South - Samui Ko Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, situated at 84 kilometers east from Surat Thani City. The Island is 247 sq. km large and has a 50 km long ring road surrounding the island. Samui is characterized by beaches of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters. Samui has plenty of beautiful beaches but Chaweng and Lamai are most visited. The other beaches are Bangrak Bay, Ban Bo Phud, Na Thon, Thong Yang, Thong Takien and Choeungmon. Hin Lad Waterfall ( 3 km from Na Thon Pier) and Na Muang Waterfall (14 km from Na Thon Pier) are the most visited. The best moment is in rainy season. Main Attractions: Chaweng Beach Located on the east coast of Samui, Chaweng Beach is the longest strip on the island. Stretching for 6 km, Chaweng is the most popular and offers a wide range of facilities from the luxurious to the very basic at varying prices. The strip splits naturally into three sections, with the resort town located in the central area. In recent years it has blossomed into the island's second largest town. It is a magnet for visitors from all over the island. All the attractions are easily accessed by the road which runs parallel to the beach. Chaweng is considered as the center of tourist activities. It is the most developed area, too. You can find some of the island's best hotels, together with an endless number of bungalows, beach bars, restaurants, discos and shops.     Lamai Beach Lamai is a fast developing small village running the length of the beach. On the eastern coast, the beach stretches 5 km. Most of the resorts are on the east of the main road, running down the beach. Usually the beach is far less crowded than Chaweng. The sea is also deeper and clearer due to being well maintained by the community. The town is smaller and more compact than its neighbor, with a stronger village feeling as most restaurant bars, cafes, shops and even the main nightclub are all concentrated in the small but lively center known as "Lamai Gulch"     Big Buddha In top north of the island, stands a gigantic Sitting Buddha image, 15 meters tall placed in a meditation area.   Hin Ta Hin Yai Strangely shaped rocks at south Lamai.A local story tells of an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. Their body's were washed ashore to create the rocks.   Ang Thong National Marine Park This Park is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches. This fascinating group of islands, within sight of Samui to the north and west, is geographically different from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the sea as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of metres high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting formations. Particular features are Mae Ko (a beautiful beach) and Thale Nai (an emerald saltwater lake) both found on Ko Mae Ko. Ko Sam Sao has a coral reef and a huge rock arch as well as a hill providing great views of the surrounding area. There is a considerable amount of wildlife inhabiting the islands including the Asian long-tailed monkey (langur), hair-nosed otters, pacific reef egrets, white-bellied sea eagles, ashy drongos, tortoises, sea turtles, lizards and pythons.The surrounding sea is also the major spawning ground for the short-bodied mackerel, a tasty Thai delicacy. Snorkelling, walking and swimming are the most poular attractions of the region. The best time to visit this archipelago is late March to October when visibility is at its best.   Ko Phangan Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Siam a little north of Koh Samui. About 75 % of the island is mountains covered by tropical jungle. The coconuts are still produced and exported here and an important income, together with the growing tourist industry and fishing. There are several coconut fields here. In the south end of Ban Tai there is a big coconut storage. In July of each year, a crowdy festival is setiing up under the name of Full Moon Party. There are about 10.000 people every month at this Koh Phangan beach party. International and Thai DJ's are making the crowd go wild. Paint yourself in UV colors and let your body lose control. The DJ's play all kinds of music; Techno, Trance, Goa, D&B, Dub, Reggae, Commercial hits, House etc. There are many small tables on the beach where you can sit down with your friends or meet new ones. You can order drinks and food from the restaurants and the bars next to the beach.   Ko Tao Koh Tao is a very beautiful island. It is northwest of Phangan Island and under the Phangan district administration. Unspoiled and undisturbed, the island earned a reputation for unique beautiful bays and coves and coral gardens under the crystal sea. Sairee Beach is the longest beach on Koh Tao. About 3 kilometers long on the west coast. Chalok Beach is a shallow beach in a bay in the south part of Koh Tao. Tanote Bay is in the east of the island and is great for snorkeling. Other beaches and bays are: Aow Leuk, Sai Tong, Hin Wong, and Rocky bay.