Located some 84 kilometres east of Suratthani province, Koh Samui, the Coconut Island, is one of the most famous attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 sq.km., Samui is the third largest island of Thailand beside Phuket and Ko Chang (off the eastern coast). It is the main island of a group of islets numbering 48 altogether.

The archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and a natural habitat for seagulls and other birds. Apart from its many lovely beaches and bays, Samui island is famous for its high quality coconuts growing densely everywhere.

Some of the many attractions of Koh Samui Thailand:

Attractions

The un-decomposed corpse of Luang Pho Daeng, a Buddhist monk in Khunaram Temple, is worth watching. After his death 20 years ago, his body has miraculously remained in a perfect condition. He is still found sitting in a meditation posture at the temple situated between Na Muang waterfall and Hua Thanon Village.

The Statue Garden features a number of Buddhist and Hindu statues newly created a few years ago by a local sculptor named Khun Nim. Located near the highest point of Samui Island, the place can be reached by the track opposite Wat Khunaram.

The Eight-Headed Coconut Tree is a rare and exotic coconut species. To witness this tree, you can follow the sign posts on No. 4169 southbound ringroad to Nathon.

Buffalo fighting is an exciting game attracting a large number of spectators, both locals and tourists.It is held monthly, on auspicious occasions and at festivals on the island.

Monkey & elephant shows make you love Samui even more. See how monkeys collect coconuts and prove their other exceptional abilities before a large audience and be impressed by the intelligence and loveliness of the elephants.

Snake shows offer a thrilling experience for its viewers who have to hold their breath when the poisonous reptiles are skillfully caught by a handler with bare hands.

Jungle tours are ideal for adventure lovers. Participants can feast their eyes on pure nature on a mountain on the island. But they are recommended to explore the charms of nature with a guide who knows routes well.

Beaches

Chaweng Beach
This 7-km beach is the longest and the most popular and developed beach on the east coast of Ko Samui. The clean white sand and sparkling water make the place charming. The underwater world is inviting. In addition to numerous accommodations, this pretty beach is packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, bars and discos catering for all types of visitors. There are a number of dive shops on the beach, some of which also organize night dives.

Lamai Beach
The second most popular beach on the island, Lamai Beach is situated to the south of Chaweng Beach. This 4-km beach offers various attractions like health and meditation centres, a cultural hall, a market and dive shops. Especially recommended for a visit is the twin rocks on shore -- Hin Ta and Hin Yai, both grotesquely shaped. All kinds of accommodation, restaurants and places of entertainment are available.

Nathon Bay
This is the island's major settlement on the west coast, where express and night ferries from the piers in Surat Thani arrive and is a shopping centre of the island. A wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts, silks and jewellery are available. It also provides visitors with all necessary facilities -- a post office, banks, a police station, telephone services, and a hospital.

Taling Ngam Beach
Located to the South of Na Thon, this quiet beach is the most beautiful one on the western coast of Ko Samui. It is also a good spot to view the sunset.

Phang Ka Bay
This little beach, close to Taling Ngam, is not good for swimming as the ground is muddy and the water is very shallow. However, the place offers the most beautiful view of sunset on the island, especially in the evening of a summer day when the sky is perfectly clear.

Thong Krud Bay
Located to the South of the island next to Taling Ngam Beach, this bay is not far away from Ko Taen, a good fishing ground of Samui. Though not suitable for swimming, the beach has boat services for Ko Taen.

Choeng Mon Beach
Located 4 km. to the North of Chaweng Beach, this lovely, clean and quiet beach is suitable for those who need a real relaxation.

Bang Rak Beach (Big Buddha Beach)
The beach has derived its name from the 12-metre high golden Buddha, which is the spectacular landmark of the island. It is also a quiet beach with a number of bungalows.

Bo Phut Beach
This beach next to Big Buddha Beach well retains its peacefulness due to the existence of a fishing village and a pier nearby. The waters around here are good for water sports such as water skiing and sailing.

Maenam Beach
Situated next to Bo Phut Beach, this 5-km white beach is one of the most popular spots for holiday-makers. Apart from numerous bungalows and restaurants, there are also dive shops and other water sports facilities on the beach.

Bang Po Beach
The calm sea and coral reefs in this area make it suitable for snorkeling.

Nearby Islands

Koh Phangan
It has an area of about 168 sq.km. and is located about 20 km. to the north of Ko Samui. Here visitors can absorb the charm of nature. The island, with its several secluded beaches and lack of modern amenities, is a good choice for those who find Samui too crowded or too expensive. With rocky landscape