Koh Samui is Thailand 's third largest island at 247 sq. km., and during the last decade it has become one of Southeast Asia 's premier tourist destinations.
Samui sits snugly in the gulf of Thailand, surrounded by other island gems like Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao, and is located 84 km, east of Surat Thani, the provincial capital on the mainland, with soft-sand beaches shaded by towering palms, delicious fresh seafood and a vibrant nightlif'e , Samui has a magical formula that seems to cast its spell on everyone. Many visitors are content to laze the days away on the beach, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the turquoise waters, but for action enthusiasts there are plenty of choices like diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and paragliding, beach volleyball and off-road driving, and other similar activities.
One of the island's most appealing features is its loop road, which makes a 50 km. circuit around the island, giving tantalising glimpses of superb beaches on the north, east and west coasts. It runs past sleepy fishing villages and through seas of coconut palms, passing Samui's most impressive waterfall and tempting turn-offs into the highlands along the way.
Other attractions on or near the road include a butterfly garden, a snake show, a monkey-training centre, and health spas dedicated to pampering the body. There is plenty on Samui to keep even the most jaded traveller happy for a week or two, but for anyone spending even a few days here, an opportunity not to be missed is a trip to the emerald islands of Mu Ko Angthong Marine National park, which offers yet another version of a tropical paradise.
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