Koh Samui is the island of thousands of coconut trees and the third largest island in Thailand (only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger in size). The total area of the island is about 247 km² and it is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province. There is a 55 kilometer long ring road on the island which makes it convenient to travel from beach to beach.

Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. Samui do also has many sister islands; Koh Tao (top diving destination in Asia), Koh Phangan (known for it's Full Moon Party etc.), Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and the spectacular Koh Nang Yuan.

There were no roads or cars on Samui until the early 40's, but in 1973 a 52 km long concrete road was built around the island. The airport on Koh Samui was built in 1989 and it was renovated in 2007. It is often considered as one of the most beautiful and exotic airports in the world.