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Setting about 80 kilometers off Surat
Thani, Samui is Thailand's third largest island after Koh Chang and
Koh Phuket. The island is surrounded by some 80 small islands
like Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Ta Loy, Koh Ma Ko, and Koh Ta Pao. People
in Phuket often make a joke that Samui is 10 years behind Phuket in
all respect. Nevermind the joke! Koh Samui's secret weapon
is the palmy beaches under the coconut canopy, making a dramatically
beautiful tropical paradise. Koh Samui has been long inhabited
by local islanders, called "Chao Samui" (Samui folks). They're
friendly, and so many times they are peace-lovers. The Chinese
who migrated from China after the Chinese Revolution also make Koh
Samui their home sin the late 1890s. The two distinctive
cultures made a perfect marriage, and Koh Samui is now the island with
character. For years, millions of foreign visitors have been
enticed into Koh Samui. The upscale clients are cherished
to be pampered in the five-star hotels and spa resorts, meanwhile the
heaps of backpackers are in search for the spirit of tropical islands
through the hallucinating beach parties. |
