It's easy to let the sun and sea lull you into the feeling that you never want to budge from the beach. But Samui is an island of great natural beauty and variety. Even those who don't get excited about sightseeing will find that the journeys to these popular attractions will provide their own delights.

The vast majority of the population consider themselves Buddhists. While the devoutness of their practice varies just as it does with religious peoples throughout the world, the temple remains a cultural focal point for every village. Many of the more high profile Wats in the country have become tourist attractions, but remarkably, the presence of foreign visitors does not seem to distract or disturb those residents who come to pray. On Samui, two Wats are home to the displayed bodies of monks who were mummified some 20 years ago.

Some residents go to the local temple regularly to pay their respects to the Buddha, others go at times of misfortune or when they are visited by doubt and uncertainty. But all Buddhists go sometimes. As everywhere in Thailand, Samui's temples range from the simple to the grand, and the latter attract many thousands of tourists each year.

If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers.

Most of the free tourist maps available widely, indicate the locations of Samui's many Wats.

Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admire the view - that is plunge into one of the island's natural waterfalls, then take along a sturdy and non-slip pair of old shoes and tread carefully.

Those who have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit Na Muang 1, and content themselves with enjoying the view.

The volume of water at the falls will vary, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. The last few months of the year are the wettest, while the months of March through September are fairly dry.

Na Muang 1
In the southwest corner of the island, this is the most easily accessible of Samui's three waterfalls. Choose this one if you tire easily walking in the heat, as you can drive almost all the way to the spot. At the base of the falls, there is a large natural pool where you can take a dip.

Na Muang 2
Accessible by way of a concrete road south of Na Muang 1 (on rte. 4169) this is considered by most, to be the island's most beautiful waterfall. You reach it by ascending a rocky path. The walk takes about 10 minutes.

Hin Lad Waterfall
Hikers will relish the two kilometer walk through the forest to reach this spot, where the falls with their lovely natural bathing pool awaits them. Located two kilometers south of Nathorn, on the eastern end of route 4172.

Viewing these astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature too, can be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist. Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother rocks"; entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.

High in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways. The inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4 generations of Samuians decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number tourists would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the island's hilltop forests.

Khun Nim spent his life in agricultural innovation, during which he was a pioneer in Durian farming techniques that are now credited for some superb crops of this delectable fruit, still grown and exported by island farmers. With the help of assistants, he sculpted dozens of figures inspired by Buddhist scriptures, in the mountaintop river bed on land belonging to his family. He remained absorbed in the project until his recent death at the age of 91. A spot far too little visited, Heaven's Garden is on some of the island's guided mountain tours.

Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you concentrate on keeping your footing. So be prepared to take your time. Wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.

Monks are held in great reverence in Thailand, and years ago Samui chose to mummify two of them. Their bodies can be seen in their well preserved forms some 20 years after their deaths at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram.

Some residents go to the local temple regularly to pay their respects to the Buddha, others go at times of misfortune or when they are visited by doubt and uncertainty. But all Buddhists go sometimes. As everywhere in Thailand, Samui's temples range from the simple to the grand, and the latter attract many thousands of tourists each year.

If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers.

Most of the free tourist maps available widely, indicate the locations of Samui's many Wats.

As there is no sign posted, finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left. Housed in a hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop another. There are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view up there of the surrounding treetops and valleys will be worth it.

Wat Sumret is very old temple housing an ancient white marble Buddha believed to be hundreds of years old. Also inside is a valuable collection of Buddha images. A monk will unlock the door for you on request.

If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure and remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers, and always take care to keep your feet tucked away when in the presence of monks. Also keep your head at a level below theirs.

Located west of Hua Thanon off the #4169 ring road, Wat Samret is 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left.

Located in Bophut, this crude zoo with a performing animal arena features shows several times a day. Small monkeys are trained to perform various tricks on stage, and then they climb the trees to demonstrate how they harvest coconuts; a feat for which the area's monkeys are uniquely skilled.

Southern Thailand is home to a great many species of snakes, many of them venomous. The mountains of Samui have their share. The bite of a full grown king cobra for example can bring death within one half hour. But don't worry! They are extremely reclusive, and chances are tiny that you will come in contact with one anyplace but at this attractions' two shows a day, where they are handled by capable and "death defying" trainers. Located in the southwest on the 4170 ring road.

Built into a hillside covered with netting, vividly colored tropical butterflies can be seen along the serpentine footpath. In the southeast corner opposite the Central Samui Village resort.

A pair of male water buffaloes are pitted against one another in what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. This widely loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the island, where banners are displayed days in advance.

Like sumo, the elaborate and theatrical preparations are an important part of the show, after which the animals are set loose to glower and paw the ground. Finally they lock horns and the crowd goes wild. The show at the edge of the ring is just as entertaining as the one within. The first beast to turn and run away is the loser, and so are some punters in the crowd.

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. Also on display are some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this newly-opened attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. Also on display are some Bengal tiger cubs and leopards.