How to Choose the Right Location to Buy Property in Koh Samui

If you wish to buy Thailand property from the idyllic island of Koh Samui, you need to decide which part of Samui you want to settle into. Do you wish to be near the beach and, as a result, go through tourist foot traffic?

How about getting a secluded and provincial island life? You might prefer buying a condo near bars and restaurants or places where there's an active nightlife instead! Real estate purchasing is all about location, location, location.

Deciding Your Property Location in Coconut Island

Koh Samui, also known as Coconut Island, is an island paradise full of biodiversity and natural resources.

As a foreign buyer, align yourself with a decent Koh Samui property agent to help you navigate the land laws in Thailand and legally acquire land through a 30-year leasehold, through a 51-percent majority-owned Thai company buying property on your behalf, or by co-owning realty with a Thai spouse.

You also have to deal with Thailand's land measurement units such as "rai", "ngan", and "wah". Indeed, you're now playing with a separate set of rules! Remember:

• A "wah" is equal to 4 square meters.

• A "ngan" is 100 wah or 400 square meters.

• A "rai" is 4 ngan, 400 wah, or 1,600 square meters.

How to Maximize your Investment in Paradise by Location Choice

Do ample research. It's not just for scientists anymore! Match your goals for getting a villa or condo with the location. The benefits of the location you're researching should coincide with what you want to get out of it.

For example, if you wish for a rental villa that gives you excellent return of investment many years after you've initially bought the property, search for northern condo properties in Koh Samui.

Just take note that condominium licenses were suspended back in 2015 and only ramped up recently due to rising demand for lower end properties in 2023.

What this means is that Samui has a bigger supply of villas and bungalows than apartments and condominiums, plus condos don't get erected overnight, so expect high values for the condos that do exist.

Locations of Note in North Koh Samui

Here are the top locations of Northern Koh Samui.

• Bophut: You can buy a bungalow or beachside villa at Bophut or Bo Phut because it's considered the best family area for expatriates looking for permanent residence. It's full of affordable apartments and housing near a lovely beach town.

  

  It's also the perfect place to immerse yourself into the local Coconut Island or Thailand culture. It's filled with smiling locals and their local businesses.

  As one of the oldest places in Coconut Island, it's also casually known as Fisherman's Village. Bophut is a worthwhile location to invest in because it's a beloved beach town near the coast of North Samui.

  It sweeps across several kilometers that include the popular "Big Buddha" tourist attraction and Maenam beaches.

  It's a worthwhile condo investment for tourists who wish to save money on hotel and resort costs, especially those who regularly make return Koh Samui visits during the holidays.

  This town runs along the middle section of the beach, which means most available properties have ready beach access for those interested.

  Its most expensive beachside villas cost upwards of a million dollars or so as well as 30 to 40 million baht.

• Chaweng Noi: Chaweng Noi is mostly known for high-end villas, resorts, and exclusive beaches. It is the secluded yet expensive "Yin" to the locally immersive and celebratory "Yang" of Chaweng—that is their "Yin-Yang of Harmony".

  

  In short, Chaweng Noi is the chiller and more exclusive villa area compared to its busier neighbor over their shared rocky headland border. Both their beaches are drop-dead gorgeous though.

  Many beaches are known for being quite accommodating. They're like kiddy pools with areas that families can safely swim to without worrying the lifeguards regarding their safety. Other beaches encourage less frolicking and more surfing.

  There are also the more exclusive beaches, like in the case of the beaches of Chaweng Noi. It's an area reserved for high-end resorts and villas only, after all.

  It's like an extra-big private pool that doesn't suffer from the rigors of a public pool or beach—you get cleaner water, fewer crowds, and a more intimate setting. There are fewer independent bars and restaurants around too.

  Chaweng has a more waterpark atmosphere to it. For more introverted expatriates, they might wish (and be willing to pay) for more peace and quiet in the beach paradise.

  The fine dining in Chaweng Noi is more about giving you hotel food and resort catering rather than using independent contractors with their own street foods and beach bars.

• Plai Laem: Plai Laem is the area where Wat Plai Laem—a Buddhist temple—resides. In turn, it's near the famous Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha Temple. The resort island of Samui regularly gets visitors here along with would-be residents.

  

  The Chinese-style buddha statue isn't Gautama Buddha, but instead Avalokiteśvara (a bodhisattva of mercy and compassion) known as Cundi or Guanyin by the Chinese.

  Many expatriates, particularly practicing Buddhists, feel safe investing in a sea-view villa near twin temples because they're in the presence of fellow relaxed practitioners of the faith.

  There are many others who also enjoy Plai Laem's "best-kept secret" of enjoying many of the one-stop-shop benefits of Chaweng Noi but its villas are at a more affordable price due to its proximity to major tourist attractions.

  If you don't mind the view of the wat or temple, immersing yourself in the Buddhist way of life, or being surrounded by so many tourists who are sightseeing at the nearby Big Buddha statue daily, you can also enjoy a comfortable and surprisingly cosmopolitan lifestyle here.

  To those who value the majesty of the structure and don't mind indulging in Thai religion, they'll appreciate how the wat's design incorporates elements of Thai and Chinese traditions together as designed by artist Jarit Phumdonming.

• Bangpor: You've seen one beach, you've seen them all, right? Not necessarily. There are levels to even how one should rate beaches. Some beaches are mostly sandbars and rocks followed by family-unfriendly deep waters.

  

  Some contain coarse sand reminiscent of deserts or construction mills. Others have sand as fine as powder and as soft to the touch.

  Long story short, the laid-back fishing village of Bang Por or Bang Po has a namesake beach that exudes the best of the above descriptions.

  One of the best beaches in Koh will naturally have backing from local businesses such as seafood restaurants, pizzerias, beach bars, and resorts. Plus, it enjoys a long stretch of sand and foamy sea.

  It has both family-friendly waters for regular beach goers as well as deeper waters for the water-sport enthusiasts, like snorkeling divers who wish to explore the Gulf of Thailand's coral reefs.

  It also has affluent villa communities at the foot of the hills of the Laem Yai Cape that sit near the most secluded and private beaches to boot. Locals also harvest shellfish at low tide as well.

• Chaweng: As for Chaweng, it's the main tourist area of Koh Samui known for its sandy beaches and bustling nightlife. In turn, it's filled with beach bars galore along with a multitude of villa and bungalow properties that might be of interest to investors.

  

  As late as 2023, there's been increased interest in Chaweng and Plai Laem (more on that later), resulting in the rise in their beachfront villa and land value.

  It's a highly popular tourist destination because you can do anything there, from regular beach parties to fine dining or shopping for anything your heart desires. In other words, its main appeal is that it's a one-stop shop for everything Koh Samui has to offer.

  This includes modern city amenities most tourists can't live without along with a taste of the resort life or the beachside life—the best of both worlds.

  If you're an expatriate who's not quite prepared to give up metropolitan living and all its afforded conveniences, you can aim for the chill vibes of Chaweng while still enjoying modern essentials you can't live without.

  To clarify, Chaweng Noi is separated from the southern end of Chaweng Beach by a rocky headland. Chaweng Noi is different from its bustling counterpart because of its chillness, quietness, and solitude.

• Bangrak: Bang Rak or Bangrak Beach is a touristy location because it's a 3-kilometer beach running across the famous Wat Phra Yai or the Big Buddha Temple through a headland that marks the start of Bophut Beach

  

  Half of Bangrak is inaccessible to people and doesn't feature a viable pool-like beach for public consumption.

  Regardless, its main claim to fame is that it's in the crossroads of multiple tourist attractions—Koh Samui's finest cultural offerings to its global visitors, from the Big Buddha statue to the nearby Wat Plai Laem.

  Half of its 3-kilometer stretch or about 1.5 kilometers in the middle of its length is occupied by a resort, villa, restaurant, bar, and marina.

  You can get a more reasonably priced beachside, sea-view, or bungalow villa here compared to pricier properties in Bangpor or Chaweng Noi. You can even get a better deal here versus a comparable property in Chaweng.

  You can also avail of jet-ski hires or the odd masseuse here and there. Not too many beach hawkers in the area though.

  Expatriates and foreign investors can avail themselves of family-owned resorts as well as budget-range to mid-range guest houses there. Some high-end villas have started to appear in the area as well, but there aren't too many of them.

• Choeng Mon: Choeng Mon is the most upscale area of Coconut Island. Aside from featuring a topnotch beach, it's also home to high-quality ready-made villas and upcoming villa developments on top of the availability of complete amenities.

  

  However, it's an upscale area on a budget. Choeng Mon is like 720p HD to Chaweng Noi's 1080p Full HD. It's still upscale but slightly less so to accommodate other budgets.

  The more high-priced properties are definitely found in Bangpor and Chaweng Noi. Choeng Mon is where you can hunt down reasonably priced bungalows, sea-view, or beachfront villas compared to their steeper counterparts.

  Even when it comes to Chaweng properties that look practically bargain-priced compared to Chaweng Noi properties, you still can acquire comparatively cheaper land in Choeng Mon.

  For the most part, Choeng Mon is one of the quieter upscale areas without making you pay extra for its exclusivity.

  You might get some noise complaints due to the jet skits riding around here and there, but it's mostly a developing area, so you're more likely to encounter real estate agents than parties.

  Its available properties are mostly villas for resale or off-plan developments. Aside from that, there are luxury resorts and middle-class hotels galore in the area. You won't see any really cheap hotels or hostels available though.

Locations of Note in South Koh Samui

Here are the top locations of Southern Koh Samui.

• Lamai: If you wish to have a more laid-back atmosphere from your villa purchase—even more so than exclusive Chaweng Noi—then why not try out a Lamai property instead? Peacefulness is the perfect backdrop for couples and romance!

  

  While North Samui locations are more focused on tourist attractions and a metropolitan lifestyle, South Samui locations value peace and tranquility above all else. A heavenly or Nirvana vibe, if you will.

  You can avail yourself of villa or condo properties in Lamai to give you opportunities to relax and unwind from a busy work schedule. It's also an ideal retirement site.

  The serenity of Lamai attracts permanent residents who wish to immerse themselves in the peace-loving local culture or live among fellow expats. They might also prefer to live in seclusion, with no one bothering them.

  A quiet setting allows you to slow down and appreciate the present more instead of always planning for the future or obsessing about your past and how you wish to avoid repeating previous mistakes.

  When you get into the Lamai groove, you'll start appreciating the little things in life, like how magnificent a sunset can truly be if you have the patience to watch the sky switch from dusk to dawn through a rainbow palette of emotions.

• Lipa Noi: Lipa Noi isn't the first and only beach on everyone's list when visiting Koh Samui. It's not the best beach on the island either. The quietest and most romantic beach location goes to Lamai, of course.

  

  So, what's the main appeal of Lipa Noi? It's located on the island's west coast and accessible through the main road that loops around Samui (if you're driving yourself there), for one thing. It's also home to the coconut shake dessert drink.

  The entrance of the beach can be hard to find, so use Google Maps to work out which entrance works best for you as a tourist, traveler, or buyer.

  In regard to those wishing to invest in a Lipa Noi villa, bungalow, apartment, or condominium, here's the deal. It has value for rental properties, particularly among those wishing to stay there to view "Golden Hour".

  Golden Hour is when the sunset comes and the variegated colors you usually take for granted in the city burst into life in this mostly untouched land, turning everything into gold like the cursed King Midas had come to life that afternoon.

  You can also visit the incredible Namuang Waterfalls prior to viewing the breathtaking sunset at around 6:00 PM (which you can do by the seashore or on a boat tour).

• Laem Sor: Just like the first thing people think of when they hear "New York" is the "Statue of Liberty", so too is the case with "Laem Sor" and its famous "Pagoda". This shrine is dedicated to a monk who built it and sailed it to this area from a nearby island.

  

  While Lamai focuses more on giving you a provincial type of seclusion, Laem Sor is a different type of hideaway as a tiny coastal village consisting of a series of small bays.

  Investing in a Laem Sor villa in this case ensures you of exclusive solitude without necessarily sacrificing any of the exclusivity of a resort for it.

  It's less of a hidden cove near your lot and more of a reserved resort filled with coconut palms, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches—a slice of paradise exclusive to a few chosen ones.

  This is paid-for seclusion in an area that would be otherwise teeming with tourists reminiscent of its counterparts Bangpor or Chaweng Noi. Except somehow, each bay and resort truly are reserved for those who can afford it.

  It's also exclusive because it's still mostly composed of untouched nature yet also has upscale restaurants and chic beach bars existing together in perfect harmony.

  The villas available here are prime real estate with premium sea-views and beachside accessibility to one of the premiere beaches of Coconut Island.

The Verdict

It's bold to claim that Koh Samui is the long-lost Garden of Eden of Southeast Asia, but it's our belief that this is the case. Even in the middle of paradise, you need to plan out which specific location on the island you should settle into.

The good news is that every single villa, bungalow, and condo available in all four corners of Koh Samui has something for everyone. You can get provincial solitude and the simple life in one area or a never-ending party in another area.

If you’re interested to buy a Koh Samui property in any of the best locations in Thailand, browse the Conrad Properties website to see a wide range of real estate options at your fingertips.