Koh Samui, Thailand's third largest island, behind Phuket and Koh Chang, lies off the south-eastern coast of Thailand.
It has been known for its luxuriant beaches and crystal seas since the first backpackers camped in bamboo beach huts in the 1970s on a remote paradise with an abundance of coconuts but no electricity, surfaced roads or real amenities.
Koh Samui's natural charms were not kept secret for long, and since the 1980s the inevitable luxury tourist boom has taken hold, although coconuts still remain a primary export.
Yet unlike its paradise island sisters, Koh Samui has retained some of that early budget hedonism, and upmarket resort hotels still sit alongside basic bungalow huts to provide accommodation for all budgets and holidays to suit all tastes.
At 95 square miles, the island is large enough to absorb the tourist crowds and still retain a sense of tropical seclusion.
Only in the high season of July and August and at Christmas does Koh Samui's popularity begin to squeeze unfavourably on its charms.
Any visit to Koh Samui will inevitably centre on the beaches, the island's primary attraction, whether lazing in the sun or engaging in watersports such as diving or windsurfing.
The largest and most popular beaches - Chaweng and Lamai - are found on the eastern coast, where large sweeps of perfect sand overlooked by swaying palms, good amenities and lively nightlife are only slightly marred by some patchy hotel development, ranging from the sensitive to truly unpleasant.
The north-east undulates between the remote and stunning Choeng Mon, the laid-back trendy beach of Bang Rak, also known as the Big Buddha beach, and the village life of Bophut, where traditional wooden Samui houses still nestle among the modern resort hotels.
The beaches and coves to the south from Ban Hua Thanon to Thong Krut and west, to the south of Nathon - the only town of any size on the island -are not as spectacular, but are generally quieter, with only a handful of hotels dotting the shore to disturb the view.
Beach hopping is easy on Koh Samui, catching songthaews (converted pick up trucks with two seats in the back) from Na Thon around the 31 mile ring road that encircles the island and links most of the villages and beaches.
Alternatively, you can go off the beaten track for a change of scenery and explore the pristine, and largely ignored, mountain and forest interior by jeep or motorbike - look out for the waterfalls at Namuang, which are especially spectacular in the rainy season.
Koh Samui is set in an archipelago of 80 islands, most uninhabited, and day trips on ferries or rental boats can be made to some including Ko Pha Ngan to the north, largely undisturbed apart from the monthly Full Moon parties held there that shatter the silence with thumping techno, or the spectacularly rugged Angthong National Marine Park. The park is made up of 40 uninhabited islands - the submerged peaks of a range of limestone mountains 19 miles southeast of Koh Samui - and is a haven for wildlife as well as a buffet of natural wonders such as dramatic caves, dense forests, mica-white sand and colourful corals.
Population: 65.444.400 Languages: Thai (Siamese), English (secondary language of the Currency: baht Currency code: THB Local Times: Thailand - Bangkok
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Thailand is the geographical heart of South-East Asia. The infamous golden triangle, located at the nation's northernmost point, is where Thailand's borders meet those of both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The border with Myanmar continues to the west and then south as far as the Malay peninsula, much of which is occupied by Thailand. On the east, the border with Laos meanders southeast along the Mekong River until it reaches Cambodia, which is due east of Bangkok, the Thai Capital. In the south is the Gulf of Thailand. Roughly the size of France (200,000 sq. miles),
Thailand is composed of four main regions. The northern mountainous region contains numerous ruins and temples, the ancient city of Chieng Mai, and Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon . This region is also home to the hill tribes of Thailand , distinct ethnic groups which settled in the area thousands of years ago after migrating from as far away as Tibet and central China.
The north-east of Thailand occupies the semi-arid Korat plateau, the most desolate and least-visited part of the country. An interesting blend of Thai, Lao, and Khmer influences characterise the culture of the Korat.
Central Thailand, which consists of the fertile plains surrounding the Chao Phraya River, is the country's most populous region and its rice basket. Thailand's alluring and congested capital city of Bangkok is located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, near the river's outlet into the Bight of Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand.
The southern region of Thailand, which stretches for hundreds of miles along the Malay peninsula, abounds with stunning beaches and scores of tropical islands.
Thailand's booming tourist economy, driven largely by Hollywood (the country has been the setting for The Man with the Golden Gun , The Bridge over River Kwai and most recently Alex Garland's The Beach ) has resulted in the opening of a number of expensive and luxurious international hotels. Those looking for the rustic splendour of the beaches and islands will find plenty of cheap and comfortable accommodation.
The size and geographical diversity of Thailand provides for a variety of activities. Snorkelling, diving and a host of watersports are very popular around the Islands, while inland enthusiasts can trek into the mountains or cycle across the flat river areas of the northeast.
Generally hot particularly between mid Feb and June. The monsoon season is mid May to Oct when the climate is hot with torrential rain. The most comfortable time for travelling is Nov to Feb.
Thai culture is the result of historical interchange between India; China and most recently the west. Subsequently the culture appears at times confusing and exploitative of women and children. In recent years there has been a steady migration; including many young women; from rural areas to the cities; resulting in overcrowding; poverty and forced labour. Be vigilant if travelling alone. It may be advisable to travel around Thailand with a companion.
Thai; English; Malay and Chinese are also spoken.
Bangkok
Bangkok has dominated Thailand's urban hierarchy as well as its political, commercial and cultural life since the late 18th century. Although you can shop in air-conditioned comfort in its Western-style malls, the city is a long way from being tamed by commercial homogeneity.
Ayuthaya Historical Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayuthaya's historic temples are scattered throughout this once magnificent city and along the encircling rivers. Several of the more central ruins - Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat - can be visited on foot.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally-flavoured city with much to offer the visitor - food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and cheap, and the nights are relatively cool.
Koh Samui
This beautiful island off southeastern Thailand is covered with coconut plantations and circled by (call us clichéd but it's true) palm-fringed beaches. It was once an 'untouched' backpackers' mecca, but is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort.
Phuket
Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of colour and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand.
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