Koi Samui at a glance:

Koi Samui, the island of a million coconut palms, is one of the most popular islands in Thailand offering quiet getaways and not-so-quiet if that's what you're looking for! Koi Samui is the most tropical island in Thailand, where you can still find everything from a simple beach hut to the most luxurious hotel. The architecture blends well with the island, as nobody is allowed to build buildings higher than the palm trees. Samui offers the right level of activity for everyone - from taking it easy on the beach or enjoying a beachside massage to spending a day in one of the luxurious spas to climbing the highest hill on the island and taking a refreshing shower under a waterfall while overlooking thousands of coconut palm trees and small distant island - Samui truly is Paradise.

Bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani is the largest province in the South with an area of 12,890 sq. km and a population of 850,000. It was formerly known as Kanchanadit and then Chaiya. Its present name was bestowed by King Rama VI (1910-1925) who visited the town in 1915 and was impressed by the high moral standard and devotion to Buddhism of the local people. He therefore created the name Surat Thani, which means the City of Good People, for the city. As there are many islands along its coast, Surat Thani is also known as the Province of a Hundred Islands. Of these, the best known today is Koi Samui, the Coconut Island, which has become a popular resort for both Thai and foreign tourists. With an area of 247 sq. km, Koi Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after 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 fisherman and a natural habitat for seagulls and other birds. Samui island is famous for its high quality coconuts growing densely everywhere. The best time to visit Samui is from February to April during which the sea is calm. The most important choice is where to stay. We recommend you stay on Chaweng beach, the most popular and busy beach.