Koh Samui is a beautiful island in Thailand and a great place to visit. But sometimes it can be a good idea to get off the beach and explore just what the island has to offer. My favourite Samui sights are:

Grandfather and grandmother rocks – Better to get through this one straight away, these two rocks off Lamai beach bear a close resemblance to male and female genitalia – okay move on.

Hin Lad Waterfall – 2 km south of Nathon town and a 4 km walk down a foot path will bring you out at the waterfall. The waterfalls are best seen during or just after the wet season, after December they will begin to dry up.

Snake Farm – The snake farm is signposted all over the island and if you have never been then it is an interesting show, displaying indigenous snakes as well as scorpions.

Secret Buddha Garden – This garden was built in the hills a few years ago and it is quite beautiful. Getting there can be difficult as it is through the jungle and requires crossing rivers as well as going up the mountain. It takes about 2 hours from the back of the Lamai temple and requires a 4 wheel drive jeep and a reasonably experienced driver, there are several tour companies that go to the garden.

Tours – there are many companies offering a range of tours, from going around the island to visiting Samui’s mountains, all terrain vehicle tours as well as elephant treks.

From Samui it is also possible to visit Ang Thong National Park, where you will find a number of beautiful islands and some stunning coral reefs as well as doing snorkeling and diving. The full moon party on Koh PhaNgan is also a very popular destination, it takes around an hour to get there from Samui and parties are regularly held on the beach (not just when there is a full moon).

Whatever you decide to do and however you get to them Samui sights are generally worth making the effort for, helping you to fall even more in love with this beautiful tropical paradise and keep you enjoying yourself whilst you are on holiday.