Koh Samui
is a popular resort island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its palm-fringed beaches, lush mountains, and diverse tourist offerings, ranging from luxury resorts to backpacker bungalows.
*Ko Samui (or Koh Samui), often locally shortened to Samui (Thai: เกาะสมุย, pronounced [kɔ̀ʔ sā.mǔj]), is an island off the east coast of Thailand. Geographically in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Ko Samui was granted municipal status and thus is now locally self-governing. Ko Samui, with an area of 228.7 square kilometres (88.3 sq mi), is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket.[2] In 2018, it was visited by 2.7 million tourists
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko_Samui
Attractions include natural sights like the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, waterfalls, local markets, and elephant sanctuaries.
It's a major hub for water sports, with the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park and numerous beaches like Chaweng and Lamai attracting visitors
Geography and location
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket.
The island is characterized by a tropical landscape with a mountain ridge running east to west, dense rainforest, and coconut groves.
It is connected to the mainland by ferry and has its own international airport with daily flights to major cities.
Infrastructure and amenities
Koh Samui has developed significantly since the 1970s and now boasts an international airport, luxury resorts, hospitals, and restaurants.
The local economy is based on tourism and the export of coconuts and rubber.
Environmental considerations
While developed for tourism, there are concerns about the environmental impact of construction on the island's natural palm trees and landscape.
For those interested in conservation, ethical elephant sanctuaries on the island do not permit elephant riding, offering instead opportunities to feed and interact with the rescued elephants.
