28 °C water, 125 mm of rain on 8 days.28.5 °C water, 65 mm of rain on 4 days.29 °C water, 115 mm of rain on 5 days.30 °C water, 85 mm of rain on 6 days.30 °C water, 130 mm of rain on 11 days.30 °C water, 135 mm of rain on 10 days.29.5 °C water, 115 mm of rain on 11 days.29.5 °C water, 100 mm of rain on 10 days.29 °C water, 120 mm of rain on 11 days.29 °C water, 295 mm of rain on 16 days.29 °C water, 445 mm of rain on 16 days.28.5 °C water, 265 mm of rain on 12 days.
Calm January to September
Sand
Golden, coarse
Coarse, grainy sand. It sticks less, but it is rough on bare feet.
No tidal flats
Crowds
Almost no one
Peak season on the island: more people on every beach.Peak season on the island: more people on every beach.Shoulder season: a steady trickle of visitors.Shoulder season: a steady trickle of visitors.Low season island-wide. You may have long stretches to yourself.Low season island-wide. You may have long stretches to yourself.Shoulder season: a steady trickle of visitors.Shoulder season: a steady trickle of visitors.Low season island-wide. You may have long stretches to yourself.Low season island-wide. You may have long stretches to yourself.Low season island-wide. You may have long stretches to yourself.Peak season on the island: more people on every beach.
Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.2 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.3 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.3 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.5 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.7 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.9 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.8 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.5 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.4 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.3 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.2 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.Drops behind the island's own hills, about 0.2 km away: you get the glow, not the sun on the water.
Calm, shallow and easy: one of the island's best for small children.
Kids rating
Food
6 places
Zenzibar Beach Bar, Angela's Cafe, John's Garden Restaurant
Village prices
After dark
1 of 3
A quiet bar or two, early nights.
Nightlife rating
The story
17 min read
The full guide
On this page
Key facts
~5 km long
North coast
20-25 min from airport
Thursday Walking Street
Santiburi Golf Course
Views of Koh Phangan
Calm year-round swimming
Overview
Maenam Beach (also written Mae Nam; the village is Ban Mae Nam) is a calm, 5 km stretch of golden sand on Koh Samui’s north coast, and a good choice if you want easy swimming, quiet evenings and a real village behind the beach. It is one of the longest beaches on the island. Where Chaweng pulses with nightlife and Bophut trades on boutique charm, Maenam trades on simplicity: long walks under coconut palms, calm water that stays swimmable year-round, and a pace of life that hasn’t fully surrendered to tourism.
The beach runs along the northern shoreline between Bang Po to the west and Bophut to the east, facing Koh Phangan across the strait. Maenam village sits roughly at the center of the bay, with a Chinese shrine, a cluster of local restaurants, and a Thursday night walking street market that draws both locals and visitors. Despite hosting big resorts (W Koh Samui and Santiburi Koh Samui), the beach remains remarkably uncrowded. You can walk for twenty minutes and pass fewer than a dozen people.
Samui International Airport is 20-25 minutes away by car (zone 2 taxi fare about 800 THB / ~23 USD as of 2026, see the airport guide). Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village is a 5-minute drive. Nathon ferry port is 15 minutes to the southwest.
Maenam Beach: Koh Samui's quiet north coast stretch
Is Maenam Beach Good? Pros and Trade-Offs
Yes, for swimming, families and quiet stays: Maenam is one of the calmest beaches on Koh Samui, with shallow water, palm shade and a working village behind it. It is known for that calm, the Thursday walking street, the Lomprayah pier for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao boats, and the Santiburi golf course above the bay.
For: gentle slope and calm water, uncrowded sand, cheap village food, hotels from budget bungalows to five-star resorts, ferries on the doorstep.
Against: no nightlife to speak of (Chaweng is a 20-minute drive), a narrower and rockier western end at low tide, and you need a scooter, taxi or songthaew for most sights.
Not the best for: snorkeling (go to Silver Beach or take a day trip) or a party week.
For a side-by-side with the next bay east, see Bophut vs Maenam.
Maenam Beach Map: What Lies Where
The beach runs roughly west to east along the north coast. From the west, you pass Bang Po Beach (quiet, narrow, sunset views), the quiet western section, the village centre with the Chinese shrine and the walking street road, Maenam (Pralan) pier for Lomprayah boats to Koh Phangan, and the resort-lined eastern section toward Bophut. Route 4169 runs parallel to the beach, a short walk inland, with the shops, 7-Elevens and songthaew stops.
History: A Fishing Village with Chinese Roots
Maenam’s origins mirror much of Koh Samui’s early settlement story. Chinese traders and fishermen (many of them Hainanese) arrived on the island’s north coast centuries ago, drawn by the sheltered waters and proximity to mainland trade routes. The name “Maenam” translates roughly to “river,” a reference to the small waterway that flows through the village and empties into the Gulf of Thailand near the center of the bay.
The Chinese shrine
The Chao Eng Sae Shrine (also called the Chinese Temple) in central Maenam is one of the most visible markers of this heritage. Ornate, colorful, and well-maintained, it sits just off the main road and serves as a community gathering point for Maenam’s Chinese-Thai families. During Chinese New Year and Vegetarian Festival, the shrine becomes the center of local celebrations with processions, firecrackers, and food offerings.
From coconut farms to guesthouses
For most of the 20th century, Maenam was coconut plantation country. The tall palms that line the beach today are not decorative: they are remnants of a working agricultural landscape. When backpackers began arriving on Koh Samui in the 1970s and 1980s, Maenam was one of the first beaches to offer cheap bamboo bungalows. It attracted a quieter crowd than Chaweng: travelers who wanted to read, swim, and eat fresh fish without much else.
The budget bungalow scene gradually evolved into a mix of mid-range hotels and luxury resorts, but Maenam never experienced the aggressive development that transformed Chaweng and Lamai. The result is a beach that feels more like Samui did twenty years ago: palm-shaded, spacious, and genuinely relaxed.
The Beach: Sections and Swimming
Maenam is one of the best swimming beaches on Koh Samui. The water is calm, the seabed slopes gently, and there is no offshore reef creating dangerous currents. The Gulf of Thailand side of the north coast is naturally sheltered from the strongest monsoon winds, which hit the east and south coasts harder.
Western section (toward Bang Po)
The western end of Maenam is the quietest stretch. Few hotels, very few people, and long rows of coconut palms leaning over the sand. The beach here is narrower and the sand slightly coarser. Swimming is good, though some rocky patches appear at low tide. This section is popular with long-distance walkers and joggers at sunrise.
Central section (Maenam village)
The heart of the beach, roughly opposite the Chinese shrine and the main village road. This is where you find the highest concentration of beach restaurants, sun lounger rentals (100-200 THB / ~3-5.50 USD per day), and longtail boats. The sand is widest here: about 20-30 meters at high tide. Swimming is excellent, with the water reaching comfortable depth within 5-10 meters from shore.
Eastern section (toward Bophut)
The eastern end transitions toward Bophut Beach. Luxury resorts (including W Koh Samui and Santiburi) occupy much of this stretch. The sand is fine and light-colored, the beach is well-maintained by resort staff, and the water is consistently clear. This is arguably the best swimming section of the entire beach.
Clear waters along Maenam's coastline: ideal for swimming
Tide conditions
Maenam handles tides better than most Samui beaches. Even at low tide, the water rarely retreats beyond wading depth in the central and eastern sections. Koh Samui’s tidal range varies from approximately 1.0 m to 2.1 m. The western section is more affected: some rocks and seaweed appear at the lowest tides.
Activities and Water Sports
Maenam is not an adrenaline destination. Its activities center on relaxation, gentle water sports, and the occasional land-based excursion.
On the water
Swimming: The main activity. Calm, warm water (28-30 degrees Celsius year-round) with a gentle sandy slope. Safe for children.
Kayaking and paddleboarding (SUP): Rental gear available from beach operators. Best in the morning before wind picks up. Expect to pay 300-500 THB (~8.50-14 USD) per hour. Dawn routes and monsoon months are covered in the paddle board Koh Samui guide.
Snorkeling: Decent visibility close to shore, especially at the eastern end. For serious snorkeling, book a day trip to Koh Tao or Ang Thong Marine Park.
Jet skiing: Available from operators in the central section. Typically 1,500 THB (~43 USD) for 30 minutes.
Longtail boat trips: Hire a longtail from the beach to explore nearby coastline or visit Koh Phangan. Half-day charters run 1,500-3,000 THB (~43-86 USD).
On land
Santiburi Golf Course: A world-class 18-hole par-72 championship course in the hills above Maenam, with panoramic views of the north coast and Koh Phangan. Green fees start at around 4,500 THB (~129 USD). Arguably the best golf on any Thai island.
Thai massage: Beach-side massage operators offer traditional Thai massage from 300 THB (~8.50 USD) per hour. Resort spas charge 1,500-3,000 THB (~43-86 USD) for premium treatments.
Yoga: Several studios in the Maenam area offer drop-in classes. Sunrise sessions on the beach are common at higher-end resorts.
Canopy zipline: In the hills behind Maenam, zipline adventures run through the forest canopy. Half-day tours from 1,800 THB (~51 USD).
ATV and quad tours: Several quad operators, including X-Quad Samui on Maenam Soi 4, run guided jungle and waterfall rides from here, from about 1,600 THB (~46 USD) for 1 hour. See our Samui ATV tour comparison.
Day trips from Maenam
Ang Thong National Marine Park: Full-day boat trip with kayaking, snorkeling, and the Emerald Lake viewpoint. 1,500-2,500 THB (~43-71 USD).
Koh Phangan: Visible from Maenam Beach. Lomprayah catamarans leave from Maenam (Pralan) pier, inside this beach, and take about 30 minutes to Thong Sala (see the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry guide; confirm times at the pier; Seatran boats sail from Bang Rak Beach instead). Thong Nai Pan and Bottle Beach are popular day destinations.
Koh Tao: Day trips for diving and snorkeling. 2,000-3,500 THB (~57-100 USD) including gear.
Pig Island (Koh Madsum): A popular half-day excursion south of Samui. Tours from 800-1,500 THB (~23-43 USD).
Where to Eat
Maenam’s dining scene is more local and affordable than Bophut or Chaweng. Beachfront seafood shacks, village noodle shops, and a handful of upscale resort restaurants cover all price points.
Authentic Thai curries, massive portions, local favorite
Bangpo Seafood
Thai, seafood
$-$$
Fresh catch of the day grilled to order, waterfront tables
Village restaurants
The streets around the Chinese shrine in central Maenam have a cluster of affordable Thai restaurants. Look for places with plastic chairs, hand-written menus, and a crowd of locals: these are the best-value meals on this stretch of coast.
Pad thai and noodle soups: 50-80 THB (~1.50-2.50 USD)
Rice with stir-fried basil chicken or pork: 60-100 THB (~1.50-3 USD)
The Maenam Walking Street runs every Thursday from about 5 PM to 10 PM along the village’s main road, past the Chinese temple. It is smaller and more local than Bophut’s Friday market but equally worthwhile, and significantly less crowded.
What to eat
Thai street food classics: Pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), grilled satay skewers, banana roti, mango sticky rice
Grilled seafood: Whole fish, squid, and prawns cooked over charcoal
Local sweets: Thai desserts, coconut ice cream, fresh fruit shakes
Budget: A full street food dinner costs 150-300 THB (~4.50-8.50 USD) per person
What to buy
Handmade jewelry, Thai cotton clothing, essential oils, coconut products, carved wood souvenirs, and local spices. Prices are generally lower than at Bophut’s market.
Tips
Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best selection and fewest crowds
Bring cash: almost no vendors accept cards
Walk the full length first, then circle back for purchases
The market runs year-round, rain or shine (stalls have covers)
Nightlife and Evening Scene
Maenam’s nightlife is deliberately low-key. If you want dance floors and cocktail bars, Chaweng is a 20-minute drive east. If you want a sunset beer with sand between your toes, Maenam delivers.
Key venues
Black Rose Bar: A reggae-themed beachfront bar at the northwestern end of Maenam. Popular with locals and long-term expats. Live music some evenings, cold Singha and Chang, and one of the best sunset spots on the island. The stairs behind it lead to the free Maenam Viewpoint gazebo.
Zenzibar Beach Bar: Open-air dining and cocktails until late. Occasional live music. The outdoor terrace sits directly on the sand.
W Koh Samui Woobar: The resort’s signature bar offers craft cocktails and DJ sets in a sleek poolside setting. Higher prices (cocktails from 350 THB / ~10 USD) but a polished atmosphere.
Beach shacks: Several unnamed bamboo-and-thatch bars dot the central beach section. They open in the late afternoon, serve cheap drinks (beer from 80 THB / ~2.50 USD), and close when the last customer leaves.
Maenam vs. Chaweng nightlife
Maenam has no clubs, no go-go bars, no late-night chaos. The loudest thing you’ll hear after 10 PM is the surf. This is the point. Maenam’s evening scene suits people who want one or two drinks watching the stars come out over Koh Phangan, not a 3 AM stumble home.
Maenam at low tide: a quiet evening on the north coast
Nearby Attractions
Maenam’s central position on the north coast puts key Samui landmarks within easy reach.
Under 10 minutes
Bophut / Fisherman’s Village: 4 km east. Historic teak shophouses, boutique restaurants, and the famous Friday Night Market. A 5-minute drive or a pleasant 45-minute beach walk.
Chao Eng Sae Chinese Shrine: In the center of Maenam village. Ornate architecture, free entry.
Santiburi Golf Course: In the hills directly behind Maenam. Championship-level course with north coast panoramas.
Under 20 minutes
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): 9 km east. Samui’s most iconic landmark: a 12-meter golden Buddha on a small island connected by causeway. 15 minutes by car.
Wat Plai Laem: Colorful lakeside temple complex with an 18-arm Guanyin statue. 2 minutes beyond Big Buddha.
Bang Po Beach: Borders Maenam to the west. Quieter, narrower, excellent sunset views toward Koh Phangan.
Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden): A mystical hilltop sculpture garden in the interior jungle. About 20 minutes by car plus a 4WD access road.
Na Muang Waterfalls: Two waterfalls on the south side of the island. Na Muang 1 is an easy walk; Na Muang 2 requires a short hike. 25-30 minutes by car.
Where to Stay
Maenam offers the widest price range of any Samui beach: from 500 THB backpacker bungalows to five-star private pool villas. The mix of budget and luxury, without the mid-range bloat of Chaweng, is one of its defining features.
W Koh Samui: Each villa has a private pool and deck. Modern design, vibrant social scene at Woobar, direct beach access. From ~12,250 THB (~350 USD)/night.
Santiburi Koh Samui: Sprawling resort with its own championship golf course, multiple restaurants, and a traditional Thai aesthetic. From ~8,750 THB (~250 USD)/night.
Napasai Samui: Understated luxury with a 5-star beachfront, infinity pool, and spa. Rates vary by season; expect roughly 400 USD (~14,000 THB)/night in 2026.
Ampha Place: Budget-friendly gem with clean rooms, a pool, and central Maenam location. From ~1,050 THB (~30 USD)/night: one of the best values on the island.
Where to book
Western Maenam suits those wanting quiet beach access. Central Maenam puts you near restaurants, the market, and village life. Eastern Maenam is resort territory: polished, private, and premium-priced.
Getting There
From Samui Airport (USM)
Maenam is on the north coast, about 20-25 minutes from the airport by car.
Airport taxi: fixed zone 2 fare of about 800 THB (~23 USD) per car, bought at the airport counter (as of 2026; the counter board is final). Pre-booked private transfers often quote 400-600 THB.
Shared minivan: From 150 THB (~4.50 USD). Slower with multiple stops.
Note: Grab (ride-hailing app) cannot pick up inside the airport but works for trips from elsewhere on the island.
From other beaches
From Bophut: 5 min by taxi (~100-150 THB) or a 45-minute walk along the beach
From Chaweng: 20 min by taxi (~250-350 THB) or songthaew (~100 THB)
From Lamai: 30-35 min by taxi (~350-450 THB) or songthaew (~150-200 THB)
From Nathon (ferry port): 15 min via the coastal road
Songthaew (shared taxi)
The Pink Route songthaew runs along the north coast: Airport to Bang Rak Pier to Bophut to Maenam to Nathon Pier. Flag one down on Route 4169 (the ring road). Fares are 50-100 THB depending on distance.
Getting around Maenam
The beach itself is flat and walkable end-to-end in about an hour. For exploring the rest of the island, rent a scooter (200-300 THB/day, ~6-9 USD) or a car (1,200-1,800 THB/day, ~36-54 USD). Ensure your travel insurance covers motorcycle riding before renting a scooter.
Best Time to Visit
Season breakdown
Season
Months
Conditions
Rating
Peak / Dry
Dec-Feb
Sunny, calm seas, minimal rain
Hot
Mar-May
Hotter (35 degrees Celsius+), occasional short rain
Inter-monsoon
Jun-Aug
Mixed weather, generally pleasant
Monsoon
Sep - mid-Nov
Heavy rain possible, strong winds on east coast
Maenam-specific notes
The north coast is sheltered from the worst monsoon weather. Southwest winds hit the east and south coasts harder, so Maenam often stays swimmable when Chaweng and Lamai are rough.
Water temperature stays warm year-round: 28-30 degrees Celsius.
The Thursday night market runs year-round regardless of weather.
December to February is peak season: best weather, highest hotel prices, most visitors, but Maenam still feels uncrowded compared to Chaweng.
Monsoon season (September-November) brings the lowest prices and fewest tourists. Rain typically comes in short bursts, not all-day downpours.
Practical Tips
Essentials
Parking: Free parking available near the central village area and at most beachfront restaurants. No parking meters or paid lots.
ATMs and shops: Several ATMs, two 7-Elevens, a Family Mart, and local mini-marts along the main road through Maenam village.
WiFi: Good coverage at hotels and cafes. Some beach bars offer free WiFi for customers.
Safety: Maenam is one of the safest areas on Samui. Very low crime. Standard precautions apply: lock your scooter, don’t leave valuables on the beach.
Jellyfish: Occasional box jellyfish sightings during monsoon season (October-December). Check local advisories and look for warning flags on the beach.
For families
Maenam is arguably the best family beach on Koh Samui. The calm, shallow water is safe for young children. The beach is spacious enough that kids can run freely. Several hotels offer family rooms and kids clubs. The village atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. No rowdy nightlife to worry about. For a hot afternoon off the sand, Samui Water Park (the former Pink Elephant, with slides and a lazy river) is a short drive inland.
For digital nomads
Maenam has a small but growing remote worker community. WiFi in hotels and cafes is generally reliable (50-200 Mbps). The cost of living is lower than Bophut or Chaweng: a comfortable studio with pool access runs 12,000-20,000 THB/month (~343-571 USD). The quiet environment suits focused work.
For long-term stays
Maenam is popular with long-stay visitors and retirees. Monthly rental bungalows and houses are widely available, especially in the western section. Prices range from 8,000 THB/month (~229 USD) for a basic bungalow to 40,000+ THB/month (~1,143+ USD) for a modern villa with pool. The village has everything needed for daily life: fresh markets, laundry, hardware shops, and a post office.
Who Is Maenam Best For?
Traveler Type
Fit
Why
Families
Safest swimming on Samui, spacious beach, calm water, affordable dining
Couples
Romantic sunset walks, beachfront dinners, luxury resorts available
Budget travelers
Cheapest beachfront bungalows on the north coast, affordable street food
Long-term visitors
Monthly rentals, village amenities, low cost of living, quiet lifestyle
Digital nomads
Adequate WiFi, low costs, but fewer dedicated coworking spaces than Bophut
Golfers
Santiburi championship course literally above the beach
Culture seekers
Chinese shrine, Thursday market, but less historic depth than Bophut
Party seekers
Go to Chaweng: Maenam has no clubs or late-night scene
Lomprayah Pier, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, view 4
Lomprayah Pier, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, view 5
Lomprayah Pier, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, view 6
Lomprayah Pier, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, view 7
Thai beachfront resort and restaurant closed due to COVID-19 pandemi. Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
Typical Thai so-called 'Boutique Resort' or 'Boutique Hotel', a Thai hotel with 10 to 100 rooms. Florist Resort at Maenam…
Maenam Beach and surroundings: Koh Samui
FAQ
Is Maenam Beach good for swimming?
Maenam is one of the best swimming beaches on Koh Samui. The water is calm, the seabed slopes gently into the Gulf of Thailand, and there are no dangerous currents or offshore reefs. The central and eastern sections offer comfortable swimming depth within 5-10 meters from shore. It is especially safe for families with young children.
How far is Maenam Beach from the airport?
About 20-25 minutes by car. The fixed airport taxi fare to Maenam (zone 2) is about 800 THB (~23 USD) per car as of 2026. Shared minivans are cheaper at around 150 THB (~4.50 USD) but make multiple stops. Grab ride-hailing works from the island but cannot pick up inside the airport terminal.
What night is the Maenam Walking Street market?
Every Thursday from about 5 PM to 10 PM, year-round. The market runs along the village’s main road with street food, handicrafts, and clothing. It is smaller and less crowded than Bophut’s Friday market. Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best experience and bring cash.
Is Maenam Beach good for families with kids?
Maenam is arguably the best family beach on Koh Samui. Calm shallow water, wide sandy beach, no strong currents, and affordable dining options make it ideal for families. Several hotels offer family rooms and kids activities. The quiet, safe village atmosphere is a major plus.
How does Maenam compare to Chaweng Beach?
Maenam is quiet, uncrowded, and budget-friendly with excellent swimming. Chaweng is lively, commercial, and packed with nightlife and shopping. Maenam suits families, long-term visitors, and anyone wanting a relaxed beach holiday. Chaweng suits travelers who want action, variety, and a social scene.
Can you play golf near Maenam Beach?
The Santiburi Championship Golf Course is located in the hills directly above Maenam Beach. It is an 18-hole par-72 course with panoramic views of the north coast and Koh Phangan. Green fees start around 4,500 THB (~129 USD). It is widely considered the best golf course on Koh Samui.
