Koh Samui island of Surat Thani Province (or Ko Samui, Thai: เกาะสมุย), or often, simply Samui as it is referred to by locals, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town. It is Thailand's third largest island, with an area of 228.7 km² and a population of over 50,000 (2008). It is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. As of June, 2008, Koh Samui was granted official municipal status as an independant city (formerlly Koh Samui was under the jurisdiction of Surratthani).

History

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven". Koh is the Thai word for "island."

Until the late 20th century, Koh Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without roads until the early 1970s, and the 15km journey from one side of the island to the other involved a whole-day trek through the mountainous central jungles.

Koh Samui has a population of about fifty-five thousand (source: Samui Mayor's Office) and is based primarily on a successful tourist industry, as well as exports of coconut and rubber. It even has its own international airport, Samui Airport, with flights daily to Bangkok and other major airports in Southeast Asia such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malayasia. While the island presents an unspoiled image to the public perception, economic growth has brought not only prosperity, but changes to the island's environment and culture, a source of conflict between local residents and migrants from other parts of Thailand and other countries. Reflecting Samui's growth as a tourist destination, the Cunard ship MS Queen Victoria (a 2000-plus passenger ship) will dock at Samui during its 2008 world cruise.

Geography

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35km northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E). The island measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. There is a 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island.

It is surrounded by about sixty other islands, most of which comprise the Ang Thong National Marine Park, but also include other tourist destinations Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.

The island is roughly circular in shape, and is about 15km across. The central part of the island is an (almost) uninhabitable mountain jungle (peak Khao Pom, 635m) and the various lowland areas are connected together by a single road, that covers the circumference of the island.

The old capital is Nathon, on the southwest coast of the island, and remains the major port for fishing and inter-island transportation. Nathon is the seat of the regional government, and the true commercial hub of the Samui locals. It has a charming pace, and is almost small enough to walk everywhere. The old Chinese shop houses along the middle street whisper of an exotic history.

Each of Samui's primary beaches is now also nominally considered as a small town, due to the number of hotels, restaurants and bars that have sprung up in recent years.

Administration

Prior to June, 2008, administratively, Koh Samui is an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani Province. As of June, 2008 Koh Samui was granted official municipal status as an independent city.

The district is subdivided into 7 subdistricts (tambon). Also the complete island is one municipality (thesaban mueang). The district covers the island, as well as the Ang Thong archipelago and some other small islands nearby.

Ang Thong Lipa Noi Taling Ngam Na Mueang Maret Bo Phut Mae Nam

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

The climate is very pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures varying from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius.

There are three seasons, warm season from February till May, rainy season from the end of September till November and the "cool" season which extends from October till January.

Rainy season often amounts in fact to some refreshing showers followed by the return of the sun.

The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui is always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze coming from the Gulf.

The island is situated 9.11°N and 99.30°E and at an altitude of about 10 meters above the sea level.

Best season : from December to mid of September
Rainy season : from the end of September to November

Transportation

Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways, which is still the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Koh Samui from Thailand.

Samui Airport (USM) in the northeast of the island is served by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways International. Several ferries connect the island with the mainland, including the car ferry from Don Sak to a pier in the west of the island, south of the main town Nathon.

Bus and Boat

There are both non air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses to Bangkok and other southern provinces. There are also non air-condition inter-provincial buses. From Koh Samui are regular boats to and from Surat Thani and Koh Phang-ngan. There is also a daily boat to Koh Tao. Private speedboats are also hired for travel to and from Koh Samui.

Taxi

The Koh Samui Taxi Service is a public taxi service which operates around the island.

Songthaew

Pickup trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles ("songthaews") are the most popular form of transport on Koh Samui

Motorbike

Motorbikes are out rented virtually everywhere on Koh Samui. Popular with the locals are motorbike-taxis.

Bicycles

Many foreign visitors prefer to use the rented bicycles to get around.