Get to Majestic Attractions with Cheap Holidays to Koh Samui

Author: Amanda Sutcliffe

Sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, and coral reefs are some of the exciting features of Koh Samui that attract tourists to this enchanting island. It is a part of Thailand's Surat Thani Province and is the second-largest island in the country after Phuket. There were no roads on the island until the early 1970s and had little connection with the country's mainland. In recent times, Koh Samui has a thriving tourism industry and also brings in significant revenues to its economy besides its exports of coconut and rubber. It is also becoming one of the sought-after wellness destinations with some elegant spas that provide rejuvenating herbal treatments.

During your Koh Samui holidays, you'll get to explore the island's most popular attractions. Among them is Ang Thong National Marine Park, which features white-sand beaches, a thick jungle, waterfalls, and gorgeous limestone mountains. It spans a protected area of over 100 square kilometres of land and sea and includes 42 islands. A visit to this national marine park would give you the chance to witness an amazing variety of aquatic creatures and exotic wildlife species. You'll also get to enjoy some exciting activities during your time spent in this marine park, such as diving, snorkelling, sea-kayaking, and hiking.

Another fabulous attraction worth visiting during your cheap holidays to Koh Samui is the Big Buddha Temple or the Wat Phra Yai. A major attraction of this temple is the 12-metre statue of the Buddha in a sitting posture. You can reach this temple by taking the causeway that connects it to the main island. It is the first landmark that tourists come across while landing in Koh Samui by air. The Buddha statue was built in the year 1972 and is among the most popular attractions of the island. It reminds people of the time when the Buddha had overcome his temptations and fears through meditation and attained enlightenment.

Your cheap holidays to Koh Samui would also give you the opportunity to explore Koh Tao or the Turtle Island. It is a favourite scuba-diving destination of tourists visiting Thailand and has white-sand beaches that are touched by the Gulf of Thailand's crystal-clear waters. This island is located 55 kilometres to the north of Koh Samui and was not known to many tourists until the late-20th century. It is an idyllic tropical island that gives you the chance to unwind in serene natural surroundings far from the hustle-bustle of crowds.

Hidden away in the interiors of Koh Samui's hills is the Secret Buddha Garden, which would instantly delight you with its lush green jungle and some unusual statues. This garden was created by Nim Thongsuk, an old fruit farmer of this region who began his work on the statues in 1976 at this place. He continued with his work until his death at the age of 91. The statues are of various deities, humans, and animals; and among them is a statue of himself seated on a rock in a relaxed posture. Most of the visitors arrive at this place as a part of a day trip.

For detailed information on cheap holidays to Bangkok, click here.