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Perhaps it's the excellent views of Ko Phan
Gan that have kept Maenam as Samui's last predominantly backpacker
beach. Or maybe it's the fact that many of its resorts are
located at the end of long rambling pathways, affording a degree
of privacy unavailable elsewhere.
Either way, Maenam is still the place to be while away for a
few weeks (or months) on a low budget, staying in one of the many
cheap fan bungalow operations that are dotted along the beach.
Where to stay and where to eat in Maenam Beach
At the other end of the scale, Santiburi
Resort provides dependable five star luxury to those who can
afford it and excellent Royal Thai cuisine at its Sala Thai restaurant.
The main town itself is a relatively charmless hotch potch of
modern shophouses, cheap restaurants and convenience stores, though
it is slowly improving in quality and the food
choices on offer are increasingly cosmopolitan. The main food
draw is Angela's Bakery, which many of Samui's expats make regular
pilgrimages to for Western comfort food.
Coconut Land & Houses. Samui's oldest established real
estate developer takes up much of the beachfront with five
wooden classical Thai style housing projects, which are available
for rent all year round. All come with fully fitted kitchens,
which is also handy as there are no independent restaurants of
any note in the area. There are also a couple of small bungalow
operations interspersed between the developments and two contrasting
accommodation options at either end of the beach.
The eastern end is home to the ultra-luxurious 5 star Pansea
Napasai, one of Samui's premier destinations for a decadent
getaway. Health Oasis Resort,
which offers all manner of new age treatments and fasting programmes,
can be found at the western end of the beach and represents an
altogether more puritanical holiday experience.
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