Tourism

It was only the early 1970s that the first backpackers traveling on a coconut boat arrived on Koh Samui. For years after that the island just had a few bungalows and a trickle of travelers. In the early 1990s, boats full of tourists started arriving, and since then the island has soared in popularity. Samui is now the second most popular island destination in Thailand, after Phuket. Samui is an oasis of natural beauty, with its white sandy beaches, dazzling coral, luscious lagoons, picturesque waterfalls, swaying coconut trees and crystal clear water. Tourism is now ahead of coconuts as the islands main industry.

Development on Ko Samui is starting to take its toll, and the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are as overcrowded as anywhere on the Costa-del-Sol. However, many quieter beaches still exist.

Tourist attractions

* Angthong National Marine Park Angthong National Marine Park, consisting of 42 islands featuring limestone massifs, tropical rainforests, secluded beaches and wildlife, was established as a national park in 1980. Also known as the Golden Basin, the park in Ko Samui is renowned for activities like snorkeling, walking and swimming. Similar nearby islands are Ko Sam Sao, Ko Prayad, Ko Hin Dap and Ko Kha.

* Wat Khunaram Ko Samui This temple is the island's most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master and was reputedly able to predict his own death.

* Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. Those who are daring enough can have their photograph taken with the animals.

* Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

* Big Buddha is a twelve-metre high statue of the Buddha, which lies at the top of ceremonial dragon-steps at the Wat Phra Yai. Samui also has a number of other impressive temples, including Wat Khunaram, where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditating position is on display.

* The Grandmother and Grandfather rocks on the south end of Lamai beach are an occasional source of amusement for tourists due to their striking similarity to a vagina and penis. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.

* The mountain jungle in the interior of the island is an excellent day out, and is home to a number of impressive gardens built by legendary Samuia farmer Nim Thongsuk, the impressive waterfalls at Na Muang, real working rubber plantations and the most amazing views over the Ang Thong archipelago. The roads in the jungle are an adventure in themselves, and tourists normally take a tour with an experienced local Samui driver/guide.

* Muay Thai boxing takes place regularly at the island's stadiums in Chaweng and Lamai.

* Numerous animal attractions are dotted around the island, including a crocodile farm, monkey theatre, elephant trekking, a snake farm, an aquarium and a butterfly garden.

* Most visitors to the island take a day trip out to the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park at least once on their stay in Samui. Boats leave Na Thon several times a day.

* Ko Pha Ngan has a full-moon party at the appropriate time each lunar month, and tourists in Samui often hop a slow ferry or speedboat to the nearby island to join in the dusk to dawn high energy dancing and drinking marathon.