Koh ("island") Samui is just 21kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. It has a forested hinterland of granite and limestone hills and the shoreline is made up of palm-fringed beaches and bays, the best spots being Chaweng and Lamai, where you can find attractive accommodation, good restaurants and bars. Bo Phud and Mae Nam are other popular beaches.

Samui's other attractions include coral beds at Laem Sed and Tong Takien; the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls; the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle in Plai Laem Bay; and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

Two hours northwest of Samui is Mu Ko Angthong National Park, a group of 40 islands where spectacular limestone formations, caves, lagoons and beaches can be found. The most attractive islands include Ko Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow island), Ko Mae Ko (Mother island), Ko Prayat (Economical island), Ko Sam Sao (Tripod island), Ko Nai Put (Mr. Put's island) and Ko Wua Te (Kicking Cow island).

Getting to and from Samui has never been easier or more pleasurable. By ferry you disembark directly onto palm-fringed beaches or at rustic Asian villages. While by air you arrive at an airport that ranks in charm and floral splendour among the finest in the world.

From the moment you arrive on a Bangkok Airways flight or aboard a ferry, the tropical beauty of this island begins to spin its spell of enchantment.

Abot Samui / Island Dicoveries / Thing To Do / Place To Go / Wats To See / Getting There