Cheap flights to Koh Samui land at the relatively new and privately owned airport. Designed with a tropical island feel, chandeliers sparkle above the check-in area, there are armchairs at the departure gates, and leis when you land. It's a perfect introduction to this paradise island on the Gulf of Thailand. It was not always so swanky. In the 1970s Koh Samui was a backpackers' destination, now it caters for a more moneyed type of tourist.
However pricey the resorts around the beaches have become - and however busy, with shops, restaurants and bars - Koh Samui's beaches are the main attraction. They are beautiful, fringed by palm trees, with soft sand lapped by crystal-clear waters. Under the sea, the coral is plentiful, the fish colourful and the visibility great.
Among the most beautiful, and most popular, beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai. Other, less-well known beaches include Hat Choeng Mon and Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, on the east, Koh Samui's capital.
Aside from the beaches, Koh Samui's Buddhist heritage is apparent. There are many ornate temples, of which the most famous is Wat Phra Yai, home to the 12-metre high golden Big Buddha, which can be seen from the plane as you arrive, or say goodbye to Koh Samui.
