I remember the island being touted as the next big thing back in 1983, with Chaweng Beach likened to a tropical paradise. But development at breakneck speed at Chaweng and Lamai Beaches saw hotel building racing ahead of infrastructure, leaving the back-roads a jumble of wires and potholes. I finally got there in 1996 and already Chaweng Noi was a better option – where the Sheraton has now replaced the original resort. I stopped going when the car ferry took three goes (and three hours) to get across. Samui is still fabulously beautiful with lots of high-end hotel options for living the dream. Pictured here are Hat Bang Po and Big Buddha on the quieter northern coast.  

Above: the headland between Chaweng and Lamai beaches.

Above Left: Wat Khunaram on the west coast, known for being the shrine to the 'mummy monk' who died in 1973.
Above Right: You can hire a bike and ride right the way round the island. Make sure you know what
you are doing as there is a high accident (and fatality) rate, particularly amongst foreigners.