Santiburi Resort

Buffalo Fighting


If spectator sports are more to your liking how about a bit of buffalo fighting? This local sport was traditionally held as entertainment after the rice harvest but now is a regular gig with sometimes millions of baht changing hands over the winner - and that's no bull!

A good opportunity to see a snapshot of southern Thai life. Lots of excitement.attracting a neighbourhood crowd who delight in a good old dust up. The more aggressive the buffalo the greater the appreciation from the audience. There are several "stadiums" around the island, most being a basic 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. Men pay about 100 Baht, women enter free. The fight ends when one animal runs away, usually well before either animal gets hurt.



Crocodile Farm


A fascinating look at some of Thailand's jaws and claws! They're all here. Siam crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others. Showtime twice a day 14:00 and 16:30. Located behind the airport and easy to find.



Snake Farm


Some of the most famous scary and poisonous snakes in Asia are goaded into action by experienced snake wranglers, who dodge and weave, duck and dive, as the snakes try to grab their attention. A must-see for almost anyone visiting the island. A ringside view! Also includes displays of centipedes and scorpions, as well as demonstrations of Thai Cock Fighting.

The programs are both informative and entertaining in typical Thai style. Great fun for the entire family. Just make sure your child doesn't bring home any live souvenirs. Follow the road signs to get to their location in Talingnam, south of Nathon. Shows start at 11 am and 2 pm daily.



Monkey Show


Koh Samui is synonymous with coconut trees - there are literally plantations all over the island, and until tourism arrived, coconuts were the main industry here. How do you get at the coconuts? . Enter the monkey, considered as man's best friend, these industrious little animals are greatly prized and give a demonstration of their incredible dexterity (and not just at picking coconuts) in the outdoor theatre. The entertainment also includes performing elephants. Look for the theatre on the main road behind Bophut Village.



Hin Ta/Hin Yai


Samui's phallic rocks are as popular with Thai visitors as foreigners. Meaning Grandfather Rock and Grandmother Rock respectively, in local legend the rocks represent two doomed lovers who drowned themselves in the sea here, because their families disapproved of their relationship.

A large board at the site tells their story in full dramatic detail. The street approaching the rocks is lined with stalls selling a nice range of coconut wood products and garamear - Samui's own glutinous coconut candy, which is rarely available elsewhere on the island. Route 4169, South of Lamai Town.



Sightseeing & Tours


Take a tour, or hire a car around the island and just go exploring. While the coastline offers unusual rock formations and lovely beaches, there are waterfalls and forest off the beaten track in Samui's fascinating interior. Samui is also a Buddhist centre and home to many older temples and artifacts, including the mummified bodies of revered monks. The north coast of the island is dominated by the a huge seated Buddha - a massive 15 metre figure which overlooks the sea and has become the island's major landmark.



Elephant Trekking

Several companies around the island run elephant ride operations and many can be booked through travel agents
, often in combination with all day tours of the interior. Over fifty elephants call Samui home and all work in the tourist industry. A typical 'trek' lasts between 15 minutes and half an hour and is an excellent way to see the island's jungle clad interior. Some companies take visitors up into the hills for magnificent views over the island, others go through waterfalls, where riders run the risk of receiving a cooling shower. Chaweng Elephant Trekking (Tel. 077 231 210), Living Thailand (Tel. 077 418 680) and Island Safari Co (Tel. 077 230 567) are all recommended. NB: Some companies keep gibbons and other endangered species as pets to entertain visitors - as well as being cruel, this is illegal in Thailand and should not be encouraged.



Samui Aquarium & Zoo


Both the aquarium and the zoo have many of Thailand's tropical favourites above and below the water. Lots of coral fish, huge catfish and several sharks including Leopard and Black Tips Samui's local zoo adjacent to the aquarium, house some south-eastern Asian tigers, parrots, hornbills, sea hawks, eagles or even otters who will perform for you .... if they are in the mood.

You can have your photo taken with the tiger (Mainly to impress your friends) for 100 Baht per person with your camera, or 200 Baht if you borrow the zoo's Polaroid camera. Money goes to the Tiger's Foundation, just to make you feel better. On the way out, don't forget to say "hi" to the birds and monkeys in smaller cages across the parking lot , some of the parrots are quite friendly and their language, as well as their feathers, can be quite colourful. Located in Hua Thanon

Secret Buddha Garden

The secret Buddha Garden was the inspiration of one man who built several statues, temples and waterfalls, in a hidden location high up in the hills of Samui. It's possible to drive to the garden by 4WD vehicle, but probably less hassle to take one of the many jungle tours offered by travel agencies and resorts. Contact a few places to compare prices.



Butterfly Garden
Located in the south of the island, Na Tian Butterfly Garden is a kaleidoscope of colour provided by hundreds of spectacular butterflies. For bug enthusiasts there's also an Insect Museum, featuring rare insects from Thailand and other countries, and a bee house, which allows the visitor to observe the activities of bees. Don't forget your camera!