Koh Samui Travel Guide
Samui is a stunning tropical island offering something to please everyone. It’s a relatively small island and therefore most areas are easily and quickly reached via the main ring road. However, when choosing an area to be based, the below information may be useful.
 Bophut
Bophut is situated on a quiet bay on the north of Samui and is considered by many to be a more sophisticated resort area. The “Fisherman’s Village” area is an eclectic mix of boutique shops, bars and restaurants with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Bophut has a good selection of accommodation across all budgets and is only 10 minutes away from Chaweng.
Chaweng
The island’s largest and busiest resort contains everything you could possibly need during a stay on Samui. Chaweng has a fantastic white sandy beach, great shops, and numerous hotels, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and all budgets.
No trip to Samui is complete without visiting Chaweng however some may find the hustle and bustle of the high street and the hectic nightlife too much if they’re seeking a totally relaxing experience.
Accommodation ranges from inexpensive beach bungalows all the way through to five-star luxury.
At the south of Chaweng beach is the separate, yet equally as beautiful, beach at Chaweng Noi. Here you’ll find a number of very nice hotels and some exceptional beach bars and restaurants. Chaweng Noi provides a more peaceful location that’s within easy reach of the hustle and bustle of Chaweng.
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is north of Chaweng and has recently seen a lot of development with a number of high-end hotel groups choosing this lovely bay as a place to open showcase resorts. A nice beach, calm seas and a good selection of dining options makes it an attractive choice that’s set just a few minutes away from Chaweng.
Lamai
Situated below Chaweng on the east coast you’ll find Samui’s second largest and the second most popular resort area of Lamai. Historically Lamai has been the choice for the more budget conscious traveller however the opening of several new high-end resorts is seeing Lamai evolve into a more flexible and attractive area to stay. The nightlife here is also varied and it can get very busy like Chaweng.
Taling Ngam
on the South West corner of the island is another quiet area currently but is the site proposed for a major yacht harbor development.
Nathon
Samui's port and administrative center, but with little to attract the tourist
Mae Nam
Still on the north coast, Maenam has grown in popularity as tourists have searched for alternatives to the traditional resort areas. Maenam is convenient for the airport, it has an exceptional beach, there are a host of good restaurants and it is home to Samui’s only 18-hole golf course. |
![Channel [V]](http://www.samuinavigator.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/7202009114432amibis.jpeg "Channel [V]")
