Koh Samui Destinations

From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng to the laid-back beach bungalows of Mae Nam, each of the destinations on Samui has a different quality and character, some busy and built-up, some not.

Koh Samui offers a choice that ranges between a non-stop party holiday and total isolation on a deserted beach. Make sure you know what you're getting with our detailed explanations and guides to the different areas.

Chaweng

Chaweng is the most popular area on the island and with the biggest choices of resorts, shops, bars and restaurants. It's loud and fun and there's lots of nightlife.

Bang Rak

Around the coast from Chaweng on the north coast, it's smaller and quieter here and with less bars and restaurants, but the beach road runs right into cheerful Bo Phut.

Mae Nam

Voted '9th Best Beach in Asia', Mae Nam is small, quiet and very relaxed. A good sprinkling of shops, bars and restaurants gives the area a cosmopolitan feel.

Lamai

Lamai is the next beach to the south of Chaweng and is a bit quieter. Here the features are spread more widely and over a bigger area, but it's cheaper, too.

Bo Phut

Often now called 'Bang Rak', this is the area from Bang Rak onto past the Fisherman's Village. A broad road with lots of bars and restaurants and some top-end hotels, too.