Koh Samui
Set in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani and accessible by air from Bangkok, Ko Samui is a tropical isle that vies with Phuket as the country's most popular beach destination. Like Phuket, it combines natural beauty with an exceptionally good standard of hotels, spas and other tourism facilities that afford the luxury, the dining and the entertainment to complete the perfect holiday in the sun. The Kingdom's third largest island, after Phuket and Ko Chang, Ko Samui lies 84 km. from the coast and covers an area of 247 sq. km. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills and coconut plantations, while the coast is dotted with palm-fringed beaches and quiet coves. Given its varied topographical make-up, Samui provides plenty of options for your preferred style of holiday. The most famous beaches are Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast, which are long majestic sweeps of sand, hugely popular and backed by a host of hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and discos. However, if the traveller seeks a quieter scene, the smaller beaches and coves on the south, west or north shores afford tranquil hideaways. Moreover, each locale has its own character and ambience, offering a refreshing change of scenery as one tours the island.Matching the blue of the sea with the green of lush tropical vegetation is Samui's hilly interior, where there is plenty of scope for excursions to such picturesque sights as Na Mueang Waterfall.