Koh Samui

The fabulous beaches of Koh Samui have been attracting backpackers for decades. The island – the third largest island in Thailand – is now firmly on the tourist map, with an ever-increasing range of facilities springing up to meet demand. Fortunately planning laws have ensured that development has not been allowed to spoil this popular tourist destination and, although much of the backpacker trade has moved on to neighboring Koh Phangan, Koh Samui is still a highly appealing, laid-back place to visit. Koh Samui has escaped being totally swamped by tourism both because there are no direct international flights and because it is a long way from any large town or city – Bangkok is over 700 kilometers away.

Covering 247 square kilometers, the island of Koh Samui lies 35 kilometers off the coast of Surat Thani.

The central region, comprising almost two-thirds of the island, consists of thickly wooded mountainous terrain, with coconut palms interspersed by gushing streams and waterfalls. The island's main road circumnavigates these highlands and links together the various beach resorts on the coastal plains.

The island's 35,000 inhabitants make their living mostly from fishing and tourism, with the export of coconuts still an important part of the island economy.

Diving around Koh Samui

There are several enjoyable dives to be had around Koh Samui itself, all but one of which are reached by boat. On these local sites visibility is generally low, averaging about 5 meters for most of the year; although this improves during the months May to October, when it increases to an acceptable average of 15 meters. The local dive sites are accessed by boat rides taking 10 to 90 minutes. The best sites in the vicinity of Koh Samui are much further north, and require long boat trips to reach. More experienced divers can enjoy exciting and exhilarating deep wall-dives around the Samran Pinnacles and Sail Rock.