Located in the Gulf of Thailand, on the opposite side of the southern peninsula from Phuket, Samui is characterized by quiet beaches of powdery white sand, deserted little coves, balmy waters and a lush green hinterland of coconut plantations and rice paddies. Here is the place to get away from it all and relax in the sun without a care in the world.
A WORLD APART
Located 84 kilometers off the Surat Thani, about 560 kilometers south of Bangkok, Ko Samui ( ko means “ island in Thai) is part of a true island world, being the largest in a group of more than 80 tropical isles, only four of which are inhabited.
Samui ranks as Thailand’s third largest island, covering a total area of 247 square kilometers and measuring 21 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers in maximum length. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills. The rich hues of wild vegetation are dappled through out with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddies. Besides fishing, the cultivation of coconuts is the traditional and principal source of livelihood for the islanders, and Ko Samui ships some two million nuts a month to Bangkok- they are reputedly the best in the country.
DREAM BEACHES
The island’s two major beach locations are Chaweng and Lamai, both on the east coast. Stretching for 6 kilometers and a classic tropical beach in all respects, Chaweng is the most popular and offers a wide range of facilities. Lamai, a few kilometers to the south, is similarly picturesque.
On the north side of the island, Bang Por, Bor Phud and Mae Num Beach are very quiet and largely untouched. Other peaceful settings are nearby, including Big Buddha Beach, a small bay with views of two offshore islands, one topped by a large seated Buddha. On Samui’s northeastern tip is the attractive Choeng Mon Beach.
The western and southern coasts offer a pleasing contract to the classic beauty of Samui’s north and eastern beaches, and are typified by a number of quiet and pleasantly isolated coves and bays.
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