Nathon is the central community where piers, bus stations, many inexpensive hotels, open-air clothing stalls, and a night market with local food are located. It’s an excellent option if you visit the island without a hotel reservation—you can stay in an affordable hotel near the water and explore the location on your own. Every evening, fishing boats arrive at Nathon’s piers, and you can buy fresh and cheap seafood firsthand. Also, a small local market sells inexpensive and delicious Thai food.
The Lipa Noi area is located to the west, slightly north of Nathon. Here, you will find the calmest sea, beautiful sunsets, as well as a few private houses for long-term rental, hotels, and luxurious villas. The location has few restaurants and cafes, almost no parties, and nightlife. The road to most supermarkets takes half an hour or more if you have a bicycle or a car. Overall, it’s a peaceful place suitable for a short break and for people who prefer shallow waters.
Bang Por is in the northwest, a 5–10 minute drive from Nathon. It is one of the quietest areas with many houses for long-term living along the beach. There are many foreigners here who are not interested in parties so the area is calm and quiet. However, if you decide to look for things to do on Ko Samui, you can reach Chaweng in 30 minutes by bike. Along the coast, there are many inexpensive cafes with Thai food and restaurants.
In the Maenam area on the northern coast, you can find homes for long-term rent located by the sea or closer to the jungle. Moreover, there are affordable hotels and a clean beach. Thursday is “Walking Street” day when one of the streets becomes an impromptu market with many stalls.
Bophut is an area located between Maenam and Choeng Mon in the northernmost part. The beach stretches for 2 km, the sea is deep, and there are relatively few people. In this location, you can find affordable property in Thailand for long-term rent a little away from the sea (5–10 minutes by bike).
Choeng Mon is a small beach about 1 km long. The area is quite large and offers houses and villas of various costs. It’s a good place for those planning to stay on the island for a long time, who enjoy nightlife but also appreciate secluded rest between noisy parties.
Chaweng is known as the street of bars in Ko Samui. There are no quiet places here, but there are many hotels, spas, restaurants, markets, and shops. Life on Chaweng never stops, and the epicentre of gatherings is at the Green Mango Square. Here, there are over 40 bars and 3 major dance clubs. After 3 am, the party moves to the Sound Club, which stays open until morning.
In the Lamai area, there are many hotels, bungalows, and cafes. Parties and gatherings happen very often. Many expatriates live here, making it an ideal place for sociable foreigners—you will definitely meet someone on the first day who will arrange the desired excursion for you. Homes are usually located 5–10 minutes’ drive from the sea.
Hua Thanon and the southern coast are quiet areas with many small villas for long-term rental. The beaches within hotel territories are beautiful and well-maintained. Typically, this area is chosen by older foreigners.
The most popular residential in Ko Samui are:
- Wing Samui Condominium — a luxurious condo-hotel near Chaweng Noi Beach;
- Green Life Koh Samui — eco-friendly villas in a quiet area of the island;
- The Beach Residence — stylish white villas with panoramic ocean views;
- The Heights — a new project with houses in the prestigious Bophut area;
- Amaya Samui — minimalist villas surrounded by blooming gardens.
