About Koh Samui
History of Koh Samui
According to the evidence found on Koh Samui Island, historians believe that it was first inhabited by man at most 1,200 years ago. In 1940s, the island was still isolated from the outside world. Those wishing to travel to Koh Samui had to travel from Surat Thani for approximately 6 hours. As in-land transportation was not well established, it took several hours for people to walk through the lush jungles to the beach. It was only in the early 1970’s that Ko Samui became a dream destination discovered by backpackers.
With the development of infrastructure, an increasing number of travelers were attracted to the island. Koh Samui’s concrete ring road was finished in 1973 by the order of the government, passing beautiful beaches around the island and connecting sub-district areas, the road facilitated tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand explored the island in 1980 and realizing the high tourism potential of Koh Samui, a plan to develop and promote tourism on the island was implemented. As a result, it has become and will continue to be a popular tourist destination in Thailand.
Today’s Koh Samui
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. Known as the Coconut Island, Koh Samui is one of the most famous and popular attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 square kilometers, Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang (of Trat Province). The topography of the island is coastal beaches with a mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is a 50-kilometer paved road that encircles the island. Moreover, the area of the island stretches to a group of 48 surrounding islets.
Despite the fast pace of development, Koh Samui has been able to maintain and its charm its classical image of a tropical beach resort fringed by coconut trees. Travelers to the island can enjoy a mixed blessing of vibrant day and nightlife along side with tranquility which can easily be found across different parts of Koh Samui as the archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and a natural den for seagulls and other rare birds. Chaweng and Lamai are Koh Samui’s most beautiful and most popular beaches. Both have a huge selection of accommodations suitable for every budget. Please note that room rates increase during the high season, from December to July, when Koh Samui sparkles. The nightlife of each beach is different: Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while budget travelers are drawn to Lamai. These resorts, as well as Na Thon (Samui’s main town), have internet communications, money exchange and car/motorcycle hire facilities. Other beaches include Choeng Mon, Mae Nam in the north and Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.
About Koh Samui Island
Koh Samui, the beautiful coconut island is the third largest Thai island. The area is about 247 km² 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. Koh Samui also has many sister islands; Koh Tao (one of the top diving islands in Asia) Koh Phangan, Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Ta,n and beautiful Koh Nang Yuan.
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in South China Sea in the Pacific Ocean. The island is an Amphoe or district in the Surat Thani Changwat or province. Samui is divided into seven Tambon or sub districts Maenam, Bophut, Maret, Taling Nam, Namuang, Lipa Noi and Angthong. Koh Samui has been a backpacker’s destination since late 70’s. Today, tourists from the whole world go to this easygoing paradise. It´s located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and inhabited, some bigger as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao Koh Nang Yuan, and Angthong Islands, the National Marine Park.