Koh Samui Overview

Sponsored by www.on-samui.com

Located 560 kms south of Bangkok, and 80 kms off the coast of Suratthani, Koh Samui is 280 km2 and measures 25 kilometers at it’s longest point, and 21 kilometers at its widest.

The island’s first inhabitants, fisherman seeking shelter in the calm waters of Bohput bay, first settled in Koh Samui around 1500 years ago. They quickly took advantage of the rich oceans with a plentiful supplies of sea-food, along with the fertile land ideal for coconut farming. Small villages soon sprung up and the island population grew.

The local population of approximately 34,000 is generally very friendly, and largely Buddhist. Coconut farming and fishing were the main sources of income until the relatively resent rise of tourism. Even today, Samui exports approximately 2 million coconuts each month, largely picked by trained monkeys.

Koh Samui is mountainous and has a ridge running east to west. Virgin tropical rain-forest still occupies a vast majority interior. The coast enjoys countless powdery wide beaches and crystal clear waters. These beaches are easily accessed via the 50 km ring road that follows the coast line. The island certainly boasts a diversity of landscape, views, fauna and flora.

Until Samui was first discovered by backpackers in the 70’s it had remained relatively untouched. It has since developed into a highly fashionable, up-market holiday destination, and investment hotspot, renowned throughout the world as a tropical paradise with a great deal to offer. Yet, despite this rapid development, now with amenities such as modern hospitals, cinema and championship golf course, Koh Samui has still retained the charm and romantic feel of a small island destination. Property prices continue to rise, providing exciting investment opportunities in a truly beautiful setting; and Samui has now been granted special development status by the government.

For more information, visit Koh Samui real estate.