Koh Samui is part of an island group called Mu Ko Samui (Samui Archipelago) of about 80 islands, located 700 km south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is about 247 square km in area and is the third largest island in Thailand. |
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Koh Samui has been settled for about 1500 years and its first settlers were islanders from Hainan Island who farmed coconut and fished. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that Koh Samui escalated to the tourist level similar to that of Pattaya and Phuket. Today the island is visited by all nationalities. During the high seasons (late December to February and July to August), it can be hard to find accommodation, even though there are much more holiday homes for rent on top of the numerous hotels and resorts. |
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Koh Samui has beautiful mountains, stunning beaches and tropical weather, making it a perfect holiday paradise. More and more people are making regular visits every year. The do-as-you-please atmosphere makes the island an attractive tourist destination. |
It is perfect if you want a place without tall buildings and heavy traffic, but where you still can find great beaches, places to eat, bars and even a couple of fine nightclubs. Other activities and places of interests are waterfalls, Thai boxing stadiums, shooting range, go-kart, bungy jump, buffalo fighting, butterfly garden, diving etc.
Some of the well known beaches on Koh Samui are in Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. Most beaches have white sand and are fringed with coconut palms. The 7 km long Chaweng beach is the most developed beach with accommodations of simple bungalows to 5 star hotels. However it can be quite crowded during high season.
Recently designated by the Thai government for special development status, more affluent visitors are arriving in increasing numbers from Europe and North America to enjoy the tropical holiday. With the island's improving air links, a growing number of visitors from nearby Asian countries are visiting Koh Samui as well. Instead of staying in a hotel, many tourists decided to acquire a comfortable holiday home. There is no doubt that with the boom in the real estate market, investors can receive lucrative re-sale profit and rental income.
Evolution - About Koh Samui 
