An island in Thailand, specifically Ko Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the second-largest island in Thailand and a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and resorts.
From Thai เกาะสมุย (gòh sàmui), where 'ko' means island and 'samui' possibly derives from the Malay word 'saboey' meaning 'safe haven,' reflecting its historical role as a shelter for seafarers.
Ko Samui remained largely unknown to tourism until the 1970s when backpackers discovered it as a hidden paradise accessible only by coconut boat. The island was so isolated that it didn't have paved roads or electricity until the late 1980s, preserving its natural beauty longer than most Thai destinations.
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