Thung Wua Laen Beach
A popular tourist attraction, Thung Wua Laen beach can become crowded with local people who go there at holiday times. A long, wide stretch of sand, the beach is ideal for swimming and water sports. Outside of holiday periods, the beach is generally quiet although it is visited more than neighboring beaches. At the southern end of the beach in front of Chumphon Cabana Resort, there is an underwater rocky area, which is a fertile spot for sponge seaweed, sea flowers and various species of fish – a popular place for diving.

Facilities : This is a lively beach with a number of restaurants, shops, restrooms, motorcycles for rent, and a police station. Chumphon Cabana Resort offers a one-day package tour, touring Chumphon’s islands, and a diving course.

Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi
About 17 km offshore from Thung Wua Laen Beach, a visit to the islands of Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi, just 300m apart, is the highlight of Chumphon’s island tours. The topography of the islands is steep, rocky limestone cliffs encircled by a variety of fertile coral reefs with colorful fish, and spots suitable for snorkeling or scuba diving. The islands, deserted except for workers looking after the bird’s nest concessions, are among the most popular in the sea off Chumphon.

There aren’t any suitable, overnight facilities so the one-day tour is recommended. Boats can be rented from Chumphon estuary for individual use, or tourists can use the package tour of Chumphon Cabana Resort with diving facilities, buoy and lunch.

Koh Chorakhe
Location: The island of Koh Chorakhe is about 11 km from Thung Wua Laen Beach One of the islands seen in the distance from Thung Wua Laen beach, Koh Chorakhe is rocky with steep cliffs and is uninhabited. But around the island there are coral reefs, sea flowers and colorful fish, which can be viewed both by scuba diving and snorkeling because of the differing sea depths. This is a good place to spend time diving and fishing from morning till evening, returning to stay overnight at Thung Wua Laen beach.

Facilities: As there is no accommodation on the island, tourists usually stay in accommodation around Thung Wua Laen beach and take the one-hour trip there and back. Boats can be rented from Chumphon estuary and a full dive program is available from Chumphon Cabana Resort , Thung Wua Laen beach.

Boat Pier to Koh Tao at Pak Nam Chumphon (Chumphon Estuary)
Location: The pier is in Tha Yang sub district of Muang district, about 7 km from Chumphon town and 13 km from Chumphon estuary.

Boats leave Tha Yang pier everyday for Koh Tao and are similarly priced whether you travel on a boat with sleeping accommodation or by speedboat.

The new pier at Chumphon estuary is the most important pier in the economic life of Chumphon as it supports the large fishing community there. At the end of the road is Pak Nam Chumphon police station near Pak Nam beach and a wide beach area that offers panoramic views out to sea and Koh Ma Ta Pon close to the mainland, where the lighthouse is located.

A boat service operates between the old and new piers in Chumphon estuary. A village in the area of the old pier in Chumphon estuary is well known for preserved seafood, which tourists can buy to take home as keepsakes.

Phuket FantaSea is arguably the biggest entertainment complex in Phuket. Aimed to highlight Thailand’s history and culture, it conjures up spectacular shows that reflect many aspects of both modern and ancient Thailand.

Phuket FantaSea offers nighttime entertainment on the tropical resort island of Phuket. Built at the cost of over 3,500 million baht (approx 78 million USD), it adds a new dimension to a theme park entertainment in Thailand, presenting the charms of the kingdom and its exotic culture and traditions, legends and myths with the magic of cutting-edge technology and special effects. It consists of the magnificent Palace of the Elephants, a state-of-the-art theatre constructed in the Sukhothai architectural style.

Its “Fantasy of a Kingdom” Culture-illusion Show consists of 9 themed shows, which are Thai culture, magical illusions, 4-dimensional effects, aerial performance, acrobatics, indoor pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant circus and stunts. Many of the technologies used in the shows are obtained from hotels and casinos in Las Vegas which are known for their excellent and innovative shows. The Thai creators however were able to use these technologies and expertise and mixed this with their Thai sense of showmanship. Other attractions include games, plays and exciting surprises for kids as well as traditional carnivals and live music, handicraft demonstrations, and cultural parades and street shows.

Phuket FantaSea is located at Kamala Beach, about 9 km from Patong Beach. This carnival village offers carnivals, games and handicrafts shops. The shows start at 9 pm and lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Regarded by travelers as one of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands, Phi Phi Islands is the most desired place of visit, besides Phuket, in the southwestern coast of Thailand. The islands have long been famous for their exotic appearance and gorgeous fine sandy bays.

The islands are part of a National Marine Park in Krabi Province. They are surrounded by azure deep crystal clear water and rich in marine lives and coral reefs. It is the most popular place in the south of Thailand for snorkeling and scuba diving. Your best bet is to see green and hawksbill turtles munching on bubble corals, black and white banded sea snakes, squid, angelfish, black-tip reef sharks and leopard (zebra) sharks.

The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well known for its beautiful beaches and coral formations. The 28-square kilometer island is inhabited by sea gypsies who emigrate from Koh Lipeh in the Tarutao National Park near the Malaysia water. The island’s best diving spots are located at the northern end at Cape Laem and the southern tip at Hua Rah Ket. There are long beaches with rocks scattered about. Ton Sai and Loh Dalam are the most attractive beaches on this island. Tourist facilities and accommodations and tourist services can be found here. Small tour shops here offer diving and snorkeling trips that will take you to nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi Le, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai.

Located nearby Phi Phi Don is Phi Phi Le. The small island is entirely limestone and steep cliffs jutting from the sea. Surrounding waters average about 20 meters in depth, reaching 34 meters at the deepest point off the island’s southern tip. It has several beautiful bays, including Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah. Ao Pileh is a lovely cove enclosed by limestone walls of the island’s cliffs. Ao Maya, which is the shooting site of Leonardo Di Caprio film ‘The Beach’, is a small charming beach with fine soft sand while Ao Lo Sama has a good snorkeling place.

In addition, a neighboring island of Koh Yung north of Koh Phi Phi Don has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. The island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Koh Phai, another island near Koh Yung, has spectacular beaches in its northern and eastern sides. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretching from the north to the south of the island.

With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands starts from November to April when the sea is calm. The islands can be accessed by boat from Phuket and Krabi, with an approximate journey time of 2 hours.

Koh Tao or the Turtle Island when translated in Thai boasts the best diving spot in the Gulf of Thailand. Located northwest of Koh Pha Ngan, it has unspoiled coral reefs and a wealth of marine life that attract thousands of divers from around the world.

Located around 120 kilometers from the Surat Thani province, Koh Tao is in the same neighborhood of Koh Nang Yuan. Altogether they occupy almost 18 square kilometers. The island has eight kilometers of coral reefs around its shore.

It hosts a number of diving schools and shops that can cater to specific needs of divers, whether you are looking for tranquil shallow-water coral gardens or close encounters with whale sharks. There are more than 20 dive sites around the island. Many of them are in the vicinity of the shore. Aquatic lives you can expect to see are sea anemones, batfish, schools of pelagics and iridescent barracuda. If lucky, you might spot the Spanish mackerel or scorpionfish. Diving is possible almost year-round, with a short exception during the monsoon season between November and December.
Onshore, the island is teeming with small sandy bays franked by palm trees. The island’s half-moon-shaped western coast is where most of the beaches are found. The most popular beach is Had Sairee on the west side. Its white sandy beach stretches 1.7 km and is interrupted only by a few big boulders. Resorts, bungalows and guesthouses are available in almost every beach.

It is convenient to go to Koh Tao from Chumphon Province. The island is only one hour ride on a high-speed catamaran from Ao Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon – a speed boat from Koh Samui takes you around 3 hours to get to Koh Tao. Nowadays, more travelers choose Chumphon as their starting-off point.

One of Thailand’s favorite island destinations, Koh Samui is renowned for its beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches flanked by towering coconut trees.

A beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui has large green coconut plantations. It was once a haven of backpackers welcoming a flock of young adventurers who like to explore the exoticism of a tropical island. Even though today it becomes a prime destination, it still maintains an aura of a laidback life style. The island is roughly circular in shape and about 15km in diameter. The central part of the island consists of forested hills. Various lowland areas are connected by a single road that covers the circumference of the island.

Beaches like Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are the best and, inevitably, the most visited. The 7km long Chaweng beach is a center of entertainment and beach activities. The sand is soft and fine. It offers good swimming and snorkeling facilities. Beachside cafes and sophisticated cocktail bars are plentiful. A large variety of accommodation is on the offer for every budget and style.

Lamai is less busy than Chaweng. The long perfect white sand crescent of the beach is also considered to be the finest on the island. There are many options in terms of accommodation but the majority are simple bungalows and 3 star resorts.
Indeed, the island has about a dozen of nice beaches where you can sun bath and swim with relatively calm atmosphere. At Maenam Beach, the tranquility is still a main draw. It maintains the old charm of Samui. It is home to both backpackers and well-heeled guests. Some of Samui’ most expensive resorts can be found here.

Na-thon Beach, on the southwest coast of the island, is the major port for fishing and inter-island transportation where you can catch a boat to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the mainland in Surat Thani. It is the seat of the regional government and a commercial center of Samui islanders. Souvenir shops, bakeries, second hand bookstores, travel agents and Internet Cafes can be found here. The old Chinese shop houses along the middle street exudes an air of exotic history.

Big Buddha Beach benefits from its proximity to the airport and popular Chaweng Beach. It is named after a big-seated Buddha statue that enshrines a local temple. The beach is lined with budget to mid-price bungalows. Many of them have restaurants overlooking the beach. Big Buddha Beach is also a place where you can catch a ferry or speedboat to Had Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan – home of the famous Full Moon Party.

Next to Big Buddha Beach is Choeng Mon Beach. It is made up of a series of bays on the northern edge of the island. The relatively peaceful beach is dominated by some three to five star resorts.

The most remote beach on the island, Taling Ngam appeals to those who want to get away from the crowds. Le Royal Meridian Baan Taling Ngam, one of Samui’s foremost luxury resorts, is located here.

Hua Thanon and Bang Kao are perhaps the least developed beaches. Only a few resorts scatter along these serene beaches.

Koh Samui has one airport that services daily flights from Bangkok and some countries in Southeast Asia. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Bangkok to the pier in Surat Thani; then take a ferry to the island. Reflecting Samui’s growth as a tourist destination, the Cunard ship MS Queen Victoria is scheduled to dock at Samui during its 2008 world cruise.

Southern Beaches
The southern coast of Koh Tao is made up of two large bays, Ao Chaloak Ban Kao and Ao Tian Oak, which are separated by a long peninsular. A paved road from Had Mae Had, the island’s gateway on the west coast, makes it possible to get to the southern beaches by taxi-bus, motorcycle or by boat.
Of all the beaches on the south coast, Ao Chaloak Ban Kao is the largest. Other beaches including Tian Oak Bay and the smaller ones are accessible by foot from Chaloak Ban Kao Bay.

Some of the beaches have small bungalows and moderately priced resorts, along with restaurants, night-bars, tour counter services, and dive schools. Beaches in this area are not as busy as those in the western side, so tourists are able to maintain a degree of privacy, while relaxing in peaceful and quiet surroundings.

Chaloak Ban Kao Bay (Ao Chaloak Ban Kao)
From Had Sai Ree and Had Mae Had on the west coast, the main road cuts across the hills to Ao Chaloak Ban Kao in the south, so it’s possible to go directly to the beach area by taxi-bus or motorcycle. Chaloak Ban Kao Bay has the biggest beach in the south and become the central point for all southern beaches with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, beach-bars and other facilities and services. Yet, it’s possible to go directly to the beach area by taxi-bus

The beach at Ao Chaloak Ban Kao is curved with headlands at either end protecting a particularly calm and safe bay for swimming. The long, white sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing or for taking a stroll. Tourists can walk to viewpoints on the hill. The path to one viewpoint starts at the rear of the Koh Tao Resort. There is a great view of the entire area from the balcony of Marina restaurant overlooking Ao Chaloak Ban Kao, Ao Kul Jeua to the west, and Had Ta Toh to the south. On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Ang Thong Marine Park. Also, quite stunning sunsets can be viewed from this vantage point.

Being the second-largest residential area on the island after Had Mae Had, it isn’t hard to find different grades of accommodation, restaurants, Internet services, and dive-tour agencies along the beach. However, the overall atmosphere is relatively quiet and peaceful compared with Had Sai Ree or Had Mae Had.

San Chao Beach (Had San Chao)
The southwestern tip of Koh Tao, Had San Chao is a small peaceful beach with rocks at either end, but the central part is sandy and safe for swimming. From the beach tourists get a good view of the tip of Ta Toh Cape and the spectacular scenery of Chaloak Ban Kao Bay.

From Had Mae Had tourists can take a taxi-bus along the paved road to Chaloak Ban Kao, and then walk along a beach and across a small bridge to Had San Chao. Alternatively, hire a motorboat from Had Mae Had directly to the beach.

Most of accommodation, restaurants and bars here can be found along the beachfront, mostly at the foot of the hills.

Tian Oak Beach (Had Tian Oak)
Another attractive beach on southern part of Koh Tao, Tian Oak Bay has a curved sandy beach with some 300 meters in length. The sand is clean and white and coconut trees provide some shade from the sun. Since Tian Oak Beach is a private beach that belongs to Koh Tao Resort, the environment remains quiet and peaceful.

Shark sightings are not uncommon at Tian Oak Bay. Just a short swim from the beach and you come upon lots of harmless sharks, up to a meter in length, giving this place the name “Shark Point”. You can rent sun beds and diving equipment or just sip your favourite drink from a

There are a number of spots to take in the scenery at Ao Tian Oak, for example from the restaurant of New Heaven Bungalow, a hillside resort, which has views of the entire bay as well as Sai Daeng Beach and Koh Chalarm. Tourists at the John-Suwan viewpoint can also see Tian Oak Bay and Chaloak Ban Kao Bay at the same time. Another good spot to view Ao Tian Oak is along the road and uphill from Chaloak clinic towards Jamakhiri Spa and Resort.

Western Beaches
Koh Tao’s west coast is the focal point for transportation, the site of the main port of Had Mae Had, and where to find accommodation, restaurants, shops, bars, access to the Internet, and road links to all other parts of the island. This is the jumping-off point to visit all the other beaches on Koh Tao.

West coast beaches are the most popular among visitors, especially Had Sai Ree and Had Mae Had where there is greater activity than on the other, smaller and quieter western beaches; however all are great vantage points from which to watch spectacular sunsets.

There is a choice of different styles of accommodation on the west coat of Koh Tao, ranging from inexpensive cottages to fully furnished lodging houses, along the beachfront and on hillsides.

Mae Had Beach (Had Mae Had)
Situated on the western side of Koh Tao, Had Mae Had is the first point of contact on the island, and Koh Tao’s “front gate”. The beach area is the center of transportation for traveling around the entire island offering taxi-buses, rental cars, speedboats and motor launches for diving, fishing or crossing to the neighboring island

As the island’s focal point, Had Mae Had has all the facilities sought by tourists including variously priced accommodation, restaurants, shops, banks, Internet service, pubs, bars, and gas stations.

Although a port, Had Mae Had is still a fair spot for swimming, with its one-kilometer beach of yellowy-red sand. But with much of the area covered in resorts and restaurants, beach space is at a premium. At the southern end of the beach, there is a strange looking pile of rocks from where visitors can walk to Ao Ta Saeng.

This beach is a favorite spot with tourists who stroll around till sunset and then explore the shops and bars and absorb the lively, nighttime atmosphere. There is ample accommodation lined up from the port to the southern end of the beach.
Sai Ree Beach (Had Sai Ree)
Sai Ree Beach or Had Sai Ree is on the west coast, north of Had Mae Had. At two kilometers in length, Had Sai Ree is Koh Tao’s longest beach, separated from Had Mae Had by a rocky escarpment. Its red-brown sandy beach, which enjoys shaded spots from coconut trees and pine trees, is suitable and safe for swimming and sunbathing. Although this long beach attracts more visitors than others, there is no sense of overcrowding.

The hills behind Had Sai Ree contain a number of interesting viewing points. The hills aren’t steep, but visitors should take along a skilful and experienced driver.

Tourists can go by motorcycle or catch a taxi-bus from Had Mae Had to Had Sai Ree, which is about two kilometers away after a left turn to go north, at Had Mae Had junction. Visitors who rent motorcycles should take the beach route to Had Sai Ree to absorb the nature and beautiful scenery.

Yai Nee Cape (Laem Yai Nee)
Located on the northwest coast north of Had Sai Ree, Laem Yai Nee is an excellent location from which to view sunsets because the sun goes down right between the sandbars joining the three islets that make up Koh Nang Yuan. For the most spectacular results, go there between March and April.

On the way to Laem Yai Nee there’s a small beach called Ao Ta Sak where visitors can walk on the beach or take a swim. Nearby Ao Ta Ten does not have a beach and is accessible only by boat.

Chan Som Bay (Ao Chan Som)
Ao Chan Som is on the western side of Koh Tao, south of Had Mae Had. It is a small bay accessible only on foot or by boat. It’s possible to catch a glimpse of many species of wild animals along the path leading to the seaside, at the end of which is a white, sandy beach suitable for swimming and snorkeling. There are also excellent viewpoints looking over the whole bay.

Jutting out into the sea is a raft-house built by the owners of the a cottage resort for guests to relax or sunbathe, with a restaurant and drinks stand on the beach. Non-guests of the cottage are welcome to use this private beach by purchasing a 100-baht coupon for snacks, drinks and a sun bed.

Ma Muang Bay (Ao Ma Muang)
Accessible by motorboat only, Ao Ma Muang is on the north coast of Koh Tao. It is the most popular spot of the north of the island even though it is difficult to reach. The coral reefs at this spot are worthy of attention, so it’s not surprising that boatloads of divers congregate at that beach everyday.

More than just coral reefs, Ao Ma Muang has an excellent sandy beach with long stretches suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Tourists can also get across to Laem Nam Tok (waterfall cape) on the northwestern tip of Koh Tao close to the neighboring island of Koh Nang Yuan, to see the stream of water that runs from the hills down to the sea.

Hin Wong Bay (Ao Hin Wong)
The scenic bay on the east of Koh Tao. Ao Hin Wong has a rocky beach with a headland at the southern end protecting a picturesque cove. Tourists are drawn to this beach by the colorful coral reefs, second only to those at Ao Ma Muang. It’s also a place where giant clams are found. The hill to the north of the beach is an excellent viewing point to take in the entire beach and to watch the sun rise in the east.

Most accommodations on this bay are dotted along the hillside, so guests are among wonderful scenery the whole of the time.

With mountains and rocky cliffs accounting for 70% of its land area, the island has eight kilometers of coral reefs around its coast. The island’s half-moon-shaped western coast is where most of the beaches are found.

Dotted in and around Koh Tao’s 11 bays and 10 rocky headlands are many, picturesque beaches: some long and sandy like Had Sai Ree, Had Mai Had, Chaloke Ban Kao Bay ; others with smaller, rockier beaches.

Acclaimed to be the best dive location in the Gulf of Thailand , tourists tend to make diving their first priority as soon as they arrive on Koh Tao. It’s not surprising therefore that each year Koh Tao’s dive school turns out a number of proficient divers from around the world.

If you are looking for an alternative to diving, you might enjoy exploring the island, and swimming from its many beaches, or kayaking, or climbing hills to check out the vistas from numerous viewpoints. Alternatively, you can take a tour to its nearby islands of Nang Yuan, which is only 15 minute away by local boats.

Getting to Koh Tao
Despite being part of Surat Thani Province, it’s more convenient and faster to go to Koh Tao from Chumphon Province. The island is only one hour ride on a high-speed catamaran from Ao Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon – a speed boat from Koh Samui takes you around 3 hours to get to Koh Tao. Nowadays, more travelers choose Chumphon as their starting-off point.

Chaweng Beach: the longest and most beautiful beach
Of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, Chaweng Beach gets top votes among tourists for its length and beauty, with many places to swim, sunbathe and enjoy various water sports, or stop by the shopping markets, bars and restaurants.

Situated on the island’s east coast, Chaweng Beach divides into several beachfront areas such as Chaweng Neu Beach (North Chaweng), Chaweng Klang Beach (Middle Chaweng), Chaweng Noi Beach (Little Chaweng), and Chaweng Tai Beach (South Chaweng). The first two are good for swimming, diving, and nighttime action; the others are quieter and more peaceful. Visitors need to take note that skin-diving in this area is best between May and October.

As the sun slowly ducks under the horizon of the Gulf of Thailand, daytime fun gives way to nighttime pursuits along this two-kilometer beach helped by light and sound from nearby pubs, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that stay open till late.
Lamai Beach: sand, sea, and the two phallic rocks
Most tourists visit Lamai Beach when it’s at its best, and most suitable for swimming, between December and May, July and August. The four-kilometer-beach has three distinct areas: Lamai Neu Beach (North Lamai), a fishing village, good for local scenery; Lamai Klang Beach (Middle Lamai), good for swimming and the liveliest spot of all, and Lamai Tai Beach (South Lamai) the rocky location of Hin Ta and Hin Yai (grandfather and grandmother), two phallic-like symbols carved by the forces of nature that have to be seen to be believed.

Taling Ngam Beach: best beach in the west
The private beach of Taling Ngam Beach, with its fine, white sand and safe swimming, is considered by many to be the premier beach on Samui’s western coast. Situated 10 km south of Na Thon, this is the location of Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam a five-star resort that enjoys world acclaim. The beach overlooks the nearby island of Koh Ha and is a great place to watch sunsets.

A tranquil and peaceful location, with added color from local folk’s cottages dotted along the beach, it is quite easy to access other parts of Samui from Taling Ngam Beach via the coast road.

Thong Yang Beach: beach by the ferry
Northward from Taling Ngam Beach is Thong Yang Beach, a long beach known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, where a few tourists drop by for a swim or just to relax.

The quiet stretch of beach from Taling Ngam Beach to Thong Yang Beach is the site of coconut farms and patches of course, brown sand. The beach is bordered by a headland with a small hill with good views over the small island of Koh Ha. To the rear are a number of reasonably priced resorts. Around the headland lies Li Pa Noi Beach.

The waters here are quite deep and serve as a port, making the ferry at Thong Yang Beach another important center of transportation on Koh Samui with two-hour ferry crossings to Don Leuk, the port of Surat Thani. The ferry is large enough for vehicles.
Mae Nam Beach: north coast beach and port
Mae Nam Beach is a long stretch of coastline on Koh Samui’s northern coast adjacent to Laem Na Phra Lan with a 4-km-long beach that shelves steeply making it suitable as a port. Laem Phra Lan port offers speedboat services mainly to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao to the north.

Mae Nam, with its quiet, spacious beach shaded by pines and coconut trees, and clean, clear waters, is one of the oldest communities on Koh Samui. Tourists visiting here will find some bungalows, resorts and seafood restaurants lining the beach area.

Bo Phut Beach: backpackers’ paradise
The peaceful bay of Bo Phut Beach lies between Mae Nam Beach and Phra Yai Beach on Koh Samui’s northern coast; good for swimming in parts, but also offering port facilities and a stretch of seafood restaurants.

Visitors can get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the local fishing community, while Ao Bo Phut is a jumping-off point for trips to Koh Tao or Ang Thong Marine National Park. During peak travel periods, speedboats leave daily from Bo Phut Beach to Koh Tao.

One of the best areas on Koh Samui for seafood, restaurants in Bo Phut beach area offer tasty dishes at palatable prices; there are also a number of economically priced bungalows that makes this spot a backpackers’ paradise.

Thong Sai Bay: a private beach with a world renowned resort
Not too many beaches have gained popularity through their proximity to first-class accommodation, but at Thong Sai Bay on Koh Samui’s northeastern corner, this is evident at the world-renowned resort of Ban Thong Sai.

Although quite small, Thong Sai beach is one of Koh Samui’s most attractive. Curved, with clean, white sand sandwiched between a deep blue sea and lush vegetation, the Ban Thong Sai beach resort management combines accommodation and service with environmental concern.

Cheung Mon Beach: a bay of peacefulness and tranquility
Also in the northeast of Koh Samui, south from Thon Sai Bay and closer to Samui airport, Cheung Mon Beach is a white sandy bay with an exceptionally beautiful beach in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Far from the local community, Cheung Mon Beach is a curved bay of fine white sand beside a deep blue sea that beckons swimmers. The small island of Koh Fan Noi is a short distance from the beach and can be accessed on foot at low tide. This location is not far from the busier beaches and tourist attractions at Had Chaweng further down the east coast.

Despite its popularity, Koh Samui remains one of the country’s most beautiful island destinations.

Popular Resort Areas
Originally settled by Hainanese from China in the mid-19th century, well-developed Koh Samui has a rather different culture to other parts of Thailand. The descendants of those pioneers now live mainly in the villages, as outsiders populate most tourist-oriented resorts. Known as Chao Samui (Samui folk), many of them still do the trade of their forebears – coconut farming. Indeed, the island is covered with palms, and coconut is a common ingredient of many local dishes.

Beaches & Nightlife
Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are Samui’s most beautiful and most popular beaches. Both have a huge selection of places to stay, and prices rise from December to July. The nightlife of each is different: Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while single men predominate amidst the beer bar culture of Lamai. These resorts, as well as Na Thon (Samui’s most beautiful and most popular beaches. Both have a