Koh Samui, Unhurried: Beaches, Waterfalls and Where to Stay
Samui can be a party or a hideaway. Here's how to find the quiet coves, the jungle interior, and the right beach for the trip you actually want.
Koh Samui gets an unfair reputation as either a full-moon party island or a package-holiday cliche. The truth is more interesting. It's big enough and green enough to be whatever you want, from a lively beach break to a genuinely restful hideaway, as long as you choose the right coast.
Choose Your Coast
Chaweng and Lamai on the east are the busy beaches, all bars, restaurants and nightlife. The north shore around Maenam and Bophut is calmer, with soft sand, sunset views and a foodie old town. The south and west are quieter still. Decide how much buzz you want before you book, because on Samui your beach is your whole trip.
Get Off the Sand
Give at least one day to the interior. Rent a car or take a tour up to the Na Muang waterfalls, the mountaintop viewpoints and the quiet inland temples. The contrast between the jungly heart of the island and its beaches is what makes Samui more than just another resort strip.
Where to Stay
For a design-led hideaway on the calmer north shore, W Koh Samui gives you a private pool villa even at entry level, with one of the island's best beach bars just down the hill.
