Attractions in Kosmoy

Island Kosmoy In Thailand it is one of the two largest islands in the country and as such attracts crowds and of course many Israelis who flock to it especially at the height of the season. The area of ​​the island reaches about 230 square kilometers and it is located near the more southern part of Thailand. Along with spectacular beaches, breathtaking beaches, the island offers endless attractions and this is also the reason why it is considered a center of attraction. There are many travelers who stop there for a few days and continue from there to other islands or to Various sites throughout Thailand, and there are those who choose to stay there for a longer period if only to soak up the atmosphere it offers and in between also enjoy a little "belly back".

Do not travel to Kosmoy without travel insurance

Second, before we tell you about the most worthwhile attractions on the island, it is worth noting that most of them will require you to have specific travel insurance so that you can have peace of mind underwater or in the mountains on a 4x4 jeep. It is not just about the basic travel insurance, without which there is of course nothing to talk about on a trip to Thailand (you wouldn't want to get injured or get sick at the end of the world without insurance, believe us), but about travel insurance that covers activities such as adventure sports, trips, diving and more. The cost of such a suitable extension is negligible in relation to the cost of the entire insurance, and certainly in relation to the cost of the entire trip, and it gives you peace of mind with which you can be calm, choose the attractions you want to do and go to them without any fear. It is not expensive, not complicated and takes just a few minutes to make such an insurance.

To read more about travel insurance to Kosmoy, click here >>

The most beautiful beaches of Kosmoy

Kosmoy's beaches are the highlight of the island and one of the reasons why it is so popular with many travelers. Turquoise water and soft white sand are not a cliché and you can find all this beauty very easily. As befits a large island, Kosmoi offers a very wide selection of beaches that surround the entire island. Moving from one area to another takes time and there is actually no need to do it every day, because after all, you came to enjoy and rest.

The location of the beach you want to visit obviously also affects the location of your accommodation, so next to each beach we will also recommend recommended hotels nearby. So, here are the recommended, and above all - the most beautiful beaches:

Chaweng Beach

The largest and most lively town on the island, Chawang, also offers visitors one of the most beautiful beaches in Kosmoy. Along with the abundance of accommodation solutions that are offered there, some of which are right next to the beach, it also has a lively nightlife, with restaurants and bars that work until the wee hours of the night. A tummy tuck on this beach is a must, especially if you want to enjoy a magical atmosphere. The length of the island is almost 3 km and it is possible to find various activity centers and attractions at many points, which are available to visitors. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Chawang Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Chawang Beach area are: Sheraton Samui the prestigious, Ozu Chaweng which provides excellent value for the price, Banana Pan Sea Resort which is right on the beach, and Paradise Chaweng Beach The humble one for those looking for simple and authentic accommodation at a cheaper price. 

Lamai Beach

The relatively calm atmosphere on the island is one of the reasons why it is recommended to stop there, as are the facilities for guests, which are offered at a fairly cheap cost. This is a lovely beach in Kosmoi, which has undergone quite a few improvements and upgrades in recent years and is slowly turning from a cheap and cheerful place into a luxurious and modern beach. It has great restaurants and resorts that are known to be among the best on the island. 

Simple Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Lamai Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Lamai Beach area are: Hidden fresh banyan, Palm Coco Mantra, and also Royal Beach Kosmoi וAmatara Pora Paul Willa The luxurious and indulgent ones. 

Bophut Beach

It is a beach several kilometers long, between the Big Buddha and some of the ancient places of the island and it is located inside A charming fishing village, occupying the central area of ​​the beach. The place has gained a great reputation over the years, as an elegant and well-kept place, and indeed when visiting it you can find modern maintained buildings, renovated shops and in general a pleasant feeling and a good atmosphere at all times. This may be related to the fact that it was already a French outpost in the distant past, which leaves many signs of it. Next to the sand and water you can find many shops, boutiques that offer for sale high quality clothes and jewelry and also diving shops, which make available to vacationers diving lessons for the recommended diving sites. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Bophut Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Bophut Beach area are: Villa LaBaron The excellent one, which is not exactly inside the fishing village but is especially worth it, Bandara Resort and Spa Located on the beautiful beach of Bophut, Smile House The modest one that provides excellent value for the price and hotel Prana Samui Near Bang Rak Beach which is near Bophut. 

Meanam Beach

Those looking for a beautiful beach to stay near at cheap prices, Ma Nam is the right place to do it. There are quite a few travelers who choose to stay in the area for a relatively long time, mainly due to their low budget and to enjoy a variety of activities as well as their backs. For those looking for pampering, at the other end of the beach is a luxury resort - Santiburi Resort, which is defined as a 5-star resort, which brings its guests everything they need for a perfect vacation: good food, excellent service and, of course, sea, sand and blue sky. 

Simple Thailand's most recommended hotel in Ma Nam Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Ma Nam Beach area are: Samui Mantra which is not on the beach but close enough to it and provides an excellent experience, and the hotels Cowan Beach, Baan Paa Resort and Samui Buri Beach Located right in front of the beach. 

Choeng Mon Beach

This lovely beach consists of a series of several bays on the northeastern tip of Kosmoy, dominated by three to five reputable resorts. Although there are not many entertainment places in this area, the hotels and resorts themselves are a suitable place to hang out when the sun goes down. Not much happens outside of those vacation spots, and besides, if you take into account that the vacationers can enjoy their own private beach, then there is no reason to leave the place and look for other beaches on the island. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Chuang Mon Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Chuang Mon Beach area are: Royal Mueang Samui Villas The luxury and hotel  Kirati Beach Resort More modest but no less good. 

Lipa Noi Beach

The proximity of the beach to the pier, where the ferries dock, makes it a popular destination among many vacationers. Lipa Noi Beach offers pleasant white sand and is free of rocks or corals in the water. This is also the reason why it is perfect for families with children, and great for bathing. In its first 100 meters it is very shallow and it is fun to bathe in it during the season. Various activities are held along it and there are several great centers and places for recreation, where you can enjoy spa treatments. 

Simple Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Lipa Noi Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Lipa Noi beach area are the boutique hotel D. The Siam Residence, Canuck Mullet Spa The excellent one located right on the beach and a hotel Anahata Kosmoi The modest for those with a low budget. 

Taling Ngam Beach

There is something pristine and charming about this beach, in the southern part of the island of Kosmoi, that makes it one of the favorites on the island. It offers a variety of accommodation solutions, including relatively cheap bungalows and the possibility of real relaxation. About a 20-minute drive from it is a well-regarded and highly recommended seafood restaurant - Five Islands, but closer there are other places to eat. It is worth taking advantage of the opportunity that it is still relatively quiet and calm, as locals and non-residents are already flocking to it, looking for attractive real estate.

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in Taling Ngam Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Taling Ngam beach area are the fashionable hotel Konrad Kosmoy and a hotel hidden mother. 

Special points of interest

So it's true, most of those who come to Koh Samui, and in fact - to the other islands of Thailand, do so because of the beautiful beaches. But those who stay on the island for a few days and are looking for special points of interest and additional attractions beyond the belly button, will find that there are quite a few of them. Here are some of the most prominent of them:

Ang Thong National Marine Park

This charming national marine park is a pristine archipelago of 42 small islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It has tall limestone cliffs, tangled jungle, a beautiful white beach, waterfalls, coves and also hidden lakes that are occasionally discovered by surprise. It includes an area of ​​100 square kilometers, both land and sea, an area considered a protected area that is home to a very rich variety of exotic sea creatures and marine animals.

The park offers a large variety of activities, such as snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, diving, and of course also swimming on one of the beaches, and most visitors to the place come as part of a guided day trip, which is recommended reserve tickets In advance.

The tours leave from next May, Kosmoi, during which you will explore the national marine park, observe natural wonders such as the Emerald Lake and see magnificent marine creatures. Although the number of visitors is increasing over the years, it is still considered a place that is a special and pleasant tropical paradise and those who want to stay in the park for a night or more will find comfortable and cheap accommodation solutions.

The Great Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

This is one of the well-known attractions in Kosmoy and also one of great cultural and religious value. The Great Buddha Temple Sitting majestically on a small rocky island off the northeast corner of Kosmoi. It is a large gilded statue, standing 12 meters high, which was built in 1972 and is still considered a popular point of interest on the island. It can be seen from a distance of several kilometers and many times it is the first attraction that you see when you arrive by flight to the island. The Buddha is seated with his left palm resting on his lap while his right hand is facing downwards, depicting the loner's journey to enlightenment, where he successfully subdues the temptations and dangers that the devil figure thrust upon him. He managed this thanks to meditation. The pose symbolizes stability, purity and enlightenment.

If you are traveling in Kosmoy and want to make the most of your time and visit several sites in one day, you should join a guided tour which combines a visit to the Great Buddha Temple with other points of interest such as Guan Temple, Lad Ko Viewpoint and Na Muang Waterfall.

Bophut Fisherman's Village

This small fishing village is the historic part of Bophut And you can see rustic style buildings that house boutique shops and trendy restaurants. It has hotels, adjacent to its narrow stretch of beach and every Friday it turns into a street market, attracting crowds from all over the island. In the past, as you can guess, the place itself was home to a very active and prosperous fishing community and today there are few signs of this left, which add to its old-fashioned and charming beauty. 

Koh Tao

Ku Tao, or in translation - Turtle Island, is the most popular diving destination in Thailand. Its perfect beaches, which include soft white sand, are surrounded by clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, where there are coral reefs and quite a few special marine animals, including turtles. It is a relatively small island, located 55 km from Kosmoi. It was discovered in the early XNUMXs and is now home to hotels of various levels, guesthouses and bungalows. It is, without a doubt, a tropical paradise, which is a must-visit.

If you are a diving enthusiast or looking for an unforgettable snorkeling destination, a full day guided tour on Koh Tao is something you won't want to miss and is recommended purchase tickets in advanced. The tour includes a visit to 5 islands, including the famous Shark Bay and includes transfers, snorkeling equipment rental and a good meal.

Recommended hotels for visiting Koh Tao are Jamakiri Resort which is probably the best on the island, Cape Shark Villas which offers accommodation and holiday villas on the beach as well Sensei Paradise Beach which offers accommodation in traditional and authentic bungalows.

Many diving enthusiasts choose Koh Samui, among other things, thanks to the excellent diving sites it offers and if you want to get to know one of the most beautiful of them - diving in Koh Tao is an opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking experience (and not literally...). The ocean currents that reach the meeting point of the three peaks of the island create a beautiful diving site that should not be missed.

If you are curious to know the underwater world of Koh Tao, you can dive or snorkel in the colorful bay of the island, but if you want to do it properly, you can join for an intimate diving tour In it you will explore the coral reefs, watch tropical fish and fall in love with the underwater world of Kosmoi. Then you can enjoy a nap under the coconut trees on the beach or stop for a good meal at the well-known Bingo restaurant.

For all the hotels and accommodations in Koh Tao see here >>

Namuang Waterfalls

These two charming waterfalls are tangible evidence that the beauty of Kosmoy is not limited only to its spectacular islands. The waterfalls are located in the interior of the continent, about 15 km southeast of Nathon Bay and are part of a highly recommended hiking trail. The first waterfall flows into a natural pool, a perfect place to cool off on hot days, while a 30-minute walk from it, further down the hill, you will discover the second waterfall , which is smaller than the first, but just as inviting. 

Secret Buddha Garden

This secret garden is a very special attraction on the island that is definitely recommended to visit. It is hidden within the innermost area of ​​Kosmoy and offers lovely views and an extraordinary collection of sculptures, which are surrounded by the lush jungle. This is the creation of a local farmer, who in 1976 began creating statues and temples around the area where he lived. The sculptures in the place are figures of animals, various divine beings and humans in various poses, including his own image, of that farmer, who continued to work in the development of his garden until his death at the age of 91. 

The mummified monk at Wat Khunaram (Wat Khunaram)

As you can guess, this is an extraordinary attraction that is very different from all the others but definitely fascinating and justifies a visit. The monk Long Furdang died in 1973 while sitting in a meditative posture, and since then his preserved body has been displayed in a transparent glass case in the temple. Although over forty years have passed, there are very few signs of decay. Some visitors to the place show signs of shock at the sight of the corpse, but others look at it with amazement and even admiration. For Thais, both the monk's life and death serve as an inspiration to follow the Buddhist precepts and choose to follow the right path.

The activities not to be missed

Adrenaline is a very important and central part of a vacation, especially when you are in the beautiful islands of Thailand. Of course, this does not go against the peace and calm that are necessary, when vacationing and spending time on the beaches of Kosmoi, but to make the vacation more attractive and special, it is worth incorporating activities that raise the pulse or offer quite a bit of interest. Here is an example of some of them:

Diving in Koh Tao

Many diving enthusiasts choose Kosmoi, among other things, thanks to the excellent diving sites it offers. Diving in Koh Tao is an opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking experience (and not literally...). The ocean currents that reach the meeting point of the three peaks of the island create a beautiful diving site that should not be missed. You can dive, snorkel and see the rich underwater world up close. Then you can enjoy a nap under the coconut trees on the beach or stop for a good meal at the well-known Bingo restaurant.

Kayaking in Anthong National Park

Anthong National Park inspired Alex Gardner's book, The Beach, which later became a Hollywood blockbuster. Kayaking in the waters of the park is a unique experience and an opportunity to see the cluster of beautiful islands that belong to the park up close. Next to the limestone rocks shaped in different formations, the beautiful hills and the turquoise water, which is full of magnificent exotic fish, there is something a little different in this experience, a different rhythm and unusual energies. warmly recommended. 

carting

This may not be the first attraction that came to your mind when you thought of the top attractions in Kosmoy, but it turns out that it is a very popular activity. If you want some rest from the beaches and nature, karting is the right activity for you.

At Samui Go-Kart you can go for a ride, after a short briefing, and enjoy a rush of adrenaline and a lot of fun. So if you're thirsty for adrenaline and ready to get to know Kosmoy from a refreshing and unique angle - Order tickets Depending on the off-road adventure that suits you best and prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Please note: the place is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m., and is suitable for both beginners and experienced people.

Cooking lessons

Thai food is loved by many, both thanks to its special flavors, the exotic spices it includes and also thanks to the great look and the many colors it brings to every meal. As part of the visit to Koh Samui, it is recommended to devote a few hours to cooking classes, to learn how to prepare some of the most popular Thai dishes. This way you can get to know the local cuisine up close and be exposed, along the way, to the culture itself.

The class itself is actually a mini-workshop that is a real culinary experience, in which you will visit the local market, get to know the raw materials, cook some traditional dishes yourself (and dessert!) and just as importantly - eat. Since these are intimate groups and the demand is high, we recommend order tickets in advance and if you arrive in a family or group of 5-6 people, you can get your own private guide.

4×4 safari trip

You can find several companies throughout the city, which take out 4x4 book tours, suitable for travelers of all ages, including families with children. These trips allow participants to discover the lesser-known areas of the island, with the help of a relaxed and skilled driver.

Since it is one of the most sought after and popular attractions in Kosmoy, it is recommended buy tickets ahead of time. The tour includes a wonderful combination of natural wonders such as local rubber plantations and magnificent pineapple fields, a beautiful view of Kopeng IslandsN and Ko Tao, a visit to the secret Buddha temple and garden, a traditional lunch and more surprises.

Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park

Not far from the beach of Lamai is this water park, known as one of the most prominent attractions on the island. It has four pools with seven slides and a host of fun activities for all children. Instead, there is a mini-body track, a trampoline, inflatable facilities and more.