Maenam is a long, quiet beach on Koh Samui's north coast, with soft sand, coconut palms and views across the water to Koh Phangan. It has a relaxed, local feel, good-value places to stay and a slower pace than the east coast, while still being only about 10 minutes from Fisherman's Village in Bophut. It is a favourite with long-stay visitors, families and anyone who wants peace and quiet over nightlife.
Maenam at a glance
- Where: North coast of Koh Samui, between Bophut and Bang Por
- Best for: A quiet base, good value, long stays, families, sunsets
- The beach: Around 4 km of soft sand, calm and shallow for most of the year
- Nearby: Bophut and Fisherman's Village, Maenam pier, Nathon
What Maenam is like
Maenam is one of the least developed of Koh Samui's main beaches. Small resorts and bungalows sit back among the palms, and the village behind the beach has local shops, cafes, Thai restaurants and a market rather than big bars and clubs. Evenings are quiet: dinner by the sea, a sunset walk on the sand, and an early night.
If you want nightlife, Chaweng is around 25 minutes away, but most people choose Maenam precisely because it is calm.
The beach and sunsets
Maenam's beach stretches for around 4 km, with soft, slightly golden sand and gently shelving water that is calm for much of the year, making it a good beach for children. The water is not as clear as on the east coast and can be cloudier during the rainy season from October to December, but it is rarely crowded.
Because it faces north, Maenam has lovely views across to Koh Phangan, and at the western end of the beach you can watch the sun set over the sea.
Where to eat and drink
Maenam is a great place to eat well without the east-coast prices. A few favourites:
- Toast: a relaxed cafe and one of Maenam's best spots for breakfast, brunch and good coffee.
- Treehouse: a characterful treehouse-style beach bar and kitchen on a quiet stretch of Maenam's sand, serving Thai and international food. Best from late afternoon into sunset; try the khao soi.
- Mae Nam afternoon market: a good local stop for tropical fruit, Thai snacks and dishes to take away.
Along the beach, small restaurants also serve Thai food and fresh seafood with your toes in the sand. Smaller places are often cash only, and opening hours can change, so it is worth checking before you go. For more choice, the restaurants of Fisherman's Village in Bophut are about 10 minutes away.
Maenam pier: boats to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
Maenam has its own pier, used by ferries and high-speed catamarans to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which makes it a handy base if you plan to island-hop. For day trips with us, group and boutique tours to Ang Thong and Koh Tao leave from Bangrak, with transfers from your accommodation included, and our private speedboat charters depart from nearby Bophut.
Where to stay in Maenam
Maenam has some of the best-value accommodation on Koh Samui, from simple beach bungalows and guesthouses to peaceful boutique resorts and private villas. It suits travellers who want a quiet beach, a local atmosphere and a base for longer stays, and families who want calm water and space. Prefer to eat in? A private chef or in-villa Thai cooking class works well in Maenam's villas.
How to get to Maenam
Maenam is around 15 to 20 minutes by car from Samui International Airport, around 10 minutes from Bophut, and around 25 minutes from Chaweng, along the main ring road. Nathon, on the west coast, is around 15 to 20 minutes away. If you book a tour with us, return transfers from your accommodation are included on most trips.
Things to do from Maenam
- Private speedboat charters: departing from nearby Bophut
- Ang Thong National Marine Park tours: 42 islands, the Emerald Lake and kayaking
- Private island tour: Samui's viewpoints, waterfalls and temples with your own guide
- Ethical elephant sanctuary: a half day with a rescued herd
Frequently asked questions
Where is Maenam in Koh Samui?
Maenam is on Koh Samui's north coast, west of Bophut, around 15 to 20 minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from Chaweng.
Is Maenam good for swimming?
Yes. Maenam's beach is calm and gently shelving for most of the year, which makes it good for children, though the water is not as clear as on the east coast and can be cloudier from October to December.
Is Maenam a good place to stay?
Maenam is ideal if you want a quiet, local and good-value base, with a long beach and sunset views. If you want nightlife and lots of restaurants on your doorstep, Chaweng or Bophut may suit you better.
Can you get a boat to Koh Phangan from Maenam?
Yes. Maenam pier has ferries and high-speed catamarans to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Is Maenam good for families?
Yes. The calm, shallow water, quiet atmosphere and good-value family accommodation make Maenam a popular choice for families.
How far is Maenam from Fisherman's Village?
Around 10 minutes by car. Fisherman's Village in Bophut is the closest place for a wider choice of restaurants and the Fisherman's Village Night Market.