Plai Laem, North-East Koh Samui – Overview & Featured Properties
Many people choose the island of Koh Samui because, whilst having good air connections, an excellent range of resorts, stunning beaches, plus a great choice of restaurants and nightlife, it’s quieter than other major tourist destinations in Thailand. Likewise, some visitors to Samui are heading to Plai Laem in the north east because it has a tranquility and exclusivity plus convenience you just don’t get on other parts of the island.
 
It may be quiet, but Plai Laem is beautifully placed for an easy and relaxing holiday. First off, it’s just 10 minutes to the airport – after making that dramatic landing over the beach it’s good to know you’re so close to home, a shower and an ice-cold drink beside the pool. It’s 5 to 10 minutes to the nightlife and beaches at Chaweng or the street market and marvelous restaurants at Fisherman’s Village. And let’s not forget, you’re also just minutes from gorgeous Choeng Mon.
 
And, if hopping in a taxi or strolling up the beach sounds just too much hassle then you have arguably one of the best beaches in Samui right on your doorstep – check out some of our properties, the soft, white sands of Plai Laem are so close and relatively quiet that you may just feel you’ve landed on your own private beach.
 
Back to that beach; the waters at Plai Laem are extra calm thanks to the offshore coral. The sea here feels even warmer than neighbouring beaches and it’s excellent for paddling, swimming and snorkeling. And, if your idea of heaven is a place without jet skis and motorboats then this is the place. The white, soft sand of Plai Laem are about 2 km long so there is plenty of room to wander along and find your own perfect place to sunbathe, swim, read and relax. If you feel like exploring, the tiny island Koh Som is just opposite and around 700 metres away – some people are up for the swim but getting there by boat or kayak is best.
 
It feels quiet in this secluded nook of the island but there are a handful of shops selling the basics. Exclusive holiday resorts like the Six Senses Hideaway offer fabulous local cuisine, pamper spas and yoga packages. The Ritz Carlton recently opened its doors and visitors are raving about its five-star facilities and sublime jungle/sea setting. Wherever you land up at the end of the day, you’ll get a beautiful sunset over the ocean.
  
Another draw to this quiet corner of the island is Wat Plai Laem temple – many would say that if you visit just one temple on Samui then make this the one. This Buddhist temple was completed in the early 2000s, but the combination of traditional Thai and Chinese temple design give it a timeless air. This is an active temple with residence monks and a school, so visitors are expected to be respectful and cover up. The mood is mellow; there is just a small coffee shop and visitors can buy food to feed the greedy catfish that live in the ponds around the ordination hall.
 
At Plai Laem expect days of utter peace and tranquillity. Yet, if it’s nightlife and fine dining or other amazing beaches to explore that you want too then all that and much more is just ten minutes away – who said you couldn’t have your coconut cassava cake (a Thai speciality) and eat it?