The History Of The China Sea Pearl
In the heart of the southern Gulf of Thailand lies Koh Samui
an island brimming with history and interest, spanning several centuries. Once populated by fishermen and farmers, this island has retained its authentic charm over time. The arrival of the first Chinese settlers in the 18th century marked a decisive turning point in Koh Samui’s evolution, with the introduction of coconut cultivation, which quickly became one of the pillars of its flourishing economy.
Koh Samui lies off the south-east coast of Thailand. It is part of an archipelago of 85 islands in the Gulf of Siam. Most of these islands and islets are uninhabited, and make up the Ang Thong National Park. The island’s 250 square kilometers make it the third largest after Phuket and Koh Chang, with its highest point (656 meters) overlooking lush jungle.
The exact origin of the name Koh Samui is not known, although the first word “Koh” means island in Thai, while the meaning of the word “Mui” remains unknown. Some believe it to be a translation of a Chinese word, “saboei”, meaning “safe harbour”, as the Chinese were among the first sailors to wait for the island’s beaches.
Koh Samui was first depicted on Chinese maps in 1687, during the reign of the Ming dynasty. At that time, Chinese navigators nicknamed it Pulo Conam. Koh Samui remained isolated from the rest of Thailand until the 20th century. It was under the reign of King Rama V, His Majesty King Chu-lalongkorn, that it was included on the map of the Kingdom of Siam. In 1887, King Rama V visited Koh Samui on his way to his favorite vacation destination, Koh Phangan.
At the time, little was known about Koh Samui, apart from the island’s produce of coconuts, tropical fruits, peaches and bamboo. Malay and Chinese traders and sailors had been visiting Koh Samui since the mid-17th century, seeking protection from the tropical storms of the Gulf of Thailand. Some settled here to work and raise families. They initially lived near the main fishing and trading ports of Nathon, Maenam or Bophut. They also brought Buddhism with them, which eventually became the island’s main religion, as well as a minority, working-class Muslim population. All the main towns were located along the coast, and the only means of transport was by boat.
Nathon, being the closest to the mainland, experienced the most rapid growth. It became the capital of Sa-mui, and the center of all government administration. Local industries such as tropical fruit, bamboo, coconut and fishing continued to grow.
Hippies were the first Western adventurers to set foot on this new paradise in the 60s and 70s. In 1967, the island’s chief asked the relevant authorities in Bangkok for funding to build a 52 km road network around Samui. 200 men were employed on this titanic task. The rocky, mountainous terrain and hills of the island’s east coast presented a formidable physical challenge.
Dynamite proved to be the most effective method of clearing the way for a 52 km road that had to be wide enough for machines and vehicles to pass. This allowed construction vehicles to access the entire 52 km. The island’s tropical climate, although perfect for 11 months of the year, caused many delays, as any heavy rain or flooding made all work impossible. In 1973, the bypass project was completed. The bypass was officially named Thai Route 4169.
Much of Samui’s population grew as large numbers of workers came from other cities in Thailand to take advantage of the booming tourist industry.
In 1980, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism commissioned a project to develop and promote the island as a tourist destination. Koh Samui quickly became a favorite destination for both Thai nationals and foreign tourists.
In 1989, Bangkok Airways financed Samui’s first and only private airport.
And so, over the course of the 20th century, Koh Samui became the must-visit destination for travellers in search of adventure and tranquillity. Over the years, Koh Samui has captured the hearts of many travellers, and the growing demand has led to the construction of a myriad of hotels, restaurants and bars, ready to welcome visitors in search of an unforgettable tropical getaway.
Today, Koh Samui is a leading tourist destination, attracting travelers from all over the world in search of a true haven of peace
The island is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, majestic waterfalls, spiritual Buddhist temples and delicious cuisine. Every corner of the island offers a unique experience, whether you wish to relax under the hot sun, venture into the lush jungle or soak up the local culture by visiting ancestral temples.
One of Koh Samui’s highlights is the famous full moon festival
Every month, thousands of revelers gather to celebrate this epic event on the island’s sparkling beaches. The intoxicating rhythms of the music, the shimmering lights and the electrifying atmosphere create a unique ambiance where joy and dance mingle to create lasting memories.
Whether you’re a traveler looking for relaxation, adventure or festivities, Koh Samui has it all. This enchanting island invites you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a postcard-perfect tropical paradise. Whether you’re relaxing on a sun-drenched beach, exploring nature’s hidden treasures or losing yourself in the bustling lanes of the local markets, Koh Samui is ready to dazzle you with its unrivalled island beauty.
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