WHERE TO STAY AND TO BUY ON KOH SAMUI

The large surface of the island allows endless possibilities, from complete solitude to a rather crowded large village. The most beautiful beaches –white sand and clear waters- are on the east coast. The others are less attractive.

Maenam and Bophut, on the north coast, boast larges beaches lined with coconut trees and calm waters ideal for swimming. Both are mainly family resorts.

Chaweng, the first beach on the east coast, a few kilometres from the airport, is the largest village, nearly a town. Its white sand beach, over 4 kilometres long, attracts numerous tourists and the area is more and more congested.

Lamai is –definitely and rightly- the favorite of “Those who Kow”. Its wilder, magnificent beaches –many scattered with awesome black granite boulders- are much quieter than in Chaweng, there are no high rise building anywhere, and its extremely relaxed atmosphere gives it a very pleasant “boom town” atmosphere.

Hua Thanon is the largest anchorage for the island fishing boats. It is a delightful  Hainese-style fishing village populated by the descendants of Chinese immigrants from the Island of Hainan, with a colorful small Muslim community on the south of the beach. The great charm of the area –and the beauty of its beach- has recently made it the most sought-after property area of Koh Samui.

Laem Set is a small rocky cape at the south tip of the island. Very quiet –it lies 3 kilometres from the main road, it is a perfect resort for the solitude lovers. Those will also find others small beach villages around the island, or even the ultimate quietness in the vast island coconut grove which covers the entire interior.
Nathon is the island capital, home to the main Post Office, Police and Tourist Police Stations, Immigration Office, and major banks. Apart from a large night food market, there is not much to attract tourists.

Contrary to its recent reputation, one can live very well in Koh Samui with little money. There is an abundance of charming inns at 400 Baht a night –but if you prefer to spend 4000, or even 14 000 plus, there are plenty of those also! Same with the restaurants which, thanks to the cosmopolitism of the island, offer a choice ranging from Thai, French and Italian to Chinese, Indian, Middle East, or whatever you like. As for the night entertainment, it starts around 8 pm and stops at dawn.

Transportation in the island is very easy, between the public Tuk-tuk –the ubiquitous small lorry for 10 people- and the rental cars and limousines. Most visitors and residents use a 125cc motorbike –helmet not mandatory, which is a pleasant surprise in Thailand. At 150 Baht a day rental, it is by far the most practical and pleasant.

If you need our help for anything not listed above, just ask us by e-mail and we shall do our utmost to help you.
We invite you to browse through our site –and question us if need be. Sunland Properties is at your entire disposal ... and waits for you in itsThailand Tropical Paradise.