Samui’s Main Towns
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Chaweng.
Chaweng is the longest beach and largest town on the island. There are many hotels, resorts and bungalows along its fine white sand beach. You can find anything from 5-star luxury to budget bungalows both along the beach and behind the beach road. Accommodation prices are higher than elsewhere on Koh Samui but Chaweng remains party central and has the highest density and widest selection of entertainment, clubs, bars and restaurants on the island.
Lamai.
Lamai is Samui’s second-largest beach. The water is excellent for swimming at the bays southern end and is studded with spectacular granite boulders. Nightlife in Lamai is quieter than Chaweng but there are a many good expat watering holes and a several decent nightclubs. There are also some great out of town eating, drinking and accommodation choices.
Nathon.
Government offices and main bank branches are located in Nathon and the 2 large car-ferry and passenger-ferry piers are the primary point of connection with the mainland and the other islands. Shopping here is less expensive than in Chaweng or Lamai and there are plenty of interesting knick-knacks for sale. Most shops are on the inland road, which is one-way heading south. However, the beach road has a number of good restaurants for breakfast, lunch and great sunset dinners. The shop-houses built of teak wood lining the middle road provide a glimpse into Samui’s local world and past.
Maenam.
Accommodation on Maenam’s long sedate beach is mainly lower cost bungalows but there are now several four and five star resorts as well. The number of good restaurants and businesses along its main road has been steadily increasing over the last several years. There are numerous high-quality holiday and residential home developments and a growing community of long-term visitors and expat residents.
Big Buddha Beach.
Its position nearby the Koh Samui Airport makes Big Buddha convenient if you’re flying in. It has a good swimming beach and the resorts here tend to be well-spaced and laid-back beach-side establishments attracting long and short-term guests alike. There’s also a growing number of fine dining options along the main road.
Bophut.
Bophut is perhaps the most charming village on Samui and is made up of a single strip of old Chinese shop-houses, many converted into restaurants, bars, shops and guesthouses. The international cuisine of the restaurants and the architecture lend a slightly Mediterranean feel to the village. Popular with French people for a long time, Bophut is now attracting a growing number of British tourists and bar/restaurant owners.
Hua Thanon.
At the 90-degree turn just south of Lamai is the Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon. There are a several restaurants on the main road, but the main attraction is the artistry of the local fishermen. Their intricately painted boats pull up just offshore from a thriving market. The beach is not that good for swimming but a stroll along it affords a glimpse into the real life of one of Samui’s main economic activities, fishing.
Lipa Noi.
Just south of Nathon is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the sunset. There are some good beach side bungalows in Lipa Noi and some excellent seafood restaurants. But the real wonder of Lipa Noi is the shallow water. You can wade out for 200 meters and the water is still no higher than your waist. The velvety feel of the ocean bottom here attracts local children as well as visitors in the late afternoons.
