The Chinese word “saboey,” which means “safe haven,” and the Thai word “Koh,” which means “island,” are combined to form the words “Koh-Samui.”
Chinese and Malaysian fisherman and traders first came across Samui hundreds of years ago. They were attracted by the island’s natural beauty, plenty of fresh fruit and fish, and numerous quiet, hidden bays.
The island, which is approximately 228 km2 in size and only has 63,000 inhabitants, is sheltered in the Southern Gulf of Thailand. This makes the island more desirable because it is easier to handle than other popular tourist destinations.
Though it has won countless honors and currently boasts the best 5* resorts and luxury residences in Koh Samui, some people still think of the island as a rustic tropical outpost.
Celebrities and travelers from all over the world come here to enjoy its seductive charms and secret getaways.
Koh Samui is rapidly evolving into a truly upscale vacation destination with over 700 resorts and hotels, two championship golf courses, and international hotel brands including Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, and the Kaya at Bophut Hills.
Affluent tourists and home buyers from all over the world are drawn to new international luxury resorts and real estate developments!
Currently, Hong Kong expats, Europeans (although UK buyers have decreased since “Brexit”), particularly French buyers, Middle Easterners—specifically Israeli and Dubai—South East Asians—including Singapore & Malaysia—and Northern Asians—including Russians, Chinese, and still some Australian investors—are the top buyers of real estate on the island.