Namuang Falls

 

10 Km south of Nathon, nature lovers will find Na Muang Falls. This area is accessible from the village of Ban Thurian via a paved road.

There are actually two waterfalls: Na Muang, which is 18 meters high and reachable by vehicle; and Na Muang Two, which is about 80 meters high, requiring a 30-minute walk to get to the top. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the island and a great place to have a picnic.

Hin Ta - Hin Yai

 

These unusual formations are known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. The site is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike because of their close resemblance to male and female genitals.

Their formation and shape have been personified into a local tale describing their existence on the island.

The story goes that an old couple's boat wrecked and sunk in the bay, where their bodies washed ashore and created these strange rocks. Whatever their origin though, your pictures will no doubt make for some interesting conversation when shown to friends back home.

Hin Lad Falls

Hin Lat Falls are located 2 Km south of Nathon Town on the east coast's route 4172. From the main road it is about a 3-Km walk down a jungle path to get to the falls. It's recommended that you wear tough shoes and leg protection for the walk.

Found amidst a tropical rainforest setting, the falls will quickly make you forget the concrete jungle you left behind. There are several cascades which tumble down into a large pool below. At the bottom, the water is cold and indeed very refreshing. If you feel adventurous enough, carry along your swimming togs and cool off after a balmy trek.

Secret Buddha Garden

 

The secret Buddha garden is hidden in the hills of Samui. You can see several statues, temples and waterfalls, all of which were built by one man over the last 20 years.

On your own it's well worth the trip. But as the only way to get to the temple is by a military road, getting there can be difficult if it is closed.

The only other way to get to the garden is by four-wheel-drive, traversing jungle, rivers and mountains. Starting in Lamai at the back of the main temple, the journey takes around 2 hours. It can be a fun outing for the adventure-minded. However, if you are intent on exploring the temple this way, you should be experienced in cross-country or off-road driving; otherwise carry a mobile phone (hopefully with a GPS tracker!) in case you get stuck.

Another and perhaps less stressful way of getting to the site, is by joining one of the many jungle tours offered by travel agencies and resorts. Contact a few places to compare prices.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

 

Located in Hua Thanon, the aquarium hosts many local species of coral fishes, huge cat fishes and several sharks as leopard or black tip shark.

Once you have been browsing the tanks in a long and dark gallery, you will suddenly come out in a brighter place with tigers and leopards in rather small and hot cages. Fortunately, a sign mentioned that felins are only held temporarely in this cages and will return to a wider park in the back of the zoo.

After enjoying the impressive size of those "cats" you will be invited to a bird show, where parrots, hornbills, sea hawks and eagles or even otters will perform some amusing trick for you pleasure.... if they are in the mood.

Then it's time for the inevitable photo with the tiger (Mainly to impress your friends). 100 baht per person with your camera, 200 baht with the zoo's Polaroid. Money goes to the Tiger's Foundation, so you will even feel better.

On the way out, don't fortget to say "hi" to the few birds and monkeys in smaller cages accross the parking, some of the parrots are quite friendly and their tongues have some funny behaviour.

Butterfly Garden

 

Perched on a hillside in the southeast corner of the island is Na Tian Butterfly Garden.

Here you can see some of the most spectacular butterfly species on earth in the garden's excellent collection. Make sure not to forget your camera!

There are other interesting features in the garden, including a bee house which allows visitors to observe the activities of bees, and an insect museum where colorful and strangely shaped insects from Thailand and other countries abound.

Snake Farm

 

A must-see for almost anyone visiting the island. Follow the road signs to get to their location in Taling Ngam, south of Nathon. Shows start at 11 am and 2 pm everyday.

The shows feature snakes indigenous to Samui, as well as some of the more poisonous and scarier species found throughout Asia. Included are displays of centipedes and scorpions, as well as demonstrations of the famous Thai Cock Fighting show.

The programs are both informative and entertaining in typical Thai fashion. Great fun for the entire family; just make sure your child doesn't bring home any live souvenirs...

Naga Pearl Farm

Discover how pearls are cultured. A 30-minute boat ride from Ban Thong Krut landing will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm.

After you learn about pearl culture, you will enjoy eating Thai food and then spend the afternoon on the white sandy beach. Don't miss the Naga Pearl Shop, located at 81/1 Ban Thong Krut, where many varieties of pearls and pearl products are offered. Pearl shells and special handicrafts are wonderful gifts to bring back home.

Ancient House

A house made of teakwood without any nails can be visited at Ban Thale. This is the oldest house on the island, built approximately 150 years ago. It is constructed of teak planks and features many beautiful woodcarvings.

 

Mountain View Point

A little further south of Nathon Town on the west coast is the way to "Best Mountain View Point", culminating at 467 m. It can be somewhat difficult to find the entrance, which is shortly past Wat Chaeng temple, on the left hand side of the main road (route 4169). Look for the sign "Tazan View" (this is not a spelling mistake). If you feel confident in your driving skills, you can try the 6-Km drive to eat a simple but nice lunch on a wooden terrace overlooking Maenam and Bophut Bay. Weather permitting, you may catch a splendid bird's eye view of Phangan Island. The first five kilometers are nicely paved, but be aware that the last kilometer is rather steep, slippery and dusty (not recommended in case of rain). If you don't feel like taking a risk but still want to have a look, many travel shops on the beachfront road next to the pier conduct well-organized tours in land rovers with qualified drivers.