Samui is the largest of about 80 islands lying off Surat Thani province. Tourists started visiting here in the early 1970s and the place started to gain popularity among the backpacker set as Phuket's rising number of visitors started making it too expensive. An airport opened in the late 1980s made the island easier to get to for the general public and Samui is now almost equal in popularity with Phuket.
Since it's smaller, Samui doesn't have the variety of diversions that Phuket has. It's a more laid back atmosphere. On the definite plus side, the beaches of Samui, particularly Chaweng, are among our favorites in Thailand.
The reason for visiting Samui is the sun, sand and sea. There aren't a lot of things to see on the island, but with more development comes more options. Among the highlights of things to see away from the beach are the Grandfather and Grandmother Stones, A pair of rocks sculpted by the wind and water into rather suggestive shapes. Inland from the beaches are several waterfalls, the most popular of which is the Na Muang falls. If you really want to escape the crowds, then we suggest a visit to the relatively undeveloped southern coast and the Laem Sor Pagoda.
Definitely not to be missed is Angthong National Marine Park. A day trip out of Samui will take you to this park consisting of more than 40 islands and islets. There are some very spectacular views from the largest island, and an emerald green inland lake hidden within the limestone walls of another island.
The "Grandfather" rock At the south end of Lamai beach are some rock formations that are standard, if a bit sophomoric, stops on any tour of Samui. The 'Grandfather Rock' and 'Grandmother Rock' have been shaped over millions of years by wind and water to resemble human sex organs. A short narrow alley lined with souvenir stalls leads from the main road to the rocks. You actually end up on Grandmother's belly, where a crevice has been worn into the rock to form granny's legs.
The Laem Sor Pagoda. Around the southern-most point of the island is Laem Sor Pagoda, a rarely visited sight that could be the most beautiful spot on Samui.
The 'meditation forest' next to the pagoda. The chedi is actually rather old, but restored just a few years ago with glazed tiles that have a mustard color probably meant to look like gold. Next to the pagoda is a small 'meditation forest' of trees with places to sit and even a few tables.
Na Muang Waterfalls In the interior of Samui Island are a number of waterfalls that can make an interesting change of pace when you tire of the beach scene. The most popular of these are the Na Muang falls, so called because the rock face is purple.
The Na Muang falls lie south of the island's central peaks, at about the midway point between the two coasts. A paved entrance road leads off the main street connecting Hua Thanon, south of Lamai, to Nathon.
The fresh market in Nathon town. If you travel to Samui by boat from the mainland, you'll most likely land at Nathon, the island's main town. Although its the island's administrative center, Nathon long ago lost its place as the main population center. Because of this, there's not much of any reason to visit Nathon if you're not catching a boat.
The layout of the town is rather simple. Two piers extend into the sea at the north end of town.
