Page 5 - Resort Guide 15.01.19

KOH SAMUI

Koh Samui is an island o the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Surat Thani Province in
the Southern region of Thailand. With an area of 230 sq/km and a population of over
63,000, it is larger than all other Thailand islands except Phuket. Abundant land and sea
tourist attractions, sandy beaches, coral reefs, coconut trees and other characteristics
unique to Koh Samui can be found throughout the island.

Geography

Koh Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand about 35 km northeast of, and a little over an hour
by boat from, Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E).

The island measures approximately 25 km at its widest point. It is surrounded by sixty
other islands. Together, these islands comprise the stunning Ang Thong Marine National
Park and include other popular island destinations such as Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao, and
Koh Nang Yuan.

Nathon is the major port for vehicular and goods transportation from the mainland. It
is the center of the fishing industry and remains the seat of the regional government.
The majority of governmental functions as well as the public hospital are based in
Nathon. As the main port and the populated area closest to the mainland, Nathon
naturally developed into the commercial center for Samui locals.

The decline in dependence on the local coconut industry and the development of the
tourist industry, has prompted a slow and steady shifting of the commercial center to
Chaweng. Located on the eastern shore of the island, Chaweng is more conveniently
located near the island’s airport and port of entry for millions of tourists each year.