Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui Island is a rare gem, preserving the idyllic simplicity of a tropical hideaway. It is characterised by beaches of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters. Here you can delight in a latter-day Robinson Crusoe experience-in comfort.

The island, Thailand's third largest, measuring 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 kilometres in maximum length, is one of a group of more than 80 tropical islands, only a few of which are inhabited. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills. The rich hues of wild vegetation are dappled throughout with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy fields.

Getting there:
Ko Samui (the full name, with koh meaning "island" in Thai) is located some 80 kilometres off the coast of Surat Thani, about 560 kilometres from Bangkok. It can be reached by air from Bangkok, or by ferry boat from Surat Thani town.

Description :
The largest and most developed island of the east coast

Things to do:
Visit fishing villages / Spot strange rocks / Tour Wat and see a 12m high Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) / Splash at waterfalls / Discover one of nature's rarity : an eight heads coconut tree ( 1km north Na Thon, on 4169 ring road, opp.. sea-front road to the post office) / Walk coconut plantations / Buy honey / Learn about snakes, butterflies or other insects / Watch a monkeys or elephant show / Trek on elephant / Bet on cock fights, buffalo fights or Thai boxing events / Walk a Muslim village / Speed on a kart / Enjoy an herbal sauna or massage / Walk Asia's longest aquarium tunnel / Party with 500 other people at Reggae Pub, the most famous night spot at Chaweng / Dream at sunset / Smell tropical flowers /