Mae Nam

Relax on Mae Nam’s 4-mile (7-kilometer) golden sand beach beneath a fringe of typical Koh Samui coconut palms. From the beach you have a fantastic view over the water to Koh Phangan where the famous full moon party will keep you dancing until the wee hours.

Mae Nam is one of the quieter, more tranquil beaches of Koh Samui, with the shallow waters making it the perfect place for families with children. Despite the shift in Koh Samui to luxury resorts, Mae Nam has mostly kept its simple bungalows surrounded by lush green gardens. It is one of the island’s more inexpensive beach retreats.

The village is quite small, with a few eateries, low-key bars and a street market on Thursday nights so it’s the best place on Koh Samui to be if you enjoy quiet and a smaller number of tourists. It is also very close to the Santiburi Samui Golf Course, for those who like to unwind by playing a few holes.

Visit the beautifully decorated temples scattered around Mae Nam, including a strikingly different Chinese Temple, which sits right on the beachfront. Inside the temple you will find an explosion of gold and red, with not a pillar or roof beam free of dragons, paintings and color.

There are not many beach parties at Mae Nam; however, one of Thailand’s most famous is just across the water. Catch the ferry to Koh Phangan to partake in trance and reggae music, fire twirling, fireworks and non-stop dancing of the famous full moon parties held monthly. You can also take a fishing trip around Koh Phangan or try your hand at squid fishing around Chaloklum on the island’s northern end.

It’s a short drive or shuttle bus trip between Mae Nam and some of Koh Samui’s more bustling spots. Head to Fisherman’s Village at Bo Phut Beach, to taste street foods and browse market stalls amongst the old Chinese shop-houses.