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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.
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 Na
Muang 1
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In the southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily
accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Choose this one if you tire
easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost all the way
to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is a large natural
pool where you can take a dip.
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Na
Muang 2
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Accessible by way of a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on rte.
4169) this is considered by most, to be the island's most beautiful
waterfall. You reach it by ascending a rocky path. The walk takes
about 10 minutes.
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Hin
Lad Waterfall
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Hikers will relish the two kilometer walk through the forest to
reach this spot, where the falls with their lovely natural bathing
pool awaits them. Located two kilometers south of Nathorn, on the
eastern end of route 4172.
Rock Formations
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Hin Ta Hin Yai
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These formations are perhaps the islands' most visited attraction
after the Big Buddha temple. Named Grandfather and Grandmother Rock
in English, and situated a few kilometres south west of lamai, these
two ancient stones have been slowly chiselled by sea, wind and rain
into surprisingly accurate reproductions of male and female genitalia.
It's certainly a sight well worth recording on film, and a postcard
is also a good idea in case the photos don't come out clearly. There
are some nice little shops selling coconut handicrafts on the road
down to the stones, and the sea provides a lovely deep blue view.
Please remember to keep Samui clean when visiting the island's attractions.
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The
Overlap Stone
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The Overlap Stone is a giant boulder that hangs what seems quite
perilously over a steep cliff edge above lamai beach. The track
that leads to it is on the non beach side of the road about a kilometre
from Hin Ta Hin Yai, and this is also on a sharp incline so
it's best attempted either on a proper dirt bike for those with
experience riding, or on foot. Walking up is quite a trek, so take
plenty of water and you will be rewarded with a scary balancing
act as well as some fine views of the southern part of the island
in all its tropical glory.
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