Thailand’s southern paradise island, Koh Samui is the third largest in the Kingdom and ranks second as most popular island destination. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it is roughly 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km from Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

Samui was home to a small community engaged primarily in fishing and harvesting coconuts. With its lush tropical forests and golden sea sand lined with coconut palm trees, the island quickly gained popularity among travelers. Tourism developments in recent years have made the island a premier destination in Asia: spectacular beaches, luxury 5-star resorts and traditional spa homes, outstanding dining, shopping and a comprehensive array of interesting things to experience and enjoy. Koh Samui includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park and is a kayaking paradise. Mountain trails, waterfalls and strange rock formations abound. To the rest of the visitors, there are courses offered worth your time for learning and pleasure such as scuba diving, Thai cooking, yoga and meditation.

Attraction Spotlight:
Annual Fisherman’s Village Festival
At the end of August, usually the last week, is the annual Fisherman’s Village Festival in Samui. Originally the location of a French quarter, the Fisherman’s Village is one of the most preserved places on the island. Retaining a distinctive feel reminiscent of the Mediterranean, the Festival relates to the boutiques and crafts clustered in the area and within the presence of old wooden shop houses; delighting visitors to experience and sample the surrounding display of local foods, wares and culture and to enjoy 5 days of good music, dining and fun.

Visitor Tips:
~ While affordable and convenient, motorbikes are the cause of numerous accidents and fatalities; always wear a helmet, never drive drunk, and drive defensively at all times
~ Negotiate all taxi and tuk-tuk fares prior to departing for your destination
~ Be careful walking on the beach or swimming at night, particularly if alone
~ Make sure your scuba diving instructor is fully certified
~ Respect Thai value regarding dress: women should not go topless on the beach and men should not walk around shirtless other than at the beach.