The island of Ko Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, is the mass tourism destination par excellence in the south of the country, where you'll find large-scale tourist development, as well as activities and entertainment to satisfy the hordes of visitors here. The fact that Ko Samui's beaches can be jam-packed with tourists (except, by miracle, Bo Phut) is down to their paradisiacal beauty of white sand and coconut palms. For a more authentic experience, as well as marginally cooler temperatures and peace and quiet, why not head inland, where you'll find verdant hills dotted with stunning viewpoints, a waterfall and a temple.