Gay Koh Saumi: A Gay Thailand Must Visit

[TotallyOz]

Koh Samui is a unique Thailand experience. Far smaller than the mainland city of Bangkok, the islanders are still adapting to the modern influx of tourists. As recently as the 1980s there were almost no western visitors. Today, the island sees thousands of tourists a year, but has still kept in touch with small town island life.

This is not the place to go if you are looking for a typical tourist experience. Rather, it is a great destination when you want to get away from it all, look at the beautiful waters and simply relax.

Most of the Koh Samui population is Buddhist, although there is also a high percentage of Muslims as well.

There are roughly 40,000 full time inhabitants. Not much history is known of the island, as the people are legendary for not keeping extensive written records and follow a “take life as it comes” philosophy that does not leave much room for reflection on the past.

The city name comes from the Chinese word for ‘safe harbor’ and legend has it that these protected waters were often used as a sanctuary by voyagers and fisherman throughout the generations.

Other than tourism, coconut and rubber farming are the main industries and the interior of the island has the densest population of coconut trees of anywhere on Earth.

Most tourists spend their days on the beach, or hiking through the beautiful hills - yet there are other attractions for days when you want to take pictures or learn more about the culture.

There are three main temples that you will want to visit; Wat Samret, Laem Sor Chedi and Wat Khun Aram. Like most temples in Thailand you are asked to dress respectfully whenever you visit and avoid flip flops and bathing attire.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the temples here is that they are home to mummified monks that are more than 20 years old. Monks are revered in Thailand and this is how the islanders have chosen to honor their memory. The monks are still clothed and are amazingly well preserved.

Heaven’s Garden is another popular tourist attraction. Located in the center of the island it was the inspiration of a local artist, Nim Thongsuk, who decided one day to sculpt his vision of the afterlife. All of the sculptures are based on characters from Buddhist scriptures. Some are so small that many people do not notice them at first glance, while some are huge and seem to tower over visitors.

The Secret Hall of Buddhas, located in the temple Wat Samret, will take your breath away. You will have to politely ask a monk to unlock the door for you if you want to see the white marble Buddha that is believed to be at least three centuries old. Surrounding this beautiful icon are dozens of other ancient Buddha images that will delight you.

If you can climb 163 steps you will find four huge footprints of Buddha in the southeast corner of Koh Samui. They are located next to a butterfly garden and once you have made the climb you will be able to see beautiful vistas that make this excursion more than worth the effort.

The northwest corner of the island has a much more eccentric sight - a coconut tree that has naturally grown to look like an eight-headed man. You’ll need to wear strong boots to make it into the woods, but this tree is must for anyone who loves to take pictures to bring back home to their friends and family.

Finally the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are natural creations called the “Grandmother and Grandfather” rocks. The wind has naturally eroded these rocks so that they look like giant reproductions of male and female genitalia!

Due to the crystal clear waters, many people come to Koh Samui to scuba or snorkel and check out the cool coral and exotic fish in the sea. This has become so popular that there now exists a gay only scuba and snorkel outlet - Rainbow Scuba. These guys can set you up with any sort of water adventure you desire, and even offer classes to get you certified so you can scuba. They rent good kayaks as well as scuba and snorkel gear.

Of course, once you have seen the sights and bronzed on the beach during the day, you will want to head out and take advantage of the nightlife. While there are far fewer gay bars and go gos than in the larger cities, there is certainly enough to make any trip worthwhile.

Unlike Bangkok most of the boys that are available work freelance - meaning they are not associated with a particular bar. You will have to negotiate with them on your own, but they should not be any more expensive than typical Bangkok mainland boys.

Who would have thought that great reggae and gay rapstas could be found on an Island in Thailand? If that sounds like your kind of exotic pleasures, the Reggae Pub has it all for any visit you might want to take to the dark side.

Every now and then we get tired of hiring the freelance boys in the various gay bars and simply want to cruise around. When you are in the mood to find some random guys you will want to head over to the Chaweng Beach after dark - this is the local headquarters for cruising and hustlers.

Some people like to come to Koh Samui and explore the island on their own. Other people are more comfortable with a guide and a group of people. While its true that you will not find the variety of gay erotic fun in Koh Samui as you would in Bangkok and Phuket, the establishments that are here should more than suit any of your needs.

Koh Samui is not where you want to go if you are looking to be in a bustling metropolis. Instead, it’s your headquarters when you want to get away from it all, commune with nature and just kick back and take life as it comes.

We’d love to see you there!

cc TotallyOz 2005-2010

[Guest xiandarkthorne]

Thanks for this. I haven't been to Koh Samui in more than 30 years so it sounds like a good time for another visit.

[lookin]

Thanks from me too! Makes me want to go there.

[MsGuy]

Xian, this is a reply to your blog rather than your post here.

Have you considered consulting with a sports physical therapist about your knee pain? A good one might be able to tailor an exercise regimen for you that allow you to successsfully compete in club tennis. Or, if that's not in the cards, he might help you find a more appropriate sport in which you can excel without undue stress on your knees. I get the feeling from reading your blog that tennis is only a means to an end and that your underlying goal is to be recognized as a competent athlete by your friends and family (& those old farts at the club).

However all that turns out for you, you have my best wishes.

[Guest xiandarkthorne]

I've been checking up and if I want to go to Koh Samui, I'll either have to fly south to Kuala Lumpur first and then fly north to the island - or take a van to Hatyai, change to another van headed for Krabi and then take the 'ferry' across to the island - a journey of some fifteen or so hours. There are no flights from Penang to Koh Samui as far as I know. What a pity.

Xian

PS. Flowers, Sorry I didn't see your post earlier. I can't afford a sports therapist - I am a retired writer and simply do not make enough $$$ to consult one in Malaysia. As for being an athlete, that's the biggest joke of all. I have never been an athlete - I have lousy coordination, suffer from nerves and smoke too much to have any real stamina for anything but sex (THANK GAWD for that!).

Where tennis is concerned, it's the only game I ever learned to play; it's one of those games where a well-thought out strategy and reasonably good technique can make up for the rest of my shortcomings against other players of similar or slightly better calibre, and it's more dependent on what I can bring mentally to the court. I don't play it for anybody but me. As far as my family and friends are concerned, I'll always be a loser at any kind of sport. Where I am concerned, I would just like to do it well enough to beat the rest of the old farts at the club...

[axiom2001]

Thanks from me too! Makes me want to go there.

A strong ditto to the above quoted reply!!!!!!!