Hin Lad Waterfall Temple

One of the most fabulous waterfalls is located in Koh Samui (photo courtesy Kohsamui.com_

Running out of things to do in Koh Samui is practically impossible – although the island is quite small in size, the tourist hotspot has an endless list of activities for tourists to keep busy during their holidays.

With that said, tourists stumped as to what they should be doing first upon arriving should consider paying a visit to HinLad Waterfall Temple. This place is frequently recommended by Koh Samui travel guides for a number of reasons, of which includes beautiful images of Buddha, a garden, religious scriptures, and a meditation area.

This forest monastery is situated within an evergreen tropical jungle, which in turn helps enhance the serenity of the development. Moreover, this establishment is usually busy during the weekend only – the time of week wherein locals come to make merit or picnic at the waterfall nearby – thereby giving tourists plenty of privacy during their visits.

Hin Lad also provides an excellent opportunity for guests to meditate in tranquillity. This place is visited by locals who need a break from their busy lifestyles, so tourists should be considerate to those trying to reflect in silence.

Other islanders come here to attend regular meditation workshops hosted by monks, nuns and trainers. These programs are specially designed to help participants address certain problems, such as issues they may be having at work or in a relationship with another individual.

While paying a visit to this panoramic temple can be done any time of the year, Hin Lad is best appreciated when it starts raining gently, as the green life appears to come to life and glisten as the rain falls onto each leaf or petal within the garden and jungle.

Bringing along swimwear along for the trip is also recommended, as rainy days make swimming in the large and small freshwater pools an even more pleasant and fun-filled experience.

Those who’ve included hiking or getting a good workout in their lists of things to do in Koh Samui are in luck, as it’ll take 30 minutes to hike up the waterfall.

That being said, Koh Samui travel guides also recommend wearing a good pair of hiking/walking shoes, and packing a bottle of water. Should anyone get hungry during their trip, they can always feel free make a quick stopover at the local restaurants located along the road going to the temple.

Hidden Hotspots of Koh Samui

The amazing Buddha Footprints is a hidden gem in Koh Samui. (Photo Courtesy of Flickr)

Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand, is a treasured gem because of the many Koh Samui attractions. Roughly in a circular shape, the heart of the island is the majestic Khao Pom peak of a mountain jungle. The naturally beautiful landscape of the island is a top destination of tourists from all over the world. Holiday goers are attracted to the laidback beach villages, clear seas and the many island resort to choose from. It is the perfect getaway from the bustling life of the city.

Here is a guide to the hidden hotspots and Koh Samui attractions:

• The Buddha Footprints are quite difficult to locate compared to the other Koh Samui attractions in the island but the extra time and effort to go there is guaranteed to be worth it. This hidden hotspot is situated on a hilltop shrine that is only a few kilometers away from the famous Butterfly Garden. The Buddha Footprints are four footprints etched one on top of the other. It is a sacred artifact that cannot be found anywhere else on the island. You will have to climb about 163 steps to the top and then you will get a magnificent view of the island.
• The Chinese Temple the Goddess Zhao Mei Guan Im is one of the Koh Samui attractions you should not miss. It is a 30-year-old temple consisting of only one building. This temple is fairly new with a humble altar and expertly made paintings that depict the stories of Zhao Mei Guan Im. The most renowned painting is the one situated on the stone altar. This temple has a view of the Turtle Island near Koh Mud Sum mainland. If you look towards the south, you can see the fishing boats sailing under the beautiful sunset. You can easily get there by following the route from the Snake Farm of Samui.
• The Hin Lad Waterfall Temple is among the many Koh Samui attractions. This temple is relatively small and is located along the Hin Lad Waterfall trail. It is a peaceful and tranquil place. Along the path to the temple, there is a bridge where you can stop over and feed the fish. There is also a Buddha statue towards the back of the temple.
• The Hua Thanon is also one of the many Koh Samui attractions. It is a fishing village that is mostly inhabited by Samui’s Muslim residents. It is one of the few places that carry the traditional Samui way of life with the teakwood houses and authentic seafood restaurants. There are plenty of boutiques that sell ethnic clothes and jewelry here.