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การเดินทาง อุทยานห่งชาติหมู่เกาะอ่างทอง
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การเดินทาง อุทยานห่งชาติหมู่เกาะอ่างทอง
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The Angthong National Marine Park near Samui takes in some 40 islands scattered over an area of more than 100 square kilometres. Ranging in size from a few metres of rock rising above the water to several kilometres in length, they are predominantly formed of limestone. |
The islands themselves are stunning, and they and the seas around them are home to a great assortment of weldlife-everything from long-tailed macaques to sea otters, and a host of bird species. One of the easiest ways to explore this beautiful area is with Highseas Tour's day trip to the National Marine Park, stopping on two of the islands and passing between many more.
The
day starts on the doorstep of your hotel - the company collects visitors from
their hotels, taking them to Nathon to join the boat in time for an 8:30 AM
departure. Adding a little local colour to the scene, enterprising local
photographers snap away without warning as people arrive. The resulting photos
are mounted onto souvenir plates and are offered for sale when the boat returns
at 5:00 PM. So, make sure that you're smiling if you'd like a nice memento of
the day.
On the two-hour voyage to the first island, Koh Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow Island), complimentary coffee and biscuits help keep hunger at bay. At 10:30 AM, it's a short climb down onto the longtail boats which transport everyone to the beach. Here, there's a restaurant, visitors' centre and good toilet and shower facilities. Snorkelling gear is available for rent for those who'd like to cool off and have a swim. Hardier souls may prefer to make the 45-minute climb up to the scenic viewpoint nare the top of the island's mountain. Strong shoes and leg protection are recommended if you choose to do this, as the trail is rocky and overgrown with jungle in parts. Ropes run alongside the track to help you along. The climb is rewarded with panoramic views of the neighbouring islands. As there are no refreshments for sale up here, it's a good idea to bring along a bottle of water.
| At 12:30 PM, a longtail boat ferries passengers back aboard the big boat for lunch, included in the price of the tour. The food is Thai, delicious and filling. Water is included and other drinks can be purchased. |  |
The
next island stop comes at about 1:30 PM, on Koh Mae Koh (Mother Island). Here,
another idyllic beach awaits, while a short 10-minute walk up wooden steps leads
to a view of a salt-water lake called Talay Nai (Island Sea). It is rather like
a flooded crater and gleams a green-turquoise colour. You'll spend two hours
relaxing on this island before it's time to board the mother boat again. Then,
just sit back and enjoy the cruise back to Samui Island itself, arriving at
Nathon about 5:00 PM., where the finished photo plates are on display, and
mini-buses wait to take you back to your hotel.
Highsea Tour can be contacted direct on 421 290, or can be booked through most good travel shops and hotels.
These falls are found only a hundred metres from a car park, making for easy access. It is possible to dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall, but beware of diving, for the opaque waters hide many rocks. Refreshments can be obtained at a nearby cafe and all sorts of lacal souvenirs are available in the same area. This 30 metre waterfall is distinguished by the initials of the most revered of all Thai monarchs, King Rama V, which were carved into a boulder at the poolside to mark his visit to Koh Samui over a century age. These initials have made this place popular with Thai tourists. The road to Na Muang 1 is well signposted and is off the 4169 ring-road between Hua Thanon and Nathon in the Southwest sector of the island.
Na Muang - 2
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This waterfall is perhaps a perfect blend of the other two. A walk is necessary to get there but that should take less than ten minutes. The display from the lower base is impressive but at the foot of the falls, a little higher, the view is most scenic and well worth the extra climp up. Less commercialised, it attracts fewer visitors but we highly recommend Na Muang 2. The easiest route to reach it follows the same directions as for Na Muang 1, but you must take the first paved road South of it, which is unmarked, and head North. |
Hin Lad
This is definitely one for the fit and healthy, requiring a two kilometre trek down a narrow jungle track. Drinks can be purchased on route in small cafes run by enterprising locals. Cold refreshment at journey's end is worth the extra few Baht they charge. If you fancy really cooling off on arrival, a very cold and extremely deep pool waits at the bottom of the waterfall. Take your swim wear and a towel if that appeals.
Wat Phra Yai
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark - the Big Buddha. Most visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometres away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island, the 12 metre tall golden images stands proud.
At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.
Wat Kiri Mat
A wonderful example of a Chinese Buddhist temple, Wat Kiri Mat is set in a peaceful remote location. Well off the tourst track with panoramic views of Koh Tan, it will be of interest to all who appreciate fine architecture and beauty. It is located in the rustic Sountwest sector of Samui. Coming in a Westerly direction on route 4170 from Laem Sor, take the left turn at the Samui Snake Farm juction. Follow this road for 200 metres and then take the track on the left that visibly becomes a road after 50 metres. The road leads to the beach and when there, turn left and follow the road into the temple grounds.
Wat Sila Ngu
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometre South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.
The Laem Sor Chedi
In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed chedi (pagoda) sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow titles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. It's at the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows", and it's at the end of that.
The Secret Hall of Buddhas
Part of Wat Sumret, this building contains many different Buddha images. One is in the reclining position and the tallest, which stands three metres, was transported all the way from India. Wat Sumret is down the second concrete road on the left, 800 metres West of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring-road.
The Khao Chedi
Also in the Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies the Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months age, this ruined monument had been forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi access. About 300 metres West of the Laem Sor Chedit there is a hill. At the base of the hill a small hut can be seen, and 100 metres to the right of this dwelling, the path is visible. It leads to a stairway which takes about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins of the the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking.
Wat Khunaram
The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.
The Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small tatty board parallel to the road which is easy to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring-road approximately 800 metres West of Hua Thanon, on the right hand side.
Buddha's Footprint
There are actually four footprints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically engraved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometres West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.
Wat Kiri Wongkaram
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition. The temple can be located by following the 4170 road South from Ban Saket and then turning right between two giant elephant statues. It is a further kilometre along this road on the right hand side.
Previously, most
visitors to Kho Samui invariably stopped en route in Bangkok to do their main
shopping because of the diversity of products on offer there and not here.
Things have changed, however, for now a large percentage of the goods found in
Thailand's busy capital are now available here at similar prices and without
having the discomfort of spending hours in heavy traffic between purchases.
From high fashion tailoring using top quality silks and cottons to locally
printed T-shirts, from 24 carat gold and world class gemstone jewellery to
exquisite Thai crafted silverware, from meticulously carved teak to hand painted
fans and parasols, all is obtainable on this sunshine island at a fraction of
the price it would be in Europe or America. In fact, most of the prices are the
same as they were last year before the devaluation of the Baht by 50%, so now's
the time to buy before inflation takes off.
Chaweng, Lamai and Nathon all have large shopping areas, Chaweng also boasts a
wide selection of street market traders spread along its main beach road in the
evenings. Chaweng, Lamai and to a far lesser extent Maenam, all attract beach
vendors who constantly ply their wares tirelessly throughout the day. The
nuisance value at the moment is minimal, but in other established resorts such
as Pattaya and Phuket, it's difficult to have a minute's peace without being
asked to buy some trinket - and then being cursed if you don't. For these
reasons, please think before you support beach vendors.
Woodcarving
From humorour Mickey Mouse figures to intricately formed Buddha images, all is for sale here. Much of it originates from the craft centres of Chiang Mai and the standard of workmanship is generally very high.
Ceramics
Most of the better quality ceramic articles sold here are made in either Chaing Mai or Ratburi. If you shop around you'll find a host of designs, ranging from traditional to ultra modern.
Thai Silk
Thailand's famous silk is a perennial favourite. Samui's tailors and fabric shops can provide a variety of different colours, disigns and quality. The 2-ply is thin and lightweight whereas the 3-ply plus is heavier and accordingly more expensive.
Tailoring
There are several excellent tailors on the island. There are also some that are not so good. Lower prices don't necessarily mean better bargains and now, even the best are inexpensive. Our advertisers - New Art Boutique, The O', and Kenzo Collection - are all well established, reputable firms and come highly recommended. If you want something made to measure, visit a tailor early in your stay, as adjustments usually have to be made if a perfect fit is required.
Antiques
Be extremely careful if you're here to buy genuine antiques. There is a huge industry geared up to produce top quality reproductions. These objects can be beautiful and are good buys in their own right - if they are sold at copy prices. Do buy from a reputable dealer, such as Chaweng's Oriental Gallery. Not only will you be assured of the authenticity of an article, you will also be advised about the legal requirements of exporting traditional Thai art and Buddha images.
Jewellery
As most of the world's gemstones are sent to Bangkok for cutting and setting, the prices here in Thailand can be considerably lower than elsewhere. Both gold and gemstone jewellery is well worth buying here. Do go to established shops to do your purchasing, as there is a large copy industry preying on ill-informed customers.
Designer Clothing and Shoes
Many of the world's top brands have established factories in Thailand and use it as an export base. The goods from these factories that find their way into the local shops are sold at considerably lower prices than overseas. However, with another profitable "fake" trade in action, it can be difficult to identify designer from deceiver.
Handicrafts
A wide variety of beautiful handicrafts can be found in most of Koh Samui's towns. Hand-painted bamboo from Chiang Mai, engraved leather puppets from Nakon Sri Thammarat and intricately carved soap from Samui's own highly skilled artisans are amongst the many desirable items on display.
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