TROPICAL HEAVEN  

Koh Samui is the third island in Thailand for extension (247 square Kms) and is located 35 Kms from Suratthani town - on the main land - and 700 kilometres from Bangkok. Koh Samui has seen the first big developments as a tourist destination in the early 80’s, when it started to attract international travellers fascinated by its white beaches, untouched nature and friendly locals. Nowadays it is considered a trendy and chic holiday location, drawing tourists and a new generation of globetrotters from all over the world. There are more than 15 flights connecting the island to the capital every day and other flights between Koh Samui and Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Singapore and Pnom Pen. The 40,000 inhabitants are in prevalence of Buddhist religion but there is also a small Muslim community. The first inhabitants – who settled down around 1500 years ago - were mostly fishermen, Chinese merchants and sea gypsies, and they were involved in agricultural and fishing activities. Today, apart from fishing ( which it is still extensively practiced )more profitable activities have developed for the local people, in the hotel and tourism sectors but also concerning the agricultural compound, such as the production of coconuts, for which Samui boasts the record as the biggest producer in Thailand, with a crop of 2.000.000 coconuts every month. The seasonal temperatures varies from 25 to 35 degrees C. and the best months are from April to September. The monsoon rainy season is very short, from October to December. The most beautiful beaches favoured by the tourists are those of Chaweng and Lamai. Choengmon, Maenam and Bophut beaches are very calm and secluded, mostly inhabited by local people.