Koh Samui

The picturesque island of Koh Samui is very rich in natural beauty. Home to about 40000 full time inhabitants, 90% of which are Buddhist. Its beautiful white sandy beaches are fringed with coconut palms and as you move inland through the island you gradually rise to a massive central granite peak which is cloaked in breathtaking virgin rainforests. At 247 sq.km. Koh Samui is the largest of the islands consisting of an archipelago of just over 80 smaller islands with most still remaining uninhabited, these islands form what is known as the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a true paradise for snorkeling and kayaking enthusiasts. At 25 km long and 21 km wide Koh Samui is big enough for the hardy explorer and those looking for a truly challenging adventure destination.

Tourism is now the main industry in Koh Samui overtaking coconut farming and fishing as the main source of income. Although these latter industries have since been surpassed by tourism it is still possible to smell the pleasant aroma of charring coconut on many parts of the island. An abundance of fish served in local restaurants and hotels come from the gulf Surrounding the warm tropical waters of Thailand although an increasing amount Are also imported from elsewhere around the world to keep up with demand.

There are many reasons why people are attracted to Koh Samui, the most obvious one being the stunning long white beaches which after decades of development still remain in pristine condition. Due to the fact that there is height restrictions on new buildings help to preserve the natural beauty of the beaches of this island paradise.

Many people spend the days just lazing on the beach, cold beer in hand just admiring all the beautiful ladies and hunky males sauntering past. There are a certain pair of rocks known as grandmother / grandfather or to the locals as HinTa-Hin Yai which some visitors find amusing for obvious reasons and Bang Rak has a large non-descript statue of Buddha. As you travel inland you will see many waterfalls and the best of these being Na Muang which is definitely a must see and well worth the visit.

Koh Samui is still relatively unheard of but this beautiful island paradise was actually named as one of the top ten holiday destinations and also mentioned as below;

• Koh Samui was mentioned as the honeymoon destination in the 2000 outrageous comedy hit "Meet the Parents" starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.
• Koh Samui was also mentioned in the 2002 box office hit "The Beach" starring Leonardo Di Caprio about a group of young people living on a secret paradise island.
• Koh Samui is also mentioned in Michel Houellebecq's "Platform."
• Koh Samui is featured in the video game Burnout 3 although not mentioned by name. The Big Budda Statue on the island is prominently featured in the game.
• Koh Samui is among 67 global locales listed in Lemon Jelly's song "Ramblin' Man."

Koh Samui " a place for pleasure seekers"

Koh Samui is now a name that is recognized the world over. And rightly so. Every since its discovery in the early 1970's, Koh Samui has continued to seduce visitors with it's tropical beaches and friendly people.

Go for visiting Samui.