Koh Samui is Thailand`s third largest island with 247 sq.km, located 35 km off the Surat Thani coast and 700 km south of Bangkok. The 35.000 inhabitants are predominantly Buddhists, but there is also a small muslim community. As there is no written evidence, the island's history is subject to speculation, but it is believed that it was first settled by malaysian fishermen, chinese merchants and sea gypsies 1500 years ago. Besides coconut farming and tourism, fishing has remained one of the island`s economic mainstays ever since. Temperatures move between 25 - 35 degrees celsius. The main beaches are Chaweng and Lamai. Choengmon, Maenam, Bophut, Bang Po and Lipa Noi are quieter, but not less attractive. Tropical Holidays on Samui are always a special experience, so make your holiday dreams come true on this beautiful tropical island paradise.

In the mid 80s, the island was put on the map of international itineraries by the tourism business and nowadays caters to tourists of all kinds of styles and tastes. There are up to 20 daily flights between Bangkok and Samui with other connections to Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Singapore, Krabi and Siem Raep. Tourist attractions on Samui are many such as the unique Angthong Marine National Park, the Grand-mother & Grandfather Rocks, Namuang & Hin Lad waterfalls, Elephant jungle riding, the Mummified Monk, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Show, amazing sunsets and much more. You can join various excursions to discover the island by car or boat and will always be impressed about the charms of nature. On Samui, the time is not measured by the ticking of the clock but by the changing colors painted by the sunlight upon the sea.

COCONUTS were basically the prime source of income before the tourists arrived. Although not as economically important as in the past, coconuts still play a large role in life on Samui. The juice is a refreshing drink, the flesh is grated and eaten in several ways, including being mixed with hot water and squeezed to form coconut milk or coconut cream. When it's dried, the flesh of the coconut is squeezed and used to make coconut oil. Coconut seedpots are cut and the sap that oozes out is used to make palm sugar, a delightful light brown sugar with a delicate flavor. The coconut is not only used in the kitchen. It's fibrous outer layer is a valuable source of fuel and is often used by Thais to stuff matt- resses. The tree is another kind of source, as the fronds are used to make water resistant roof coverings or create furniture, buildings & other products.

WINING & DINING has become a top issue on Samui and the culinary expectations of the tourists are high. Samui is proud to offer a myriad of restaurants of all categories to satisfy all needs be it for international or Thai cuisine as Thai dishes have gained a world wide popularity. The only way to experience it is to try it! Thai special-ties are offered in most of the local restaurants. In addition, Samui dishes are based on the abundance of fresh seafood, various fruits and the ubiquitous coconut. If you are a seafood lover, always pick a restaurant which displays a fresh selection of the daily catch on iced counters. Best dining is in the prime hotels and restaurants - where you're served a myriad of culinary delights, prepared by international chefs of highest standards. Thai hospitality is omnipresent.

REAL ESTATE has become a major issue. There are construction sites all over the place, be it on the beach, in the forest areas or on picturesque mountain sites. The demand for land and houses is immense & any interested party has a perfect choice as prices range from moderate to extremely expensive. There are some important points to be considered, if you want to invest in property: 1. Make sure you have first class land papers. 2.Construction materials must be of prime standard. 3.Check what is included in the offered prices. 3. The location of the project (beach, mountain etc.). 4. Use a professional management or security service to take care of your property. 5. Operate with lawyers of good reputation. In general, Samui is a great place to live. Property is a good investment as prices are rising fast.

SPAS come in various sizes and shapes and can be found in facilities ranging from one room grass shacks to lavish establishments that take the concept of spa to levels unimaginable a few years ago. They all offer a variety of massages, saunas, steam baths, body rubs, body wraps & other treatments. Some have restaurant facilities offering food designed to keep patrons lean and healthy. One thing that make Samui's spas unique and interesting is the way they combine Western and Eastern elements. Westerners see physical health & fitness as a question of getting the body into shape by exercise, whereas Easterners often emphasize the importance of being in harmony with the world by promoting inner peace and tranquility, designed to improve one's health through fasting, colonic cleansing, weight loss and detoxification.

SPORTS loving people benefit from quite some choice. Water sports are popular, of course, such as kayaking & diving. Known as a unique, easy to learn and safe sports activity, it offers the splendid combination of fun and adventure. Coral reefs with stunning species, towering submerged pinnacles & general stable weather conditions are the motivation to submerge into the fascinating underwater world! Daily excur- sions with purpose built dive boats to prime dive sites such as the dream islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are highlights second to none. An exclusive and amazing sportive attraction is of course the Santiburi Samui Golf & Country Club, where you tee off from a stunning world class facility composed into an amazing piece of nature.