Coconut Island Heritage

Before tourism, coconut farming was the backbone of Koh Samui's economy. Coconuts arrived as a major crop in the 1800s with Hainanese Chinese traders and settlers. At its peak, the island is reported to have produced and exported over two million coconuts per month (this figure is repeated by several travel sources but could not be confirmed against an official statistic, so treat it as approximate). Harvested coconuts were carried by cart and water buffalo to a makeshift wharf at Nathon and shipped to Bangkok. Even today, coconut palms define the island's landscape, and coconut appears everywhere in local food, oil and handicrafts.

Details

Before tourism, coconut farming was the backbone of Koh Samui's economy. Coconuts arrived as a major crop in the 1800s with Hainanese Chinese traders and settlers. At its peak, the island is reported to have produced and exported over two million coconuts per month (this figure is repeated by several travel sources but could not be confirmed against an official statistic, so treat it as approximate). Harvested coconuts were carried by cart and water buffalo to a makeshift wharf at Nathon and shipped to Bangkok. Even today, coconut palms define the island's landscape, and coconut appears everywhere in local food, oil and handicrafts.

Highlights

• Nickname 'Coconut Island' comes from its plantation past
• Coconuts became a major crop in the 1800s via Hainanese traders
• Peak export figure often quoted as 2 million+ coconuts per month (unverified officially)
• Old coconut groves still cover much of the island's interior and coast

Local tips

• Look beyond the beaches: the flat land behind most beaches was plantation land
• Local dishes use coconut milk, palm heart and coconut shoots - try them at fresh markets

Frequently asked questions

Is Koh Samui really called Coconut Island?

Yes, it is a common nickname. Coconut farming was the island's main industry before tourism, and palms still cover much of the island.

Does Samui still export coconuts?

Yes, coconut farming continues, but tourism is now the main economy. Exact current export volumes are unknown.