Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of the Thailand. Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket, with an area of 228.7 km2, a population of over 63,000 and a hotel occupancy rate of 73 percent as the number of visitors continues to increase. Abundant tourist resources, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and coconut trees are present on the island.

Ko Samui's economy now is based primarily on a successful tourist industry, as well as exports of coconut and rubber. Economic growth has brought not only prosperity, but also major changes to the island's environment and culture.

The central part of Ko Samui is the mostly tropical jungle, including its largest mountain, Khao Pom, peaking at 635 meters. On the west coast of the island is the original capital, Nathon, which still houses many government offices, as well as two of the island's five major piers. Nathon is the major port for fisheries and for vehicular and goods transportation from the mainland.