The 247sqkm (95sqmi) island, 496km (310mi) south of Bangkok, is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction.

Ko Samui, with numerous lovely beaches and bays, measures some 21km (13mi) at its widest point and 25km (16mi) at its longest. A 51km (32mi) ring road largely encircles the island.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts. The most popular beaches are Chaweng and Lamai where the most attractive accommodation is found.

Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lut and Na Muang waterfalls, the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay, a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle, and Naton, the island's major seafront settlement with shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels.