Koh Samui - Island overview

KOH SAMUI OVERVIEW 1. Background and History Koh Samui emerged as a resort destination during the 1980s and is now established as one of South-East Asia’s premier resort islands and one of Thailand’s leading resort real estate markets, offering a wide choice of properties for sale. Koh Samui’s continued growth in tourism and real estate is largely attributable to the expansion of its local airport, which has helped position the island as a boutique resort destination. In 2007, tourist arrivals exceeded 1 million and further growth is expected as passenger numbers rose by 11.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2008. This is encouraging for the future of Koh Samui’s property market. 2. Geography Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and is situated in the Gulf of Thailand. The island covers a total area of 247 sq.m. and is surrounded by other outlying islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The interior of the island is predominantly mountainous, covered at lower levels by coconut plantations, while many of the hilltops remain natural forests. 3. Principal Koh Samui Property Locations There is development in all coastal locations in Koh Samui. The island’s principal locations are: Koh Samui's North Coast: Bang Por, Maenam and Bophut beaches offer stunning views towards Koh Phangan and are ideal for swimming. Many villa-type homes are found in this area of Koh Samui. Other developments include two to five-star resorts and local houses. Local retail shops are also found in Maenam, while Bophut features a variety of restaurants set in the charming Fisherman’s Village and serves as a focal point and social hub for Koh Samui’s resident expatriates.   East Coast of Koh Samui: Koh Samui’s most developed beach area, extending from Chaweng to Lamai. Chaweng is the island’s longest and also the most developed beach. This area features a number of residential developments, two to four-star resorts, dining and entertainment venues. Existing properties here are currently being upgraded and redeveloped.   Koh Samui's West Coast: Koh Samui’s west coast is less extensively developed but offers stunning sunset views towards the Ang Thong National Marine Park and the ‘Five Islands’. A number of hillside villas and condominiums and luxury resorts are now being planned on the west and south-west coasts, including the Conrad Koh Samui. One of the first developments in this area was the Baan Taling Ngam hotel.  Nathon, Koh Samui’s principal town, is located on the west coast and is where government offices, banks, retail shops and a public ferry port is located.   South Coast of Koh Samui: Other beaches in Koh Samui include Laem Set and Thong Krut to the south. The dramatic coastline here features coconut palms, adding to the area’s beauty. The Centara Hotel is located in Laem Set, where several other hotels and also Koh Samui’s first beach condominium have recently been completed. 4. Infrastructure/ Lifestyle/ Leisure Koh Samui strikes a balance between western luxury and an exotic resort lifestyle. The island offers a range of leisure activities and amenities including the 18-hole Santiburi golf course, the 9-hole Bophut Hills golf course, diving and water sports activities, as well as a wide choice of dining and entertainment options. The island also has a full range of international standard health care services at its private hospitals. Koh Samui is known as a luxurious tropical island where living costs are a fraction of those in Hong Kong, Western Europe and the USA. With full-time staff such as maids, cooks and drivers all easily affordable, Koh Samui tends to deliver a relaxing lifestyle. Consequently, it is an attractive location for a holiday home and real estate investment, ahead of many regional and international resort destinations. 5. Weather There are three main seasons in Koh Samui. Dry Season: December to February. Hot Season: March to August. Green Season: September to November. The peak tourism season in Koh Samui is from April to August, when tourists can enjoy the best that Koh Samui offers, with daytime temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. Most holiday home owners in Koh Samui also visit the island during this period. Koh Samui also experiences a high season during Christmas and New Year holidays in December. The weather is refreshing with light breezes and minimal rain during this period.