Koh Samui is a tropical paradise island that is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, within the stunning Ang Thong National Marine Park, which was the setting for the film Beach staring Leonardo de Caprio.
At a little over 220 km sq, Koh Samui is the third largest of Thailand’s islands (Phuket and Koh Chang being larger) and is only 15km across. In the center of the island is the Koh Pom Mountain that is largely uninhabited.
The island has in modern times developed into one of the worlds most popular tourist destinations and many of the 50,000 inhabitants work (one way or another) in the tourist industry.
Most tourists arrive in Koh Samui via the airport which is situated in the North East of the Island not far from the major tourist area of Chaweng . There are daily flights from Bangkok airport via the local carriers, Bangkok Airlines and Thai Airways International, with flight times taking approximately 1 hour and costing between 2000 – 3000 baht.
Koh Samui is also well connected with Ferries from the mainland and this cheaper alternative (around 150 – 200 baht) form of transport is a favourite with the many backpackers who visit as part of a Thailand wide tour and ex-pats who work on the island and who earn Koh Samui wages.
Many visitors who come to Koh Samui for their holidays do so for the stunning Koh Samui weather and the spectacular scenery or to partake in the local customs and immerse Koh Samui Culture. With stunning competition Golf courses, easy access to some of the best scuba diving in Asia and a multitude of other sporting activities, the island is a haven for the Koh Samui Sports enthusiast.
So, you’ve spent the morning in the gym, having a jog along Chaweng beach or had a round of golf on one of the many golf courses and now its time for a bit of relaxation, why not indulge yourself in one of the many Spa or Thai Massage parlours or stunning Koh Samui Restaurants? Many of the hotels offer a complete spa and beauty treatment facility with highly trained and skilled staff who will pamper you with a whole range of beauty treatments and relaxation therapy techniques that have been handed down through the generations. These treatments are available at a fraction of the cost that you would pay almost anywhere else in the world.
With stunning white sand the Koh Samui beaches (that in some cases stretch for miles) and the Koh Samui hotels (that can compete with anywhere in the world for the quality and the standard of service they offer), Koh Samui is without doubt one of the most vibrant (you must try the Koh Samui Nightlife) and spectacular holiday destinations in the world and one that should be on anyone’s ‘bucket list’.
