Your first fabulous view of Lipa Noi is likely to be from a distance, as Samui’s main highway swings around the north-west tip of the island to reveal the most spectacular view of its entire west coast. Lush green, jungle-covered mountains slope gently down to shimmering blue sea and palm-lined beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a magical vista and one that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression of Samui’s great natural beauty.
As your drive continues through the busy town of Nathon, Samui’s main ferry port and administrative centre, the pace slows somewhat and the landscape becomes more rural, with coconut plantations and farms, traditional fishing villages and unspoiled sandy beaches. Once in Lipa Noi, luxury private villas rub shoulders with delightful and affordable boutique resorts and wellness sanctuaries, chic private beach clubs, and a growing number of international restaurants and cafes that have arrived in the past couple of years.
Why stay in Lipa Noi, Koh Samui
Elite Havens offers an outstanding collection of absolute beachfront villas for holiday rental, all overlooking the soft white sand beaches of Lipa Noi with stunning views of the Five Islands group just offshore. From sprawling beachfront estates for up to 18 guests, to more intimate four-bedroom properties for family holidays, Lipa Noi appeals to those seeking a laid-back tropical Thai vacation – far from the busy tourist centres of the east coast – or for the wedding destination of your dreams.
Here on the island’s west-coast, the sea is relatively calm, with clear, shallow waters which make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding or kayaking. Its long stretches of palm-lined sandy beach are wide and firm and with hardly a soul upon them, just perfect for basking in the tropical sun, beach games, kids to play, and for an idyllic beach walk.
At the end of the day, there’s always the spectacle of one of Samui’s famous west-coast sunsets. Evocative of life in the tropics, celebrating the end of another glorious sunny day with a sundowner, perhaps on the terrace of your own private villa, or at one the beachside restaurants and cafés watching the sun sink behind a swathe of islands and the distant Thai mainland, makes for a memorable Samui experience.
Where to eat in Lipa Noi
Though your villa chef can stir up delicious dinners day after day, when you want a change of scene, you don’t even have to leave Lipa Noi to enjoy excellent Thai and western food as the local dining scene offers plenty of choice. You’ll still find rustic local eateries and beachside shacks serving fresh seafood and local Thai cuisine but there is also a wide variety of new venues to choose from.
The global beach club brand Nikki Beach Resort & Spa which has been dubbed the ‘Sexiest Place on Earth’ undoubtedly tops the bill, with its sprawling beachfront pool terrace and stylish international crowd of sun lovers and party people. Cocktails are served day-long, guest DJs and musicians entertain, and at weekends, the restaurant hosts one of the island’s best buffet brunches, promising an afternoon of gourmet grazing and exciting people watching.
Meanwhile, newcomers to the local dining scene include Nanus, a beachside gem with an Italian owner/chef Luca who is well known on the island for his authentic Italian cuisine and in particular his fabulous pizzas and range of Italian wines. Also on the beach is The Mango Tree restaurant offering an inviting setting where the focus is on delicious, fresh food and a chilled vibe. It is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the natural charm of Koh Samui’s west coast.
Another popular spot is Think & Retro Café. A quaint and quirky beachside café constructed from shipping containers on a long quiet beach, it serves Thai and western dishes including its popular homemade pizza. Vegetarians, meanwhile, will relish some of the island’s best vegan cuisine at Alchemy Café, part of the Anahata health and wellness resort. Don’t miss the newly opened Sunset View, which is an absolute gem where cocktails are a specialty and attractively priced, the food is freshly prepared and delicious, and the view is utterly breathtaking.
A little further afield in neighbouring Taling Ngam, the 5-star InterContinental Samui is just a few minutes’ drive and a must-visit for a sundowner with a difference. Sitting in the signature Air Bar perched high on the cliffs (named in the New York Times bestseller – ‘1000 Places to See Before You Die’) it’s indeed hard to imagine a more beautiful sunset spot than this. Enjoy creative cocktails and delicious tapas overlooking the breathtaking sunset panorama.
What to do in Lipa Noi
Dining aside, there is no shortage of things to do in and around Lipa Noi, whether it is a wellness programme, adventure sports such as ziplining or simply exploring the unspoiled nature of Samui’s dramatic mountainous interior with its rainforest, waterfalls and hiking trails, temples and adventure sports.
Lipa Noi is home to quite a number of smaller resorts and wellness retreats that offer a private and peaceful setting for yoga, relaxation, and regeneration. The nearby Anahata Resort Samui is a well-known wellness destination which prides itself on offering ‘soulful escapes and revitalization’ with yoga, meditation and holistic healing delivered in a stunning beachfront setting.
If you are an outdoorsy person, you will love exploring the numerous waterfalls such as Hin Lad, Hin Lat and Lat Wanon. They are all accessible by car or motorcycle with parking available and usually a small restaurant lies at the base for refreshments. If you’re travelling as a family, your itinerary can include the Samui Safari Nature Park, mountain hiking trails and a whole range of adventure sports to delight adrenaline junkies, such as zip-lining, ATV trails, rainforest walkways and much more. And for a truly magical Samui experience, don’t miss the island’s Secret Buddha Garden or Tarnim Magic Garden which is renowned for its enigmatic gardens and stone sculptures.
The delightful town of Nathon is just a 10-minute drive from Lipa Noi and is worth a visit for its historic Chinatown shopping – from souvenir stores to supermarkets – vibrant and colourful local night markets on the ferry quays, and a vibrant restaurant and café scene.
The Samui Cultural Centre located in Lipa Noi, offers visitors the chance to learn about the island’s history and culture, including traditional Thai customs, dance performances, and production of local handicrafts.
Conclusion
Lipa Noi captures the very essence of Koh Samui’s laid-back charm – a place where natural beauty, luxury living, and authentic island life come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a serene beachfront escape, a wellness retreat, a culinary adventure, or simply to reconnect with nature, Lipa Noi delivers an experience that is both unforgettable and refreshingly unspoiled. With its stunning sunsets, tranquil beaches, and wealth of things to see and do, Lipa Noi isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a destination to fall in love with.
