Samui is an island in northern Thailand. It is not as popular with tourists, so it is cleaner than Pattaya and less crowded than Phuket. There are a total of eight districts on the island. Choosing the best Koh Samui vacation area will depend on your preferences and requirements.
Book a Koh Samui off-road safari tour with lunch here.
Maenam, Samui: for unpretentious tourists
- Number of beaches: three.
- Location: north of the island.
- Best hotels: Saree Samui, Samui Buri Beach Resort, Escape Beach Resort.
One of the largest areas of Samui. There are three beaches on Maenam that are separated by Cape Na Lan – Bang Po, Bang Thai and the beach of the same name Maenam.
The latter is considered one of the best on the island, so in high season it gathers a lot of tourists. Sandy beach, well-groomed area, gentle entrance to the water, the lack of sharp stones and corals – all this you will find on Maenam.
The infrastructure in the area is developed. There are restaurants, cafes, banks, laundromats, stores for every taste, gas stations and much more. But almost all establishments close before 10 p.m.: finding a working cafe at night will be a problem. You can stay here as in a five-star hotel, and in a small bungalow – the choice of housing is huge. There are several markets in the area that open in the evenings. Here you will find local products and exotic fruits.
The area is suitable for those who like to have everything at their fingertips, as well as for those looking for a quiet holiday at the beach. The only disadvantage of this area of Samui is the water, it is not always clean. Here, as a rule, prefer to stay married couples with children.
Chaweng Koh Samui: For Young People and Party Lovers
- Number of beaches: one, length – 7 km.
- Location: east side of the island.
- Best hotels: Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort Spa, Ozo Chaweng Samui, Chaweng Villawee.
Chaweng area on Koh Samui is the most active place on the island. Hotels, spas, nightclubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants-it has everything to party hard in a big group. At night, tourists and locals gather at Green Mango, Ark Bar and Sound Club, which are open daily. There are also several evening markets. Chaweng is not suitable for a relaxed and measured vacation, but if you are looking for new friends around the world, you should definitely settle in this area on Koh Samui.
The beach at Chaweng is its main attraction. Clean coastline with crystal water attracts thousands of tourists every year. But be careful: when the wind is strong waves here rise very high.
Not far from the beach there is a mall Tesco with a huge food court, Starbucks, local cafes and diners.
Lamai, Samui: for tourists with children and couples
- Number of beaches: three, one large(Lamai beach).
- Location: east side of the island.
- Best hotels: Ammatara Pura Pool Villas, Rocky’s, Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort.
Another popular area of Koh Samui with developed infrastructure. The nightlife here is not as developed as on Chaweng, but several bars and restaurants are open until late at night.
The beaches here are deep, the bottom in some places stony. In bad weather, the waves on Lamai rise high and beautiful. You can go windsurfing (there is almost no classic surfing on Samui).
The choice of hotels is huge. You can find luxury villas and small houses in the jungle, which are rented for long periods. Many cafes, food courts and restaurants with local food. Tourists note that Lamai is the area with the best weather on the island. It rains much less often here than in the northern part. This area of Samui is usually chosen for a honeymoon. The central and southern parts of Lamai are ideal for swimming. Another highlight of Lamai is the breathtaking sunrises. It’s worth waking up early in the morning at least once during your vacation to see this beauty with your own eyes.
