Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand. It's just a one and a quarter hours flight from Bangkok.
It is said that the island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from Malaysia and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687. The name Samui is mystery in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or from the Malay word Saboey, meaning "safe haven". Ko is the Thai word for "island".
Until the late 20th century, Ko Samui was isolated, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without major roads until the early 1970s.
In recent times it has become a holiday destination, from luxury quiet resorts to the more lively resorts in the various villages.
The nearby sister islands claim to have world renowned dive sites. Needless to say water sports are available too.
Not just access to great restaurants, bars some nightclubs, it also boasts hotels with pampering spas, which are a fraction of the cost you would pay in the most Western Counties.
Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town and measures some 25 km at its widest point. It is surrounded by about sixty other islands including the Ang Thong Marine National Park National Park and other tourist destinations, such as Ko Phangan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan.
The central part of the island is an almost uninhabitable jungle mountain called Khao Pom, which peaks at 635 metres. The beach areas are connected together by a single circular 51 km road, so easy access around the Island by motor vehicle.
With year round sunshine, the driest time to visit is normally between October to April. Expect day time temperatures are in the early 30's degrees centigrade and night time temperatures are in the mid 20's.
