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, Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang (of Trat Province).

      Despite the fast pace of development, Ko Samui has been able to maintain 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 Ko Samui as the archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and a natural den for seagulls and other rare birds.

 

      Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are Koh Samuis 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 Samui sparkles. The nightlife of each beach is different: Hat Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while single men are drawn to the beer bar culture of Hat Lamai. These resorts, as well as Na Thon (Samui's main town), have communications, exchange and car/motorcycle hire facilities. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

 

      Apart from its many lovely beaches and tranquil bays, Ko Samui is also noted for its high quality coconuts that grow densely everywhere. The best time to visit Ko Samui is from February to April when the sea is calm. The Southern dialect and the standard Thai language are spoken while English is widely understood in tourist areas.

       Chaweng
       The longest, most popular and developed beach on the east coast of Ko Samui, this 7 kilometer beach has clean white sand and sparkling water.In addition to numerous accommodations, this charming beach is packed with restaurants, spas, souvenir shops, bars and discos catering to all the needs of visitors.

       In addition, there are a number of dive shops on the beach, some of which also organize night dives.

       Lamai
       Lamai Beach is situated on the east side of the island, south of Chaweng Beach. Though not as popular as Chaweng Beach, it offers nearly everything that Chaweng does, on a scaled down version. The beach at Lamai is five kilometers of beautiful, crescent shaped, white sand. The beach is lined with palm trees. Lamai beach is the second longest beach on Koh Samui and the water here is deeper, clearer and sometimes rougher than Chaweng. There are some interesting rock formations at the southern end of the beach called Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother rock). It is also a home of health spas.

       Bo Phut
       The beach at Bo Phut is three kilometers long and is white smooth sand. Water skiing and other water sports are popular here. Swimming is best at the eastern part of the beach, as there is a lot of seaweed and algae in the bay. It is known for its charming, quaint and romantic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking privacy, and quiet.

       Maenam
       Located fairly close to the port of Nathon, Maenam beach had some of the first bungalows on Koh Samui. The beach is a four kilometer stretch of firm, clean sand and sparkling water. Maenam is located on the north side of Koh Samui, east of Bang Po.

       Choeng Mon
       East to Big Buddha Beach and on the northeast corner of Koh Samui is Choeng Mon Beach. It is actually on the eastern side of the island and therefore enjoys calmer water on its one kilometer long, sandy beach. Because this beach is so remote, it is very peaceful and quiet. The accommodation is mainly large resorts, with some water sports.