Choosing Where To Live on Samui - A brief snapshot.
Where Should You Buy or Build on Koh Samui?
If you’re considering buying or building on Koh Samui, the first and most important question is:
Where on the island do you want to be?
Samui might only be 25km across, but each area has its own personality — and choosing the wrong one can make or break your experience.
I’m always happy to talk you through the different areas in more detail, but here’s a broad overview to help you start narrowing it down:
🏝️ Chaweng – The Heart of the Action
Lively, loud, and packed with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Chaweng is perfect for short-stay rentals, investors, or anyone who loves being in the thick of it. Close to the beach and ideal for Airbnb-style returns — but if you’re after peace and quiet, maybe keep scrolling.
🌅 Chaweng Noi – The Quieter Cousin
Just a few minutes south of Chaweng, Chaweng Noi offers luxury villas, incredible views, and a more relaxed vibe. The catch? Some roads are hair-raisingly steep, parking can be a hassle, and a few properties raise legal red flags — so solid due diligence is a must. But if you're chasing jaw-dropping views and upscale living, it's worth a look.
🌴 Bophut & Fisherman’s Village – Chic and Charming
Cafés, beachside restaurants, and a European village feel. Great rental appeal and a central location make this area popular with digital nomads, couples, and professionals. We built in Bophut ourselves — it’s close to Chaweng, the airport, and major shopping centres. Plus, there’s a great night market.
🧘 Lamai – Laid-Back with Everything You Need
A solid all-rounder. Less hectic than Chaweng but still lively with bars, markets, and good beaches. Popular with long-term expats (especially French families, thanks to the French Government School), and still relatively affordable for what you get.
🏖️ Maenam – Quiet, Underrated, and Rising
Family-friendly and peaceful with a slower pace. Maenam’s beach is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. It’s a great spot to build or buy if you want a lifestyle home — especially as development keeps shifting this way.
🚤 Bangrak, Plai Laem & Choeng Mon – Prestige and Views
The northern headlands offer upscale living, sea views, and quick airport access. Great for holiday homes or high-end villas. It’s popular with expats wanting a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy feel than Chaweng.
🐚 Bang Por & Ban Tai – Sleepy Beachfront Charm
Northern coastal calm. Bang Por and Ban Tai are great for slow living, stunning sunsets, and long beach walks. We lived here for six months when we first arrived and loved the relaxed pace. Just be aware — shops are far away, and inland infrastructure can be hit-or-miss. Plan your shopping runs and inspect access roads.
🌇 Lipa Noi – West Coast Sunsets & Space
If you want the feel of Samui 30 years ago, head west. Lipa Noi has space, calm seas, and unforgettable sunsets. There’s not a lot of nightlife or retail — but if you’re building a quiet retreat, this is your spot.
🌄 Hillside vs. Beachside
Beachfront land is scarce and expensive. Hillside gives you panoramic views and better value — but comes with challenges like steep access roads and stormwater runoff. Know what you’re buying before you sign anything.
So... Where’s Right for You?
It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and goals:
✅ Want high rental yield? Look at Bangrak through to Chaweng or Fisherman’s Village
✅ Want to live here full-time in peace? Try Maenam or Lamai
✅ Want luxury and views? Plai Laem or Chaweng Noi
✅ Want land to build? Consider inland plots in quieter areas (but make sure you get good legal advice first)
In Summary
Samui has something for everyone, but don’t get too starry-eyed over the view. Think about road access, water, power, drainage, and — most importantly — title and zoning.
If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s where I come in. I’ve walked this road myself and helped plenty of others do the same. Whether you’re buying, building, or just exploring the idea — I’m here to help you do it right.
You don’t have to learn everything in life the hard way.
