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Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang and one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world.
Koh Samui, Thailand or often, simply Samui as it is referred to by locals, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town. Koh Samui has an area of 228.7 km2 and a population of over 50,000 taken in 2008. It is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. . In recent years it has developed into a tropical beach resort but still has maintained its original charm and has everything to offer - from coconut tree fringed beaches to tropical jungles to a vibrant nightlife. Popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut & Maenam located around the island. The island measures some 21 kilometers at its widest point, and 25 km at its longest. The island is roughly circular in shape, and is only 15 km across. Almost small enough to walk everywhere if so inclined the central part of the island is an almost uninhabitable mountain jungle, Khao Pom, peaking at 635 m. The various lowland areas are connected together by a single 51 km road, running mostly along the coast to encircle the bulk of the island. Koh Samui, Thailand is one of the islands including about 60 others that compose the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park.
The old capital is Nathon, on the southwest coast of the island. It remains the major port for fishing and inter-island transportation. The capital of Koh Samui, Nathon has still preserved its charm as a harbor town and is scattered with all kind of shops, markets, banks and restaurants Nathon is the seat of the regional government, and the true commercial hub of the Samui locals. It has a charming pace, and is almost small enough to walk everywhere. The old Chinese shop houses along the middle street whisper of an exotic history.
During the early 1990s, boats of tourists began to arrive, and since then the island has soared in its popularity. Samui has now progressed to be the second most popular island destination in Thailand, after Phuket. Ko Samui is an oasis of natural beauty, with white sandy beaches, impressive coral, luscious lagoons, gorgeous waterfalls, swaying coconut trees and sparkling clear water. Tourism has raised above exporting of coconuts as the islands main industry. There are many retirees living on Ko Samui, thus making it a popular destination for retirement in Thailand. This is mainly due to the climate, natural surroundings, and ease of living on the island.
Accommodations range from bungalows and villas to 5 star boutique resorts for your traveling pleasure and are suitable for all budgets. Restaurants of all flavors tempt for delectable wining and dining and spas and massage facilities for rejuvenation and renewal. Activities include elephant trekking, biking, golfing, diving, sailing, fishing, canoeing and just about anything else you can think of. There is to see and do, like visiting waterfalls, temples and jungles as well as a butterfly garden, tiger zoo and aquarium, monkey theatre, snake and crocodile farm and a tropical zoo to name just a few. Day tours to the neighbor islands and the Angthong Marine National Park are well worth attending. There are direct flights to the Samui airport from Bangkok, Singapore and Hongkong as well as ferry services from Suratthani makes Koh Samui, Thailand easy accessible by various routes.
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