Koh Samui, the beautiful island of the coconut trees, is the third largest Thai island. (Only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger by size) The area is about 247 km² and it is located 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province. Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. Samui also has many sister islands; Koh Tao, (one of the top diving islands in Asia) Koh Phangan, Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and beautiful Koh Nang Yuan.

Koh Samui doesn't have the quality of diving found further north at Koh Tao but it does provide a base to get there or explore some of the more unspoilt dive sites in the area. With trips out to the National Park or the liveaboard option to the remote southern islands Samui is the island or choice. Accommodation ranges from beach bungalow to five star resort.