Page 163 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

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— Thailand — Thailand —

KOH SAMUI

Koh Samui is an oasis of shophouses along the middle street list, there are many day spas available.
natural beauty with white whisper of an exotic history. Koh Samui offers an abundance of
sandy beaches and crystal Although Koh Samui is in southern activities including elephant trekking,
clear water. Thailand where Islam has a strong canoeing, sailing, diving, golfing,
influence, the original inhabitants of fishing, cycling and almost anything
Roughly circular in shape, the island the island, known as Chao Samui, are else you can think of! Nature lovers
is the third largest island in Thailand predominantly Buddhist. will find it a paradise of waterfalls,
after Phuket and Koh Chang and temples and jungles. There is a
one of the most popular destinations In the past, most of the locals made butterfly garden, aquarium, tiger
for international travellers. The their living in the coconut farming zoo, monkey theatre, snake and
central part of the island is an almost business. Today, however, most crocodile farm to visit. Day tours
uninhabitable jungle where Samui’s islanders work in jobs related to to the neighbouring islands of Koh
highest mountain, Khao Pom, peaks tourism because in recent years Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Angthong
at 635 metres. The various lowland Samui has developed into a popular, Marine National Park are also highly
areas are connected together by a tropical beach resort destination. recommended.
single 51-kilometre road that meanders While still maintaining its unique
mostly along the coast to encircle the charm, from coconut tree fringed With direct flights to Samui Airport
bulk of the island. beaches to tropical jungles and a from Bangkok, Singapore and Hong
vibrant nightlife, it has something for Kong as well as ferry services from
The old capital Nathon is located on
the southwest coast of the island and everyone. Suratthani, Koh Samui is conveniently
remains the major port for fishing and Accommodations range from accessible.
inter-island transportation. Nathon bungalows and villas to five-star Koh Samui boasts many popular
is the seat of the regional government boutique resorts and are suitable for beaches including Chaweng and with
and for Samui locals is the recognised all budgets. There are fine dining its white sandy beaches, coral reefs
commercial hub. It has a charming restaurants that offer a wide range of and coconut trees it is easy to see why
pace, and is almost small enough to international and exotic local Thai travellers from all over the world make
walk everywhere. The old Chinese dishes. If pampering is high on your it their preferred holiday destination.

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