The Elephant Gate

Two life-sized elephant statues marking the entrance to Taling Ngam village on Koh Samui's south-west coast. Built in 1979 at the initiative of the local head monk and completed as an island-wide community project, the gate was later blessed by Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister of King Bhumibol. The statues stand on either side of the road and are visible and photographable from passing vehicles. Open around the clock; free of charge. Worth a brief stop if you're on a west coast drive rather than a dedicated trip.

Highlights