Many adventurous travelers have heard of Samui but might not know its precise location. This stunning resort is situated in Thailand and is part of the province known as Surat Thani. Samui is nestled in the Pacific Ocean, specifically within the Gulf of Thailand.
As the second-largest island in Thailand, it follows Phuket in size. Covering an area of approximately 230 square kilometers, the island's highest point is Khaopom, which stands at an elevation of 635 meters above sea level. The distance between the Thai capital, Bangkok, and Samui is about 700 kilometers.
The precise founding date of Samui remains unknown. It is believed that the island was settled by fishermen from China and the Malay Peninsula during the 6th century. As early as 1687, it was marked on a map from the Ming Dynasty of China. Until the late 20th century, Samui remained an isolated, self-sufficient area with no formal ties to Thailand.
The first wave of tourists arrived at the resort in the 1970s, leading to the establishment of bungalows and a small number of guest accommodations. The 1990s witnessed a tourism boom, transforming Samui into a favored destination for exotic vacationers.
Samui is home to a population of approximately 45,000 residents, primarily earning their livelihoods from tourism, coconut cultivation, and rubber exports. Many still regard the resort as an untouched paradise, although each year sees the city's development efforts to attract an increasing number of tourists.
