Luxury resorts rub elbows with backpacker accommodations on the Thai island of Ko Samui, a 15-mile-long palm-covered tropical oasis located off the country's east coast. Rent a car to take in all the quirky sights, including the 80-foot tall gold-tiled Big Buddha at Koh Faan, the wonderful Rocks at Lamai Beach, the Snake Farm and the omnipresent coconut-collecting monkeys. Head to Chaweng for a lively beach scene and ample nightlife or Maenam Beach for a low-key getaway.