Ko Samui

Ko Samui is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, south east Asia.

Wat Phra Yai and its 79ft tall golden Buddha statue offer good views of the northern coast by climbing 72 steps.

Wat Plai Laem isn't far from Wat Phra Yai and is home to an 18 armed Buddha.

The mummified monk at Wat Khunaram is sitting in the lotus position, exactly as he was when he died. He's in a glass case to the right as you enter.

The twin Na Muang Falls, the tallest ones here, are an easy taxi trip from the port.

The strangely shaped rocks Hinta Hinyai represent the female and male genitalia and are out by Lamai beach on the southeast side of the island.

Snorkel, scuba dive or kayak at the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Have a traditional Thai massage. Basic massage shops line the streets in Nathon or book in at Ban Sabai Resort and Spa.

Golfers have the choice of several locations on Koh Samui.

Chaweng Beach is Ko Samui's most popular and built up area with plenty of resorts, shops and restaurants.

Choeng Mon Beach is a palm fringed paradise, located on the island's northeast peninsula, not far from the Big Buddha. About an hour's drive from the pier, it's a quieter spot than Chaweng Beach.

Samui's coconut plantations provide raw materials for useful items and souvenirs, including coconut wood serving utensils and bowls.

Seafood is plentiful and a top choice, either grilled, steamed, fried or in a curry. Steamed whole fish is often prepared with garlic and ginger.

For the more adventurous, street food vendors selling noodle dishes, grilled fish and larb (a salad of minced meat or fish) set up carts near the pier area.

Cruise ships anchor and tender passengers into the town of Nathon (pronounced Naa-tawn) on the west coast. Ferries from the mainland arrive here too.

Taxis wait at the pier. 'Songgthaew' are covered pickups which serve as the local buses.