Koh Samui

Ko Samui (or Koh Samui, Thai: เกาะสมุย) is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town. It is Thailand's second largest island, with an area of 228.7 km² and a population of 47,874 (2006). Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35km northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E). It is surrounded by about sixty other islands, most of which comprise the Ang Thong National Marine Park, but also include other tourist destinations Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan.

Samui is mostly visited by holidaymakers wanting to "get away from it all", so its main appeal is its white beaches and warm sea, and it has plenty to choose from.

Koh Samui, the beautiful island of the coconut trees, is the third largest Thai island. (Only Phuket and Koh Chang are bigger) The area is about 247 square km's and it is located 700 km south of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province. Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. Samui also has many sister islands; Koh Tao, (one of the top diving islands in Asia) Koh Phangan, Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and beautiful Koh Nang Yuan. The town on Samui is named Nathon. You will find banks, post offices, restaurants, stores and shops here, but it's is not a place where so many people choose to stay at. Nathon also has a rather long pier where boats from mainland of Thailand arrives.

Koh Samui is not a place where you will find the "most famous" Buddhist wats (temples) or statues etc. I would prefer Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Chaing Mai, Sukhothai or Ayuthaya. And if you are looking for really big hotels and a busy nightlife, I would prefer Patong beach in Phuket or maybe Pattaya. But Koh Samui is perfect if you want a place without really big hotels, resorts and discotheques, but where you still can find great beaches, places to eat, bars and even a couple of fine nightclubs. Most people who has visit Koh Samui wants to come back and some returns again and again. You will not find a "Niagara looking" waterfall on Samui, but it can be a nice experience anyway.

• Na Muang waterfall is located about 10 km south of Nathon. It is about 80 m high. You have to walk for a while to get here. • Hin Lad waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town. Take a walk in the forest and enjoy a soft drink or why not a refreshing Thai beer afterwards The Island of Koh Samui is a tropical gem located in the warm blue waters off the country's south-eastern seaboard. It is the Kingdom's second largest island after Phuket. Relatively unknown for years, this sun lover's paradise has now attained international standards of service and accommodation. Fortunately, it has also earned a reputation for retaining its friendly image as well as natural environment.

Easy to reach from Bangkok, Phuket or overseas, Koh Samui is literally covered with coconut trees and bougainvillea, which in turn are surrounded by white sandy shores and stunning turquoise seas. Whether you're looking for remote beaches, great shopping, delicious dining or an exciting nightlife, you'll find it on Koh Samui!

Wat Phra Yai is a more than 12 meter tall Buddha statue, first built in 1972. It is located on a small island but today connected with main land with a bridge. Please show respect and wear proper clothes and shoes while visiting. This is not just a tourist attraction, but also an important Buddhist symbol for the local Thai people here. In 2005 and 2006, Big Buddha has been extended with a Dharma wheel and a traditional Suphannahong boat. Samui also has a number of other impressive temples, including Wat Khunaram, where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditating position, is on display.