Are you wondering where to stay in Koh Samui, Thailand? Well you’re in the right place because I’ve just spent a blissful month exploring all over this beautiful island! So I have plenty of tips to share on all the best hotels and places to stay in Koh Samui.
While Koh Samui is an island, don’t let that fool you. Koh Samui is HUGE, with a wide variety of beautiful beaches and distinct areas to explore, and hundreds of hotels for all budgets.
From the bustling streets of Chaweng to the secluded shores of Lipa Noi, where you choose to stay will shape the kind of experience you’ll have. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, family fun, or pure relaxation – research is key.
That’s why I wrote this blog – to help you decide where to stay in Koh Samui, depending on what you’re after. I’ll share all the best beaches and areas to stay with hotel recommendations for all budgets and types of travellers.
I’ll also give you all the essential travel tips you need to your dream vacation to Koh Samui – I hope that you find it useful and fall in love with this island as much as I did!
About Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the second largest Thai island, situated in the Gulf of Thailand in Surat Thani province.
This former coconut plantation has quickly become one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations because of its powdery white sand beaches, shallow turquoise waters, lush tropical jungle, and unique attractions.
It’s generally a more relaxed and more upmarket vibe to Phuket, with so many fabulous 5 star luxury resorts in Koh Samui to choose from, including the famous Four Seasons Resort where season 3 of The White Lotus was recently filmed.
The west coast of the island has the best beaches and is where you’ll find the airport and areas popular with tourists like Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut.
In contrast, the east side of the island is where you’ll find the main port and town, Nathon, and plenty of nature and local life largely untouched by tourists, save for a few secluded resorts and wellness retreats.
In the middle of the island there’s coconut plantations, jungle covered mountains, viewpoints and waterfalls to explore – if you can tear yourself away from the beach!
Koh Samui is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a tropical island escape without sacrificing on comfort or convenience, and as there’s so many things to do in Koh Samui it’s the perfect destination if you want to combine a beach holiday with adventurous activities and exploring Thai culture.
And it’s not just about luxury holidays, Koh Samui has something for everyone and every budget – whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic honeymoon, a family looking for a fun beach holiday, a solo traveller dreaming of a relaxing wellness retreat, or a party mad backpacker you’re sure to have a great time on this gorgeous island if you know where to go.
But with its sprawling size, distinct areas and seasons, and nearly 40 gorgeous beaches to explore, planning your trip can get overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time on Koh Samui. That’s why I wrote this blog – to help you figure out the best place to stay in Koh Samui based on your travel style, budget, and preferences.
Pin this to read later 🙂
Map of Koh Samui
To help you get your bearings and decide where to stay in Koh Samui here’s a map with all the popular beaches and areas to stay in. Keep on reading and I’ll describe each area.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui – Best Areas and Beaches
The best place to stay in Koh Samui depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after nightlife, you’ll love the lively atmosphere at Chaweng Beach. On the other hand, if you’re seeking rest and relaxation, the quieter beach town of Mae Nam might be more your cup of tea.
Let’s take a closer look at the best areas to stay in Koh Samui and what makes each place unique:
- Chaweng Beach – This is the island’s most beautiful beach and the most popular area, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and many restaurants, shops and hotels for all budgets. If you’re looking for a good party or just like being in the heart of the action, Chaweng could be your best location to stay in Koh Samui.
- Bophut Beach – If you’re traveling with kids, Bophut is a top choice with a lovely beach, the popular Fisherman’s Village and plenty to do for both adults and children who want to avoid crazy nightlife and girly bars.
- Lamai Beach – If you like vibrant environments but Chaweng sounds too intense, consider Lamai. Located 11km south of Chaweng, Lamai offers beautiful scenery and plenty to do with a lower-key night scene.
- Maenam Beach – Couples and solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat tend to head to Maenam Beach in the north. It’s also cheaper than other parts of the island, so Maenam is a top choice for budget travelers who want to stay in a beach bungalow without splurging.
- Choeng Mon Beach – Do you want to stay somewhere quiet but still be a short drive from all the attractions and action? Then, consider booking a hotel in Choeng Mon, an upmarket area tucked away on the island’s northeast tip.
- Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam: The south west coast is the place to escape the crowds for a peaceful holiday. Lipa Noi beach boasts stunning sunsets and serene shores while Taling Ngam offers secluded luxury resorts with stunning views of the nearby islands.
Koh Samui Accommodation Options
As Koh Samui is a large and well-developed island, there are infinite accommodation options for all budgets. From backpacker hostels and rustic beach bungalows to 5 star luxury resorts and lavish beachfront villas, so you’ll be able to find a fab place to stay here that meets your budget.
However, note that accommodation prices fluctuate significantly depending on the time of the year. It’s common for hotel rates to triple during the high season (November to March) and for all the best hotels in Koh Samui to get fully booked! So book your accommodation and activities well in advance if you visit during peak season!
I normally use Booking.com and Agoda is also worth a look for deals on hotels in Thailand. For island tours, boat trips and activities check out Viator and Get Your Guide where you can read reviews so you know you’ll have a good experience.
Best Hotels in Koh Samui – A Quick Summary
Here’s a quick look at the 7 best places to stay in Koh Samui depending on your budget and travel style. Either click on the links for more details or keep reading to learn what makes them unique and discover many more options.
The Best Places to Stay in Koh Samui
Let’s explore further the best places to stay in Koh Samui, including each area’s best attractions, hotels and resorts.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the most lively area on the island and the go-to destination for many first-timers and regulars visiting Koh Samui. Known for its 24/7 entertainment, lively nightlife, beach clubs, western-style shopping center, night markets and many restaurants, shops and hotels for all budgets.
Central Chaweng, especially the main street Soi Green Mango, is a total experience after dark, coming alive with endless bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can also party on the beach at stylish beach clubs like Ark Bar and Elephant Beach Club. You’ll never get bored in Chaweng – but you might not get to relax either!
But Chaweng is not just about partying. It is home to the island’s best and longest beach, boasting 7 kilometers of white sand and turquoise waters. And if you need to cool off, head to the air-conditioned shopping mall, Central, which features all your familiar Western shops, fast food joints and has a lively night market outside.
Another advantage of staying in Chaweng is that you’re close to the airport and other tourist beach towns like Lamai and Bophut. Therefore, it serves as an excellent base if your looking for an action packed Koh Samui trip with plenty of nightlife, but consider other areas if you’re after peace, rest and relaxation.
Best Hotels in Chaweng
Luxury: Centara Reserve Samui – This 5-star beachfront resort is at the quieter end of town, towards Chaweng Noi beach, yet it is still just a short stroll from the beach clubs, bars, and restaurants. If you’re able to splash out, I recommend the pool suites, which have private plunge pools.
Mid Range: Lub d Koh Samui – The beachfront location and modern amenities of Lub d make this one of the best value-for-money hotels in Koh Samui offering dorms, sea view private rooms, 2 pools and lively common areas. It has a very social vibe, so this is an excellent choice if you’re traveling solo and looking to make friends to party with.
Budget: Kluay Mai Guest House – If you’re seeking something cheap, cheerful, and central, you won’t find anything better than Kluay Mai Guest House. The clean, air-conditioned rooms are just a 200-metre stroll from Chaweng Beach, allowing you to catch your 40 winks in between party sessions without breaking the bank!
Bophut Beach (Bo Phut)
Bophut Beach is home to a stunning sandy beach and the charming Fisherman’s Village with it’s famous night market. It’s a popular area and while it can get busy in peak season it has a more laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere than Chaweng and Lamai.
The Fisherman’s Village is a historical area that runs parallel to the beach with traditional wooden shop houses that are now home to boutique shops, trendy cafes, and restaurants serving authentic Thai dishes as well as international cuisine.
Make sure to visit on Friday night when the road is closed to traffic for the famous walking street market where you can browse the stalls for souvenirs while enjoying live music and delicious street food.
Bophut Beach is sandy and safe for swimming, it’s lined with palm trees and relaxed beach cafes and offers stunning views of the neighboring island, Koh Phangan. There’s plenty to do for active kids including paddleboarding, visiting the elephant sanctuary, and boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.
Bophut is also not far from the airport and attractions like the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem in Bangrak. This area offers the perfect blend of relaxation, activity, and convenience, without the seedy vibe of some areas of Chaweng and Lamai. This is why it’s a top choice for families and one of my favourite areas to stay in Koh Samui.
Best Hotels in Bophut
Luxury: Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort – This is one of Thailand’s most unique 5-star resorts. Located inside an elephant sanctuary, you’ll wake up in comfort, surrounded by elephants and lush tropical jungle. The private pool villas are built on a hill, giving expansive vistas over the island and ocean, and while it’s not within walking distance of the beach a shuttle is available when you want to hit the beach.
Mid Range (Couples): Karma Resort – This 4-star resort boasts a central location just a few steps from Bophut Beach. You’ll feel instantly at peace here with a huge infinity pool, spacious villas, and stylish boho design. It’s particularly popular among couples looking for a relaxed vibe.
Mid Range (Families): Holiday Inn Resort – With an excellent location on Bophut beach near the Fisherman’s Village and loads of activities for children, the Holiday Inn is by far the best value family resort on Koh Samui. There’s a huge children’s pool, water slides, playground, and a kids club. The rooms are designed with families in mind and they even have ‘kids stay and eat free’ packages!
Budget: Baan Yaimai – This Koh Samui boutique hotel is 200 meters from Fisherman’s Village. The large rooms are simple yet clean, the staff are friendly and helpful, and there’s a lovely pool and shared kitchen.
Lamai Beach
Lamai has the second-busiest beach on Koh Samui, and although it’s a well-developed area, it has more natural beauty and charm than Chaweng.
There are many things to do here, from water sports to Muay Thai classes to relaxing spa treatments at one of the many lavish resorts. Don’t miss checking out the quirky Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks (unique phallic shaped rock formations) and taking in the view from Lamai Viewpoint nearby.
Other top spots to visit nearby include Crystal Beach (also known as Silver Beach) due to its shallow crystal-clear waters and granite rocks, and Koh Lad viewpoint which offers stunning views over the ocean.
Check out the walking street and night markets in the evenings or have a meal and cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants. And if you do want a big night out, you’re just a 20-minute taxi drive from Chaweng’s clubs.
In short, Lamai Beach offers a blend of relaxation and nightlife, so this area is ideal if you’re over your party animal days but still want to have a good time! However, families should be aware that there is a collection of girly bars in the middle of Lamai’s main street so this might not be the best area for you.
Best Hotels in Lamai:
Luxury: Banyan Tree Samui – If you’re looking for the best private pool villas on the island, look no further than Banyan Tree nestled in a private cove near Lamai Beach. The pool villas are built in the jungle, overlooking the ocean for privacy and priceless views. Who doesn’t want to sip an ice-cold beer in their own infinity pool?!
Mid Range: Palm Coco Mantra – Who said beachfront hotels have to be pricey? This expansive 3-star resort is built on a hill with a swimming pool and restaurant next to the beach. All rooms have private balconies with impressive views overlooking the ocean.
Budget: Kerton Hostel – If you’re traveling solo or backpacking around Thailand, you’ll surely love the Kerton Backpacker Hostel. It boasts a key location in the middle of town, spacious, modern, air-conditioned rooms, and super friendly staff.
Maenam Beach
Maenam in the north has a noticeably more low-key and unhurried vibe than the other tourist areas on Koh Samui, making it a top choice for families and couples looking to escape the crowds and just relax on a beautiful beach.
It’s also friendlier on the purse than Choeng Mon, with a vast array of mid-range resorts and budget hotels, many with a beachfront location.
Maenam’s 5km long beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui and is ideal for long, undisturbed strolls and peaceful sunbathing sessions. Meanwhile, you’ll experience a more authentic, local vibe in the town center with many traditional Thai food options – no Western malls or noisy night clubs in sight.
Located in the northwest, this part of the island has some of the best sunset views from the beach bars on Ban Tai Beach. Then, inland, you’ll find golf courses, hiking trails and wellness centers, making Maenam the perfect location for a relaxing escape or even a DIY wellness retreat.
Best Hotels in Maenam:
Luxury: Four Seasons Samui – Located on the peaceful Laem Yai Bay, west of Maenam Beach, The Four Seasons Samui resort is popular among couples and honeymooners. Its breathtaking private pool villas are built on a hill, with infinity pools and a unique indoor/outdoor bathroom. Lush green grounds hide the villas from prying eyes for maximum privacy. This exclusive resort rose to fame recently when the third season of HBO show ‘The White Lotus’ was filmed here so book well ahead to avoid disappointment!
Mid Range: Explorar Koh Samui – This adults-only resort and spa attracts young couples looking to unwind and reconnect. The stylish suites have private balconies with sea views, but if you’re seeking privacy, you can upgrade to the garden suite with your own plunge pool. The resort also offers yoga sessions, Muay Thai classes, and a modern co-working space.
Budget: Samui Zenity – This 3-star boutique resort has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, cozy rooms, and a free shuttle to the beach. It’s perfect for families looking to keep costs low as it features a water slide for the little (and big) ones, laundry facilities, and a communal kitchen.
Choeng Mon Beach
On the north-eastern tip of the island, Choeng Mon offers a peaceful, secluded ambiance with uncrowded beaches. It has quite a luxurious, exclusive feel, with many 5-star spa resorts and beachfront villas. Therefore, it’s a popular choice among couples and honeymooners.
Another thing that makes Choeng Mon a top location is that it is just 15 minutes drive from the airport and 20-minutes from Chaweng and Fisherman’s Village. It is also just 10 minutes away from Bang Rak beach where you’ll find the unique Wat Plai Leam with it’s 18 armed Guan Yin statue and the famous Big Buddha temple, located on the small island of Ko Fan, which you can drive across to.
In short, staying on Choeng Mon beach offers a peaceful luxury escape as well as a convenient location for exploring the island for those who want to experience a bit of everything.
Best Hotels in Choeng Mon:
Luxury: Six Senses Samui – Six Senses is one of the most exclusive resorts in Samui, hidden away on a private beach on the northern tip. Built on a hill, the 2-level private pool villas give panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam.
Mid Range: Sea Dance Resort – If you’re seeking peace, privacy, and prices that don’t break the bank, check out this gorgeous 4-star resort. Featuring cute cottages amidst lush tropical gardens, you’ll feel so relaxed here you won’t want to leave. A must for nature lovers!
Budget: Moon Cottage – This low-cost resort is ideal for those who want to enjoy one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beach areas without splashing out. The resort consists of 8 modern bungalows with private plunge pools and a large shared pool. And if that’s not enough, it’s just a short stroll from Choeng Mon Beach.
Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
If you are looking to escape the crowds head to the west coast of the island where you’ll find serene and peaceful beaches like Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam that offer unspoilt nature, stunning sunsets, secluded resorts and serene yoga retreats.
This area is perfect for couples and honeymooners seeking privacy and relaxation, solo travellers looking to relax on a wellness retreat or anyone that just wants to get away from it all. If you’re looking for nightlife – go elsewhere!
Best Hotels in Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
Luxury: Conrad Ko Samui – Tucked away in a secluded corner of Koh Samui’s southwest coast, Conrad Ko Samui is a slice of heaven for couples and honeymooners seeking a private getaway with romantic dining experiences on the beach and divine couples treatments in the spa. The pool villas have incredible 10-meter-long private infinity pools, oversized spa baths, and some of the best panoramic sunset views on the island.
Mid Range: Kanok Buri Resort – This gem of a resort on Lipa Noi beach is amazing value for money complete with a beachfront restaurant and swimming pool, and super friendly staff. Choose from a variety of rooms, including family pool villas with plenty of privacy, perfect for a intimate family vacation away from the hustle and bustle.
Budget: Chill Inn Hostel – If you’re a digital nomad, backpacker or budget traveller looking for a more chilled out alternative to busy Chaweng then head to Chill Inn Hostel. Located on quiet Lipa Noi beach, this friendly beachfront hostel offers spacious shared dormitory rooms and a shady beach cafe – perfect for working while enjoying the beach views and meeting like minded people without blowing the budget.
Koh Samui Travel Guide: Tips For Planning Your Trip To Koh Samui
Choosing where to stay in Koh Samui is only one part of planning your trip. Here are other key things to consider before booking your hotel and flight.
Best Time To Visit Koh Samui
Most people visit Koh Samui during the dry season (January to April). This is the best time of year for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips, as there is abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, lower humidity and calmer waters. However, these months, especially January and February, can be extremely crowded on the island, and many resorts hike up their prices due to the high demand and even sell out so book well in advance.
Because of this, I recommend visiting towards the end of the dry season, in March, April, or May. The weather will still be warm (though with a few short showers), and accommodation and flights are much cheaper. Koh Samui is also the best Thai island for a summer (July and August) break as it’s not as rainy as Phuket is at this time.
Koh Samui’s rainy season is different from the rest of Thailand. Instead of the typical June–October monsoon, Koh Samui experiences its heaviest rain from October to December. While it doesn’t rain all day every day you can expect rougher seas, higher humidity, overcast skies and frequent tropical downpours during the rainy season. The plus side is that there are fewer tourists and lower off season prices.
Note that December can have heavy rainfall, resulting in a rather wet and windy Christmas break! As the Gulf of Thailand has a slightly later rainy season than the Andaman Coast, Phuket and Krabi are generally dry by Christmas making these destinations a better option during this period.
How to Get to Koh Samui
Unlike most other Thai islands, Koh Samui has an airport, meaning you can fly directly there. But before you get too excited, you should know that flights to and from Koh Samui Airport (USM) are limited and are often more expensive than the mainland airports.
Samui’s airport is beautiful but there are very limited international flights. As the airport is privately owned only Bangkok Airways can fly there so you’ll need to fly to Bangkok first and connect to a flight to Koh Samui from there.
A cheaper but longer way to reach Samui is to fly with a budget airline like Air Asia to Surat Thani Airport (URT) on the mainland. You can then take a bus and ferry combo to Koh Samui – you can book this easily on 12GoAsia. The journey from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui takes approximately 4 hours.
There are four ferry piers on the island, Nathon is the main port from the mainland but it is located on the west coast while most hotels are on the east coast.
When you arrive on the island, taxi’s are available to your accommodation, however, taxis in Samui can be expensive as drivers are known to charge unexpecting tourists higher-than-normal rates so it’s best to agree on a price before getting in.
A cheaper option is to order a ride through the Grab app or take a shared minivan from the airport or ferry terminal. If you take the Lomprayah ferry they offer a shared minivan for hotel drops all over the island for a small additional charge.
Also note that some Koh Samui hotels offer a shuttle to and from the airport or pier, either for free or a small additional charge. So it’s worth enquiring about this when booking your accommodation.
How to get around Koh Samui
There’s plenty of options for getting around Koh Samui. You can hop in one of the shared songthaews that run between the popular areas, hail a taxi, join a guided tour, or rent a car or motorbike to explore the island at your own pace.
The best place to book day tours and island hopping trips online is on Get Your Guide and Viator – this is because you can read reviews so you know what to expect.
A good way to see the island’s top attractions is to take a private island tour where you’ll get picked up from your hotel and travel in the comfort of an air conditioned mini van with a friendly local guide to visit temples, waterfalls and viewpoints. It’s better value and a better experience than taking multiple taxis.
If you’re up for more of an adventure, check out this 4WD island tour – a great way to explore the famous attractions and hidden gems in the jungle with a fun group. And of course, you can’t miss taking a boat trip – the top island hopping trips from Koh Samui are:
How Many Days to Spend in Koh Samui
I suggest spending at least 4 days on Koh Samui but 7 is ideal. This will give you enough time to check out a few of the best beaches on the island, see the island’s cultural highlights, and take a boat trip while still having time to relax and enjoy your holiday.
With 4 – 5 days in Koh Samui you can spend a few days enjoying the beaches and relaxing at your resort, take a day tour of the island’s temples and take a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park or Koh Tao.
If you have a week or more, you can explore the less well known western and southern coast areas, such as Lipa Noi, or head inland for some waterfall chasing.
The additional time will also allow for more cultural experiences, such as visiting local markets, taking part in a Thai cooking class, or visiting nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Check out my post on all the things to do in Koh Samui for more ideas and tips.
So now you know the best places to stay in Koh Samui!
As you can see, there are MANY stunning spots and accommodation options in Koh Samui. With its stunning beaches and dreamy landscapes, warm hospitality and diverse experiences, Koh Samui is the perfect choice for a Thai beach holiday.
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious beachfront retreat, a fun filled family getaway, or a budget-friendly base close to all the bars and nightclubs, Samui has something for everyone – just make sure you do your research and choose the best area for you to ensure a good experience.
Make sure to check out other blogs on Koh Samui and, if you’re planning a longer trip around the country, check out my other blogs on Thailand:
