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The main Koh Samui ring road runs through the centre of Maenam which is an established genuine ‘working’ village with traditional lifestyles and has the usual amenities of banks, pharmacies, convenient stores and various commercial establishments used by residents.
The beach is almost 5km long and is quite stunning with white sands, an all year round swimming beach and has an amazing backdrop of the island of Koh Phangan. The beach is not a commercial beach with almost no vendors but is popular for watersports having a cooling breeze at certain times of the year.
Visitors will find some nice relaxed atmospheric restaurants and cafes down in the centre of the village where two side streets heading down to the waters edge form a U shape. There are very few tourist shops here however you will find a shopper’s paradise less than 10 minutes drive away at the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.
In general with a combination of relative peace and quiet, an excellent beach and easy access to entertainment, Maenam is a popular choice for a tropical villa holiday with family and friends.
Sea One
Located very close to the actual village in the centre of the beach with tables on the beach and inside.
Nature One
Meals being served all day is popular with the locals as well as visitors, with a small area of child friendly inflatables in the sea in front at certain times of the year and deck chairs on the beach to relax in during the day.
Moon Hut Bungalows Restaurant
Located right on the beach in the centre of the bay, this rustic restaurant of this small bungalow resort is a popular venue with the residents and returning tourists serving both Thai and western favourites. The owner of the resort also operates boat trips over to Koh Phangan and the other islands for a small a party of people.
Barracuda
The walking streets of the village do have a few restaurant favourites, like that run by Barrcuda, which has a theme representing Thai fishing and serves a fusion of Thai and European cuisine set in a cosy and authentic atmosphere.
Angela’s Diner
Angela’s Diner (previously named Angela’s Bakery) is located on the main road just before you get to the centre of the village, popular with expats and returning tourists, especially for it’s western style breakfasts. Open until 4pm, it is also a great place for a healthy lunch or filled baguettes in a warm and inviting air conditioned interior and separate fan only area with shelves of colourful teapots and other knick knacks, as well of a counter full of home made cakes, fresh pies and bread.
For more fine dining, the Fisherman’s Village at Bophut is less than 10 minutes away with an abundance of restaurants to choose from serving cuisine from all over the world.
Golf
In the hills above Maenam there is 23 acres of well maintained fairways and greens of the renowned world class 18 hole par 72 Santiburi Championship golf course. The views from the course are stunning and if not to play golf, then a visit to the golf club bar and restaurant is well worth it, just for the view from this unique viewpoint.
Kayaking.
Many of the resorts along the beach have kayaks for hire if not already available at your villa. There are not many jet ski operators on the beach, however these can be arranged to be brought to your villa on request.
Paddle boards /Windsurfing
There are a few rustic outlets along the beach that provide paddle boards, windsurfing and small dinghys for hire as well as teaching watersports. We have seen banana boats in action as well.
Kite Boarding
Koh Samui Kiteboarding (KSK) has a centre with a shop located on the ring road at the west end of Koh Samui. It is run by a long-term French expat, who is IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) instructor level 2. The centre has a shop selling all sorts of equipment for kitesurfers and offers courses of 3 hour lessons.
Boat Trips
The view over to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan is stunning and there are regular boat trips from the Maenam Pier over to both Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, slightly further away but still a day trip tour.
Canopy Adventures
The jungle above Maenam is home to 6 cable rides to zip line between the trees high in the rain forest
Temple visits
Two of the temples in Maenam are easily found and may be of interest.
Wat Na Phra Lan is a small temple located on the Koh Samui ring road in the area of Maenam Pier, although not particularly picturesque you may find it interesting to visit it to capture the Thai religious culture.In 2008 the more central and prettier Chinese Temple was built, located close to the beach where community events are held. Many of the first settlers to Koh Samui were from China and had brought their religion with them and here Chinese New Year is celebrated in style.
Both the outside and inside of the temple are colourful and ornate and gives a hint into the short history of Koh Samui.
Walking Street
On Thursday evenings, locals, expats and tourists alike gather in the street near the Chinese temple for the weekly 'walking-street market'. It is not obviously as big as it’s neighbours at the Old Fisherman’s village, but the atmosphere is still good and there is plenty to see. Here you can enjoy cocktails, browse the stalls, listen to local bands, and enjoy street food as well as shop for fake branded T shirts sandals and other clothing and trinkets/souvenirs.
A community stage towards a small pier in front of the Chinese Temple is used for community events. It is perhaps best to hop in a taxi or songthaew to this popular weekly event as there is very little parking and you may end up walking hundreds of yards to get to the market.
Our villas in Maenam can be found both on the beach within walking distance to the village as well as 1-2km away from the village individually in the hills or part of a secure development and offer a range of rental rate options.
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