KOH SAMUI is Thailand's third largest island and the largest in a group
of nearly 100 tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Known as the Samui
Archipelago, only three islands besides Samui are inhabited: Koh Tan,
Koh Phangan and Kho Tao. Dense tropical jungle and mountains rising to
a height of 600 m cover Samui. Not to forget nearly 3 millions coconut
trees, some over 100 years old and 35 m tall. The island is marked by
sandy beaches, green mountainous interiors, coral reefs and a warm tropical
climate.
The modern island history began with the first settlers from Hainan Island
(China) who came here almost 150 years ago. It was however first recorded
on a Ming Dynasty map around 1,500 AD. Muslim fishermen were too later
settle in the South and East. During the 17th and 18th century the island
came under the rule of Nakhon SiThammarat and eventually under the direct
rule of Siam.
The island is rightly known for its beaches. The longest and most popular
is Chaweng Beach and the Banana Fan Sea Resort is located right in the
center, with the whitest powder sand and cleanest part of the beach overlooking
the Gulf of Thailand.
