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Crystal Bay on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand

Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, Ko Samui sits just off the country’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Historically home to fishermen, the island remained isolated from the mainland until the late 20th century; in fact, there were no roads here until the 1970s. Today, Ko Samui welcomes tourists and retirees who are drawn to the island’s pristine beaches, mountainous jungles, and low cost of living.