Koh Samui, also known as 'the island of the coconuts,' is the third largest Thai island, after Phuket and Koh Chang. With jungle covered hills and palm fringed bays, Koh Samui is 22 km at its widest point and 13 km in length, located 700 south of Bangkok. Neighboring islands include Koh Tao, (one of the top diving islands in Asia), Koh Phangan, Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and beautiful Koh Nang Yuan.
A favorite holiday destination for travelers worldwide, Koh Samui offers diving, golf, waterfalls, trekking, beautiful beaches, health retreats, exotic spas and fine dining. A day trip around the island introduces you to small villages, Thai and Chinese temples, old Chinese heritage architecture, lush coconut groves and idyliic seaside restaurants all around the island. Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam.
Before the 70's when backpackers discovered Koh Samui, it was a tranquil home to mainly coconut farmers and fishermen. Since then the island development has been steady, and this up-market paradise is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Thailand, and the spa capital of the region.
Koh Samui can be reached by frequent flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore and direct Samui/Hong Kong, Samui/Kuala Lumpur flights.
