Joanna James
The largest island on the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is part of three islands which are called "the sisters" together. The other two islands are Koh Phangan and Ko Tao. There's plenty to do in terms of diving, snorkelling and other fun things you can do in a resort town.
There's a wide variety of beaches in Koh Samui which means no matter what sort of beach holiday you are looking for, there will be a beach to match your choice. For example, staying at Chaweng Beach resorts will bring you within walking distance of Koh Samui's most popular beach and well-developed areas. Chaweng Beach is home to spectacular resorts the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort among others. The southeast coast of Koh Samui is less developed which means you are likely to see less of a crowd and have your beach to yourself.
Take a boat out to Koh Phangan overnight especially if you are close to a full moon day as there will be a great beach party that is known all over Thailand. If you head out earlier in the day, you can make it a complete trip where you take a tour of the secret beaches, the jungle-covered mountains and massive rocky peaks of Koh Phangan. After which you can spend the sunset and the rest of the night dancing away at the Moon Festival.
Between the three big sisters of the archipelago are another 42 islands which can be your destination for a complete tour that will take you sightseeing around Ang Thong National Park. Whether you choose to charter a boat to ferry you about or if you choose to do it yourself by joining a kayaking tour, there will be plenty to see that is worth seeing.
While Ko Tao is small and doesn't look like much when you see it from the air, the island is a great location for some diving and snorkelling thanks to its abundant coral reefs and clear waters. Ko Tao is one of the best diving locations in Southeast Asia. Thanks to the fact that Ko Tao has fewer tourists you won't have to fight a crowd to go diving either.
In one of the highest points of Ko Samui is Pom Mountain where you will find the Secret Buddha Garden also known as Tarnim Magic Garden. It was the pet project of a retired farmer by the name of Khun Nim who made these sculptures for 14 years until his death at the age of 91. It was a place of meditation and rest that he envisioned at the mountain peak and today you can find all kinds of fountains, enclaves and of course the sculptures of Buddha.
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