Maenam Beach, Koh Samui is a beautiful beach, popular among families coming to Koh Samui with children and tourists spending the whole winter there.
This is the only comprehensive travel guide you need to check to get all necessary information about Maenam beach, its hotels and attractions nearby, if it’s good for swimming and more.
Maenam Beach, Koh Samui: General Info
It is located in the north of Ko Samui island and is quiet sand stretch, almost 5 km long. You can simply describe this beach as classical tropical paradise, with palm trees on the background of turquoise blue sea.
The eastern borders of the beach, lying in a picturesque bay, are limited by the W Koh Samui hotel – it separates Maenam from Bo Phut beach.
Maenam beach, Koh Samui is described as peaceful place for perfect beach vacation, and is quieter compared to nearby Bophut beach.
How to Get There
If you arrived to the island by plane, it will take about 20 minutes drive from Samui international airport. You can take a taxi from the airport, but don’t forget to ask driver to use meter or agree on the price beforehand.
There is also an opportunity to arrive to Koh Samui by sea, which is even more convenient, as the pier in located in the western part of the beach.
Maenam Beach Line
The coastline in the central part of Maenam Beach is quite wide, but it narrows as you move away from the center in both directions.
Walking along the beach can be difficult due to coarse golden sand which is too soft and loose.
The coast is mostly clean, with the exception of some areas on the western and eastern ends. Even though sprawling palm trees create a perfect green border, in some places during high tide access to the water can be limited.
The best part of the beach is in the west, in the area close to Shangrilah Bungalows, which is about 20 minutes walk from Pralarn pier.
Is Maenam Beach, Koh Samui Good for Swimming
Maenam refers to the deep-water beaches of Koh Samui. The entrance to the sea here is quite sharp: already 5 meters from the shore, the water reaches an adult up to the chest. Children here should swim in inflatable armlets.
When entering the water, you will not step on sharp stones and corals, but the sand itself under water has the consistency of clay, which is not very pleasant. Luckily, you don’t have to trek to the depths for a long time.
Best Season to Visit
In autumn, especially in November, Maenam is prone to spectacular storms. At other times of the year, the sea here is usually calm. When season comes, in January, when waves often hit Chaweng and Lamai beaches, Maenam is completely calm.
Beach infrastructure
Sun loungers and showers on the beach are found at every turn. Basically, they are located near hotels. Some of the them offer umbrellas and beach chairs free of charge. Other visitors go to beach cafes, where, after ordering a drink, you can sit on beach chairs, in gazebos or on sunbeds.
It’s also possible to find some places where you can enjoy jet ski or banana rides if you want some adrenaline.
Mae nam Accommodation Options
Depending on your needs and budget you can find many great places to stay close to beach. Below you can find the list of the most popular Maenam hotels based on Tripadvisor tourist ratings.
The choice of hotels in Mae nam Koh Samui is quite wide, but not as wide as in the popular resorts of Samui Chaweng and Lamai. Among the best hotels – Santiburi Koh Samui 5 . Prices vary from 7,900 to 25,150 THB/day (depending on the season and room class).
A more budget-friendly option, for example, is The Florist Resort, which is located directly in the central part of the beach. To stay there will cost 950-2,200 THB/day.
1. Santiburi Koh Samui
If you’re looking for luxury place to stay near Maenam beach, then this 5-star hotel is for you. It has all the facilities you need to enjoy your Samui holidays: private pool, free wi-fi, comfortable rooms. This hotel presents the ideal combination of high services and hotel standarts. More details and best deals you can find here.
2. Paradise Beach Resort
Surrounded by lush greenery, this option has a lot to offer. It is just about 500 m from village center, has children playground and include free breakfast. Walking distance from the hotel to Maenam beach is 8 minutes. Check actual prices here.
3. Escape Beach Resort
One of the best offers on Tripadvisor for great price. No hustle and bustle, this place is for those who is looking for some privacy, but at the same time its rather close to the benefits of civilization. More details and best deals here.
4. Hacienda Beach Resort
Hacienda Beach, Koh Samui is not so big, but it has all necessary facilities for great vacaction. If you’re traveling with children, there you’ll find books and music for children to entertain them. Click here to find the best price.
5. Wazzah Resort
If you’re looking for budget option in Maenam, please pay attention to this place. Make sure you’ve rent a car or bike, because it is up a slight hill. Check prices here.
Things to do near Maenam Beach, Koh Samui Island
Many tourists complain that life stops on Maenam Beach after sunset, while others like such a quiet atmosphere. By about 20:00, most beach restaurants and bars are closed, and those that work are almost empty.
Discos do not rattle here and this corner of Koh Samui island is not chosen by noisy youth companies. You will not be bothered by loud music, so this place is just perfect for a quiet family vacation.
In regards with attractions near Maenam beach, you can easily explore those that are nearby or join one of day tours and check the top sights of Koh Samui island. There are plenty of cruise options to choose from, you can enjoy trip to one of nearby islands and of course, one of the popular Koh Samui location – Ang Thong Marine Park.
There is Big Buddha temple nearby, that is a great place to check out. There, you can find souvenir shop and some good restaurants. So, it you can spend really nice time before the lunch. If you want to check other Samui city sights, join day tour.
Also, there is another Buddhist temple to discover – Wat Phu Khao Thong, which is about 700 m from Maenam beach.
Koh Phangan is half an hour away by boat. Every month there is a noisy full moon party take place, attracting people from all over the world. If you would like to join the party, go ahead to the pier and be ready to have some fun. There is a high speed ferry, transferring visitors there. You can book your tickets here.
You can visit evening market near the beach. It opens in the afternoon and is open until 18:00-19:00.
On Thursdays, on the street leading to the beach from the main road, the traditional Walking street market on Koh Samui is open. No traffic is allowed in this area in the evening. There you can find plenty of things from local producers.
If you’re looking for the freshest produce, then you should definitely visit morning market.
Fresh fruits, seafood and other goods are waiting for you, but prices are a bit higher compared to fresh markets in Bangkok. You can also join Samui market tour with cooking class to improve your Thai cuisine skills.
Right at the exit to the sea, there is small Chinese temple. During New Year celebration, shows and fireworks are taking place there.
You can visit Ethical Elephant Home which is located not exactly near Maenam beach, but the tour offers pickup services from all hotels in Koh Samui.
