Called "The Island of the Coconut Tree" Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. It is a backpacker's secret getaway for years. It is a sun lover's paradise made up of coconut plantations, rolling hills, sun-drenched sandy beaches and offshore islands. This island is a vacationer's paradise and a distinctly local island flavor. Second only to the island of Phuket for luxury villa rentals, Samui's accommodations have been developed into an internationally renowned vacation destination for upscale market resorts. They now cater to the high flying business people worldwide.

Samui has large offshore island areas. Ang Thong Marine National Park encompasses 42 islands alone. Wonderfully weird shaped islands, these are formed of limestone and erosion. Many have caves and most have secluded beaches surrounded by coral reefs and others rise hundreds of meters into the air with a sheer rock face from the sea. Strange rock formations extend far out into the water, and are a great place to dive. As a result, there are a great number of day trips for both sightseeing and snorkeling.

Samui's range of accommodations is very grand, including luxury villas located around the island instead of being clumped in one spot. On the east coast, Chaweng is one of the largest, busiest beaches on the island. It is protected by an offshore coral reef and has a shallow lagoon that is just perfect for swimming. There are a lot of accommodations from budget to first class and deluxe, and sports lots of excellent restaurants all within easy travel time of the beach. There is also good shopping, vibrant nightlife with bars and live bands.

Down the cost a bit and south of Chaweng is the more compact Lamai Beach which offers small bars, a more intimate style and a number of new age spa retreats that are relatively inexpensive. While they are modestly priced, they still offer excellent spa pampering and esoteric therapies. Basic bungalows replace more comfortable hotels and facilities.

Peace and tranquility are abundantly supplied through the remote beaches on the west coast, lending themselves to those seeking a slower pace. Smaller bungalow resorts with odd up market hotels like the Baan Talingnam are combined with the nostalgic Thai village of Thong Krut Bay. A secluded beach at Bang Koa Bay is especially designed for solitude seekers.

To the north lie Menam and Bophut with peaceful beaches, increasing development and some up market accommodations. It is a sleepy village that is slowly transforming into a holiday resort.

If you head to the hills, you will come across exceptionally beautiful Samui Island villas with splendid views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding islands. With a well kept network of roads, travel is easy around the island to take advantage of the sights. There are many popular excursions like a boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

There are 42 islands making up the Ang Thong National Marine Park lying northwest of Samui. Different geographically, this is one of the more fascinating groups of islands known for its limestone formations, caves, lagoons and wonderful beaches. Many of the islands are uninhabited and are perfect for exploration. Other islands rise from the sea with dramatic walls of rock into the sky by hundreds of meters.

Erosion has played a big part in shaping some interesting formations giving the islands their names including "Sleeping Cow Island' and Three Pillar Island'. All of these islands are accessible via one day trips by boat.