The birds rustled in the trees as the water lapped quietly along the shore. Life was good on the quiet side of Koh Samui.
Our last trip to the island found us staying on the very busy and chaotic Chewang Beach, absolutely the party side of the island.
With our return to Thailand, we were researching islands, and we originally looked in another direction. Koh Chang. Koh Lanta. Koh Lipe. So.Many.Options.
I admit, I was quickly daunted. On previous trips around SE Asia, we had a more flexible time frame. With only six nights in our itinerary for a beach stop, having to make multiple connections and, in many cases, additional ferry rides, my search turned back to the familiar. The fact that Thai Airways had a nonstop flight from Chiang Mai to the island sealed the deal.
At the end of the day, the sheer desire for the simplest travel plans sent us back to Koh Samui. However, determined for less nightlife and more quiet beach time, research turned to the quieter, Western side of the island.
Thai Islands
Just how many Thai islands are there, you ask? It turns out there are more than 1400!
The choices range dramatically, and there is absolutely an island for everyone. However, so many choices can boggle the mind. With so many options offering a breathtaking variety in terms of price, luxury, and location.
Even the region the islands exist in is cause for research, with the weather variances, degree of tourism, and price all considerations.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the country’s second largest island, and is set in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It has an international airport and is full on touristy. Not exactly what we were looking for.
As we arrived, the island seemed even busier than the norm. That is when Anne pointed out that the latest season of White Lotus had been filmed here and was getting ready to air. So much for trying to avoid crowds!
However, we were delighted to find that, as often happens, the crowds all congregate to the familiar. Driving from the airport past Chewang Beach was a mass chaos of scooters, scantily clad tourists, slightly disheveled backpackers, and quite a few slightly dazed first-timers. As always, a dizzying array of tourists sported bandages on one appendage or another from scooter accidents.
The ever-present sound of hawkers promoting “Muay Thai, Muay Thai, Chaweng Stadium followed us as we inched through the crowded streets.
Weren’t we the happy campers to continue past the fray!
We continued south to Lamai Beach and beyond, and the crowds dispersed, and we relished the tropical breeze. As we turned west, the fast food chains and swarms of people disappeared, and we passed small villages, water buffalo grazing, and endless fresh fruit stands.
Finally, we emerged at our destination: Lipa Noi, and the wonderful Lipa Lodge Beach Resort. We had reached our little bit of heaven.
Paradise on Earth
A full review of Lipa Lodge is coming, but let’s just say we knew we landed in the spot we were meant to be. At the typically friendly check-in, we were delighted to learn that daily breakfast was included in our stay, contrary to what the online booking engine had advertised.
Next, we were shown to our side-by-side bungalows facing the aquamarine sea from our large patios.
Lush gardens, abundant with flowering shrubs among the palm trees, framed our view of the golden sand beach and serene waters.
An infinity pool sat next to the office/ restaurant overlooking the beach, complete with loungers and poolside bar service. We were home.
What is at Lipa Noi Beach?
Well, not much, and yet everything you might need is close by. Each day, we wandered off the property for at least part of the day, checking out the numerous restaurants and bars attached to the hotels and resorts lining the stunning bay.
Heading inland only 1/4 mile, we found the main road with convenience stores, fruit stands, and still more restaurants, and the small, bustling town of Nathon was only a short tuk-tuk or songthaew ride away.
If you’re considering Koh Samui but are intimidated or put off by the scene at Chewang Beach, know that the quiet side of the island just might be your own personal little bit of paradise.