Samui is a great place to visit and it has a list of great things that you can do and see. Among them, a must-visit is the Buddha Footprint in Samui. Artistically engraved, this place has four footprints that are imposed on each other. Located in a modest shine, this Buddha Footprint does not have a sign post, but if you walk up the many stairs, you will eventually find it. On a 150 step hill, this is two kilometres from the turn off at the Butterfly Garden.
What is most interesting about the Samui location is that is houses the world’s most famous mummified monk. Loung Pordaeng, the monk is displayed in glass shrine that is especially constructed for this purpose. Born in 1894, the monk was from a respected family that lived in the Koh Samui local community and was ordained in 1944. When he died more than 25 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position and today he still sits the same way and his body shows almost no sign of major decay. Ordained at the age of 20, this monk in his final seven days of mortal life, spoke to no one, no longer drank or ate and only concentrated on his meditation. He died in the same position that he was in for seven days and remains that way until today.
He face has been fitted with sun-glasses at the temple so that his hollow eyes cannot be seen. When you visit the Wat Kunaram in Samui do not forget to go see the coins and paper money that is displayed, with currencies from the world over. At this temple you can also buy trinkets for you to take away with you. They have amulets of the monk Loung Por Daeng. These are said to bring good luck and fortune, so do not miss out on buying one. Staying in the Samui region is interesting. To take full advantage of the place look for a Koh Samui resort. A Chaweng hotel is a good bet, so check out the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui which is sure to provide a great stay.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.