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One of Samui's fastest developing areas, Big Buddha benefits
from its proximity to the airport and Chaweng Beach. It's also
the best place in the north of the island to catch a ferry or
speedboat over to Had Rin on the island of Ko Pha Ngan -
home of the Full Moon Party.
Big Buddha's long sweeping beach is lined with cheap to
mid-price bungalow operations, many of which have excellent restaurants
attached. One of the island's more opulent independent spas,
Ban Sabai can also be found here.
The main road has improved a lot in recent months and now has
several dive shops, numerous supermarkets and many nightlife options.
The long running Secret Garden Festival, which is held every Sunday,
is still a big draw for expats and tourists alike. There are also
now British pubs, such as the Elephant & Castle and Brahms
& Liszt; a sailors' hangout, The BBC; tapas bar Saboey
and a myriad of cheap and cheerful beer bars, all doing their
bit to attract visitors to the area and serve its large expat
population.
Although backpackers still make up the majority of the clientele,
Big Buddha is also now attracting its fair share of small tour
groups and families, who appreciate being within a short distance
of the bars and clubs of Chaweng and the trendy restaurants and
shops of Fisherman's Village, but would rather stay on a quiet
beach, which apart from the occasional kiteboarder, tends to remain
pretty peaceful throughout the day.
Out on a causeway at the northern end of the beach, Wat Phra
Yai houses the statue that gives the beach its name and is the
island's most popular tourist attraction. Twelve metres tall
and located at at the top of a wide staircase decorated with dragons,
it dominates the landscape and attracts visitors from all over
the world. The view from the top of the staircase is brilliant.
A cluster of arty shops, including Farn Shop, which specialises
in hand wrought silver jewellery, surround the temple.
The weekly Secret Garden Festival is a popular draw for expats
and tourists alike. Visiting bands and musicians play
impromptu sessions live every Sunday afternoon from 4p.m. The
sessions often attract a crowd of around 200-300 hundred
people, all in a party mood. Apart from this weekly happening,
the area remains peaceful and relaxing.
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