The peaceful, laid-back north and west — Maenam, Bang Po and Lipa Noi, with long, quiet, palm-backed beaches, calm water, a mellow village feel, cheaper stays and Samui's best sunsets over on the west coast. Tranquil, unhurried and great value, further from the bustle; the base for travellers and families who want a quiet, authentic beach escape, sunset beach clubs and a slower pace. Samui at its most restful. Serene and affordable.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€30–65
typical per night in Thailand
Easy on the wallet
Among the cheapest areas to sleep in Koh Samui.
Where it sits
The circle is Maenam & Lipa Noi and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- Wat Plai Laem14 min taxi4.7 km
- The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)15 min taxi5.0 km
- A spa day & Thai massage16 min taxi5.5 km
- Bophut Fisherman's Village17 min taxi5.7 km
- Chaweng Beach19 min taxi6.5 km
- Chaweng nightlife20 min taxi6.7 km
- Lamai Beach & the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks36 min taxi12.1 km
- Lamai (beach)37 min taxi12.2 km
- Ang Thong National Marine Park113 min taxi37.5 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 12.A sunset beach club — Samui's west coast delivers glorious sunsets, and there's no finer way to enjoy one than at a stylish beach club — sip cocktails by an infinity pool or on the sand at the chic spots strung along the quiet west and north-west coast (Lipa Noi and beyond), with DJs, daybeds and the sun melting into the Gulf. From glamorous pool clubs to laid-back beach bars, it's the island's sophisticated sundowner scene. Watch the sky turn gold with a drink in hand; a gorgeous, relaxed alternative to the Chaweng strip. Magical at sunset. Book a daybed at weekends.
- 13.The Secret Buddha Garden & viewpoint drive — For the island's best scenery, take the drive up into the mountainous interior to the Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden) — a quirky, magical hillside dotted with dozens of mossy statues of Buddhas, deities and people, built by an old fruit farmer, hidden in the jungle. The reward is as much the journey: a steep, spectacular drive through the green interior with sweeping viewpoints over the coast (the Lat Ko and Overlap Stone viewpoints are stunning). Go by 4x4 or a confident car; it's a lovely, offbeat half-day. Charming and scenic. A great island drive.
- 15.Maenam & the quiet north beaches — For the island at its most peaceful, head to the long, palm-backed beaches of the north — Maenam and Bang Po, quiet, unspoilt stretches of soft sand with calm shallow water, a mellow local-village feel and barely a jet-ski in sight. It's the Samui of slow beach days, cheap seafood shacks, hammocks and sunsets, far from the resort bustle, and a favourite of families and long-stayers. Spend a lazy day swimming and dozing, then eat fresh seafood at a beachside shack. A wonderfully relaxed, authentic beach day. Calm and lovely.
- 16.Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan — A boat north to the diving island of Koh Tao and the postcard viewpoint over Koh Nang Yuan's triple sandbar — turquoise water and easy snorkelling. Samui's best day at sea.
- 19.Lipa Noi beach — A long, calm, shallow beach on the quiet west coast — the island's best spot to watch the sun set over the sea, with barely a soul around. Bring a drink and a hammock.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Maenam & Lipa Noi; flights via Google Flights.