Samui Island, with its ample coconut trees, white beaches and turquoise water, is Thailand’s second largest Island, the size of 229 sq. kilometers.
The island situated in the south east, within the Thailand Bay (shielded from Tsunami) and is considered one of the most beautiful lands in the region, surely the most tropical.
Samui Island is one of the largest tourist centers in Thailand in general and in the south in particular. Of the total of 40 million tourist per year (pre-Corona) that visit Thailand, 10-12% are drawn by the beauty of the island.
Growing coconut trees are still main and only industry on the island.
The rainy season on the Island is from September to the middle-end of December although the tourist season is all year around.
Located 31 km north-west of the island is the incredible natural reserve, Ang Thong comprised of 40 small islands, cliffs, and hidden lagoon. Sailing for half an hour north bound leads to another island, Koh Phangan, the size of 191 sq. km.
Transportation and means of arrival
Koh Samui is served by two international airports, Koh Samui International Airport (USM) and Surat Thani Airport (URT). Dozens of flights go back and forth to Bangkok, Phuket and other Asian cities, and also to Hong Kong, Singapore.
The island has three sea piers and 2 ports for ferryboats connecting the Island with the mainland and with other islands.
A plan was approved to build a marina for yachts on the western-south side of the land, which will serve the entire Thailand Bay, and will make it accessible to richer and well-established tourists. This plan did not materialize due to Tsunami and other Thai government difficulties.
Sites and Activities
In addition to the beauty of the beaches and natural tranquility, Samui Island offers visitors a wide and impressive variety of sites and activities.
Outings – to temples, hiking, mountain bicycles and jeeps to amazing waterfalls and streams.
Water sports, diving clubs to Koh Tao, wind gliding, sailing, speed boats, snorkeling sites and all other water sports (parachute, banana kayaks). Other sports, golf course, Thai Boxing stadiums, shooting Range, physical fitness clubs and more.
Animal farm and performances – elephants, snakes, butterflies, aquarium and more.
Entertainment and shopping areas – nightclubs, shows and discos, shopping centers, tailoring, postal and bank facilities.
Medical services
There are six large and modern hospitals on the Island as well as clinics for plastic and cosmetic surgeries.
The type of tourists visiting the island changed gradually during the years from backpackers to up market tourists, which prefers recreation and tranquility.