Koh Samui Island (Thailand)

Koh Samui Island is located off the east coast of mainland Thailand, in the Gulf of Thailand (Chumphon Archipelago, Surat Thani Province). Ko Samui is Thailand's 3rd-largest island (after Koh Phuket and Koh Chang) with land area approx 229 km2 (88 mi2) and population around 63,000. The isle's hotel occupancy rate is around 73% as the tourists number constantly increases. Abundant white-sand beaches, coconut trees, coral reefs and various tourist resources make the island one of Thailand's most-visited destinations. Ko Samui is visited annually by 2,7+ million tourists.

The island is served by Samui Airport (Bangkok Airways-owned airport) with domestic and international flights linking to China (Hong Kong, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian), Singapore, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya, Chiang Mai).

Island's economy is based on the tourism industry, commercial fishing and export (coconuts and rubber). Regularly scheduled ferries link Koh Samui with mainland Thailand (Surat Thani, approx 35 km / 22 mi to the southwest). Ferries and day-tour boats also link to the neighbouring resort islands (located to the north) Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Four small-sized idyllic islands are located in close proximity to Samui (named Som, Matlang, Taen and Matsum) and each isle has its own tourist facilities. To the west is Mu Ko Ang Thong NP (marine park with 44 islands) accessed from Koh Samui via day-tour boats.

Koh Samui's ferry and cruise ports are two - Nathon (on the above video) and Lipa Noi. Like on most resort islands in Thailand, Koh Samui is popular for resort tourism, scenery (lush jungles of the Khao Pom mountain), luxury hotels, beach resorts, shopping and dining, pristine beaches, snorkelling and scuba diving sites, nightlife. The island is encircled by Route 4169 (51-km / 32-mi long ring road) running all the way along the coastline.

One of the best-known local events is the Buffalo Fighting Festival, held on special occasions - like Songkran and New Year's Day. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, here fighting is comparatively harmless. The fighting season varies to some ancient ceremonies and customs. Buffaloes are decorated with gold-painted leaves and ribbons. Before the contest (lasting 2 rounds), buffaloes are sprayed with holy water.