Location - Off the eastern seaboard, accessed from Surat Thani. Google Map location.
Ko Saumi, along with Phuket, seems to be the beach resort of choice for package tourists and backpackers alike. This is Thailand's third largest island after Phuket and Koh Chang and is busy the year round, especially during the high season of December/January. The choice of accomodation is quite overwhelming especially on the bigger beaches like Chaweng. There are also several smaller beaches scattered around the island, Maenam and Bophut on the north of the island are quieter.
You can get to the island either by plane from Bangkok and a few other airports, or ferry from Surat Thani.
The island deserves its reputation as a paradise, white sands and warm seas are the norm here, and if you pick the right time of year you are almost guaranteed hot and clear days for the duration of your stay. There is plenty to do on the island itself, if you can drag yourself away from the sun-lounger. Each beach resort has an accompanying town or village selling the usual things. There are many massage parlours offering traditional Thai massage. Also there is a ready supply of internet cafes, bars, restaurants etc. For energetic people there is a go kart track, aquarium, golf course and several buffalo fighting stadiums. For the more cultured there is the Big Buddha and temple at Big Buddha beach, several worn paths for trekking through the interior and a couple of attractive waterfalls.
But be under no illusions that Koh Samui is an unspoilt, peaceful getaway from it all. There are Tesco, Makro and McDonalds stores here (and McDonalds deliver!) and construction of new resorts continues all the time. Koh Samui is an international resort destination with prices to match.
The pier at Bophut beach services boats to nearby Ko Pha Ngan as well as day trips to the Ang Thong National Marine Park where you will see some truly stunning uninhabited islands.
If you take it for what it is, then Koh Samui is a fun destination with great beaches and a lively nightlife and restaurant scene and you'll have a great stay.
