Koh (Ko)
Reviewed by the Samui Local Hub team ·
Pronunciation
gaw (short 'o' as in 'cough')
Thai script
เกาะ
Meaning
Island. Every Thai island name starts with it: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao.
When to use it
Anytime you read maps, signs or boat tickets - 'Koh X' always means 'island X'.
Summary
Koh (also written Ko) is simply the Thai word for island.
Details
Koh (also written Ko) is simply the Thai word for island.
Local tips
- Boat signs write it 'Ko' or 'Koh' - same word
Frequently asked questions
What does Koh mean in Koh Samui?
'Koh' (เกาะ) means 'island' in Thai, so Koh Samui = Samui Island. The spelling 'Ko' is also common.
Sources
Plus local research.
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