Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a beautiful island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, amidst azure blue water and an archipelago of small green islands ringed by white sand. Traditionally more of a European haunt, Koh Samui’s allure is its relaxed lifestyle. Buildings are no higher than the palm trees and bars and restaurants are often small and personal. Aside from lying on the beach and the usual water activities, a visit to the monkey school – where monkeys are trained to collect coconuts from the tall palm trees - is always fun.
The markets along the main Chaweng Beach are a must, offering great value as well as a good way to meet the locals. Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island at 247 sq. km., and during the last decade it has become one of Southeast Asia's premier tourist destinations.
Samui sits snugly in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by other island gems like Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao, and is located 84 km. east of Surat Thani, the provincial capital on the mainland. With soft-sand beaches shaded by towering palms, delicious fresh seafood and a vibrant nightlife, Samui has a magical formula that seems to cast its spell on everyone. Many visitors are content to laze their days away on the beach, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the turquoise waters, but for action enthusiasts there are plenty of choices like diving and snorkelling, windsurfing and paragliding, beach volleyball, off-road driving, and other similar activities.
One of the island's most appealing features is the loop road, which makes a 50 km. circuit around the island, giving a glimpse of superb beaches on the north, east and west coasts. It runs past sleepy fishing villages and through seas of coconut palms, passing Samui's most impressive waterfall and tempting turn-offs into the highlands along the way. Other attractions on or near the road include a butterfly garden, a snake show, a monkey-training centre, and health spas dedicated to pampering the body.
There is plenty on Samui to keep even the most jaded traveller happy for a week or two, but for anyone spending even a few days here, an opportunity not to be missed is a trip to the emerald islands of the Mu Ko Angthong Marine National Park, which offers another perspective of a tropical paradise.
Koh Samui is famous for: White sandy beaches, friendly locals and fantastic views and accessibility to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Impressive resorts and health spas. Full moon parties .
Activities
Ang Thong Marine Park
40 islands make up this archipelago. If picture-perfect scenery, blue waters, white sandy beaches & hidden lagoons are your thing, then island-hopping is for you!
Diving
Many operators have opened on Koh Samui and offer competitive packages. The most highly recommended dive spot is Koh Tao (Turtle Island) and its immediate surrounding. This island can be accessed from other nearby islands or from Chumphon, on the mainland.
Temples
The Temple of the Big Buddha is a site worth seeing, especially at sunset. It was built in 1972 on a small rocky island, joined to the north of Samui by a causeway. The 12 metre structure is surrounded by meditation huts, which can be used by visitors for this purpose.
Koh Pha-ngan and Full Moon Parties
20 km north of Samui is a mountainous island, made famous by the monthly full moon parties. Every month on the night of the full moon, thousands of visitors dance from dusk till dawn on the beach. You can buy tickets for your boat ride and party entry in Koh Samui or Bangkok.
Santiburi Golf Course
One of the most stunning courses in all of Thailand, this difficult 18-hole course is not to be missed. For non-golfers, the clubhouse restaurant offers gorgeous views over the outer islands.
Waterfall
If you have the inclination and feel like climbing 1.5km to the top of Samui Island, you will be rewarded with a three-tiered waterfall, Na Muang Falls, as well as fantastic views to the sea.
Elephant Trek
This two-and-a-half-hour tour includes a visit to an elephant camp, to learn about them as well as elephant conservation. Then take a short and unforgettable experience trekking on elephant-back. Also see how monkeys can 
be trained to pick coconuts from a tree.
Snake shows
For anyone fascinated by snakes, a visit to one of the island's snake shows is a must.
The fearless handlers play with deadly species, and offer visitors the chance to get up close and touch their slithery skin.
Monkey shows
The monkeys' famed ability as coconut collectors once formed the basis of Samui's economy. During the performance all their skills are shown to ludicrous effect.
