Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย), often called just Samui (สมุย) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its natural beauty and diversity. The palm-fringed sandy coast passes into lowlands where coconuts and fruits ripen, and rises to the central granite massif, whose slopes are covered with virgin rainforest.
Koh Samui is the second biggest in Thailand after Phuket. It is about 700 km (430 mi) south of Bangkok and 80 km (50 mi) from the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand.
The most popular and commercialised beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, while the northern beaches and their adjacent villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon are more peaceful choices, and the west coast beaches are still (comparatively) quiet.
