Viewpoints on Ko Samui

Samui has a number of excellent viewpoints, though you'll either need to be on a tour or have your own transport to reach some of them.

The most popular is Secret Garden, a large sculpture garden off the airforce road towards the centre of the island. Built by a fourth generation Samui native who died a few years ago, the sculptures are based on the Buddhist scriptures and are certainly worth taking a peek at. The big selling point here though, are the stunning views. The garden is included in many of the ‘safari island tours', of which there are several operators. Half an hour is probably sufficient time to view the statues and garden.

Other viewpoints include Paradise Park, an extensive petting zoo, with restaurant and swimming pool, and views across to the five islands from 635km above sea level. From the Ring Road, take the turn off at Ban Saket and travel along a rather hairy road for several kms. Be careful that you don't take a wrong turn up top and end up in the military base.

A road constructed in 2010 now joins Lamai to Mae Nam. From Lamai, it leaves the Ring Road near Tamarind Springs, and from Mae Nam, turn left at the bridge opposite My Bar. This road winds through the jungle, banana and coconut plantations and over hills, offering spectacular views as well as scenery from old Samui, as it is not yet developed along the road. There are no specific lookout points along here, but rather a general good view of the countryside, and stunning views of the coastline as the road reaches peaks. The drive from Lamai to Mae Nam should take about 30 minutes.

There are several easy to reach lookout points along the Ring Road between Chaweng and Lamai, with place to pull over and snap away, or refresh on a bowl of homemade coconut ice cream.