Thai and Buddhist culture have a strong reverence for banyan trees, often believing the trees house powerful spirits. Like most of Thailand, banyan trees also exist on Koh Samui. Viewing one of these trees in person is a stunning experience that should not be missed.
Koh Samui is a large and mountainous island dominated by jungles. All its towns and cities are located along the periphery, near the shore, which makes getting from place to place with taxis an expensive task.
The most economical way to get around is by choosing a car hire in Koh Samui with Drive Car Rental. With car keys in hand, you can see a banyan tree while relishing the history and facts below about this plant and its connection to Thai culture.
What Is a Banyan Tree?
A Banyan tree is a large tree in the ficus family. It begins by growing a large central trunk; branches then sprout out with leaves and tiny thread-like vines. When these vines reach the ground, they take root and create a new trunk that can grow as wide as the original.
Banyan trees have deep historical and religious significance throughout Southeast Asia. Both Hindus and Buddhists worship banyan trees, as their religious significance goes back millennia. They are often associated with vitality and immortality, thanks to their ever-growing nature. Under ideal circumstances, these spectacular giants can live for up to 500 years.
Cultural Significance for Thai People
Even without the religious undertones, Thai people have long loved the banyan tree for its ability to create a vast canopy of shade. In the searing tropical sun, these trees offer a place to rest and respite from the weather.
It’s not uncommon to find street vendors or even small markets set up under banyan trees to keep their products safe from the heat. They can also be used as gathering places for ceremonies, meetings, and celebrations.
In Buddhism, all living beings deserve respect–especially the elderly; this includes people, animals, and trees. In some cases, ceremonies are held, and a colourfully-wrapped banyan tree is formally ordained as a Buddhist monk. Because of this, many Buddhist temples have banyan trees on their property.
Sometimes, banyans are planted after a temple is built. Other times, the temple location was chosen because a banyan tree was already present. This further signifies the deep cultural roots of this sacred tree.
Banyans on Koh Samui
While no single banyan tree on the island tops the list of sites to see, they can be found all over Koh Samui and Thailand from north to south. Their key feature is their hundreds of vines reaching for the ground. Look for them by the side of the road, at temples, in parks, and near important landmarks.
Don’t be concerned if there are full bottles of soda, small plates of food, or other items like tobacco or incense near the banyan–these are left as offerings for the spirits that inhabit the trees. These offerings can also often be seen on the platforms of the many small spirit houses that dot homes and businesses around Thailand.
Explore Koh Samui with Drive Car Rental
Drive Car Rental has an office located conveniently at Koh Samui airport. From there, travellers can fly in and drive away. The Fisherman Village in Koh Samui is just a few minutes’ drive away, making for a serene first stop on this beautiful island. When it’s time to move on to the next destination, the Koh Samui ferry to Koh Phangan runs several times a day. It can also deliver you back to the mainland.
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, Drive Car Rental has the right vehicle for you. For those planning to stay long-term, we also offer monthly and annual rental rates at steep discounts. Browse our full selection today and see how much you can save by choosing Drive Car Rental!