Koh Samui was the first of Thailand’s beach islands to be discovered during the late 60’s and the early visitors came back with descriptions of an exotic paradise isolated from the rest of the world. Today Koh Samui has changed dramatically and is the most accessible of Thailand’s islands having an international airport, vast hotel complexes and numerous western food outlets.

The once empty paradise beaches are now full during the height of season with package tourists and the towns are filled with bars and restaurants catering for every visitors wish. This increase of package tourism has not completely ruined Koh Samui as it tends to conjugate around the larger towns therefore deserted beaches can still be found but do require the use of a hired scooter.

Koh Samui is a good initial destination for a touring beach holiday of Thailand as Koh Samui has a perfect blend between exotic with home comforts. Koh Samui is a convenient starting destination the islands airport is international and has numerous flights from Bangkok thus reaching a beach is relatively easy and hassle free.

Koh Samui is the second largest of Thailand’s islands covering an area of 228 km with a maximum width of 25km. The island centre is dominated by the mountain Khao Pom which has a summit of 635m, the slopes of the mountain covered by dense forest and is almost uninhabited.

The provincial capital of the Koh Samui is Nathon but the main tourist town is Chaweng with Lamai the much calmer second resort town.

Much of the coast of Koh Samui is covered by the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park which incorporates 42 islands tropical islands. The islands of the nation park are popular day trips from Koh Samui and the seas are teaming with a wide variety of aquatic life.

The primary reason that the tourist trade was attracted to Koh Samui was thanks to the paradise beaches which are dotted around the island, here is a summary of the main beach resorts.

• Nathon - Koh Samui's provincial capital and main port.
• Chaweng - The package tour hub of the island very busy beaches but with the best night life, restaurants and bars.
• Lamai - The back packer resort of the island, probably the best compromise between paradise and amenities.
• Laem Yai - A secluded beach resort on the north west tip of Koh Samui very beautiful
• Mae Nam - A calm beach resort town with a beautiful beach on the north of the island.
• Bophut - traditional a fisherman village and a very laid back atmosphere. laid-back but growing fast
• Bang Rak - The beach resort closest to the Big Buddha on the north east side of the island
• Choeng Mon - Family orientated beach resort but with few budget accommodation options. Only a few miles from Chaweng but files worlds apart.
• Ban Hua Thanon - small southern beach
• Na Khai - A small beach on the southern side of Koh Samui
• Thong Krut - small southern beach
• Laem Set - beach with very dramatic surrounding of boulders and rocks but the sea is too shallow to swim
• Bang Kao - 2 km long golden sand beach to the south of the island but a very quiet almost remote feel.