The Island of Koh Samui is a tropical gem located in the warm blue waters off the country's south-eastern seaboard. It is the Kingdom's second largest island after Phuket. Relatively unknown for years, this sun lover's paradise has now attained international standards of service and accommodation.

Fortunately, it has also earned a reputation for retaining its friendly image as well as natural environment. Easy to reach by air from Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui is literally covered with coconut trees and bougainvillea, which in turn are surrounded by white sandy shores and stunning turquoise seas. Whether you're looking for remote beaches, great shopping, delicious dining or an exciting nightlife, you'll find it on Koh Samui! Snorkelling here can be excellent.

On Koh Samui you will find some of the best diving sites in the South East Asia region. One of the best things about diving around this island is the fact that dive sites, unlike Phuket's and Samui's, are only minutes away. Sites range from deep water pinnacles to shallow coral garden to rocky points complete with swim-throughs.

The water is rich in colorful corals and has an impressive fish life Ang Thong National Marine 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 popular attractions of the region. Best Time to Travel: The best diving conditions are generally found between the months of March through to October, when visibility can be as high as 30-40 meters. The Sea conditions during this time are generally calm, with an average water temperature of 27-28 degrees centigrade. It might be a little windy in October, November and December so the visibility is not as good then.