Mae Nam accommodation from AU$35

Maenam definitely isn’t the only secluded and calm beach in Koh Samui, but it stands apart because of its size and accessibility. With seven kilometres of sand, looking down the length of Maenam Beach in Koh Samui gives you a stunning view of a curved yellow waterfront sandwiched by the azure blue of the sea and flowing green of the treeline. It is on the island’s northern coastline and if you look directly out to sea, Koh Phangan sits quietly in the distance – fortunately the thumping bass of the full-moon parties doesn’t travel too far. Most other peaceful locations are either small or out of the way, but with Maenam you can chill to your heart’s content and still enjoy a full Samui experience.

You’ll love taking everything at a nice slow pace here, with endless walks down the quiet sand, stopping for swims or a meal in one of the Thai or Western restaurants, whose prices range from astonishingly cheap to reasonable. Wander around and you’ll find places to enjoy three square meals a day, and low-key bars to enjoy a drink and the sea breeze by night. You can spend your whole holiday right in Maenam Beach and get the kind of escape you’ve been waiting for.

One of the best things about staying in Maenam Beach is the further you go east, the more active things become. One beach over is Bophut, a sleepy fishing village that has a bit more than Maenam in the way of restaurants and bars but nothing seedy or over the top. The beach after that has the Big Buddha, a large and picturesque statue that sits on its own island, and then Choeng Mon Beach around the island’s northeast tip is where you’ll find water activities and beach resort restaurants with night-time entertainment along the beachfront. For the Koh Samui attractions and nightlife you see in the brochures, you have to make the 25-minute drive to Chaweng on the east coast. Brand-name shopping, fast food, modern restaurants and a wild nightlife scene are the name of the game here. It’s definitely worth a look, especially because despite being crowded, the east coast is very beautiful.

Then again, one thing our Maenam Beach accommodation choices offer that Chaweng and its neighbours don’t, is stunning sunsets and the chance to enjoy them in seclusion. Book today for awesome rates on hotels and flights to Koh Samui.