| Where to Stay?  Think about
what you want from your vacation. Young couples seeking a private, romantic and tranquil
setting will probably be happiest staying at a medium-sized hotel or a bungalow resort in
the villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Thong Takian, or anywhere on the southern or
western coasts.
Families with
active and sports-loving youngsters, and those who don't want to be more than a few
minutes from nightlife and shopping, might opt for Chaweng, located on the east coast. The
island's liveliest village, it is home to many of Samui's larger hotels with their
recreational options, as well as the island's most robust commercial center with its many
restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discotheques. Further south but also on the east coast,
Lamai is almost as bustling as Chaweng, but the lodgings tend to be built on a smaller
scale and more economical.
Those who last
visited Samui prior to late 1999 will be amazed at how thoroughly the ring road that
encircles the island has been widened. Circumnavigating the island is now easier than
ever, and whatever choice you make, you are never far from the nearest sea bathing or
eatery
Mae Nam
The Village
Located on the north shore between Chaweng and Nathon. Quiet and quaint with traditional
shop houses. Most establishments are closed by 7:00 pm, and nightlife is very subdued.
Taxis to and from other villages stop running about 7:00 pm.
The Beach
Quieter and less populated than the beaches of Chaweng, with less commercial activity.
Good for bathing. Rough sea days with high waves can occur during the months of January to
April.
Bo Phut
The Village
Located on the north shore, quiet and quaint with sedate European-style bistros and cafes.
Most establishments are closed by 7:00 pm, and nightlife is very subdued. Taxis to and
from other villages stop running about 7:00 pm.
The Beach
Quieter and less populated than the beaches of Chaweng, with less commercial activity.
Good for bathing. Rough sea days with high waves can occur during the months of January to
April.
Choeng Mon
The Village
Located on the quiet north shore between Chaweng and Mae Nam, the nearest shopping
districts are those in Chaweng and Mae Nam. The nearby village of Bophut is a 10 minutes
drive. There you will find a number of quaint and charming restaurants and cafes.
Nightlife is subdued. Few public taxis.
Chaweng
The Village
Samui's liveliest village. Most hotels are situated between "the strip" and the
beach, and there are many. Many shops, a wide variety of restaurants, and nightlife
including bars, night clubs, and discotheques are all within walking distance from most of
them. Prices of accommodations tend to be higher than other villages. Taxis run to and
from other villages until about 11:00 pm, and up and down the main street until later.
The Beach
Populated, especially in high season, the beaches at Chaweng are the island's liveliest.
Good for bathing and snorkeling at one of the coral reefs. Watersports are available at
several locations, including jetskiing, parasailing and waterskiing. Strolling beach
vendors sell food and souvenirs. During the months of January through April, the sea can
get rough on some days, and the waves high.
Lamai
The Village
After Chaweng, the island's second liveliest village. Restaurants and bars are many, and
budget beachside bungalows outnumber the few large hotels by far. The nightlife goes on
until late. Taxis to and from Chaweng run until 11:00 pm.
The Beach
On the east coast, home to some of the island's longest and widest stretches of sand,
you're never far from a beachside bar or restaurant, or activity if that is what you seek.
Sea bathing spots are walking distance from Lamai center.
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