The Thai island of Koh Samui is a slice of picturesque paradise. Making up one of the Mu Koh Samui group of islands that are located in the scenic Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is home to some of Thailand’s finest luxury resorts, quirky beachside bungalows and wellness retreats.
The small towns on the island are made up of fine dining, classy bars and late night clubs. People from all over the world are enticed to bask in the bliss of the white sandy beaches, sip wine in the trendy bars and devour the fresh local cuisine. Secluded resorts can be found in parts of the island too, where beaches are less touristy and the sea is crystal clear.
Koh Samui is connected to the mainland and other paradise islands in the area via an international airport and ferry terminals. To make it easy for you to find which area of the island you should stay in, we have created a list of where to stay in Koh Samui.
Chaweng
Chaweng’s nightlife is a big draw to those traveling to Koh Samui in order to dance the night away in the town’s numerous nightclubs and drink in its many bars. The center of Chaweng is built up around a strip where you will find tailors that will make you a handmade suit at a low price and fast food restaurants that serve up food to hungry party goers.
The beach is a long stretch of white sand fringed with funky beach bars and restaurants that lead into hotel complexes with private pools.
There is a huge range of accommodation in Chaweng, most are more reasonably priced hostels and guesthouses which cater to the young party crowd. It’s easy to jump in a taxi from here and travel to various destinations on the island, or even catch a local songthaew to nearby towns.
Best Places to Stay in Chaweng
- Sareeraya Villas & Suites – This beautiful boutique hotel sits at the quieter north end of Chaweng Beach, but it’s still in easy walking distance to bars and eateries. Some suites come with direct access to the pool, others have sea views. Then there are the villas, which come with their very own private pool.
- Chaweng Regent Beach Resort – Set right on Chaweng Beach – close to all of the bars and restaurants in the center of the area – staying at this hotel is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.
- Ark Bar Beach Resort – This 3-star offering is right in the middle of the action, surrounded by the main shopping areas of the town.
Lamai Beach
One of the best beaches on the island has to be Lamai Beach, with its sweeping stretch of golden sands, the turquoise lapping waters of the Gulf of Thailand and a relaxing family friendly atmosphere. Lamai beach is home to some great beach resorts that offer a mixed range of accommodation for various budgets.
The most expensive hotels feature sea views and include pools and luxury spas – more budget options can be found further into town. Most of the hotels on the beachfront are smaller than in other places in Koh Samui and have a more intimate, friendly appeal.
Even though the beach attracts many tourists, the area still retains a village atmosphere and most bars and restaurants are owned and run by locals. If you want to travel around, the best option is to ask your hotel for transport, or hire yourself a vehicle at a low cost.
Where to Stay in Lamai Beach
- Banyan Tree Samui – Staying at this hotel along an exclusive beachfront also means enjoying the freedom of having your very own private villa. Set among lush tropical gardens, this 5-star hotel features a spa, no less than five restaurants, and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Manathai Koh Samui – Situated in neat colonial style buildings, Manathai Koh Samui is like a small village; the variety of rooms on offer are connected by small paved pathways leading through the gardens to the restaurant and two swimming pool with lounge areas.
- Lamai Coconut Beach Resort – Recently renovated, and boasting beautiful beach bungalows – as well as garden view bungalows – there are also rooms which either look out onto the swimming pool or the ocean.
Bophut
The old fisherman’s village of Bophut is a charming view into how the Koh Samui of the past can be brought into modern times. The center of Bophut runs along an old, narrow pedestrianized street that is parallel to the beach. The beachfront is abuzz with beautiful people sipping on cocktails or splashing in the pools of their beachfront hotels.
Along the pedestrianized street, chic eateries serve a high standard of cuisine and delicious wine. The area gets a little more lively in the evening, but without the raucous nightlife found elsewhere on the island. The resorts here are small but well kept and are perfect for people who are traveling with children, as there are lots of different fun water sports to try out on the beach.
Where to Stay in Bophut
- Mantra Samui Resort – Set high on a hillside overlooking Bophut town, staying at this 5-star hotel not only means tranquility, but also sweeping views of the surrounding tropical landscape.
- Smile House – Take a refreshing swim in the calm sea waters, cool off in one of the hotel’s two pools, and tuck into a delicious dinner in the beachside restaurant.
Mae Nam
If you’re not interested in drinking and dancing in Koh Samui’s party resorts and want to spend your days on a beautiful beach instead then you should stay in Mae Nam. Home to some of the top resorts on the island, Mae Nam is where you will find luxury resorts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon, or for those who just want to kick back, relax and enjoy their holiday.
The east side of the beach is where you will find more eateries and bars, whereas the west is much more secluded and quiet. It is easy to rent a motorbike from your hotel or guest house and travel around the island from here, or you can get a taxi to take you to interesting landmarks.
Where to Stay in Mae Nam
- Paradise Beach Resort Samui – The perfect spot for travelers looking for a bit of peace and quiet on their Thai island getaway, this 4-star resort is all about relaxation and serene surroundings.
- Coco Palm Beach Resort – There’s a good choice of rooms at this 3-star offering, from beachfront villas to family bungalows, which makes it ideal for a big family holiday. The hotel’s slice of white sand beach is great for swimming – but you can take a dip in the beachside pool.
Choeng Mon
Packed with restaurants, bars and massage parlours, Choeng Mon is a lively beach resort which is clustered along a small, family friendly picturesque beach. Further along the coast there are a number of coves and private beaches which have been taken over by large, luxury hotels. They are some of the most exclusive, expensive and best hotels in the area.
If you have a smaller budget, lower priced accommodation can be found along the eastern end of Choeng Mon beach, where smaller family run hotels offer a more personal touch.
If you feel like adventuring further afield for an evening of partying or perhaps just for an evening meal, then the heady beach resort of Chaweng Beach. It is a quick 15 minutes away by taxi, which are usually easy to come by.
Where to Stay in Choeng Mon
- SALA Samui Choengmon Beach – Stay in a poolside villa or treat yourself to a villa with its own private pool and enjoy the modern facilities throughout the hotel.
Lipa Noi
The stunning secluded beaches of Lipa Noi’s serene, laid back, no hassle atmosphere is the real essence of Koh Samui. Far from busy beach bars and tourist traps, the beach has some of the best swimming spots on the island. Think crystal clear turquoise waters, pure white sands and bowing palm trees. Lipa Noi has everything that makes up the classic image of paradise.
The beach is almost deserted apart from a few, low key mid range resorts and a few privately owned houses and yoga schools. This place is like a special secret of seclusion that you don’t want other people to know about.
The best way to travel from here is to hire yourself a motorbike and hit the roads. The surrounding areas are dotted with homely villages and the real life of Koh Samui’s inhabitants.
Where to Stay in Lipa Noi
- The Lipa Lovely Beach Resort – Set right on the waterfront, this small resort is a world of calm and quiet.
Bangrak
Bangrak’s Beach is less touristy than other destinations on the island, but the sand is clean, fine and white and the water is fairly deep which means it’s great for watersports and snorkeling.
Bangrak itself is close to bigger destinations such as Bophut and Chaweng, but there are a few eateries and bars around the area for you to try out some local delights.
There are some new, well designed, mid range hotels along the beach which have restaurants and bars attached, as well as lower priced accommodation further into the town. Bangrak also has its own pier which has recently been updated and now has great facilities. It is easy to catch a ferry from the pier to other islands in Thailand such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Where to Stay in Bangrak
- Prana Resorts Samui – There’s a huge choice of rooms on offer at Prana Resorts Samui, from deluxe suites to rooms with private access to the pool.
Nathon
Nathon’s a hub for transport on Koh Samui and is where many people will arrive and leave through its passenger ferry pier. The town is a center for business on the island but actually has a charm all of its own.
The attractive old Chinatown is surprisingly located here along small back streets. The Chinese community have been living on Koh Samui for many generations and add to the interesting tapestry of the island’s local inhabitants.
Further from the port, the beachfront is pretty and with its shallow waters and beautiful sunsets, it’s a great spot to stay in Koh Samui if you only have a couple of nights to spare. Accomodation is invariably low cost in the town and is located close to the local fresh food market and various tourist shops.
Where to tay in Nathon
- Amera Villas – Watch the sunset across the treetops of the tropical landscape and swim practically in nature at the outdoor pool on the sun terrace.
Laem Set
Laem Set, on the south east of the island, is a lesser developed region where the beautiful beaches are scattered with leaning palm trees and big rocks. People visit this area on family holidays or on yoga retreats to recline in its peace and quiet.
Laem Set beach has its own coral reef which can be found about 100 meters from shore and is best explored by hiring a kayak.
There aren’t many restaurants or shops in the area and accommodation is mainly made up of mid-range hotels and luxury resorts, which have lots of rooms and private villas with pools and restaurants. There are also a handful of luxury wellness resorts along the beach which are expensive, but mean you can bask in the knowledge that you are being healthy and you are on holiday in paradise.
Where to Stay in Laem Set
- Banburee Resort – This 4-star choice is a fun, friendly, family resort with a choice of rooms and suites. Located right on the beach and with a large outdoor pool and garden area, you won’t want to move from the comfort of your sun lounger.
Taling Ngam
Sleepy, laid back Taling Ngam’s stretch of coast is long and luxurious. Surrounded by the depths of the jungle and with incredible views across the Ang Thong Marine National Park, Taling Ngam is one of the most picturesque spots on Koh Samui.
Spend your days here lazing in the sands and, as evening falls, watch the sunset in spectacular fashion across the water. Accommodation in the area is dominated by big, luxury developments which are spread out along the coast, but the resorts are hardly noticeable and there are some cheaper, budget beach bungalows available too, which offer fantastic beach views.
Taling Ngam is only half an hour away from the main pier in Nathon, so is easy to travel to. If you want to be surrounded by the pure, immaculate beauty of a Thai beach then you should stay here.
Where to Stay in Taling Ngam
- Conrad Koh Samui – Here you can expect no more than the best service from your high-end bungalow nestled in the tropical jungle of the mountainside, right on the tip of the island. The views here are breathtaking, especially from the hotel’s infinity pool.
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