Samui's Towns and Beaches

Chaweng

The most popular destination for tourists, Chaweng Beach is the longest beach on the island having the biggest centre for both entertainment and shopping. There are many hotels and bungalows along Chaweng's fine white sandy beach. You can find anything from five-star luxury resorts to small budget bungalows. Koh Samui still remains a backpacker's heaven. The main road is lined with the restaurants offering every imaginable cuisine you think of. You can find Turkish, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and of course Thai food not to mention Macdonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut. There are also numerous dive shops and a many excellent open-air discotheques, The Green mango being the most famous where you can dance all night after soaking up the sun as you relax at the beach during the day time. Once you are on the beach you are surrounded by the islands natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. If you wonder further inland from the beach toward Chaweng lake you can stumble upon the local Thai boxing ring, a giant open-air produce market and numerous food stalls catering to locals. Chaweng's main road is a hive of activity at most times but really comes alive at night.

Chaweng's main road is one of the best places for people watching nightlife.

Lamai

Lamai Beach is Koh Samui's second largest beach and is quickly becoming known as the most beautiful beach in Samui. The sea water caters for excellent swimming and the beach is studded with graceful granite boulders, which are often enjoyed as fishing perches by local fishermen.

Nightlife in Lamai is a bit more laid back than in Chaweng beach but at 2am Fusion Nightclub quickly brings the town to life. There are many areas in Lamai full of the colorful lady bars and the more traditional pubs have pool tables and ample screens for watching live sports events. There are several good restaurants in Lamai town such as the famous Aspendos serving traditional Turkish cuisine.

Big Buddha Beach - Bang Rak

Big Buddha Beach is located on the north-east corner of Koh Samui and takes it's name from the 12-meter statue of Buddha known to the locals as Phra Yai which is in a seated position. The Big Buddha is actually on the island of Koh Fan, which is joined to Koh Samui by a short causeway. There are a few interesting Wats (temples) in the area with the Big Buddha residing at Wat Phra Yai.

Big Buddha Beach is a quiet and peaceful place. The beach is two kilometers long, not very wide and is lined with palm trees. Swimming is good at this beach as it is well protected from the wind by the headlands. The water is shallow and calm except when the weather is bad of course. Bungalows, private homes and restaurants line the beach at the water's edge. There is a pier here for express boat service to Koh Phangan as well as the biggest and probably the best daily speed boat operator called Petcherat Marina which is situated here. Big Buddha beach is a quiet place where people come to contemplate, meditate or simply relax.

Bo Phut

Bo Phut Beach is sleepy little fishing village located on the north side of Koh Samui, between Maenam and Big Buddha. Bo Phut Beach is one of Koh Samui's older settlements, maintaining the island authenticity while welcoming guests with charming restaurants, bars and cafes, many of which are directly on the beach. There is one pier at Bo Phut for speedboats to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong National Marine Park which depart daily.

The beach at Bo Phut is three kilometers long and is lined with white smooth sand. Water skiing and other water sports are very popular here. Swimming is best at the eastern part of the beach, as there is a lot of seaweed and algae in the bay.

Bo Phut is known for its charming, quaint and romantic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking privacy, peace and solitude and is located fairly close to the capital port of Nathon.

Mae Nam

Maenam Beach is a four kilometer stretch of firm, clean white sand and sparkling crystal clear water. Maenam is located on the north side of Koh Samui, just east of Bang Po. The warm water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and other water sports and very popular with those looking for a little bit more than just lazing on the beach. There is an interesting village here with a definite Chinese influence. Lots of wooden shop houses with a Chinese flavor and even a small Chinese temple.

There are plenty of interesting shops and restaurants in the village which are well worth a look. There is accommodation for all budgets here and Mae Nam is known as having the first bungalows ever built on the island. There are two piers in Maenam, one for express boats and the other for speedboats to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong National Marine Park which depart daily.

Bang Po

Bang Po Beach is located on the northwest corner of Koh Samui, between Nathon and Maenam. The beach is four kilometers long and faces to the north with views of Koh Phangan. The waters are calm in this area of Koh Samui and the beach is very clean. Palm trees line the beach adding to its appeal. There are shallow coral reefs nearby which provide excellent snorkeling. There is not much development in this area and very limited accommodation, no tourist shopping or nightlife. The price for land in this area is less than other areas of Koh Samui. The result is many housing developments with houses for sale and rent. The road in this part of Koh Samui is very close to the ocean and quite hilly.