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There are several free natural attractions located on or near the
main ring road. These are included in most guided tour itineraries.
You are likely to stop at most or all of them if you take one of
the Island Tours offered by several companies. Or you may prefer
to map out your own route, and follow it on rented scooters or in
a jeep.
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 Public
Attractions
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It's easy to let the sun and sea lull you into the feeling that
you never want to budge from the beach. But Samui is an island of
great natural beauty and variety. Even those who don't get excited
about sightseeing will find that the journeys to these popular attractions
will provide their own delights.
The following natural attractions are free of
charge.
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Private
Attractions
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Hin
Ta Hin Yai (at Lamai Beach)
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 Upon
viewing those astonishing creations, even scientific purists would
be tempted to believe that nature can also be as whimsical as the
most eccentric artist. Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother
rocks"; entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily
accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share
a perch overlooking the sea. Delightfully refreshing forest forays,
if you plan to do more than admiring 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.
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Heaven's
Garden (Magic Garden )
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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 Samui
people decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven
on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number tourists
would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty
of the island's hilltop forests.
Khun Nim spent his life in agricultural innovation, during which
he was a pioneer in Durian farming techniques that are now credited
for some superb crops of this delectable fruit, still grown and
exported by island farmers. With the help of assistants, he sculpted
dozens of figures inspired by Buddhist scriptures, in the mountaintop
river bed on land belonging to his family. He remained absorbed
in the project until his recent death at the age of 91. A spot far
too little visited, Heaven's Garden is on some of the island's guided
mountain tours.
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 step. So be prepared to take your time. Wear a sturdy
old pair of shoes.
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Mummified
Monks
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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.
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Budda's
Footprint
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 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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Eight
Headed Coconut Tree
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"Seen one million coconut palms and you've seen them all?"
Well not until you've seen the one with 8 heads. To get there, The
take 4169 ring road towards Nathon. One kilometer north of town
is the turnoff. Wear long pants and study shoes for the hike through
the jungle.
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Secret
Hall of Buddhas
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 Wat
Sumret is very old temple housing an ancient white marble Buddha
believed to be hundreds of years old. Also inside is a valuable
collection of Buddha images. A monk will unlock the door for you
on request.
If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure and
remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be
careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers,
and always take care to keep your feet tucked away when in the presence
of monks. Also keep your head at a level below theirs.
Located west of Hua Thanon off the #4169 ring road, Wat Samret
is 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left
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Samui
Monkey Theatre
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 Located
in Bophut, this crude zoo with a performing animal arena features
shows several times a day. Small monkeys are trained to perform
various tricks on stage, and then they climb the trees to demonstrate
how they harvest coconuts; a feat for which the area's monkeys are
uniquely skilled.
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Samui
Snake Farm
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 Southern
Thailand is home to a great many species of snakes, many of them
venomous. The mountains of Samui have their share. The bite of a
full grown king cobra for example can bring death within one half
hour. But don't worry! They are extremely reclusive, and chances
are tiny that you will come in contact with one anyplace but at
this attractions' two shows a day, where they are handled by capable
and "death defying" trainers. Located in the southwest
on the 4170 ring road.
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Butterfly
Garden
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Built into a hillside covered with netting, vividly colored tropical
butterflies can be seen along the serpentine footpath. In the southeast
corner opposite the Central Samui Village resort.
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Buffalo
Fighting
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 A
pair of male water buffaloes are pitted against one another in what
amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. This widely
loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the
island, where banners are displayed days in advance.
Like sumo, the elaborate and theatrical preparations are an important
part of the show, after which the animals are set loose to glower
and paw the ground. Finally they lock horns and the crowd goes wild.
The show at the edge of the ring is just as entertaining as the
one within. The first beast to turn and run away is the loser, and
so are some punters in the crowd.
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Samui
Aquarium
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Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach,
this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine
life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. Also on display are
some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.
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Naga
Pearl Farm - Koh Matsum
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 A
20 minute boat trip from Ban Thong Krut will ferry you to a sea
farm where you can see how cultured pearls are created.
The full day trip includes lunch, your choice of afternoon activities,
and a stop at the Naga Pearl Shop on the way back. Tours can be
booked with most local agents.
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