Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand, and its history dates back more than 1,500 years. The first recorded mention of Koh Samui was in the Chinese annals from the Tang dynasty in the 7th century.
indigenous people
The island was then inhabited by fishermen and farmers, and it was only in the late 19th century that it became a popular trading post for Chinese and Malay merchants. In the early 20th century, Koh Samui became a coconut plantation, and it remained so until tourism took over in the 1970s.
During World War II, Koh Samui was occupied by the Japanese, who used the island as a base for their operations in Southeast Asia. After the war, the island was returned to Thailand, and it remained a quiet, undeveloped place until the 1970s when the first backpackers started to arrive.
first group of tourists
In the 1980s, Koh Samui started to attract more tourists, and the island’s first resorts were built. Today, Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and laid-back atmosphere. The island has also become a popular spot for luxury villas and high-end resorts, catering to a more upscale clientele.
In recent years, Koh Samui has continued to develop its tourism industry, with more high-end resorts and luxury villas being built. The island has also become a popular destination for wellness tourism, with many spas, yoga retreats, and detox centers catering to health-conscious travelers.
Despite the island’s development, Koh Samui has managed to maintain much of its natural beauty and charm. The island is home to several protected areas, including the Ang Thong Marine National Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life.
Koh Samui also has a rich cultural heritage, with several temples and shrines scattered throughout the island. The most famous of these is the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai, which is home to a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue.
Overall, Koh Samui’s history is one of transformation, from a quiet fishing and coconut farming island to a bustling tourist destination. However, despite the changes, the island has managed to retain much of its natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a unique and fascinating place to visit.
sorce: https://islandinfokohsamui.com/