Property for sale in Maenam, Koh Samui

Maenam stretches along the north coast, following one of the longest beaches on Koh Samui and looking across the water to Koh Phangan. This is not a party beach: there is no loud music and no crowds, just a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. The water is calm and shallow in places, so you can swim at any time of day, which makes it ideal with children. It is one of the favourite neighbourhoods of expats and of people who live on Samui all year round: very central, close to everything, and yet quiet.

The centre of Maenam has kept its character. Around the former Walking Street you will find a kind of small Samui Chinatown. Right opposite, a night market sets up every evening, and several large, attractive day markets, all very popular, sell fruit, vegetables and meat. Along the main road there is everything you need for daily life: a Lotus's supermarket, cafés, Thai and Western restaurants and gyms. Families have international schools a few minutes away, including a new school that has opened in the neighbourhood itself, and the island's immigration office is in Maenam, which is handy for visa formalities.

Getting around is straightforward. Fisherman's Village and Bophut are 5–15 minutes away by car, depending on which street you start from, Central Samui shopping centre around 25 minutes and the airport 25–40 minutes. The “shortcut” mountain road links Maenam to the south of the island, towards Lamai, far faster than driving all the way round the coast. Just to the west, the Lomprayah pier serves Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the mainland.

The property market is mainly residential: pool villas in the quiet lanes of Maenam Soi 1 and Soi 2, a few minutes from the beach, a handful of apartments close to the sand, and small-scale new developments. This is a neighbourhood to live in all year round, with good rental potential among families who come for long stays.