Koh Samui

Ko Samui, Thailand‘s second-largest island after Phuket, is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Surat Thani town. It is a tropical utopia. Ko Samui, with a land area of 228.7 square kilometers and a population supporting a thriving tourism business, has grown to be a major Southeast Asian destination getting 2.7 million visitors in 2018 alone.

Found in Surat Thani Province, Ko Samui is a part of the Chumphon Archipelago. Rising at 635 meters above sea level, Khao Pom rules the rich, tropical jungle inside the varied island. The rich center of this island boasts a variety of species that accentuate the natural beauty of the land. Acting as the main path for trade and transportation, a 51-kilometer road circles the island linking the lowland and coastal areas around this central highland.

Along the coast of the island, there are several beaches with different appeal and character. Among the most well-known are Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Maenam Beach, and Choeng Mon Beach, which offer visitors glistening waves and perfect sands. Ko Samui is among the top beach locations in Thailand thanks in great part to these seaside gems.

Ko Samui was first known as a modern tourism destination in the late 1970s, hence it is a rather new travel destination. From a sleepy coconut farming community to an elegant resort island, the island has changed dramatically since then. This change has been marked by rapid infrastructure development—including the construction of hotels, resorts, and luxurious villas—to manage the growing number of visitors.

Samui Airport, a private facility owned and run by Bangkok Airways, has greatly enhanced the island’s accessibility. From its opening in 1989, the airport has been crucial in connecting Ko Samui with both mainland Thailand and other countries. The airport has received an Environment Impact Assessment Award for its environmental awareness with its creative design using regional materials and an outdoor cooling system.

Getting around Ko Samui and to surrounding islands is simple with a system of ferries, buses, and taxis. Public buses depart a central station north of Nathon, the former capital of the island, from which car and passenger ferries link the island to the mainland at Don Sak. For intra-island travel, both visitors and residents rely on songthaews, an unofficial bus service, and private taxis—which offer set-rate trips to various sites.

The travel business of Ko Samui has expanded at an amazing pace. By 2013, the island boasted 17,479 hotel rooms; by 2015, 459 more. The growing demand from a diverse range of visitors—including more Asian families and travelers—is what fuels this expansion. Germany, the UK, and Thailand combined account for 27 percent of all arrivals; these three countries have consistently ranked highest for visitors to Ko Samui.

For Ko Samui, the travel business has a big financial influence. In 2017, the island attracted almost 2.5 million foreign visitors—a notable increase over the year before. Industry estimates show that each day visitors to Ko Samui spend between 7,700 and 8,200 baht, significantly boosting the local economy.

Together with its natural beauty, Ko Samui offers visitors a rich cultural experience. Many remarkable sites on the island emphasize its spiritual value and cultural legacy. Among Ko Samui‘s most identifiable buildings is the Big Buddha Temple, sometimes known as Wat Phra Yai. The focal point of the temple is a massive, 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue positioned in the lotus form, a sign of peace and wealth. Apart from serving as a spiritual center, this amazing monument gives visitors broad views of the surroundings.

Another unique view that enthralls visitors are the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. These naturally occurring rock formations, sometimes known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, have become well-known because they resemble male and female genitalia. Apart from their geological relevance, these formations are connected in local folklore with fertility and good fortune.

Expanding Ko Samui‘s infrastructure is a topic of ongoing discussion as the island keeps attracting tourists. An 18-kilometer bridge to link Ko Samui to the mainland Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is under consideration by the Thai parliament. Proponents of this ambitious project claim it would strengthen the economy of southern Thailand and maybe generate fresh chances for development and tourism.