Koh Samui island of Surat Thani Province is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town which is Thailand's third largest island, with an area of 228.7 km2 and a population of over 50,000 (2008). Natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees are quite large in quantity in this place.
It is the one of the first Island inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It is shown in the Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. It is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or from the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven". Koh is the Thai word for "island."
In the early 1970s that the first backpackers traveling on a coconut boat arrived on Koh Samui. For years there were no houses in this island .Only few bungalows and a trickle of travelers. In the year 1990s, boats of tourists began to arrive, and since then the island has gained its popularity all over. Samui is now the tourism head of coconuts as the islands main industry.
Main attractions in Koh Samui : It has tempting beach and the sea to enjoy to keep the explores busy. In the daytime there's a variety of sporty things like quad-biking, football golf or Kart racing. Sight seeing are really great. You can enjoy the islands in the night with dining and entertainment that has something for each one of us.These beaches are some of the finest and best in the world, with resorts being directly on the beach. It is geographically found around Lamai. It is ‘9th Best in Asia 2009' Australia Herald Sun newspaper.
There are many more beaches found other than these which are mentioned here “Beaches of Koh Samui: Chaweng Beach,Lamai Beach,Bang Rak Beach,Bo Phut Beach,Mae Nam Beach”.
Koh Samui isn't densely-developed; there are some many activities to explore. The sports like, diving to golf to sailing and kayaking are well known in this place. It offers Thai cooking classes. A gentle trek on the back of an elephant, or a round or two of football golf. There are lots of programmes for the kids. The nature and the environment and activities attract you to visit the place again and again.
