Koh Samui forms part of an archipelago of 7 other smaller inhabited islands off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Hainan Chinese settled there 150 years ago and made their income from growing coconuts; this is the reason why the coconut features prominently in the local cuisine. Coconut is still the major export commodity from the Island but in terms of revenue it has long been dwarfed by tourism.

Koh Samui has fairly well managed the growth in tourism that happend in the last 20 years. Building regulations prevent the development of structures higher than the coconunt tree line, which has allowed the Island to retain a castaway atmosphere.

On the northern shore at Bo Put there is a delightful fishing village which has been developed with some excellent restaurants and the close by ‘Big Buddha’ statue is a much photographed attraction; many of our villas are located in this quieter section of the Island.

The Island’s major tourist areas are located on the two largest beaches of the east coast; Chewang and Lamai. Here you can find most of the hotels, internet cafes and more western style restaurants as well as the famous Thai nightlife; more modest by scale but similar by atmosphere to Phuket!

Koh Samui attractions are closely connected to nature. There are waterfalls, monkey forests, scuba diving and the large Ang Thong National Marine Park. The latter is well worth a day out of snorkeling and hiking on remote Islands. More human manufactured highlights include Thai boxing and buffalo fighting.

A golf course is under construction and the Island lacks the yachting facilities which are mushrooming over in Phuket. For self catering there are plenty of good convenience stores, including a large branch of Tescos (a British super market chain), but send the staff out to the local markets for the fish and they will cook you up a feast when they return.

Koh Samui is hard to beat as far as finding a carefree tropical retreat. It has all the facilities for a comfortable holiday and you can still get the feeling that you are more or less on your own.

Koh Samui – Destination Facts