BOPHUT BEACH ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
- KOH SAMUI ATTRACTIONS
There's a lot more to Koh Samui than lounging on the beach or hanging out in bars. For the energetic, activities range from exploring the jungle ganopy by swinging through the trees - not like Tarzan but on a cable - infinitely safer than grabbing a vine...
Go-karting is another option while those looking to see a show can be entertained by monkeys. All this and much, much more.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN BOPHUT
- Bophut Hills Golf Club
Bophut Hills Golf Club is located on Samui Ring Road in the beautiful hillside between Bophut and Chaweng. Opened in 2006 and designed by the famous golf course architect Piraporn Namatra – who also designed Santiburi Golf Course in Koh Samui - Bophut Hills Golf Club is a nine-hole par 27 course offering a challenge to both new and experienced golfers.
Every hole on the course features two sets of Tee – Red (for beginners) and Blue (for experienced golfers) – and the atmosphere at Bophut Hills Golf Club is pretty casual as no particular dress code is required to play. Quality equipment and caddies are available for rental, and the clubhouse is a cosy place for golfers to share their experience around a drink or a meal. Rates are rather affordable: 1,700 baht for the course including rental equipment and caddie (price of April 2014).
Location: on Samui Ring Road, about 1.5km South of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village
Type : 077-430811 or 087-0467307
- Go-Karts
If your competitive spirit rears its head while you're on Koh Samui then why not go Go-karting for the day? Suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders the course is fun and fast. Samui Go-Kart provides everything from instructions to helmets, all you have to do is jump in and go. The course is open from 9am to 9pm every day and located just west of Bophut of the main ring road.
Location: Route 4169, Bophut beach
Tel: 077 425 097
- 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.
Location: look for the theatre on the Ring road between Chaweng and Bophut Village.
- Samui Crocodile Farm Highlights
Crocodiles bred in Thailand come in various sizes, from the very small to hulking specimens measuring up to about five metres long. To train them is clearly only an expert’s job and the thrilling show at Samui Crocodile Farm includes the trainers letting the audience see them up close and personal. Then there’s an act that involves a trainer using a croc as a chair – and all this is done without any protection!
It’s pretty amazing to see someone risk his life with a smile on his face by inserting his head into a croc’s mouth. Afterwards the trainer will let you pet the croc – but only its tail (for obvious reasons).
- Tattoo
There are many tattooists on Samui offering work of varying quality. Although most tend to offer reasonable standards of health and hygiene, its worthwhile making a thorough (sober) assessment of the studio before going under the needle.
Thailand's infamous monks tattoos, which supposedly give the recipient magical powers, are available occasionally at Big Buddha temple - though recent reports suggest that they are a number of health risks associated with this practice, so extreme caution should be exercised.
For anyone seeking a Western tattooist, Tattoo Mania in Bophut Fisherman's Village can be recommended. Run by French ex-pat Esther, who completed a four-year apprenticeship with Khun Nong, one of the island's best Thai tattoo artists, Tattoo Mania offers a full range of traditional, tribal and modern designs, all individually tailored to personal specifications after a consultation with Esther.
Location: Bophut Fisherman's Village
Tel: 089 868 2558
