Koh Samui hotels - Beaches

Maenam:

Maenam is one of the islands more secluded and private beachs. You'll find smooth powdery sand and calm clear waters (if there is no wind) making it very inviting and perfect for swimming. Although the Maenam is on the north of the island, the beach faces to the north and east. Diving and windsurfing centers are located in Maenam. There are a number of small intimate restaurants in the village.

Maenam village remains relatively unspoiled even today. Some of the wooden houses and shops are over 70 years old. A leisurely stroll along the street gives you a good opportunity to appreciarte the unique character of Maenam. There are a number of shops here you may want to visit.

Bo Phut:

Located on the north of the island between Maenam and Big Buddah Beach is another one of Samui's finer beaches. Bophut is also one of Samui's more established settlements. It remains a charming fishing village that has changed very litlte over the years. Today, Bo Phut attracts many young couples and famlies and the village itself retains that quite fishing village image. Several of the old, wooden, seafront shophouses have been transformed into delightful restaurants, keeping Bo Phut's character intact. Other shophouses continue to operate as they have for years, serving the local residents and fishermen.

Bo Phut Beach offers some three kilometers of smooth white sand, and the tranquility of the bay makes this a popular spot for relaxing. The narrow beach road leads from the pier westward past resorts, restaurants and local shops. At night this area is known for its charming and romantic atmosphere. Bophut is perfect for a little privacy and a quiet nighttime stroll on the beach.

Big Buddha:

Big Buddha Beach is located in the Northeast corner of Samui. It gets its name for the view of the Big Golden Buddha, beginning in Bophut village extending down to the Big Buddha shrine. The beach here is dotted with bungalows and restaurants and a couple of bars and shops along the road.

Although the beach is quite narrow, it is very quiet and fringed with palm trees along its two-kilometer streach. The waters are calm if somewhat shallow. A pier is located on Big Buddha Beach which is scheduled to take trips to Koh Pha Ngan. There are also several places where speedboat services are available.

The Big Buddha shrine is approx. twelve-meters tall sitting out on an islet that is connected to Samui by causeway. The Big Buddha is the focal point of the area even though there is no town as such nearby. Within the temple grounds there are shops and restaurants. The Big Buddha complex opens early and closes at sunset each day.

Choeng Mon:

Choeng Mon Beach is located in the Northeast corner of the island after Big Buddha beach. It is secluded and spans about one-kilometer on the eastern shores of the island. The water here is calm and offers excellent conditions for couples and families who want to get away from it all.

Choeng Mon can be reached by driving past Big Buddha from the north or by following the beach road out of Chaweng This is a very remote and quiet part of Koh Samui. There are several small coves and bays within the area, some of which have been developed, into self-contained resorts.

There is no central village, but there are several small shops along the road.

Chaweng:

Chaweng was once a quant fishing village frequented by a handful of backpackers. Since the mid 1980's the beach has been transfored into a an international tourist destination.

Chaweng beach does retains some of that exotic image with tall coconut plams and white powdery sand and shallow waters even though it has become home to a diverse selection of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, shops, bars, and restaurants.

Along this seven kilometer stretch can be found some of the island's best accommodation. Nestled in-between the numerous hotels and guesthouse are beach bars restaurants, discos and shops. In recent years it has blossomed into the island's second largest town, and is a magnet for visitors from all over the island.

Food lovers will find many choices of food available. Most restaurants offer a mix of Thai and western foods. There are many authentic German, Italian, Chinese, Swiss and other establishments, which are operated and managed by foreigners who have made Samui their home. The range of food selection and the number of offerings of the many restaurants is mind-boggling !
Chaweng offers the largest number of dive shops and many organize night dives off the beach. Wave runners, para-sailing, canoes, catamarans, and other waters sports are available here.

Luckly, despite the growth and number of visitors to Chaweng Beach, it still maintains the classic image of a palm-fringed tropical beach.

Lamai:

The beach is wider then Chaweng and the waters deeper making it good for swimming although it can be quite rough during the monsoons. The beach is not as shady as Chaweng and the water is generally cooler because of the deeper waters.

Lamai is a good location for younger couples and the singles crowd. The choice for eating and drinking is varied. Inexpensive prices for food and drink are readily available in Lamai. The best way to discover Lamai is by walking around the area and enjoying the sights.

Within Lamai itself there is a small museum at the old monastery complex. There are a number of gyms offering Thai boxing lessons, along with many dive shops. Near by are several health spas and meditation centers to cater to your personal comforts.

Beyond the beach road there are groves of banana and coconut plantations. Toward the interior there are trails for hiking and dirt bikes. Head slightly south of Lamai for the famous Grandfather and Grandmother natural rock formations.

Hua Thanon:

Further up from Laimai is Hua Thanon, a predominately rocky beach whose waters are quite shallow and is lined with coconut palms.

Hua Thanon is on the eastern side of the Island. It is home to the largest fishing village and offers a mixture of cultures. The village running along the main road is more Chinese whilst the village along the beach is predominately Muslim.

Hua Thanon is a bustling area serving local residents. This makes it culturally rewarding for those wanting to see more of the traditional Samui.

You can find it situated where the Ring Road turns west and north towards Nathon.

Look for many traditional Thai houses in the coconut groves on the side roads and trails around Hua Thanon. Also of interest are local craft and woodworking shops along the Ring Road, as well as several artist galleries.

The village proper, looks out on Na Kai Bay, which is noted for its colorful collection of fishing boats. The beach area, where the fishermen live, is lined with fishing boats. Depending upon the time of day, the traffic from these boats can be quite noisy.

There are only resorts tucked in among the palm trees on either side of the fishing village. The resorts here provide more of a self-contained environment.

Taling Ngam:

The area of Taling Ngam is situated at the southern point of Koh Samui. It features the most secluded bays on the island. The main road makes a sharp turn north where you turn off. From there it is another two and a half kilometers to the shore.

The short and secluded beach here is completely palm lined. To the south is the large coconut covered mountain, which marks the end of the bay.

Phangka Bay also known as Emerald cove is private, isolated and secluded. The water here is quite shallow and calm. A perfect bay for playing in the sea. The view from the beach is to the west which offers and outstanding view of the sunsets. In the distance are the five islands pointing in the direction of the mainland. Bring your camera when visiting this secret location.

The area is far secluded and quiet. If you are planing to spend some time in this beautiful location you may bring a cooler with something to eat and drink.