THE ISLAND OF KOH SAMUI, THAILAND, THINGS TO DO WITH A DIFFERENCE
With so many things to do in Koh Samui island, the usual highlights and places of interest aside, we look at three activities that will tickle your taste buds, take you on a wild ride, and leave you with warm fuzzies.
We are talking about Craft Beer Tasting, 4WD Tours, and hanging out with Elephants!
Let’s start with 4WD Jeep Tours – after that, you are going to want a beer!
Samui’s 4WD Adventure Tours
The great thing about this off-road adventure is that it takes you to all the landmarks of Samui.
The options of the 4WD jeep tours vary. If you want a more naturally scenic eco-tour, then jump into an open-top jeep that will take you on the road less traveled. Head for the Samui hills on jungle tracks and dirt roads across the lush forest vegetation of this paradise island, to the sights and sounds of wild waterfalls, like Na Muang Waterfall, mind-blowing viewpoints, like Lad Koh Viewpoint, and even secret beach coves.
Koh Samui’s history is steeped in coconuts! Once nicknamed ‘Coconut Island’ – you will undoubtedly drive through coconut plantations and also rubber plantations. Koh Samui, like Phuket, is known for its rubber industry.
For a city-type tour of all the landmarks on the island, you will be taken on a 4WD jeep tour of the must-see attractions and a taste of the rich heritage and Buddhist and Thai culture.
Temples and monasteries, such as the iconic Big Buddha Temple, Wat Phra Yai; Guan Yu Shrine; The Statue of the Goddess Guanyin, with eighteen arms, at Wat Plai Laem; and Wat Khunaram, home to Koh Samui’s mummified monk. Yes, you read correctly! Meet the Monk, Luong Pordaeng, who died in 1973.
Local markets and walking streets – Fisherman’s Village is a popular place. Be sure to sample the stacks of tropical fruit, freshly caught seafood, and Thai snacks; your driver can recommend the best stalls and provide insight into the local culinary traditions.
Another must-stop is at the rather unusual geological formations on Lamai Beach – the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks – just to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Maybe ask a Thai grandfather and grandmother about the birds and the bees…
4WD Jeep Tours can be customized, tailored to your liking, at a cost, or go for the set tours, half day, or full day. Full-day tours usually include a traditional Thai lunch.
Try Mr Ung’s Jungle Safari Tours, Samui Explorers, and Koh Samui Jungle Safari Eco Tours.
Now for that beer.
Craft Beer Tasting in Koh Samui
There is nothing better than an ice-cold beer on a perpetually hot day in paradise. But let’s spice it up and try some Craft Beers available on the island. Craft Beer was on the rise but took a beating, like everything else, in recent years. Still, it is back on the bar menu, including some local Thai-crafted beers, which are also set to expand once regulations of microbrewing are made more accessible.
Krap Beer Brewery is an up-and-coming microbrewery whose craft beer can be consumed at leisure at Lucky To Be Alive Tap Room. They offer ten rotating taps of Thai and imported craft beers and other bottled and canned varieties from across the globe.
If you get to meet the brewmaster, you will be able to bend his ear about craft beer. Otherwise, the bartenders all have knowledge of the craft beers served.
Spoilt for choice, glugs of amber nectar can be feted at Lucky To Be Alive Bar, Petcherat Marina in Bophut, at Fisherman’s Village.
PS. Those familiar with Thai would not flinch at the customary word ‘krap’. Appropriately named – ‘krap’ meaning ‘yes’, and is no reference to bad beer being served! Chok dee, cheers!
Eco Elephant Sanctuaries of Koh Samui
Experience the connection with Elephants.
Watch out! Elephants have a way of looking into your soul, and it has little to do with these gentle giants looking down at you from about three meters or ten feet!
These magnificent, gentle giants are the national animal of Thailand, so it is no wonder they are a key feature of life in Samui and an essential part of a visit to Thailand. It is good for the soul.
Elephants in Thailand are symbolic. They hold a special place in Thai culture, history, and identity. Other than their obvious power and strength, they represent royalty and kingship, wisdom and loyalty, endurance and patience, protection and good luck, divine connection and harmony, art and craftsmanship, and culture and tourism.
With that in mind – especially the tourism part – Elephant sanctuaries are of major importance to the welfare of these astonishing animals. Thai elephants are considered endangered due to factors such as habitat loss, human and wildlife conflict, and exploitation.
Sanctuaries in Koh Samui set a good example for elephant welfare and ethical care, and there are a number of sanctuaries worth visiting in Koh Samui, where you can observe and interact with elephants, walk with elephants on guided tours, and take part in the unbelievable feeding sessions!
Sanctuaries promote conservation efforts and responsible tourism, provide a deeper understanding of elephant behavior, and are often retirement and rescue homes. By choosing sanctuaries over touristy elephant activities, you are helping protect and preserve the elephants of Thailand, with heart.
From the many worthy places where you can encounter elephants in Koh Samui, start with Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Final Note…
We need to talk about Pig Island. Considered the Thai version of the Bahamas! Where pigs roam and swim freely in paradise, located south of Koh Samui….. ok, next time.
