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 and is literally teeming with tourists. The choice of accomodation is quite overwhelming especially on the bigger beaches like Chaweng. There are also several smaller beaches scattered around the island. 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 paradise on earth.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 read 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.
If you want you can also take a boat trip 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.
