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For the many travelers visiting Koh Samui, a question constantly comes up: “What is the best place to stay?” In terms of accommodation, the island offers a spoilt for choice, whether you are looking for charming hotels, or luxurious resorts, condominiums, holiday rentals, homes or cheap guest houses. There is something for every taste and budget.
Four of the most renowned districts include Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. All are located on the north , north east and east side of Koh Samui. These places are very popular for both backpackers, young tourists and long stay. Other districts are less well known and most of which are located in the South / South-East and South-West of the island. They generally offer much quieter and more exotic. And, they are pretty much distant from the main tourist sites and crowds.
Koh Samui measures 228.7 sq.km. This is ranked 3rd largest in Thailand, after Phuket and Koh Chang. There are at present more than 18,000 hotel rooms, not including thousands of homes for rent.
Koh Samui is accessible by air and sea. Frequent direct flights from Bangkok are operated by Bangkok Airways. Bangkok Airways also offer direct flights to certain overseas destinations, e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Other local airlines fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani at much less airfares. These include Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile. You can buy ferry tickets / coach to take you from Surat Thani airport to Koh Samui.
Chaweng is always the most requested area for those planning a visit to Koh Samui. This is mainly because of its white sandy beach, stretching over 7 Km, making it the largest on the island. It is also the liveliest with many hotels, resorts, shops, bars and night clubs.
Younger travelers are the main set of Chaweng’s clientele, mostly attracted by the vibrant nightlife and shopping. Bars, pubs and nightlife are plentiful, indoors and outdoors. Recently, a huge mall “Central Festival Samui” has been opened. It offers a wide range of designer boutiques bars, restaurants and also a large cinema complex.
ELocated south of Chaweng, Lamai is the second most famous beach in Koh Samui. It is more peaceful and preserved place than its eldest. This area is a delight for swimmers and all lovers of the seabed thanks to the multitude of rocks and corals that are not far from the edge. The beach, however, is less extensive than that of Chaweng. The sea is a bit rough because of the absence of the coral reef.
Lamai attracts a wide range of locals, holidaymakers and expatriates: retired people, families, couples, singles and backpackers.
Located north of Chaweng, Bophut district displays a typical side of Koh Samui. It is one of the most sought-after island villages by explats because of its location and close to many amenities. It is also known by the narrow streets typical of “The Fisherman’s Village”. They are one of the most picturesque areas of attraction in Bo Phut. The beach is calm and well preserved and is more modest than Chaweng. Consisting of delightful wooden houses on the sea front, mostly transformed into restaurants, or shops.
Along the restaurants and shops, there are charming bungalows, small hotels and lounge-style beaches. Every Friday, at the end of the day, there is a night market whose ambience is above all family and worth a visit.
Situated also on the north of the Island, Maenam (or Mae Nam) district has a 4 km stretch of relatively calm and wide beaches. This little gem is very pleasant to swim and it also has a speed boat pier, leaving for Koh Phangan – the Fullmoon Party Island.
There are many shops and other diving clubs, as well as restaurants and bars. Maenam has a midnight market on Thursday evening, boasting souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. Maenam has also the wider range of hotel accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury.
Many foreigners have settled in the district of Maenam, seduced by its friendly side and its remarkable attributes, i.e. pleasant seaside and is within proximity of Chaweng and Bo Phut.
