Located some 84 kilometres east of Surat Thani province, Ko Samui, the Coconut Island, is one of the most famous attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 sq.km., Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Ko Chang (off the eastern coast). It is the main island of a group of islets numbering 48 altogether.

The archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and a natural habitat for seagulls and other birds. Apart from its many lovely beaches and bays, Samui island is famous for its high quality coconuts growing densely everywhere. The best time to visit Samui is from February to April during which the sea is calm. Here are some fascinating attractions of Ko Samui.

Chaweng Beach

The underwater world is inviting. In addition to numerous accommodations, this pretty beach is packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, bars and discos catering for all types of visitors. There are a number of dive shops on the beach, some of which also organize night dives.

Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach (left), Hin Ta and Hin Yai (above)

The second most popular beach on the island, Lamai Beach is situated to the south of Chaweng Beach. This 4-km beach offers various attractions like health and meditation centres, a cultural hall, a market and dive shops. Especially recommended for a visit is the twin rocks on shore -- Hin Ta and Hin Yai, both grotesquely shaped. All kinds of accommodation, restaurants and places of entertainment are available.

Na Thon Bay
This is the island's major settlement on the west coast, where express and night ferries from the piers in Surat Thani arrive and is a shopping centre of the island. A wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts, silks and jewellery are available. It also provides visitors with all necessary facilities -- a post office, banks, a police station, telephone services, and a hospital.

Taling Ngam Beach
Located to the South of Na Thon, this quiet beach is the most beautiful one on the western coast of Ko Samui. It is also a good spot to view the sunset.

Phang Ka Bay
This little beach, close to Taling Ngam, is not good for swimming as the ground is muddy and the water is very shallow. However, the place offers the most beautiful view of sunset on the island, especially in the evening of a summer day when the sky is perfectly clear.

Thong Krud Bay
Located to the South of the island next to Taling Ngam Beach, this bay is not far away from Ko Taen, a good fishing ground of Samui. Though not suitable for swimming, the beach has boat services for Ko Taen.

Choeng Mon Beach
Located 4 km. to the North of Chaweng Beach, this lovely, clean and quiet beach is suitable for those who need a real relaxation.

Bang Rak Beach (Big Buddha Beach)
The beach has derived its name from the 12-metre high golden Buddha, which is the spectacular landmark of the island. It is also a quiet beach with a number of bungalows.

Bo Phut Beach
This beach next to Big Buddha Beach well retains its peacefulness due to the existence of a fishing village and a pier nearby. The waters around here are good for water sports such as water skiing and sailing.

Mae Nam Beach
Situated next to Bo Phut Beach, this 5-km white beach is one of the most popular spots for holiday-makers. Apart from numerous bungalows and restaurants, there are also dive shops and other water sports facilities on the beach.

Bang Po Beach
The calm sea and coral reefs in this area make it suitable for snorkeling.

Hin Lat Falls
This falls is located at the end of Route 4172, 3 km. south of Na Thon. Surrounded with palms, ferns and creeping plants, Hin Lat provides a few natural pools for bathing. To enjoy a more peaceful ambience, visitors need to walk for 2 km. to reach the top level.

Na Muang 1 Falls
This large scenic falls, about 11 km. to the south of Na Thon, flows from a steep cliff about 40 metres high and 20 metres wide. Its large pool below is inviting but visitors should be careful about the numerous boulders underwater.
Elephant back riding is provided by nearby tour agents.

Na Muang 2 Falls
Just 100 metres from Na Muang 1, this falls is comparable with its sister in beauty an