best time to come is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October, it is very hot and wet. But even in the rainy months, the heavy pour usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. And since most courses have good drainage systems, the rains should not interrupt your game for long. Do book in advance for the weekends, for attendance goes up sharply at most courses, and for the peak travel season, from December to February.
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The vast majority of the population consider themselves Buddhists. While the devoutness of their practice varies just as it does with religious people throughout the world, the temple remains a cultural focal point for every village. Many of the more high profile 'Wats' in the country have become tourist attractions, but remarkably the presence of foreign visitors does not seem to distract or disturb those residents who come to pray. The most popular temple attraction is the gold covered Big Buddha statue located on the tiny island of Koh Faan, the island is connected by a short causeway from Big Buddha beach
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Viewing these astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature too, can be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist.
Also known as the "Grandfather and the Grandmother Rocks" and entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.
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High in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways.
The inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4 generations of Samuian's decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number of tourists would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the island's hilltop forests.
Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you concentrate on keeping your footing. So be prepared to take your time and wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.
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Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admire the
view - that is plunge into one of the island's natural waterfalls, then take
along a sturdy and non-slip pair of old shoes and tread carefully. Those who
have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit Na Muang 1 and
content themselves with enjoying the view.
The volume of water at the falls will vary, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. The last few months of the year are the wettest, while the months of March through September are fairly dry.
As there is no sign posted, finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left. Housed in a hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop another. There are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view up there of the surrounding treetops and valleys will be worth it.
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Monks are held in great reverence in Thailand, and years ago Samui chose to mummify two of them. Their bodies can be seen in their well preserved forms some 20 years after their deaths at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram.
Elephant treking - take a ride through the jungle on one of these magnificent beasts.
Pearl Farm - see how pearls are grown and harvested on a neighbouring island
Aquariums - see the amazing colours and shapes of the fish found in the tropical waters around Koh Samui.
Butterfly Farm - The butterflies are in a beautiful garden of Samui's flora and fauna.
Monkeys Working - you can visit a coconut farm and see the monkeys cleverly collecting the ripe coconuts.
and many, many more...
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