Koh Samui

Lying some 80 km off Thailand's east coast, amongst the Angthong group of islands is the island of Koh Samui. From the minute you arrive, whether by ferry or air, you will be enchanted by the place. The airport must rank as one of the most beautiful in the world. Its tropically planted gardens burst forth with flowering glory and greenery, year round. The ferry docks lead you straight onto palm fringed shores or quaint villages.

The local population consisting mainly of Buddhist Thais is very friendly. Until the recent arrival of tourism, coconut farming and fishing were the main sources of income. The latter are still practiced though to a lesser extent and the pleasant aroma of charring coconuts can still be smelled on many parts of the island. The fish you'll eat in the many restaurants and hotel dining rooms comes from the surrounding Gulf of Thailand's warm waters.

The largest and most popular beaches on Samui are, Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam. Due to their length although dotted with resorts and hotels, are never too busy. For those looking for a quieter place to spend their holiday or business trip, there are 23 other beaches to choose from.

Entertainment wise, if not a beach or water sports type, there is still a lot to do on this island. There are many Buddhist temples, boat trips, waterfalls and other interesting activities to entertain you.

CLIMATE

Thailand is fast becoming a country to be visited in all seasons due to its opposite weather patterns from the east to west coast. When it's the rainy season in Samui, it's the dry season in Phuket for example.

The 'wet' season is from November to February and temperatures during this time are around the 25-degree mark. Despite the odd shower here and there, there's still plenty of beach weather. In the 'dry', around March through to October, temperatures regularly reach 35 degrees. All in all Samui, like the most of Thailand, is a place for all seasons.