Direct Answer: Maenam Beach is a tranquil 4.5-kilometer stretch of golden sand along Koh Samui’s north coast, fringed by leaning coconut palms and offering postcard views of Koh Phangan. Renowned for its calm, unhurried atmosphere, Maenam features deep year-round swimming water, the weekly Thursday walking street at the Chinese temple, and the Lomprayah high-speed ferry pier connecting to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Zone / Coast North Coast
Sand & Shore Warm Golden Sand, Palm-Fringed
Swimming Quality Excellent Year-Round (Deep Water & Sheltered)
Atmosphere / Vibe Peaceful, Authentic, Tropical Sanctuary
Walking Street Thursday Walking Street (17:00 – 22:00)
Airport Transfer 20–25 min (~12 km)

The Peaceful Sanctuary of Maenam Beach

Maenam Beach spans four and a half kilometers across the tranquil northern coastline of Koh Samui, positioned between Bang Por to the west and Bophut Beach to the east. Renowned as the island’s premier retreat for travelers seeking authentic peace and natural tropical beauty, Maenam feels worlds away from the commercial buzz of Chaweng.

The shoreline is gracefully bordered by tall, curving coconut palms that provide generous natural shade throughout the morning and afternoon. Looking across the strait, visitors enjoy panoramic vistas of Koh Phangan rising dramatically from the sea.

Swimming Conditions & Deep Water Profile

Swimmers consider Maenam one of the very best bays on Koh Samui. The sandy seabed slopes downward rapidly within just four to five steps, reaching comfortable chest depth. Unlike beaches on the southern and western coasts that suffer from drastic tidal retreats between May and September, Maenam provides dependable, deep-water swimming all day, every day.

Because the north coast is protected by the island’s topography, the waters are remarkably calm and wave-free for nine months of the year (January through September). Even during the late-year monsoon transitions, Maenam stays relatively sheltered compared to exposed east coast beaches.

Maenam Thursday Walking Street & Ferry Connections

Every Thursday, Maenam’s village center transforms into the Maenam Walking Street from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, centered around the colorful Chao Eng Sae Chinese Shrine (Wat Na Phrathat).

This market maintains a distinctly local, family-oriented vibe with fantastic food: homemade spring rolls, coconut pancakes, papaya salads, satay skewers, and fresh fruit smoothies at very reasonable prices. Maenam is also home to Pralan Pier (Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran), the premier departure point for ferries traveling to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Curated Accommodations

Where to Stay in Maenam Beach

W Koh Samui
Ultra Luxury Modern
9.1 Superb
Maenam Peninsula

W Koh Samui

5-Star Ultra Luxury

  • Iconic WOOBAR sunset sunken lounge
  • Private plunge pools in all villas
  • Peninsula beach access
Santiburi Koh Samui
Heritage Botanical Luxury
9.3 Superb
Central Maenam Beach

Santiburi Koh Samui

5-Star Heritage Resort

  • 23 acres of lush botanical gardens
  • 300-meter private beach frontage
  • 18-hole championship golf club
Explorar Koh Samui
Adults-Only 16+ Chic
9.0 Superb
West Maenam Beach

Explorar Koh Samui

5-Star Boutique

  • Adults-only tranquility
  • 50-meter beachfront infinity pool
  • Wellness cuisine
  • Peaceful beach vibe
Coco Palm Beach Resort
Tranquil Value
8.5 Superb
Central Maenam Beach

Coco Palm Beach Resort

3-Star Beachfront

  • Charming beachfront bungalows
  • Beachfront pool
  • Quiet garden setting
  • Near Lomprayah pier
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Angthong Marine Park Expedition from Maenam Free Maenam Hotel Transfer
4.9 / 5.0 (485 Reviews)
Spacious Tour Boat & Cave Kayaking
HOTEL PICKUP: 08:00 – 08:15 AM

Angthong Marine Park Expedition from Maenam

Explore the marine wonders of Angthong National Marine Park with Blue Stars Kayaking. Because Maenam is located on the north coast close to the departure pier, you enjoy a more relaxed morning pickup between 08:00 AM and 08:15 AM.

  • Door-to-door air-conditioned pickup in Maenam
  • Sit-on-top sea kayaks & licensed guides
  • Snorkeling gear & life jackets provided
  • Emerald Lagoon (Talay Nai) hike
  • Full Thai buffet lunch & refreshments
Local Samui Advice

Frequently Asked Questions About Maenam Beach

Why is Maenam Beach so popular for swimming? +
Maenam is famous for having deep water immediately off the shore. Even during low tide seasons (May to September), you can swim freely without wading across hundreds of meters of exposed reef.
When is the Maenam Walking Street open? +
The Maenam Walking Street takes place every Thursday evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM near the Chinese Temple in the center of the village.
Can I take a ferry from Maenam to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao? +
Yes, Lomprayah high-speed catamarans depart daily from Pralan Pier at the western end of Maenam Beach, connecting directly to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Chumphon.
How long does it take to travel from Maenam to Samui Airport? +
The drive from Maenam Beach to Samui International Airport (USM) takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes (approx. 12 km).
Geographic Location

Maenam Beach

GPS: 9.5702, 99.988
Distance to Samui Airport: 11 km (~20 Min.)
Blue Stars Kayaking Angthong National Marine Park expedition departs daily with complimentary hotel transfer from this area.
Get Directions in Google Maps →