Thailand’s third largest island Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand (bordering the South China Sea in the Pacific Ocean). The island is a district in the Surat Thani province. Koh Samui is divided into seven sub districts (administrative regions): Maenam, Bophut, Maret, Taling Ngam, Namuang, Lipa Noi and Angthong. This beautiful island off south-eastern Thailand is covered with coconut plantations and circled by palm-fringed beaches. It was once an ‘untouched’ backpackers’ mecca, but is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort. Coconuts are still the mainstay of the local economy. The most popular beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai: both have good swimming and snorkelling but are getting a little crowded. For more peace and quiet, try Mae Nam, Bo Phut and Big Buddha on the northern coast. The main town on the island is Na Thon.
Samui was first discovered by backpackers in the 1970’s and much of the island is still covered by lush tropical rainforest and coconut plantations. It’s part of the Ang Thong (Golden Bowl) Marine National Park which encompasses 80 mostly uninhabited islands. Today, tourist from the whole world go to this easygoing “paradise”. It is surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and inhabited, some are larger such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (divers island). Other popular destinations in the area are: Koh Nang Yuan (next to Koh Tao) and the Angthong National Marine Park (located between Koh Samui and the Suratthani mainland).
Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Koh Samui by victoriapeckham
There are a lot of attractions and things to do when in Koh Samui such as: Thai Boxing, Shooting, Go Kart, Bungy Jump, Buffalo fighting, Butterfly Garden and Magic garden to name a few. Koh Samui’s best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.
At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall.
Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Koh Samui by jurvetson
Ongoing developments in the island, including luxury resorts, health spas, international hospitals, international airport, banks, bars, restaurants and a golf course, have made Koh Samui the destination of choice for discerning divers heading to the Gulf of Thailand. Despite the development, Samui still maintains the feel of tropical beach island with an incredible variety of tranquil beaches, and bays around the island.
Have you been to Koh Samui? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits: Koh Samui Sunset by moohaha
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