Koh Samui is part of an island group that used to be called Muu Ko Samui, though you rarely hear that term today. It is Thailand's third-largest island, at 247 sq km, and is surrounded by 80 smaller islands. Six of these are Pha-Ngan, Ta Loy, Tao, Taen, Ma Ko and Ta Pao, and are inhabited as well. Not long ago the island attained a somewhat legendary status among Asian travelers, yet escaped the touristic proportions of other similar getaways found between Goa, and Bali. With the advent of the Don Sak ferry, and the opening of the airport which has daily flights from Bangkok, things have been changing. Even though most beaches are crowded with bungalows during high season (December-February, & July/August), it can be difficult to find a place to stay. The port town teems with farangs (foreigners) getting on and off ferry boats,

In addition to the style and attention to detail of each of their upscale bungalows, as well as the beautiful gardens and pool, the most unique feature is the grounds. They brought in a massive amount of dirt in order to build up the land. This has enhanced the beauty, and overall uniqueness, while also serving to eliminate the constant noise from the street.

Samui is an enjoyable place to spend some time. It has some of the best accommodations values in Thailand, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it quite relaxing. Even with an airport, it still has the advantage of being off the mainland, and far away from Bangkok. It certainly isn't posh, but that's the attraction. And it's changing daily.

Coconuts are still the mainstay of the local economy, with millions shipped to Bangkok each month. But, there's no going back to 1971 when the first two tourists arrived on a coconut boat from Bangkok, much to the surprise of a Peace Corp volunteer that had been living on the island for four years.

Samui is different from other islands in southern Thailand, and its inhabitants refer to themselves as chao samui (Samui folk), rather than Thais. They appear even friendlier than the average upcountry Thai, and have a great sense of humor, although those in constant contact with tourists can be a bit jaded.

The island has a distinctive cuisine, influenced by the omnipresent coconut, the main source of income for chao samui. Coconut palms blanket the island, from the hillocks right up to the beaches. Therefore, caution is in order when choosing a hammock, or spot to sun. Many an unsuspecting farang has nearly been the victim of a falling coconut. Also cultivated are the durian, rambutan, and langsat fruits.

The population for the most part is concentrated in the port town of NaThon, on the western side of the island facing the mainland, and in quite a few villages scattered around the island. In Nathon you'll find a Tourist Information office, places to change money, post and telephone, immigration, internet, shopping, and anything else you may need. There is one road that encircles the island with several side roads poking into the interior. The main road is now paved, as is at least one road through the interior. As you drive along, the lush fauna on both sides, encroaches almost up to the pavement.

Samui offers Muay Thai boxing, Waterfalls, Diving, Temples, and excursions to nearby islands, including AngThong National Marine Park. Ang Thong gets its name, Golden Jar, from a lagoon formed by one of the islands. It is a spectacular archipelago of 40 islands dotted with white sandy beaches, small secluded bays, bizarre rock formations, and many caves, large and small. If you climb to the top of a 240-meter hill you can view the whole island group.

Samui has plenty of beaches to choose from, with bungalows appearing at more small bays all the time. Transport has also improved, so getting from beach to beach is no problem. The most crowded beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, both more or less on the eastern side of the island. Chaweng is the longest beach, over twice the size of Lamai, and has the island of Mat Lang opposite.

Both beaches have clear, blue-green waters, and coral reefs for snorkeling, and underwater sightseeing. Both have open-air discos. However, Chaweng is the target of up-market development because of its long beach, and water deep enough for swimming from October to April. Most other beaches, other than the northern part of Lamai, become very shallow during these months.

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