Ko Samui is Thailand’s third largest island, lying off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, second only in popularity to Phuket. The location is rich in natural assets, with the principle industry - before backpacking and tourism took over - was coconut growing. The coconut industry is still strong, but it is a real testament to the island’s popularity with foreign tourists that it is now secondary to tourism. The island is surrounded by some stunning blue waters and framed by warm, white beaches, which make it somewhat of a fantasy destination for those with a clear picture in their mind of what an island paradissome dream-island paradise could look like. The single biggest place on Ko Samui is Chaweng, and has developed much as European tourist destinations such as the Costa Brava have: that is, it has been overwhelmed by construction and now offers all types of cuisine (yes, there is a McDonald's) and everything else that anyone feeling ‘homesick’ may desire. But despite the overcrowding and tackiness of some of its establishments, Chaweng remains a very cool backpacking town that has a lot to offer. The nightlife is especially good, and goes on till the early hours in certain pubs and clubs. There remain plenty of other beaches and settlements which have not been developed as Chaweng has, and have kept the feel of an island paradise. The interior of the island is likewise much unspoilt, largely because this interior rainforest is protected by the Angthong National Park. Various activities like jungle trekking and elephant trekking are great ways to see the heart of the island. Many forms of aquatic sports are also well catered for, in particular scuba diving and sailing. One of the main things to think about when visiting Ko Samui as a foreign traveller, particularly if backpacking, is that many generic holiday insurance policies might be inadequate for this type of holiday – unless coming just to relax on the beach. Standard policies predominantly exclude extreme or adventurous sports, and need to be added by contacting the broker. One way round this is to purchase a dedicated backpacker's travel insurance, which should offer a standard cover for more extreme activites, and take into account the more remote destinations now favoured by the backpacking tourist. It is always wise to check before taking part in any potentially dangerous activity when abroad, because if injury occurs the cost of treatment may not be covered by the insurer. And it doesn’t matter if you are on an island paradise – expensive medical bills really are going to ruin the trip.
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Ko Samui is Thailand’s third largest island, lying off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, second only in popularity to Phuket. The location is rich in natural assets, with the principle industry - before backpacking and tourism took over - was coconut growing. The coconut industry is still strong, but it is a real testament to the island’s popularity with foreign tourists that it is now secondary to tourism. The island is surrounded by some stunning blue waters and framed by warm, white ...
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