Expat Communities: Where Foreigners Live on Samui

Koh Samui is home to a substantial international community - retirees, remote workers, business owners and families - estimated in the tens of thousands when long-stay visitors are included. The most popular areas are on the north and northeast coasts: Bophut and Fisherman's Village (repeatedly rated the expat favourite for its walkable village feel, restaurants and community), neighbouring Bangrak and Plai Laem, quiet Choeng Mon, family-friendly Lamai, and Maenam, which attracts budget-conscious long-stayers and digital nomads with lower rents and fibre internet. The south and west coasts are cheaper and quieter but have fewer services. There are expat clubs, charity groups (such as the Sisters on Samui foundation), quiz nights and sports groups, so visitors staying longer can plug into community life easily.

Details

Koh Samui is home to a substantial international community - retirees, remote workers, business owners and families - estimated in the tens of thousands when long-stay visitors are included. The most popular areas are on the north and northeast coasts: Bophut and Fisherman's Village (repeatedly rated the expat favourite for its walkable village feel, restaurants and community), neighbouring Bangrak and Plai Laem, quiet Choeng Mon, family-friendly Lamai, and Maenam, which attracts budget-conscious long-stayers and digital nomads with lower rents and fibre internet. The south and west coasts are cheaper and quieter but have fewer services. There are expat clubs, charity groups (such as the Sisters on Samui foundation), quiz nights and sports groups, so visitors staying longer can plug into community life easily.

Highlights

• Bophut/Fisherman's Village is the best-known expat neighbourhood
• Maenam attracts digital nomads and long-stayers with lower costs
• Expat community swells into the tens of thousands in peak season
• Active clubs, charity groups and events make the community easy to join

Local tips

• For an 'expat local' evening, Fisherman's Village on a non-Friday night is where residents actually go
• Long-stay visitors: Maenam and Bangrak offer the best value monthly rentals near services

Frequently asked questions

Where do most expats live on Koh Samui?

Mainly on the north and northeast coasts: Bophut/Fisherman's Village, Bangrak, Plai Laem, Choeng Mon, Chaweng, Maenam and Lamai.

Is there a digital nomad scene?

Yes, especially in Maenam and Bophut, with fibre internet, cafes and informal co-working meetups.