LOCATION: [MY HOME] [FUTURE] [MY OFFICE] [MY KING] [MEMORIAL] Ko Samui

Ko Samui is the biggest of a group of serveral dozen islands in the southern Gulf of Thailand. Some have called it the biggest coconut plantation in the world, and until the first backpackers began arriving in the 1970s, life on Samui revolved around the coconut and the income it generated.

The bungalow resorts which mushroomed on every attractive beach on the island quickly saw tourism become the island's major income earner. After Bangkok Airways opened the ilsland's airport in 1988, many more are expected after the airport turns international.

The major access to the island is still by sea, with a large car ferry running continuously from Don Sak to the west coast and passenger craft running between Surat Thani and Na Thon. Buses carry passengers over the ferry, allowing uninterrupted travel between Samui and Bangkok, or Samui - Haadyai.

The major accommodation beaches, Lamai and Chaweng, are both on the east coast and are lined with bungalows and hotels, though most are hidden among the foliage, allowing the natural beauty to remain intact.

It takes about and hour to drive completely around the island, if you don't stop along the many beaches or take to some of the side tracks. A couple of rough trails cross the mountainous interior, but this is strictly 4WD or motorcycle territory.

The only real town on the island is Na Thon, the administrative and communications centre.

The very best diving in the Gulf of Thailand is to found right around Ko Tao.

Nang Yuan Island.

Sea Canoeing, at Ang Thong Marine National Park.

Chaweang, Samui Nature.

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