Plai Laem

The Plai Laem area is located between the areas of Big Buddha and Choeng Mon and encompasses most of the northeast peninsular of Koh Samui. 
The soft golden sands on this more or less west facing palm-fringed beach stretch for 2 km, however the sea is quite shallow and swimming is restricted as at the most it is only 2 metres deep.

The view from Plai Laem beach is stunning and is one of the best places to see Koh Samui's amazing sunsets as the sun disappears beyond the sloping hills and north coastline of the island. The area is increasingly being developed with new villas and some beach bars popping up but it is often missed with tourists oblivious to its existence as they travel between Big Buddha and Choeng Mon. Nevertheless it is still in close proximity and has easy access to the livelier town of Chaweng and the bustling villages of Bang Rak and Bophut's Fisherman's Village.

The tiny island of Koh Som (translated Orange Island) and it's smaller neighbour Koh Lum Mu Noi (collectively known as Koh Som) opposite Plai Laem beach, is an untouched tropical hideaway with just a few bamboo huts and a restaurant opening occasionally for day visitors or overnight guests. The island is popular with kayaking right up to the beach and picnics on the pristine west facing beach looking back on Koh Samui. You can swim in the beautiful clear waters and snorkel, boats will take you across from the small Plai Laem Pier.

There is now a makeshift pier at Koh Som for visiting yachts, you can de-board with ease to explore the 1sq km island which remains a nature reserve and home to many tropical birds. Whilst white sands feature on one side of the island, the north coast is rocky and although it looks easy enough to swim across from Plai Laem, you should be aware of the dangers of the strong undercurrents in these waters.

There is a small marina at the Big Buddha end of the Plai Laem main beach, created mainly for the fishermen's long boats and some tour company pleasure boats.

Continuing along the coast from the marina a luxury villa resort as well as private beachfront villas are located offering guests a peaceful experience with stunning views. The east end of the beach curves round to a headland that is dominated by the Six Senses Samui hotel and Spa, one of the original 5 star hotels on Koh Samui. It has a fine dining restaurant taking it's name (On the Rocks) from the rocky headland.
You can experience some of the best sunsets here, land prices are some of the most expensive on Koh Samui.

Rounding the headland is the north east facing Samrong Bay, nestled between two headlands and shared by Six Senses and a mid range hotel as well as a small villa resort.

The Plai Laem headland has seen major development in the form of apartments and luxury villas all enjoying the superb ocean views well above the beach.

Inland, the upper road leading from Big Buddha to Choeng Mon is dotted with various Thai residences in amongst the palms and some mid-range apartment buildings. The local temple Wat Plai Laem is now one of the top tourist spots on Koh Samui and is also located on this road.

Beaches

Plai Laem Beach
is accessed from various tracks from the main road and has golden sand and shallow waters fringed with overhanging trees. The beach area at this point in time is largely undeveloped, with a few bungalow resorts mingled in with a handful of luxury private villas. The beach is narrow most of the year and not ideal for swimming. However, if you are looking for a peaceful spot to relax and read a book away from noise and vendors on an unspoilt tropical beach, then this the perfect beach.

Samrong Bay
Also known as Secret Beach, this beach has 250m of sand framed between 2 headlands and is accessed through the 3 resorts that share the beach - all of which have a security gate. For those not staying in the Idyllic Beach resort where we have several villas to rent, the best access to the beach would be through the Ayara Buri Resort where lunch at the beachfront restaurant and a game of mini golf are also an option.

Both the above beaches are within 10 minutes reach of popular Bophut and Chaweng, where there is a good choice of dining, shopping and entertainment.

Spa and Wellbeing.

Due to little resort development in Plai Laem, there are very few Spas in the area.

Six Senses Spa
This is a world renowned Spa where service levels are very high and they offer treatments both indoor and outdoor in salas overlooking the ocean and neighbouring islands.(http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesSamui/Six-Senses-Spa.php)

Watersports and Sea Tours

Other Activities

Restaurants

Eating out in Plai Laem

Plai Laem has some excellent dining options, whether you want fine dining, beachside romance or authentic Thai.

Dining on the Rocks
For fine dining located at the Six Senses Hotel and Spa on the tip of the headland, offers amazing views whilst you dine. 
(http://www.siamdiningguide.com/dining_on_the_rocks.html)

Araya Buri Resort
Further down the east coast on Samrong Bay, the Araya Buri resort offers beachside dining serving both Thai and International cuisine.

Tango Luxe Beach Villas
Beachside dining next to the small marina with west facing views over Big Buddha temple.
(http://www.tangoluxebeachvilla.com)

In-Villa Dining on the beach
Enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner on this wonderfully quiet beach, with the sand between your toes and just the sound of the waves in front of your luxury beachfront villa.

Nightlife