Koh Samui

Introduction
The magical island of Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 80 Km off the coast of Surat Thani and about 560 Km south of Bangkok.

The island is Thailand's third largest, measuring 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 kilometres in length. It is one of a group of 80 tropical islands, most of them deserted. A mountain ridge runs across Koh Samui from east to west and most of the interior is forested hills. The rich hues of wild vegetation are seen throughout, interspersed with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy fields.

The local population, a mere 40,000 people, consists mainly of Buddhist Thais, and is very friendly. Until the recent arrival of tourism, coconut farming and fishing were the main sources of income, and both are still important on the island today. The seafood you enjoy in the many restaurants and hotel dining rooms around the island will most likely have been caught fresh that very day, caught in the rich surrounding waters.

The largest and most popular beaches on Samui are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. But for those looking for a quieter place to spend their holiday or business trip, there are another 20 or so beaches to choose from.

As for activities, there is something for everyone. Sun worshippers and Watersports enthusiasts will be in heaven on Chaweng beach, whilst culture fans and nature lovers can fill their time visiting temples, trekking in the jungle or learning Thai arts such as cooking and massage.

Koh Samui is a rare gem in the Gulf of Thailand, offering modern amenities and activities, yet conserving the idyllic simplicity of a tropical hideaway. Powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await you, as do the welcoming Thai people, an embodiment of a rich and tolerant culture every bit as beautiful as the island itself.

View Koh Samui map and Villa locations

Getting There And Around
The easiest and fastest way to reach Koh Samui is by air from Bangkok, Phuket or Singapore with Bangkok Airways, the only airline to serve Koh Samui. On arrival, you will find out why Samui airport ranks as one of the most beautiful in Asia and beyond. Its tropically planted gardens burst forth with flowering glory and greenery all year round, whilst the terminal buildings consist mainly of traditional wooden structures. There is no mistaking that you've just arrived in a tropical paradise. A 50-kilometre ring road skirts Samui's coastline, giving ready access to all of the beaches and the modest administrative centre of Nathon, with its beachside huddle of houses, shops and restaurants. It takes a good hour to drive around the island, not counting the many stops you'll want make at the beautiful beaches or sojourns along the inviting tracks that lead into the island's jungle interior (be aware that all of the rough trails crossing the mountainous interior are strictly 4WD or dirt bike trails).

The easiest and fastest way to reach Koh Samui is by air from Bangkok, Phuket or Singapore with Bangkok Airways, the only airline to serve Koh Samui.

On arrival, you will find out why Samui airport ranks as one of the most beautiful in Asia and beyond. Its tropically planted gardens burst forth with flowering glory and greenery all year round, whilst the terminal buildings consist mainly of traditional wooden structures. There is no mistaking that you've just arrived in a tropical paradise.

A 50-kilometre ring road skirts Samui's coastline, giving ready access to all of the beaches and the modest administrative centre of Nathon, with its beachside huddle of houses, shops and restaurants. It takes a good hour to drive around the island, not counting the many stops you'll want make at the beautiful beaches or sojourns along the inviting tracks that lead into the island's jungle interior (be aware that all of the rough trails crossing the mountainous interior are strictly 4WD or dirt bike trails).