= 1 THB Koh Samui Towns
The main towns around Koh Samui are detailed below. If you know the area that you are interested in then use the menu list below.
Town Location Map
Click on one of the Towns above to show the Beach in the map below.
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Chaweng
If you are visiting Koh Samui then you may not want to venture beyond Chaweng as it serves all that the island has to offer at one convenient spot. Chaweng is Koh Samui's tourist hub and if you have only a few days to spare during your Thai holiday, then Chaweng is a must see to appreciate the natural beauty, cultural diversity and island lifestyle that has made Koh Samui such a popular destination. If you are visiting Koh Samui for the first time then you may opt for the more developed tourist hotspots. Chaweng in Koh Samui is undoubtedly the most popular destination. With the longest beach in Koh Samui, Chaweng, which is just 10 minutes away from Samui Airport, is the busiest and liveliest of all Koh Samui towns.
Chaweng is on the eastern side of Koh Samui, which is the third largest island in the gulf of Thailand. Having grown into Koh Samui's hottest tourist spot, Chaweng offers everything that you will need for a complete holiday experience in Thailand. The white sandy beach and clear blue waters of Chaweng is not unique in Koh Samui but the host of five star hotels, private villas and world renowned restaurants make Chaweng more popular among the Koh Samui coastal towns.
Chaweng offers a range of shops and luxury spas, whether you want to spend your days shopping or enjoy Thai hospitality as you pamper yourself to a massage and facial. With Koh Samui catering for tourists, and Chaweng's economy almost totally dependent on tourism, you can rest assured of services and facilities that are of a world class standard. Chaweng's beach culture means that all your water sport preferences are catered for, whether you prefer a slow kayaking trip along the coast of Koh Samui or taking a speed boat to nearby fishing villages. Chaweng also boasts the island's four private hospitals ensuring that visitors have access to quality medical care in addition to the number of clinics and pharmacies dotting the streets of Chaweng.
Chaweng boasts an array of bars and clubs and keeps you entertained until the small hours of the morning. Primarily catering for tourists, Chaweng's nightlife offers a mix of western tastes with Thai hospitality to provide a unique blend of music, dance and shows. Matching the entertainment is Chaweng's exquisite cuisine where one can sample a combination of Chinese and Malay influences on traditional Thai tastes. Being a coastal town, Chaweng sources the freshest seafood from neighbouring fishing villages, ensuring the best produce on your plate in world renowned eateries.
Lamai
When you land in Koh Samui you may find the tour groups and flurry of travellers in popular spots like Chaweng a bit overwhelming. If you were expecting a peaceful island getaway then you may prefer a quieter spot like Lamai. It is south of busy Chaweng and is just as spectacular with its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
Lamai is less developed than Chaweng but has many private villas to choose for your holiday accommodation. It is situated in a growing town catering for tourists. Lamai has retained its picturesque island settings with all the services and amenities you would need to make for the perfect Thai holiday. Any visitor to Koh Samui is expecting the picture perfect beaches seen in travel brochures and Lamai will not disappoint. With the second largest beach in Koh Samui, Lamai's coastline is just as stunning as Chaweng, studded with coconut trees and spotted with huge granite boulders.
Lamai is significantly quieter than Chaweng but you can still expect to see other travellers in the streets, restaurants and shops around the town. Sporting activities are also widely available and you can expect first class services whether you want to go kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, or kite surfing. For the more reserved traveller, you can opt for a quiet stroll in the beach and even wade out into the ocean, as Lamai has some of Koh Samui's most calm and shallow waters. Surrounded by a number of smaller fishing villages, you can expect some of the best seafood in Lamai, Koh Samui, tinged with distinctive Thai tastes.
Lamai may be smaller but does not lack in services, facilities and entertainment. Whether you opt for a quiet night in your villa overlooking the calm ocean or explore the town's offerings, you will not be disappointed with the nightlife, as scores of restaurants, bars and clubs are available in Lamai. When planning your trip to Koh Samui, make sure that Lamai is on your itinerary and enjoy a dose of island life without the hustle and bustle of Chaweng.
Maenam
Maenam is another spot of solitude and privacy with tranquil beaches set amidst the lush tropical backdrop that is typically Koh Samui. Maenam lies to the west of Bophut and although it has earned its reputation as a sleepy town, there is no shortage of pristine beaches and tropical scenery, which makes Koh Samui such a popular island destination. Maenam is a great destination for families and honeymoon couples alike seeking a quiet, relaxing holiday under the tropical sun.
The island of Koh Phangan is visible from Maenam and it is reached by private hire speedboat or scheduled catamaran from one of the two piers at Maenam. It is also worth visiting Koh Tao, another small island beyond Koh Phangan. Both these islands reflect the laid back lifestyle of tropical island living and offer some great beachside restaurants with fresh seafood in abundance, make for an enjoyable and interesting trip.
Maenam has one of the longest beaches on Koh Samui, its palm fringed sandy shores and calm shallow waters offer the perfect surroundings for families with younger children. Along the vast 4 km stretch of beach, you will find a mixture of luxury hotels, backpacker accommodation, seafood restaurants, beachside bungalows and luxury beachfront villas with sparkling infinity edge pools. You will also find a few water sports shops and other facilities catering for these activities, but a stay in Maenam is more about relaxing in the sun and enjoying the tranquillity of a quiet island town away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist hotspots of Chaweng and Lamai.
Although Maenam is more private and peaceful it has a healthy mix of restaurants, spas and hotels. Many small shops and quaint market stalls can be found along the narrow roads leading to the beach and along the entire length of Maenam's main through road. Maenam extends into the the hills where you will find the world famous Santiburi Country Club that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The 6930-yard par 72-championship golf course is set within a spectacular tropical landscape, surrounding the lush fairways, beautifully manicured greens, waterfalls and creeks, with dramatic views of Koh Samui's coastline toward Maenam and Koh Phangan beyond.
Bophut
Bophut is not short of small island charm, with spectacular sunsets amidst a tropical landscape and the noticeable lack of noisy traffic or buzzing crowds of tourists. If you are considering a quiet Koh Samui holiday with the family, or want to experience a more authentic island stay without the flashy bars and towering hotels, then Bophut should definitely be on your itinerary.
Bophut is located in the north of Koh Samui. It is a laid-back town with a quiet and peaceful village feel to it. Bophut itself is a large administrative area although the hive of activity revolves around the coastline, with most tourist facilities and services within a short walk from Bophut beach. Bophut is best known for its distinctive Chinese influence, which is evident throughout the town, from the architecture to cuisine, and unlike some of the other Koh Samui hotspots, it has limited the extent of commercial development.
If you want to mingle with the locals and get a taste of Koh Samui daily life, then a short trip to the east of Bophut beach will take you to an area known as Fisherman's village, which has given Bophut its distinctive small town feel with a strong Chinese influence. Easily the most charming village on the island, Bophut Fisherman's Village consists of a single street of old Chinese shop houses, many converted into elegant restaurants, chill out bars and shops lining the water's edge, although shopping is limited in Bophut; Fisherman's Village has a few upmarket boutiques and craft shops as well as some market stalls. The village boasts the only walking street on the island, perfect for strolling after a romantic beachside dinner.
Bophut beach is similar to the white sandy shores and palm fringed Koh Samui landscapes, captured in travel brochures across the globe. The hive of tourist activity on Bophut beach is towards the west of the beach, where you can rent sporting equipment like jet skis, kayaks and even snorkels. Bophut has focussed its tourism around a more family orientated setting, evident in the kiddies' facilities like a go-kart track. The overcrowding of the town's coastline with bars and shops has been restricted and adult themed bars are practically non-existent in Bophut. However, there are plenty of spas, restaurants and hotels to ensure you are pampered and well fed throughout your stay.
Bangrak
Big Buddha beach is one of the most famous tourist attractions and whilst it does attract visitors throughout the day, it has escaped the influx of tourists of the more popular Koh Samui tourist destinations. Big Buddha Beach is located on the islands north coast and is well known for the 12 metre high golden Big Buddha statue that dominates the surrounding landscape. Although the correct name for the area surrounding Big Buddha Beach is Bangrak the area is better known for the statue of the Lord Buddha which sits on a small hill on the tiny island of Koh Farn at the eastern end of the beach. Big Buddha beach is not the largest of Koh Samui's beaches but still offers stunning tropical scenery with the same island charm as other areas of Koh Samui.
A trip to Bangrak would not be complete without visiting the magnificent Wat Phra Yai Temple, better known as the Big Buddha statue and it is important to understand local customs, as this towering marvel is not just Koh Samui's most popular tourist attraction but an important part of religious belief and everyday life of the local Koh Samui population. Surrounding the temple are several small shops and craft stalls selling souvenirs, a few cafes, houses and a school making it an ideal spot if you want a refreshment break while watching the locals go about their daily life.
While Bangrak may not have the busiest hotels and resorts on the island, it has a good selection of mid range hotels and some excellent dining opportunities. it attracts tourists and local residents alike from across Koh Samui on Sundays when it hosts the Secret Garden Festival with lively music sessions right on the beach. With Big Buddha beach in close proximity to Bophut, Plai Laem and Choeng Mon beaches, you can take the short ride to any of these alternatives for a change of scenery but do not expect more activity than Bangrak. If a day on the beach or touring Fisherman's Village is not on the agenda, you can always spend the day on Koh Phangan, a remarkable island situated off Koh Samui's northern coast.
Bangrak was not as popular with beach going tourists until recently and apart from a handful of backpackers, Big Buddha beach was largely untouched by commercial development. However, in recent years, Bangrak has seen a steady growth in popularity and new developments are constantly sprouting up along it's coastline including hotels, restaurants, shops and villas. Most of the villas are along the beaches at Big Buddha and Bangrak although there are a growing number of villas only a short distance back from the beach. Apart from the golden Big Buddha statue, Big Buddha beach, best known as a popular jumping off point to the all night Full Moon Parties held on the nearby island of Koh Phangan, with regular ferry and speedboat transport operating between the two islands. If you want a relaxed spot away from the tourist activity then Big Buddha beach is definitely worth consideration. Fine white sand and shallow water make for safe swimming and Big Buddha beach is a popular spot for families with younger children although its close proximity to the airport can be a bit of an inconvenience.
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon has seen a growth in residential development in recent years, with luxury villas and upmarket resorts amidst the hotels and spas. This has created a quieter coastal setting but Choeng Mon has all the water sporting activities, like snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking, that you would expect at a Koh Samui beach destination. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can wade out to the small island of Koh Fan Noi during low tide, which is just a short distance off the Choeng Mon shoreline. Choeng Mon beach is much smaller than the other east coast Koh Samui destinations like Chaweng and Lamai but is not short on natural beauty and the tropical island charm that has made Koh Samui so popular.
Choeng Mon is at the northern most part of Koh Samui's east coast and is the start of Koh Samui's tourist offerings with more upmarket facilities and a range of sporting activities available. Set in a quaint little cove, Choeng Mon lies just north of Koh Samui's hotspot of Chaweng and has the same picturesque beaches and clear blue waters with less of a tourist buzz.
Choeng Mon may be a bit short on excitement, but you can always head off to Koh Phangan Island for one of its famed Full Moon parties or take a short taxi ride to Chaweng for a wide and varied choice of bars and clubs. There are excellent restaurants, a couple of five star hotels and a few shops in Choeng Mon and it is a short ride to Chaweng, the islands main tourist centre. Choeng Mon focuses on its beach activities, but you can always make a short journey to Big Buddha Bangrak Beach or Plai Laem to marvel at their wonderful Buddhist Shrines. Choeng Mon is regarded as the quieter alternative to Chaweng and Lamai and tends to attract families and mature travel groups, who want to avoid the noise and congestion of the more popular Koh Samui destinations.
Samui Beach Village
Samui Beach Village is the perfect location for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature and beaches. Strictly speaking the village initially comprised of fourteen privately owned villas situated on either side of the common area access. There are however other villas in the immediate vicinity which are now also generally known as being in Samui Beach Village. The village is located on the quieter south east coast away from the main tourist areas. Samui Beach Village is only ten minutes from Lamai Beach and thirty five minutes from the airport.
There is direct access from each villa to Nahai Beach from the village. This is the beach in front of Samui Beach Village and it has a long stretch of silvery white fine sand edged with coconut trees all the way down to the waters edge.
Nahai Beach is a shallow sandy bay surrounded by a coral reef. It is ideal for families with young children. The tides on Koh Samui do vary throughout the year and in the summer months in particular the tide is very shallow in the bay. For those who prefer to swim in deeper waters then the nearby beaches in Lamai and Coral Cove are more suitable. The coral reef protects the beach and makes it ideal to learn to kitesurf during the winter months. There is a kite surfing school that operates in the bay. You can book lessons and hire equipment from the school.
Most villas on Samui Beach Village have their own private swimming pool and are set in tropical landscaped gardens with coconut trees and exotic flowers which attract a beautiful array of colourful butterflies and birds. Some villas have exceptional views from roof top terraces. The design and finishing of each of these villas is unique, but all accentuate Thai openness and warmth. Most of these villas have been designed in a Thai/Balinese style and have all of the facilities that you would expect in a luxury holiday villa like Baan Keaa below.
Bang Koa
Bang Kao is on the south coast of the island. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samui and is a good spot if you’re after the quiet life in beautiful tropical surrounds. The areas around Bang Kao are amongst the least developed parts of Koh Samui with only a few resorts spread along the beach on the island's south west tip.
The beach is about 2km in length and is fairly good for running. The sand is flat down by the water’s edge and soft and fine elsewhere. It is an isolated area of the island so the beach is relatively empty. The water is generally warm pretty much all year round, and like other beaches on Koh Samui it is clear and clean so it is great for a swim. At the end of the day there is nothing better than relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sunset on Bang Koa beach.
Bang Kao has a small pier where you can take a fishing boat to Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum; two small islands just off the coast.
Bang Por
Bang Por is within 30 minutes of the airport and just 10 minutes from Nathon, Koh Samui's main ferry port and administrative centre with its numerous shops, bars and restaurants. Other coastal areas of Koh Samui are easily accessible along the islands main ring road.
Bang Por is located on the north west coast of Koh Samui midway between the towns of Maenam and Nathon. Although Bang Por covers quite a large area, tourist activity is low key compared with other Koh Samui destinations; this has enabled Bang Por to retain its original island charm amidst the flurry of tourist activity elsewhere on Koh Samui. Bang Por also boasts excellent beachside restaurants, health and wellness spa retreats, beach resorts and hotels, including the luxurious Four Seasons Resort nestling in Laem Yai Bay.
Bang Por is close to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected nature reserve where you can join a guided tour boat and spend the day cruising the waters and witnessing the natural beauty and wildlife spread across numerous un-inhabited islands. The island of Koh Phangan is also easily accessible by scheduled catamaran from the nearby town of Maenam. Here you can enjoy some sightseeing followed by a fresh seafood lunch in one of the many beachside restaurants with views of Bang Por and Maenam visible in the distance.
Bang Por has gained much recognition for the exclusive residential developments located along the beach and the hills beyond. This area of Koh Samui attracts visitors preferring a luxury pool villa in a tranquil beachside setting or the privacy of a luxury hillside villa surrounded by tall palms and lush tropical vegetation. Bang Por's recent development has focused on individual family accommodation rather than the larger resorts located in the more populated Koh Samui tourist destinations. The tropical landscape along this stretch of the coast is particularly stunning with magnificent views towards the nearby island of Koh Phangan. The palm fringed sandy beaches, clear water and refreshing sea breezes are prized by the more discerning visitors seeking an alternative from the more recognised Koh Samui holiday destinations.
Chaweng Noi
Chaweng Noi (or “Little Chaweng” as it is translated) is part of largest and most popular of Samui's beaches. It is around the headland to the south of Chaweng Beach which is the longest beach located on Samui Island's east coast. The beach is beautiful now that local developers are finally cleaning up this part of the island. It attracts many young travellers and families alike, and remains good value for the money.
The beach has powdery white sand and is bordered by emerald-blue waters. There is a coral reef just off shore where the waves break, leaving the bay quite and peaceful. There are two small islands not far from the beach that are near the reef. You can explore the nearest one by walking through shallow water at low tide or go snorkelling and kayaking to the second island which is a little further out and larger.
The beach itself is usually accessed through the hotels, as there are no beach roads to disturb the peacefulness of the area. It is very relaxing but there are noticeably more tourists in the high season. The central part of the beach is a bit more crowded than the quieter north. Many vendors pass by offering beverages, fruit, ice cream and local Thai food for the more daring. A variety of local crafts and Thai souvenirs are also available.
Coral Cove
Whether you opt to stay at Coral Cove or just enjoy a quiet picnic on its tranquil beaches, Coral Cove is Koh Samui's smallest but most outstanding beach, capturing the peace, beauty and charm of this island paradise. It is nestled between the busy tourist spots of Chaweng and Lamai is a small stretch of beach, known as Coral Cove Bay. One of the more secluded spots on the east coast of Koh Samui, Coral Cove has pristine beaches with the same soft white sandy shores and clear blue waters of neighbouring Chaweng and Lamai.
Coral Cove has been spared the congestion of hotels due to its narrow stretch of beach, but there are several luxury villas, allowing you a secluded spot on the sand without being in complete isolation. Its proximity to the most popular Koh Samui destinations means that you will not be short of the holiday services and facilities, whether you want a busy day out shopping in Chaweng or relaxing in one of Lamai's luxurious spas. Coral Cove has grown as a popular destination among newlyweds for its mix of privacy and picturesque scenery and the moonlight views of this small stretch of beach is almost unrivalled by any other Koh Samui destination.
Coral Cove is tucked between boulder formations on either side of the beach, and a cliff overlooking the shoreline, Coral Cove has managed to retain its peaceful beach setting away from neighbouring tourist hotspots on Koh Samui. Coral Cove may not feature prominently on any Koh Samui travel brochure but is a popular daytime spot among the more avid snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The waters around Coral Cove are warm and calm, making it ideal for swimming and if you are prepared to venture deeper in, you will discover a stunning array of marine flora and fauna, which have avoided the impact of overcrowding and speedy commercial development.
Hua Thanon
Hua Thanon is a large village located on the south east coast of Koh Samui. It is one of the places on the island that really gives a glimpse into what daily life is like for the residents of Koh Samui. It is a fishing village but has lots to offer as a destination away from the more tourist populated parts of the island.
The people in Hua Thanon are extremely welcoming and warm and are always glad to see people who come to explore their way of life. The village being largely Muslim while the rest of the Island is largely Buddhist. It is here in Hua Thanon that you will find the only Mosque on the island tucked away behind the main part of the town.
The beach here is lovely for a walk along but is not recommended for swimming. The village is also well known for the artistry of the local fishermen who take pride in intricately painting their boats making watching them at work even more interesting. It is a delightful place to while away an afternoon just watching the local way of life and the fisherman as they go about their day.
Hua Thanon is the place to go if you love seafood and want to go shopping for delicious local seafood that is sold for incredible prices and is said to be the very best that you will get anywhere on the island. In the village itself you will find a lively market as well as some restaurants, but there is not a huge amount there in the way of attractions and resorts however, there are of course, some lovely beach front villas in the village which offer some truly beautiful views of the southern coast of Samui.
Life in Hua Thanon continues in much the same manner as it has for the past few centuries, with the local businesses being based mainly around the supply and demand of fish and seafood as well as a few other different types of business such as small shops, a barbers and a bike repair shop.
Laem Sett
Laem Sett is a Koh Samui destination aimed at nature loving visitors seeking a combination of land and aquatic flora and fauna. Whether you are an animal lover or just want to keep the kids entertained in a natural environment, the area around Laem Sett makes for a perfect Koh Samui family holiday away from mainstream tourism.
Laem Sett is located on the southeast coast of Koh Samui in an area of outstanding natural beauty with quiet sandy beaches and un-interrupted views to nearby tropical islands. The seasonal tides vary greatly along the Laem Sett coastline, in particular during the summer months when the water recedes over 100 m exposing the reef and creating a wide expanse of shallow water opening up the beaches to all sorts of other pastimes including kite boarding and kite surfing activities. Venture out a little further to snorkel in Laem Sett's coral reef.
While the south east coast around Laem Sett is very relaxing there are no shops or nightlife nearby, it is a 20 minute drive to Lamai and 40 minutes to Chaweng for the shops and vibrant nightlife, Koh Samui's number one entertainment destination. The unspoilt coastline at Laem Sett is fringed with towering coconut palms bending at steep angles creating a distinct landscape that makes Laem Sett a unique Koh Samui destination. This area of Koh Samui is just as tranquil and relaxing as some of Koh Samui's northern coastal towns and villages, with excellent restaurants, hotels and health and wellness spa retreats, set amongst luxury beachside pool villas.
If the Children are looking for alternative entertainment to playing in the sand or splashing around in the villa's private pool then Laem Sett has a few tourist attractions that are well worth visiting. A short drive inland from Laem Sett will take you to the Butterfly Gardens. Here you can observe many species of these beautiful creatures within their natural habitat under fine netting on a hillside location. Alternatively visit the Koh Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo at nearby Hua Thanon. Here you will see many species of marine life including sharks and numerous colourful and unusual species of fish. There is also the most amazing collection of tropical birds, royal Bengal tigers and leopards.
Lipa Noi
Lipa Noi is close to one of the main car ferry port for travellers driving from mainland Thailand but despite its location, it has managed to maintain a quiet and calm atmosphere. Lipa Noi is considered a remote part of the island when compared to the activity of more popular Koh Samui spots like Chaweng. Nevertheless, Lipa Noi is not short on holiday offerings although they are smaller and more personal than the east coast facilities.
Pictures of Lipa Noi's beaches are often used on Koh Samui travel brochures due to the unmatched scenery of this area. There may be little in the way of entertainment in Lipa Noi but its appeal lies in the tranquil atmosphere rather than sporting activities and nightlife. Lipa Noi's beaches are the main attraction and the white sandy shores, shallow clear blue waters and stunning sunsets is everything you would expect from a tropical island paradise.
Beach villas with stunning views are the norm for tourist accommodation in Lipa Noi. Despite its uninhabited beaches and quiet atmosphere, you are not isolated from the rest of the island with a drive to the busy Chaweng beach taking about 40 minutes. Lipa Noi is the idyllic beach getaway that you will see in the tourist brochures. With picture perfect beaches and natural tropical beauty, a holiday in Lipa Noi is everything you would expect in an island paradise.
Lipa Noi is located on Koh Samui's west coast and is known for being a laid back part of the island. Away from all the commercial buzz of the east coast, Lipa Noi is a peaceful sanctuary with pristine white shores and shallow blue waters making this the perfect getaway for couples and families with younger children. Activities in Lipa Noi are more family orientated and this is evident in the tourist demographic. Quaint restaurants with traditional Thai dances and acrobatics, a holistic health spa and a tourist orientated animal farm with entertainment facilities is the type of activities on offer in Lipa Noi. Shopping is limited in Lipa Noi but due to its close proximity to Nathon, the administrative centre of Koh Samui, you are not totally cut off from evening entertainment and retail therapy.
Nathon
Nathon is reknown for its amazing sunsets and if you want a piece of tropical paradise with all the holiday facilities and service, then Nathon is worth considering. Nathon is Koh Samui's administrative area and the island's main ferry port to and from the mainland. Located on the west coast of Koh Samui, Nathon may be considered a bit quieter in contrast to the hive of activity of the island's east coast but still has plenty of tourist offerings to make for the perfect island holiday.
The beach at Nathon is renowned for having some of the shallowest waters in Koh Samui with no coral and rocks to scar the pristine coastline. Ideal for families with young children, Nathon's beach still offers the white sandy shores and clear waters that are characteristic of Koh Samui with a number of water sports available for the enthusiast. Apart from families, Nathon also attracts a number of more mature travellers who prefer quieter surroundings with mainland Thailand within easy reach. The shops, banks and post office in Nathon is ideal for the traveller who wants to stay in touch with the outside world rather than getting lost in the tropical island vibe. Restaurants and bars are abundant throughout Nathon but the town has managed to limit coastline development so not to lose the natural island beauty that makes Koh Samui such a popular destination.
A day away from Nathon beach involves a trip up the mountain to Best Mountain View, where you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Koh Samui's west coast and majestic sea between the island and mainland Thailand. Alternatively, you can take a quiet walk to the Nathon coconut plantations and just mingle with the locals or opt for the Ang Thong National Marine Park tour. Nathon has numerous shops to keep most tourists happy and being less commercialised than either Chaweng or Lamai the prices here are lower with lots of interesting souvenir and copy items for sale. Most of the shops in Nathon are on the inland road; however, the ocean road has a number of good restaurants for breakfast and lunch and the teak shop houses that line the middle road provide the visitor with a glimpse into Koh Samui's traditional way of life. Nightlife in Nathon is limited compared to other Koh Samui destinations as Nathon prides itself on a more laid back realistic feel to life on Koh Samui, rather than the tourist buzz and fanfare.
Phang Ka
Phang Ka is another secluded area on the south west coast of Koh Samui just further west of Thong Krut. There are a few isolated restaurants and bars that are ideal for taking in the sunset late in the afternoon.
This is not really an area for swimming. If you are along the beach road from Thong Krut to Phang Ka then it is worthwhile taking a small detour to Wat Hin Lad a small temple to take some pictures.
Plai Laem
Plai Laem is located on the north east coast of Koh Samui. It is nestled between Big Buddha BangRak and Choeng Mon. Plai Laem is noted for being a quiet spot with limited tourist or even local activity along its coastline. Plai Laem is located at the southern end of the beach and is a small marina where local fishermen moor their boats, and a couple of tour companies have their deep sea fishing and pleasure crafts.
There are palm fringed beaches and stunning sunsets are in abundance in Plai Laem. There are also minimal hotel and resort developments along the coast and it has balanced the commercial growth with quiet island life. The solitude of Plai Laem is evident when relaxing on the beach and Plain Laem is the closest you will get to have your own private beach on Koh Samui. Plai Laem may not provide the best of water sports facilities that Koh Samui has to offer but usually attracts the more discerning traveller requiring a luxury beachfront villa located in a peaceful setting yet close enough to the buzzing tourist spots of Koh Samui. The sea at Plai laem is often too shallow for swimming, but it is only a short drive to Choeng Mon, one of the best swimming beaches on Koh Samui.
Plai Laem maybe quieter spot, but it is not isolated from the rest of Koh Samui, with Big Buddha beach and the golden Big Buddha statue within walking distance and the busy Chaweng just a short taxi ride away. As a honeymooner's destination, Plai Laem has all the privacy and solitude you would expect with a few restaurants, spas and hotels to keep you occupied during your Koh Samui holiday.
Plai Laem is famous for its temple, adorned with amazing Buddhist idols; the most visited being the 18-armed Buddha statue. Surrounded by a lake teeming with large fish, Plai Laem temple is the epitome of the serenity and solitude associated with Buddhism and offers an interesting alternative to Koh Samui's usual beach activity. The small island of Koh Som is located just off the Plai Laem coast and with no major commercial development, you can enjoy a quiet picnic on Koh Som's shore, overlooking the pristine waters separating the two islands.
Taling Ngam
Taling Ngam is located on the west coast of Koh Samui and is the perfect tropical getaway from the hustle and bustle of the more tourist-orientated east coast. Taling Ngam is better known for its pristine beaches tucked away among Koh Samui's untouched coastline where you can enjoy your own piece of this secluded sun drenched paradise. Although Taling Ngam is not as tourist orientated as the more commercial areas of Koh Samui it is not short of tropical beauty and island magic. Whether you spend the day lazing in your beach villa or trudging through the neighbouring towns, Taling Ngam has everything you would want in a peaceful beach getaway.
Taling Ngam is more rustic than other Koh Samui spots giving you the opportunity to experience traditional island life. Apart from the flavours in the small restaurants throughout Taling Ngam, you can also venture into the residential areas and see the inhabitants going about their daily life. Private villas and guest bungalows are usually the accommodation of choice for visitors and Taling Ngam offers a range of facilities to cater for most budgets. If you want a lazy day away from the beach, you can lounge in a Taling Ngam spa or take a short drive to Chaweng for some shopping and hobnobbing with other tourists.
Taling Ngam is considered one of the more picturesque areas of Koh Samui. While it has significantly less development than the tourist hotspots of Chaweng, Taling Ngam is not remote by any standards. Just south of Koh Samui's administrative centre of Nathon and housing one of Koh Samui's most luxurious resorts, Taling Ngam has managed to retain the island's natural beauty while still providing all the services and facilities one would need for the perfect island getaway.
When you are lazing on Taling Ngam's beach you can still enjoy a range of water sports and beach activities although the more adventurous traveller may find it limited. A short drive from the Taling Ngam beach is the Kiri Wongkaram temple, which is located just beyond the two magnificent giant elephant statues known as the Elephant Gate. Here you will see one of Koh Samui's more traditional Buddhist temples, housing the mummified body of a renowned Buddhist monk.
Thong Krut
Thong Krut is a secluded beach on the south west coast of Koh Samui. It offers breathtaking scenery with views out over Koh Tan and Koh Mudsam in the Gulf of Thailand. There are many trips out to these two islands where you can snorkel and dive. The south coast is generally very quiet and relaxing; there is no shopping or nightlife nearby but it is only a 20 minute drive to Lamai or 30 minutes to Chaweng.
Thong Krut Bay is not really a spot for swimming. It is a picturesque small fishing village with a beautiful views of the islands to the south. On the beach there are many local restaurants that are built on stilts into the sea where you can relax and have a meal and drink.
Along the road through Thong Krut there are many typical, old Thai homes and some small local shops selling basic necessities for the local population. These shops are mainly run by locals and seem not to have changed in decades.
Tongson Bay
Tongson Bay is located on the northern most tip of Koh Samui. It is rekowned for its naturally occurring bay that seals its tropical beauty from the rest of Koh Samui. White sandy beaches and clear blue waters with Koh Phangan visible from its coastline make Tongson Bay another gem on the island's stunning coastline. Tongson Bay has seen more development over recent years with several luxury villas rising out of the rugged coastline and enough restaurants dotted along the beach to ensure your taste buds are well nourished during your Koh Samui holiday.
Tongson Bay may at times seem disconnected from other Koh Samui beach destinations with life in the area focussing on catering for a smaller but significant trickle of visitors. Among the hotels, spas and restaurants in Tongson Bay, you will find a few quaint guesthouses owned by locals, with traditional Thai cuisine on offer in their small restaurants. If you are looking for a more exciting shopping experience or some fun after the sunsets, then head off to Chaweng for a few hours, but you will quickly appreciate the tranquillity of Tongson Bay.
Tongson Bay may be a smaller spot in Koh Samui but has the same picturesque beaches without lots of tourists. As a growing Koh Samui holiday destination, with some luxury villas and the odd hotel and resort Tongson Bay offers a fair balance between the more laid-back island life of the north coast towns and tourist activity of east Koh Samui. Water sports facilities are readily available in Tongson Bay but for a break from the beach, Tongson Bay is within a short driving distance of the famous Golden Big Buddha and the temple at Plai Laem. If you are keen to venture off the Koh Samui shores, then Koh Phangan is a must see. Tongson Bay is at one the closest spots to Koh Phangan, which is rapidly growing as another popular island destination in the gulf of Thailand.
