For those who did not know (which includes me), BoPhut Beach is the northeast corner of Koh Samui and is 2km from its airport. There is a lot of information available on what to do and see on that island and at that beach.
Here is a brief snippet on Bophut Beach: "Bophut is the beach/bay just to the east of Maenam. Its lifestyle is relaxed and more traditional than the larger communities, referring to itself as Fisherman's Village. Bhophut's laid back vibe is popular with the more chic sort of travelers, and has a number of pricey but very good French-owned cafes and restaurants."
Koh Samui Tourist attractions
Angthong National Marine Park Angthong National Marine Park, comprising of 42 islands, featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests secluded beaches and considerable amount wildlife was established as a national park in 1980. Also known as the Golden Basin, Angthong National Marine Park in Koh Samui is renowned for activities like snorkeling, walking and swimming. Similar nearby islands are Koh Sam Sao, Koh Prayad, Koh Hin Dap and Koh Kha.
Wat Khunaram Koh Samui This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master that was able to predict his own death.
Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Koh Samui The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. For those who are daring enough, they can have their photograph taken with the awesome animals.
Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Koh Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.
Big Buddha statue
Grandfather and Grandmother stone
Home of the Grandfather and Grandmother RocksBig Buddha is a twelve-metre high statue of the Buddha, which lies at the top of ceremonial dragon-steps at the Wat Phra Yai. Samui also has a number of other impressive temples, including Wat Khunaram, where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditating position is on display.
The Grandmother and Grandfather rocks on the south end of Lamai beach are an occasional source of amusement for tourists due to their striking similarity to a vagina and penis. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.
The mountain jungle in the interior of the island is an excellent day out, and is home to a number of impressive gardens built by legendary Samuia farmer Nim Thongsuk, the impressive waterfalls at Na Muang, real working rubber plantations and the most amazing views over the Ang Thong archipelago. The roads in the jungle are an adventure in themselves, and tourists normally take a tour with an experienced local Samui driver/guide.
Muay Thai boxing takes place regularly at the island's stadiums in Chaweng and Lamai.
Numerous animal attractions are dotted around the island, including a crocodile farm, monkey theatre, elephant trekking, a snake farm, an aquarium and a butterfly garden.
Most visitors to the island take a day trip out to the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park at least once on their stay in Samui. Boats leave Na Thon several times a day.
Koh Pha Ngan has a full-moon party at the appropriate time each lunar month, and tourists in Samui often hop a slow ferry or speedboat to the nearby island to join in the dusk to dawn high energy dancing and drinking marathon.
ACTIVITIES
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Koh Samui’s clear waters are not the best but snorkeling and diving are still popular at Angthong Marine National Park. The dive boats tend to leave from the pier at Bophut
Sea Kayaking
With a coastline composed of mangroves, limestone, small coves, caves and islands, and an interior with rivers lined with cave systems, Koh Samui provides a popular environment for kayaking.
Bird Watching
Samui’s pristine forests are decent for bird watching. The areas are a nesting ground for several rare species of birds.
Sailing Yachting & Cruising
All types of boating have soared in popularity in Samui over the past decade. This is probably the result of the success of the Koh Samui Regatta and day cruises and sunset cruises aboard large catamaran Kia Ora. The only problem with sailing however, in Koh Samui, is that there isn’t much in the way of safe mooring, good support infrastructure and services.
Fishing
Fishers catch the likes of marlin, sailfish barracuda and tuna. The majority of the fishing tours leave from the south-west corner of Koh Tong Krut.
Jungle Trekking
Krabi’s forests with attractive flora and fauna are popular for trekking. The Khao Phanom Bencha National Park and the Khao Pra-Bang Khram are regarded as the two of the favorites among trekkers.
Bungy Jumping
Bungy Jump situated on the Reggae Street side of Chaweng lake.
Thai Boxing
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai has risen in popularity in Koh Samui and there are a number of gyms such as Lamai, WMC and Pinyo.
Trekking & Elephant Trekking
Due to diversity of the landscape and tropically lush forests, Samui is a great place for trekking, either on foot or by elephant
Local Food
In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favorite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani.
Local food in Koh Samui and its province of Surat Thani are salted eggs and rambutan.