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 Set
in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani and accessible
by air from Bangkok, Ko Samui is a tropical isle that vies with
Phuket as the country’s most popular beach destination. Like
Phuket, it combines natural beauty with an exceptionally good standard
of hotels, spas and other tourism facilities that afford the luxury,
the dining and the entertainment to complete the perfect holiday
in the sun.
The Kingdom’s third largest island, after Phuket and Ko Chang,
Ko Samui lies 84 km. from the coast and covers an area of 247 sq.
km. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland
comprises forested hills and coconut plantations, while the coast
is dotted with palm-fringed beaches and quiet coves.
Given its varied topographical make-up, Samui provides plenty of
options for your preferred style of holiday. The most famous beaches
are Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast, which are long majestic
sweeps of sand, hugely popular and backed by a host of hotels, restaurants,
shops, bars and discos. However, if the traveller seeks a quieter
scene, the smaller beaches and coves on the south, west or north
shores afford tranquil hideaways. Moreover, each locale has its
own character and ambience, offering a refreshing change of scenery
as one tours the island.
Matching the blue of the sea with the green of lush tropical vegetation
is Samui’s hilly interior, where there is plenty of scope for
excursions to such picturesque sights as Na Mueang Waterfall. There
is also a wide choice of things to do and see, ranging from cultural
attractions, such as the impressive Big Buddha statue, to elephant
shows, butterfl y parks and, not least, a whole host of health spas
offering all kinds of massage and other treatments to rejuvenate,
invigorate and relax both body and mind. With it classic tropical
island looks and splendid range of facilities, Samui really does
fulfil dreams of the ideal escape.
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