About Koh Samui


The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and some 84 kilometers east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometers at its widest point, and 25 kilometers at it's longest. A 51-kilometer ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui's best beaches line on the north, east and west coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai, where generally attractive accommodations can be found. Other beaches include Choeng Mon, Lipa Noy, Mae Nam in the north and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall.