Thailand Islands Guide, Koh Samui Guide ...

Koh Samui Guide

Koh Samui island of Surat Thani (or Kohh Samui) or many times, Samui, and is known by locals, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, near the mainland town of Surat Thani Surat Thani province. It is the third largest island in Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang, with an area of 228.7 km2 and a population of over 50,000 (2008) attracts 1.5 million tourists per year. It is rich in natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town (9 ° N, 100 ° E). The island is about 25 km at its widest point. It is surrounded by about sixty other islands that comprise the Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park) and include other tourist destinations (Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan).

The central part of the island is an almost uninhabitable mountain jungle, Khao Pom, peaking at 635 m. The various lowland areas are connected by a road and only 51 km runs along the coast to encircle most of the island. The old capital is Nathon, on the southwest coast of the island. It remains the major port for fishing and transport between the islands. Nathon is the seat of regional government, and shopping center real place in Samui. It has a charming pace, and is almost small enough to walk everywhere. The houses along the old Chinese shop street whisper through the exotic history.
Each of the main beaches Samui is now nominally considered as a small town, due to the large number of hotels, restaurants and nightlife that have emerged in recent years.