Ko Samui or Koh Samui, also often locally shortened to Samui (Thai: เกาะสมุย, pronounced (kɔ̀ʔ sā.mǔj)) is a cosmopolitan melting pot, attracting budget travelers staying for a month or two in simple beachside bungalows, to one of the many luxurious resorts or villas on Koh Samui’s many white sand beaches for a weekend for the wealthiest vacationers. It is an island off Thailand’s east coast. Geographically, it is part of the Surat Thani Province in the Chumphon Archipelago, while Ko Samui was granted municipal status in 2012 and is now self-governing locally. Ko Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, with an area of 228.7 square kilometers (88.3 sq mi).
Nearby islands from Koh-Samui
The Ang Thong (Golden Bowl) Marine National Park, which includes 80 largely uninhabited islands, is part of Samui. The island was possibly first settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern China around 15 centuries ago. Under the name Pulo Cornam, it appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687. Recent innovations have made Koh Samui the destination of choice for more than 2 million visitors each year, including luxury resorts, health spas, four international hospitals, an international airport, banks, restaurants, and golf courses. Ko Samui was an isolated, self-sufficient group until the late-20th century, having no interaction with Thailand’s mainland. Until the early 1970s, the island was without roads, and the 15 km (9.3 mi) journey from one side of the island to the other could entail a full-day trek through the central mountain jungles.
From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach to the timeless feel of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village to the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Ko Samui is exclusive among Thailand’s islands in maintaining a broad appeal for everybody. Its economy now could be based totally on a successful tourist industry, yet as exports of coconut and rubber. Economic development brought not only prosperity but also important changes to the climate and culture of the island. Koh Samui has a population of approximately 300,000,000 and is mainly dependent on the prosperous tourism industry, as well as coconut and rubber exports.
Beach view at Koh-Samui
Ko Samui is within the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E). It’s the foremost significant island within the Chumphon Archipelago. The island measures some 25 kilometers (16 mi) at its widest point. There are 44 other islands to the far west, which together make up Mu Ko Ang Thong Park, accessible from Ko Samui by a day-trip boat tour. Koh Samui’s most popular beach is Chaweng Beach. With its 7-kilometer white-sand beach, water sports, entertainment venues, and shopping facilities, as well as a fabulous selection of dining options, this is undoubtedly Koh Samui’s most popular tourist area; the attraction is easy to see.
Lamai Beach is the second most popular and most beautiful beach in Samui and is slightly smaller and quieter than Chaweng. Lamai beach is a gorgeous crescent of palm-fringed powdery white sand that is suitable for sunbathing the day away and a deep central stretch of water perfect for swimming and watersports. There is mainly tropical jungle in the central part of Ko Samui, including its largest mountain, Khao Pom, peaking at 635 meters (2,083 ft). Route 4169, which is a 51 kilometer (32 mi ) long road encircling the island, links the numerous lowland and coastal areas. From Route 4169, several other concrete roads branch off to serve other areas.
Sunrise, Ko Samui
Maenam Beach’s tranquility continues to attract those in search of peace and quiet, maintaining its ancient Samui character. The house of both backpackers and well-heeled visitors is Maenam. Some of the most pricey new deluxe resorts in Samui can be found here. The growth of tourism in Ko Samui has resulted in the construction of island resorts, bungalows, and luxury private villas. More Asian tourists and families are seeing a steady change in demand, but Germany, the UK, and Thailand have been the top three source markets, which contribute a combined 27 percent share.
Angthong National Marine Park was developed as a national park in 1980, consisting of 42 islands with limestone massifs, tropical rainforests, secluded beaches, and wildlife. The park in Koh Samui is also known as the Golden Basin and is famous for sports such as snorkeling, biking, and swimming. Ko Sam Sao, Ko Prayad, Ko Hin Dap, and Ko Kha are related islands in the vicinity. About 2,700,000 visitors a year are hosted by Ko Samui.
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