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Wat Phra Yai or Big Budha
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 kilometers away and even
from the air when arriving on or leaving the island , the
12 meter tall golden image 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.
Monkey
On Samui, the monkey undoubtedly qualifies as man's best
friend. This isn't surprising, since for centuries the people
here have used monkeys to do the hardest part of the work
climbing the trees to pick ripe nuts on their coconut plantations.
Until the advent of tourism, coconuts represented the main
industry here, so these industrious little animals were greatly
prized. The monkey theatre offers shows in which the monkeys
display their dexterity, and not just at picking coconuts.
The entertainment also includes performing elephants. Look
for the theatre on the main road behind Bophut village.
Buffalo
This is a sport specific to the south of Thailand, and on
Samui it generates a great deal of excitement. There are about
a half dozen rough " stadiums" around the island,
most being no more than a cleared area under the palms with
a wall of bamboo matting or coconut leaves to hinder the view
of those who haven't paid for a seat. Great crowds gather
when a fight is on, and while men pay about 100 Baht, women
enter free. Usually, the more aggressive the buffalo, the
greater the crowd's delight. The fight ends when one animal
turns and runs, usually well before either animal gets hurt.
Snake Farm
Samui snake farm is located at Talingngam on the south of
the island. As its name implies, it is where all kinds of
snakes and reptiles are gathered.
Some rare species of poisonous snakes those that cannot be
found in Europe or America are kept here. Some of these snakes
take the center stage during the farm's special shows.
An exciting part is a fight between man and scorpion, and
even centipede (a show unique here). There is also a cobra
show that only Samui Snake Farm can put up.
And don't worry that the animals are harmed during the show.
Snakes, for example, aren't caught to have their teeth or
their poison taken away.
These natural shows are presented in line with the highest
standards of Thailand. Visitors can be assured of 100 percent
safety during the performances.
Aside from the exciting shows, you can also avail of various
interesting information in the exhibition rooms and snakes'
houses.
Marine Life
Watching all kind of marine life requires to go snorkeling,
be a diver and moving around the surrounding islands.
BUT you do not have to get wet to enjoy Samui's stunning underwater
world.
Just visit Samui Aquarium which has been fascinating visitors
with their marvelous collection of tropical marine life such
as sharks, tropical fish and innumerable other colorful species
of aquatic creatures, including turtles which are displayed
in vast tanks that line either side of a 120meter long cave-like
tunnel. Each tank also houses multi-colored coral, rocks and
sea forests, adding to the realism of the exebition. Entrance
fee is 250Baht.
Crocodile Farm
Samui Crocodile farm is located behind the airport and easy
to find. On an area of 7,000 sqm you can find app. 100 animals
of various kinds like Siam crocodiles, caimans, Saltwater
crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others. Showtime
is two times daily, at 1400h and 1630h. Don't miss this opportunity
to watch Thailand's wildlife.
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