Virtually unknown until a decade ago, Samui Island (in Thai, "Ko" = island) rivals Phuket as Thailand's most popular beach resort. At the same time, this idyllic island remains quite distinct from its sister resort, preserving the natural simplicity of a tropical hideaway. In other words, Ko Samui epitomizes the timeless attraction of sunny palm-fringed tropical beaches.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, on the opposite side of the southern peninsula from Phuket, Ko Samui is part of a true island world, being the largest in a group of more than 80 tropical isles, only four of which are inhabited. Samui ranks as Thailand's third largest island covering an area of 247 sq. km and measuring 21km wide and 25km in length. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills. The rich hues of wild vegetation are dappled throughout with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddies.

Besides fishing, the cultivation of coconuts is the traditional and principal source of livelihood for the islanders, and Ko Samui ships some 2 million nuts a month to Bangkok - they are reputedly the best in the country!

Complementing the sights and the unspoiled natural beauty of the landscape are vignettes of traditional culture. Mostly fisherman and coconut farmers, the islanders pursue lifestyles very largely unchanged, and possess the self sufficiency and easy going ways of a true tropical island paradise.

In spite of easy access, with several flights from Bangkok and Phuket and ferry services from Surat Thani, Samui remains very much away from it all, complete into itself as it has been for centuries. Hence, here is the place to get away from it all and relax in the sun without a care in the world.