Maenam is centrally located on the north coast of Koh Samui to the west of Bophut and has a beautiful stretch of golden sand palm-fringed beach separated from the lush tropical backdrop of the palm covered hills by the main ring around Koh Samui. The ring road is quite a distance away from the beach and therefore is a peaceful area to relax in one of our luxury beachfront Maenam villas - some of which are the most luxurious on Koh Samui
Maenam lies on the north coast of Koh Samui to the west of Bophut and has a beautiful stretch of golden sand palm-fringed beach separated from the lush tropical backdrop of the palm covered hills by the main ring around Koh Samui and a deep mass of land separating the road from the beach.
There are still some small fan bungalow resorts nestled in the tropical palms on the meandering roads or tracks leading to and also on the beach. These offer privacy and peaceful backpacker style chill out living away from the less quiet resorts to the east. How long these remain before the upmarket boutique hotels move in is anyone’s guess.
Maenam itself is more or less a working village and a genuine local environment for more traditional lifestyles. There are the usual banks and convenience stores, but it is not just a drive-through village as you will find some nice relaxed atmospheric restaurants down in the centre of the village. These are located by the traffic lights, where two side streets heading down to the waters edge forming a U shape to explore. Some expats from all areas of the world have also opened their restaurants and cafés here, serving both Thai and International cuisine, they are not obtrusive to the working life of the villagers
The village also has it’s own ‘Walking Street’ night market on a Thursday which starts around 4.30pm and finishes around 10pm, where the streets are lined with stalls and you can eat drink and shop whilst walking. It is not as big as the Bophut village market, but still fun and entertaining.
At the west end of the beach, there is the pier dock that is small but adequate, it hosts the fast catamaran services that depart daily to and from Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Surat Thani mainland.
A road has recently been constructed that connects Maenam with Lamai over the mountain interior and gives a traffic free taste of rural life away from the beaches, passing the odd farm but mostly uninhabited on this scenic ½ hour journey.
In general, there is a combination of relative peace and quiet with easy access to entertainment. The combination of an excellent beach makes Maenam a popular Koh Samui favourite for that luxury holiday in a beautiful beachfront villa.
Beach
Maenam Beach
Idyllic with soft white sand bordered with plenty of greenery. There is no offshore reef and so it leaves the water quite deep for the entire length of the bay and it is considered one of the best swimming beaches on Koh Samui.
It was also recently voted as one of the top ten beaches in South East Asia with the sandy beach and calm waters offering a safe environment for children.
The stretch of beach is almost 5km long and is well away from any noise and traffic, it is lined with a mixture of luxury hotels, luxury beachfront villas and the still remaining bungalow resorts spread well apart along the beach.
The enjoyment of the beach is enhanced by the stunning views over to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan just 10km and 20 minutes by speedboat away.
The widest part of the bay is in the centre and to the east and with the natural curve of the bay, the east end enjoys fabulous sunsets whilst the west end at the ferry pier wakes up to a beautiful sunrise. Some of our most luxury Maenam beachfront villas are strategically located on this beautiful section of the beach. The sandy headland at the eastern most point is home to the high end 5-star W Resort, with a beach facing both sunrise and sunset.
Spa and Well being
Maenam has several well-priced spas in and around the village, but for real treat of a pampering experience try the Spa's at the 5 star Resorts, there are several that offer luxurious options.
Santi Buri Beach Resort
(http://www.santiburi-hotel.de/index.php/en/spa-en)
Belmond Napasai Resort
(http://www.belmond.com/napasai-koh-samui/spa)
There are lots of things to do in Maenam. Whether you like beach activities, jungle adventures, bustling markets or visiting local temples. In the hills of Maenam you can visit the World Class Santiburi Golf course or take a thrilling canopy adventure ziplining through the forest. The Maenam pier is a good starting point to explore other islands.
Golf
In the hills above Maenam there is 23 acres of well maintained fairways and greens of the renowned world class 18 hole par 72 Santiburi Championship golf course. The views from the course are stunning and if not to play golf, then a visit to the golf club bar and restaurant is well worth it, just for the view from this unique viewpoint.
Kayaking.
Many of the resorts along the beach have kayaks for hire if not already available at your villa. There are not many jet ski operators on the beach, however these can be arranged to be brought to your villa on request.
Paddle boards /Windsurfing
There are a few rustic outlets along the beach that provide paddle boards, windsurfing and small dinghys for hire as well as teaching watersports. We have seen banana boats in action as well.
Kite Boarding
Koh Samui Kiteboarding (KSK) has a centre with a shop located on the ring road at the west end of Koh Samui. It is run by a long-term French expat, who is IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) instructor level 2. The centre has a shop selling all sorts of equipment for kitesurfers and offers courses of 3 hour lessons.
Boat Trips
The view over to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan is stunning and there are regular boat trips from the Maenam Pier over to both Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, slightly further away but still a day trip tour.
Canopy Adventures
The jungle above Maenam is home to 6 cable rides to zip line between the trees high in the rain forest
Temple visits
Two of the temples in Maenam are easily found and may be of interest.
Wat Na Phra Lan is a small temple located on the Koh Samui ring road in the area of Maenam Pier, although not particularly picturesque you may find it interesting to visit it to capture the Thai religious culture.In 2008 the more central and prettier Chinese Temple was built, located close to the beach where community events are held. Many of the first settlers to Koh Samui were from China and had brought their religion with them and here Chinese New Year is celebrated in style.
Both the outside and inside of the temple are colourful and ornate and gives a hint into the short history of Koh Samui.
Walking Street
On Thursday evenings, locals, expats and tourists alike gather in the street near the Chinese temple for the weekly 'walking-street market'. It is not obviously as big as it’s neighbours at the Old Fisherman’s village, but the atmosphere is still good and there is plenty to see. Here you can enjoy cocktails, browse the stalls, listen to local bands, and enjoy street food as well as shop for fake branded T shirts sandals and other clothing and trinkets/souvenirs.
A community stage towards a small pier in front of the Chinese Temple is used for community events. It is perhaps best to hop in a taxi or songthaew to this popular weekly event as there is very little parking and you may end up walking hundreds of yards to get to the market.
Being predominantly still a backpackers location, there are number of rustic beach bars and restaurants on the beach with their well worn bamboo tables and chairs, but the food is good, the view is stunning and the atmosphere chilled.
Sea One is one of these such beach places, located very close to the actual village in the centre of the beach with tables on the beach and inside.
Nature One with meals being served all day is popular with the locals as well as visitors, with a small area of child friendly inflatables in the sea in front at certain times of the year and deck chairs on the beach to relax in during the day.
Moon Hut Bungalows Restaurant
Located right on the beach in the centre of the bay, this rustic restaurant of this small bungalow resort is a popular venue with the residents and returning tourists serving both Thai and western favourites. The owner of the resort also operates boat trips over to Koh Phangan and the other islands for a small party of people.
Barracuda
The walking streets of the village do have a few restaurant favourites, like that run by Barrcuda, which has a theme representing Thai fishing and serves a fusion of Thai and European cuisine set in a cosy and authentic atmosphere.
Angela’s Diner
Angela’s Diner (previously named Angela’s Bakery) is located on the main road just before you get to the centre of the village, popular with expats and returning tourists, especially for it’s western style breakfasts. Open until 4pm, it is also a great place for a healthy lunch or filled baguettes in a warm and inviting air conditioned interior and separate fan only area with shelves of colourful teapots and other knick knacks, as well of a counter full of home made cakes, fresh pies and bread.
For more fine dining, the Fisherman’s Village at Bophut is less than 10 minutes away with an abundance of restaurants to choose from serving cuisine from all over the world.
Though it has quite a lot of resorts, Maenam is still rather quiet, with only beach bars and restaurants for evening entertainment.
The best option for nightlife and up market restaurants and sports bars is the faily friendly Fishermans Village in Bophut, ( less than 10 mins drive) or the lively town of Chaweng is anoher 10 minutes drive where the nightlife can extend to the early hours of the next day.
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