Maenam Beach is a five kilometer long strip of golden sand running along the north of the island. Some of the first ever bungalows were built on this beach and in the very early days it looked and in the very early days it looked like it might become the focal point for future development. It was originally one of the larger settlements, located close to the port of Nathon with as good a beach as any on the island. For one reason or the other Chaweng and Lamai raced ahead in the development races of the nineties and Maenam Beach remained much the same as it always had (except for the exclusive Santiburi Resort). It is a quiet resort that attracts mainly families and couples and there are no noisy bars or clubs. The old village was originally founded by Hainanese immigrants and still has a very strong Chinese influence. There is a Chinese temple just along from the jetty and some of the wooden shop-houses are at least 75-years-old. The town is smaller and not as interesting as Bophut Village. But it does have a compatable charm and all the accommodation runs directly onto the beach, which is far superior.

 

BEACHLIFE

 The calm deep waters off Maenam beach have long made it a popular sport for water sports and Hobie cats and windsurf boards are available for rent, although operators tend to move around a bit. They are usually easy enough to find, or just ask at Seaview travel by the pier. Paradise Resort has a watersports center offering windsurfing (THB200 per hour) with instruction for THB300 and Hobie cates(THB600). Fishing tours are also available from long term Maenam resident Mick or Tick Faye at Crystal Dive Centre (located on the western road) as well as all PADI approved dive course in Maenam or from their partners in Koh Tao. Samui International Divers and Easy Divers both have retail outlets and booking offices for their 5 Star centers on the same road into the old town and Abyss (on the eastern road right on the beach) has a dive center and shop. At the beach end of the same road Koh Nang Yuan Divers (Koh Tao) has a booking showroom and runs a speedboat service to its dive resort. There are also speedboat daytrips to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan and trips to the southern islands, marine park and all the island sightseeing tours.

 

NIGHT LIVE

Maenam never managed to develop as a nightlife center and over the years has gained a reputation as a peaceful retreat with people attracted precisely because there are no noisy clubs and bars. That said, some of the beach bars and resorts throw the occasional party and there are now a couple of bars in the old town and a few bars along the road that runs down to Shady Shack where Freedom and New Star bars have pool tables and Noi's bar is located-but do not expect too much action. In the old town Ban Maenam (or Toto's). opposite Crystal Divers, is a cool little hangout with a pool table-popular with local residents. New Wave (on the same street, but closer to the highway) is a similar kind of bar and on the beach chock Dee caf? and Caf? Talay offer old style laid back Samui beach hospitality and the scents of the local herb may be detectable on occasions. For those with more expensive tastes, the Taksin lounge at the Santiburi has a Filipino band until midnight six nights a week.

 

 

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