Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an idyllic island paradise situated in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35km northeast of Surrathani town. The island covers 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 Ko Pha Ngan Koh Tao and Ko Nang Yuan.The island is circular in shape, and is about 15km across. The central part of the island is an (almost) uninhabitable mountain jungle and the various lowland areas are connected together by a single ring 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.Chaweng is the nightlife capital of the island offering a wide and diverse range of accomodation,restaurants and entertainment venues in addition to the largest white sand beach found on the island.Lamai on the Southwest of the island also offers a large white sand beach in addition to a variety of entertainment venues,restaurants and hotels for the visiting tourist.Maenam is a town which is situated on the Northern part of the island with a quiet beach and various eateries and accomodations.Bophut district is home to the extremely quaint 'Fisherman's Village' which blends a traditional fishing village with high quality restaurants and hotels and is a favourite for visiting tourists from around the world.Visitors wishing to view a traditional working fishing village should visit Hua Thanon in the South where locals continue to fish and trade with traditional Thai methods.Koh Samui experiences a raining season from September-November with the best times to visit December-August.
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