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Set in the Gulf of
Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani and
accessible by air from Bangkok, Ko Samui is a
tropical isle that vies with Phuket as the
country's most popular beach destination. Like
Phuket, it combines natural beauty with an
exceptionally good standard of hotels, spas and
other tourism facilities that afford the luxury,
the dining and the entertainment to complete the
perfect holiday in the sun.
The Kingdom's third
largest island, after Phuket and Ko Chang, Ko
Samui lies 84 km from the coast and covers an
area of 247 sq km. A mountain ridge runs east to
west and most of the hinterland comprises
forested hills and coconut plantations, while
the coast is dotted with palm-fringed beaches
and quiet coves.
Given its varied
topographical make up, Samui provides plenty of
options for the preferred style of holiday. The
most famous beaches are Chaweng beach and Lamai
beach on the
east coast, which are long majestic sweeps of
sand, hugely popular and backed by a host of
hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and discos.
However, if the traveler seeks a quieter scene,
the smaller beaches and coves on the south, west
or north shores afford tranquil hideaways.
Moreover, each local has its own character and
ambience, offering a refreshing change of scene
as one tours the island.
Matching the blue of
the sea with the green of lush tropical
vegetation is Samui's hilly interior, where
there is plenty of scope for excursions to such
picturesque sights as Na Mueang waterfall. There
is also a wide choice of things to do and see,
ranging from cultural attractions, such as the
impressive big Buddha statue, to elephant shows,
butterfly parks and, not least, a whole host of
health spas offering all kinds of massage and
other treatments to rejuvenate, invigorate and
relax body and mind.
With its classic
tropical island looks and splendid range of
facilities, Samui really does fulfill dreams of
the ideal escape.
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