Koh Samui
All 16 areas
Every area has a trade-off. Here they are, side by side.
DraftChaweng
The busy heart of the island. Everything is close, nothing is quiet.
- 10 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Bang Rak Pier
- Nearest beach: Chaweng Beach
DraftChaweng Noi
Chaweng's softer edge. Pretty coves, resorts, and a bit more sleep.
- 15 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Bang Rak Pier
- Nearest beach: Chaweng Noi Beach
DraftLamai
Chaweng's relaxed little sister. Gyms, Muay Thai and a lazy beach.
- 25 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Bang Rak Pier
- Nearest beach: Lamai Beach
DraftHua Thanon
A working Muslim fishing village with the island's best seafood prices.
- 35 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Bang Rak Pier
- Nearest beach: Hua Thanon Beach
DraftBophut / Fisherman's Village
Charming old village street, cafes, and a calm beach for families.
- 10 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Bang Rak Pier
- Nearest beach: Bophut Beach
DraftMaenam
Long quiet beach, a real Thai village and good value homes.
- 20 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Maenam Lomprayah Pier
- Nearest beach: Maenam Beach
DraftBang Por / Ban Tai
A small, green corner with mountain views and almost no traffic.
- 25 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Maenam Lomprayah Pier
- Nearest beach: Bang Por Beach
DraftNathon
The main town. Markets, government offices and real Thai life.
- 30 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Nathon Pier
- Nearest beach: Nathon seafront
DraftBang Rak / Big Buddha
Practical base next to the airport and the ferry piers.
- 5 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Bang Rak Pier
- Nearest beach: Bang Rak Beach
DraftPlai Laem
Temples, quiet bays and sunset views on the island's northeast tip.
- 8 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Big Buddha Pier
- Nearest beach: Plai Laem bays
DraftChoeng Mon
Quiet bays, clear water and upscale villas on the hills.
- 10 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Big Buddha Pier
- Nearest beach: Choeng Mon Beach
DraftNa Mueang (inland)
Jungle hills, waterfalls and the green heart of the island.
- 30 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Nathon Pier
- Best for: Jungle
DraftBang Kao / Laem Sor
The sleepy south coast. Mangroves, pagodas and long empty beaches.
- 35 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Nathon Pier
- Nearest beach: Bang Kao Beach
DraftThong Krut
A tiny fishing bay with boats to the southern islands.
- 40 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Nathon Pier
- Nearest beach: Thong Krut Bay
DraftTaling Ngam
Sunsets, empty beaches and very slow days. Bring a car.
- 45 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Nathon Pier
- Nearest beach: Taling Ngam Beach
DraftLipa Noi
Calm shallow bay, soft sand and fiery sunsets, close to the car ferry.
- 35 min to the airport
- Nearest pier: Nathon Pier
- Nearest beach: Lipa Noi Beach
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