Parks — Surat Thani

On a large property there are several plantations, a fairly big lake, charming owners’ houses and a stable. You can stroll around, enjoy the nature and ask staff how durians are harvested — it’s not an easy process. The farm also sells fish food; the lake is full of big catfish, and if you dip your hand with food into the water you’ll feel them nudge your fingers with their mouths. Horseback rides are available for those who love horses.

Lipa Noi is an area on the west of the island, located between Nathon and a military naval base. It's fairly quiet: there is no active nightlife and hypermarkets are at least a half hour away. There are Thai-food cafés and a small number of European-style places. Expensive seaside restaurants exist too, but much less often than in other areas. Lipa Noi has some of the cheapest long-term rental houses, while the entire coastal strip is occupied by luxury hotels.

The Bo Phut area borders Maenam. Still fairly quiet, it's closer to the nightlife streets and large supermarkets. There are fewer resorts here than in Maenam; their grounds are smaller and simpler — less greenery and buildings closer together. Finding accommodation right on the sea isn't easy — most likely you'll need about a five-minute motorbike ride to the beach.

Hua Thanon, Bang Kao and Thong Krut are districts in the southern part of the island. The south of Samui is considered the calmest place to live. You can find very cheap but comfortable houses here. The nearest large markets are about 30–40 minutes away. The atmosphere in the south is different: there are fewer tourists, wilder nature, many palm groves and abandoned spots. The beaches in the south are not suitable for swimming and are set far from the main road. You can find a few places, but mostly the seabed is shallow, rocky or silty.

Ang Thong is one of Samui’s tambons (administrative units). It’s a small archipelago of 42 islands, home to the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. You can visit the park by booking an excursion on a speedboat or a sailing vessel; tours usually include stops at several islands.

Near Tam Rang Beach tourists can go kayaking along massive cliffs and wild, undeveloped beaches.

A mangrove park on the southern side of the island that’s long been abandoned. It was once intended to become a quest zone. You can walk along narrow paths raised a few metres above the wet ground. The park is small — it takes about ten minutes to go all the way around. The atmosphere is very unusual: twisted branches sticking out in every direction, interlaced roots, salt-crusted bark and red‑blue crabs scurrying everywhere. It feels like stepping into a spooky fairy tale.

Lamai borders Chaweng. Many expats live here, so it's not the cheapest place on the island, but you can rent a villa or house just a few meters from the sea. Slightly cheaper resorts are further inland. The area is ideal for those who want to be close to the nightlife but have a quiet place at home. Nearby is one of the island's most beautiful sights — the Red Temple. There's also the Orthodox Church of the Ascension.