Butterfly Hill Samui
Thaweerat Phakdi Road, Taling Ngam, Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Gulf of Thailand, 84140
The landscaped hillside grounds at Butterfly Hill in Koh Samui are home to hundreds of colorful butterflies, as well as insects, moths, and bees. Tropical flowers add to the Garden of Eden–like setting, and picturesque views from its hilltop position showcase the island and the sea. Plus, you can take a walk to a nearby waterfall to cool off.
The basics
Have your camera ready to snap pictures of the butterflies at this popular nature attraction. Explore the grounds, which include a netted area housing common and rare butterflies, as well as a bee house where visitors can closely observe a hive and its inhabitants, and an insect museum. You can also take in stunning views of the coast from several observation decks. This is a great activity for families with small children, and it can be done in half a day; you’ll only need a few hours to explore the site.
Things to know before you go
*You can access the nearby Natien Beach easily from Butterfly Hill.
*Remember to wear insect repellent.
*Keep in mind that inside the butterfly enclosure can be hot and humid.
*The on-site café serves drinks and snacks.
How to get there
Butterfly Hill overlooks the southeast coast of Koh Samui and is located near a hill at Natien Beach, opposite the Centara Villas Samui. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, which are found at the end of Lamai Beach. Taxis are readily available in Koh Samui or you can hop on a songthaew, one of the makeshift buses that run along different routes; check with the driver to make sure it’s going in the right direction.
When to get there
Overall, expect the biggest crowds in Koh Samui from December to February, when it’s warm, sunny, and not rainy. March to August is considered hot season, but it’s a good time to visit if you can tolerate the heat. Also, keep in mind when you’re planning your travels that Koh Samui’s climate is different than Phuket and other parts of Thailand.
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks
While this natural attraction may not be considered family-friendly like Butterfly Hill, the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks are very popular and often photographed, thanks to their quirky resemblance to male and female genitalia. They are located along Lamai Beach, which is about 10 minutes from Butterfly Hill by car.
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