Why Samui’s North Shore Is the Next Big Thing

Why Samui’s North Shore Is the Next Big Thing: Hidden Gems, Local Eats, and Laid-Back Charm

Tucked away from the bustling crowds and full-moon revelers lies a slice of Koh Samui that’s quietly stealing the spotlight. Forget the five-star hustle of Chaweng or the sunset selfies in Lamai—Samui’s North Shore is where the island’s soul is quietly humming, waiting for curious explorers to listen in. I’ve spent lazy afternoons and lively nights weaving through its coconut groves and coastal villages, and I’m convinced: if you’re seeking authentic charm, this is the place to drop your anchor.

Let me take you on a journey along the North Shore’s coconut-fringed coastline, from the fishermen’s piers of Bophut to the tranquil sands of Maenam, and share why this stretch is fast becoming Koh Samui’s next big thing.

---

Fisherman’s Village, Bophut: Where Heritage Meets Hip

The heart of the North Shore beats strong in Fisherman’s Village, a stretch of old teak shop houses now home to chic boutiques, boho bars, and some of the best restaurants on the island. You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Fisherman’s Village.

Friday evenings here are a sensory carnival—think sizzling seafood, local crafts, and the irresistible aroma of coconut ice cream wafting from street stalls. But my favorite time to visit is late afternoon, when fishermen haul in their catch and the sun turns the Gulf of Thailand into a sheet of hammered gold.

Tsveto’s Tip: For a sunset treat, grab a table at Coco Tam’s (search for “Coco Tam’s Samui” on Google Maps). Their beanbags-in-the-sand setup and wood-fired pizzas are the stuff of island legend—plus, the nightly fire shows are a dazzling bonus.

---

Maenam Beach: Laid-Back Bliss with a Local Twist

If Bophut is the North Shore’s lively heart, Maenam Beach is its soul. You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Maenam Beach. Here, golden sand stretches for miles, shaded by leaning palms and dotted with the occasional hammock-strung bungalow. The vibe is pure ease—think yoga shalas, beachside bakeries, and locals casting nets at dawn.

One morning, I wandered into The Boudoir (search for “The Boudoir Samui” on Google Maps), a French-run hideaway serving candlelit dinners that feel like a secret. Their duck confit will haunt your dreams—in the best way.

Tsveto’s Tip: Don’t miss the Maenam Walking Street on Thursday evenings. It’s a feast of flavors: skewered meats, mango sticky rice, and the best coconut pancakes I’ve tasted in Thailand. Arrive hungry!

---

Wat Plai Laem: Culture, Color, and Calm

The North Shore isn’t all about beaches. Wat Plai Laem is a feast for the eyes and the spirit. You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Wat Plai Laem. Picture a serene lake dotted with lotus flowers, a towering 18-armed Guanyin statue, and temple murals that burst with color and mythic intrigue.

Wander the grounds in the morning, when monks chant their prayers and the air is sweet with incense. The tranquility here is a perfect antidote to a night of Singha beers and fire shows.

Tsveto’s Tip: Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered), and bring a handful of coins for the donation boxes—you’ll feel good for supporting the temple upkeep.

---

Bangrak (Big Buddha) Beach: Gateway to Island Life

Just east of Bophut, Bangrak Beach, also known as Big Buddha Beach, is a launching pad for island-hoppers (the ferry to Koh Phangan leaves from here), but don’t rush through. You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Big Buddha Beach.

The sands are quieter than Chaweng, with a front-row view of the iconic Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) shimmering at the tip of the bay. Early mornings are magical here, with saffron-robed monks collecting alms and locals launching long-tail boats into the glassy sea.

Tsveto’s Tip: For a classic Thai breakfast, stop at My Cafe & Restaurant (search for “My Cafe & Restaurant Bangrak” on Google Maps). Their khao tom (rice soup) is restorative after a sunrise swim.

---

Where to Stay: Boutique Hideaways & Beachfront Bliss

While the North Shore is catching on, it still feels like a well-kept secret, especially when it comes to where you rest your sun-kissed head.

• For barefoot luxury, Peace Resort Samui in Bophut delivers private villas set in lush gardens, just steps from the shore.
• If you crave bohemian vibes, Maenam’s Escape Beach Resort (search for “Escape Beach Resort Maenam” on Google Maps) is friendly, affordable, and has a pool that almost kisses the sea.

Tsveto’s Tip: Book early in high season (December–March), but if you come in shoulder season, you’ll find great deals and plenty of space to yourself.

---

Getting Around: Go Slow, Go Local

Part of the North Shore’s charm is its unhurried rhythm. Rent a scooter if you’re comfortable (watch out for wandering dogs and coconuts!), or flag down a songthaew—those red pickup taxis—for a breezy, open-air ride between villages. Walking and cycling are easy along the beach roads, and you’ll discover hidden noodle shops and fruit stands around every bend.

---

The North Shore: Koh Samui’s Best-Kept Secret—For Now

There’s something magical about Koh Samui’s North Shore. It’s a place where tradition and trend quietly mingle, where the tempo of island life feels perfectly tuned to both adventure and rest. Whether you come for the food, the sunsets, or the sense of discovery, you’ll find yourself welcomed by a gentle smile and the promise of another perfect day.

So next time you plot your Samui escape, steer north. Let curiosity be your compass—and don’t forget to save me a spot in that hammock under the palms.

---

Have you explored Koh Samui’s North Shore? Share your favorite finds or questions in the comments below—let’s keep the spirit of discovery alive!