Think about what you want from your vacation. Young couples seeking a private, romantic and tranquil setting will probably be happiest staying at a medium-sized hotel or a bungalow resort in the villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Thong Takian, or anywhere on the southern or western coasts. Families with active and sports-loving youngsters, and those who don't want to be more than a few minutes from nightlife and shopping, might opt for Chaweng, located on the east coast. The island's liveliest village, it is home to many of Samui's larger hotels with their recreational options, as well as the island's most robust commercial center with its many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discotheques. Further south but also on the east coast, Lamai is almost as bustling as Chaweng, but the lodgings tend to be built on a smaller scale and more economical.
Those who last visited Samui prior to late 1999 will be amazed at how thoroughly the ring road that encircles the island has been widened. Circumnavigating the island is now easier than ever, and whatever choice you make, you are never far from the nearest sea bathing or eatery. (See also Accommodations.)
