Editing Ko Samui (section)

==Geography==
[[File:Sunrise thailand ko samui.jpg|thumb|right|Sunrise, Ko Samui]]
Ko Samui is in the [[Gulf of Thailand]], about {{convert|35|km|abbr=on}} northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E). It is the largest island in the [[List of islands of Thailand|Chumphon Archipelago]], measuring about {{convert|25|km}} at its widest point. To the north are the populated resort islands of Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, and Ko Nang Yuan. Close to Bangrak in northeast Samui is the small uninhabited island of Ko Som, and to the northeast of Chaweng is the tiny Ko Matlang. To the south are Ko Taen and Ko Matsum, each of which have small tourist facilities. To the far west are 44 other islands which together compose [[Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park]] which is accessible by a day-trip boat tour from Ko Samui.

The central part of Ko Samui is mostly tropical jungle with tree coverage and wildlife and its largest mountain, Khao Pom, peaking at {{convert|635|m|abbr=on}}. The lowland and coastal areas are connected by a {{convert|51|km|abbr=on}}-long road, encircling the island. Other concrete roads branch off to service other areas.

The town of Nathon on the west coast is the closest town to the mainland and is the original capital which still houses many government offices. Two of the island's five main piers make Nathon the main port for all transportation from the mainland  and the commercial centre for Samui residents. The transition from dependence on the local coconut industry and the continued growth and development of the tourist industry, as well as the northeastern location of the airport, has led to the increase of commercial activity in Chaweng and Bophut.