Last updated on April 21st, 2024
Looking for where to stay in Koh Samui? There are plenty of accommodation choices on Samui island that suit different travel styles and budgets. From budget hostels, and elegant mid-range boutique hotels to luxury resorts and suites, here are the best places to stay on Samui island!
Koh Samui is the gateway to one of the greatest beaches in the world and is famous for its crystal clear water and white-sand beaches. It is Thailand’s second-largest island and is situated in the Gulf of Thailand’s Chumphon Archipelago, which is about 700 km from the southern part of Bangkok. It is also the second most popular island destination in Thailand after Phuket.
Koh Samui offers plenty of activities to enjoy and explore. The island is perfect for people of all ages and travel styles to experience the island paradise on its own.
The island is massive and before you figure out where to stay in Koh Samui, you need to decide what you want you are looking for on the island. Are you prefer to stay on a site with a relaxed laid-back atmosphere, a private peaceful area for a honeymoon, or a lively area with nightlife activities?
Here is the accommodation guide – where to stay in Koh Samui.
Quick Guide: Where To Stay in Koh Samui
There are five areas of Koh Samui that you’ll want to stay in Koh Samui: Chaweng, Lamai Beach, Mae Nam Beach, Bophut, and Choeng Mon. Here, I compiled a list of the best places to stay with hotel recommendations for each area.
Where to stay in Koh Samui – Top 5 Areas and Best Hotels:
- Chaweng – where to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife.
- Lamai Beach – Where to stay in Koh Samui for couples.
- Maenam Beach – Best place to stay for couples and newlyweds who want solitude.
- Bophut – Best place to stay in Koh Samui for family travelers with kids.<
- Choeng Mon – Another best place to stay for couples with calm atmosphere.
We understand how stressful choosing where to stay in Koh Samui can be. Find a detailed breakdown of the best area to stay on Samui island, with our pick of the best hotel on the different budgets in this Koh Samui Accommodation Guide.
Chaweng
If you’re looking for where to stay in Koh Samui to be in the center of the action then stay in the Chaweng. This area is the main hub of the island with a lively atmosphere. Like most tourist areas on the island, Chaweng is the busiest and can be an overload for the senses, but it is certainly an unmissable place when visiting Koh Samui.
There are numerous shops, restaurants, beach bars, and nights club in Chaweng where you can easily spend the day and night time. Music and partying the whole night in Chaweng! So if you’re looking for an island escape, you won’t find it here.
In Chaweng, you’ll find a lot of accommodation that suit the different budget. Chaweng is very well known for being the backpackers’ hot spot in Koh Samui and is filled with hostels and various accommodation options. Plenty of budget hostels, and also mid-range and high-range hotel can be found in this area.
Here is the best-pick for where to stay in Koh Samui – Chaweng:
- High-Range: The Saraan Hotel
- Mid-Range: Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
- Budget: Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
Best Hotels at Chaweng
The Saraan Hotel is conveniently situated in the Chaweng Noi part of Koh Samui. The sea view of Chaweng Noi from the hotel is amazing and worth the price of the stay for what you get! This popular property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Guest can walk to the beach and about a 10-minute taxi to town for 300 Baht.
Chaweng Cove Beach Resort is an intimate family-run property with just a minute’s walk from Chaweng’s nightlife and lively shops. It is super close to the center of Chaweng and all the action and convenient. Besides, the resort lies right on the beach and you can spend all day sitting in a beach chair reading, enjoying the view, and getting cocktails delivered to your chair. A perfect place for a relaxing holiday.
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach is one of the best-rated hostels for where to stay in Koh Samui on budget. It offers bunk beds, private rooms, and family rooms to choose from. The room is a perfect, comfy, clean, and great place to mix around with people. Plus, the location is excellent, right on the beach within walking distance to main street for nightlife.
Lamai Beach
The charming Lamai Beach is another popular place to stay in Koh Samui. This area is known for its immaculate beach and mostly caters to visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing retreat on the island.
The Lamai Beach is immensely popular with couples and family holidaymakers and is often the top choice for those on a honeymoon. The area is loaded with a variety of lavish hotels and luxury resorts that line the coast of the beach. The splendid sea view will take your breath away.
Compared to the Chaweng beach, Lamai beach is a little smaller and less crowded. The accommodation also tends to be cheaper with sprawling wonderful resorts at great price. A prefect choice for where to stay in Koh Samui.
Here is the best-pick for where to stay in Koh Samui – Lamai Beach:
- Luxury: Sandalwood Luxury Villas
- High-Range: Coral Cliff Beach Resort Samui
- Mid-Range: Crystal Bay Yacht Club Beach Resort
Best Hotels in Lamai Beach
Sandalwood Luxury Villas is an elegant designed and spacious villa equipped with a mini kitchen and mini swimming pool. Overlooking the scenic Gulf of Siam, Sandalwood Resort’s luxurious villas occupy a prime hillside location and the view was unforgettable. Best place to enjoy in a calm and secluded area. The property provides with free shuttle to the nearby beaches.
Coral Cliff Beach Resort Samui features a beautiful infinity pool that overlooks a private beach. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The private beach is wonderful and not crowded. Guest can enjoy snorkeling just a few steps to the private beach with some big colorful fishes swimming around the beach.
Crystal Bay Yacht Club Beach Resort is a popular mid-range 3-star resort in Lamai Beach. The room is clean and comfortable. Beach access from the resort is amazing with white sand and clear water. Everything is lovely, check-in, friendly staff, and cleanliness. All are excellent.
Maenam Beach
The Maenam beach is another best place if you want a much less noisy spot to stay in Koh Samui. It is one of the longest beaches on the island and is less crowded.
Maenam beach has many extravagant resorts and villas with a private beach that is wonderful for couples and newlyweds who want solitude. You will fall in love with its serene and best place to spend a calm holiday that is far from the crowd.
Here is the best-pick to stay in Maenam Beach:
- High-Range: Paradise Beach Resort Samui, The Sea Koh Samui Beachfront Resort
- Mid-Range: Escape Beach Resort, Coco Palm Beach Resort
Best Hotels in Maenam Beach
Paradise Beach Resort Samui offers a tropical getaway in Ko Samui. The property is located on the shores of the tranquil Maenam beach and is just about 500 m from the center of the village. Complimentary round-trip shuttle services to/from Fisherman’s Village and Chaweng’s city center are provided. Very quiet and family-friendly.
The Sea Koh Samui Beachfront Resort is located along the sandy shores of Mae Nam Beach. The beachfront resort is a beautiful and peaceful hotel overlooking the sea, with an incredible sea view. This is a great resort to come to for a relaxing vacation or a romantic getaway. Excellent buffet breakfast served next to the sea. Friendliest staff, who will do everything to make your stay wonderful.
Escape Beach Resort is a lovely 3-star beachfront resort with sunset features on the private beach. The property offers a choice of bungalows and cozy guestrooms in the main building. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with views of the sea or garden. The location is amazing, directly located to the beach for a good price.
Set on peaceful Maenam Beach, Coco Palm Beach Resort boasts beautifully landscaped grounds away from Samui’s bustle. The views are just amazing with the quiet beach with views across the water to Koh Phangan. The hotel is right next to the Lomprayah Pier where boats leave for Koh Phanang and Koh Tao. The staff is incredibly nice and friendly.
Bophut
If you are looking for a relaxed and authentic place to stay in Koh Samui, Bophut is the answer! Located northeast of the Samui island, Bophut boasted of local vice and traditional experience. It used to be an old fisherman’s village, and transformed into a tourist popular spot but still maintains a local flavor.
Compared to Chaweng and Lamai Beach, Bophut is a great choice for family travelers with kids. It is less crowded but has everything needed for the traveler.
Here is our pick for the best hotels in Bophut Koh Samui.
- Luxury: Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
- High-Range: Peace Resort Samui
- Mid-Range: ibis Samui Bophut
Best Hotels in Bophut
Hansar Samui Resort & Spa is conveniently situated in the Bo Phut with a 5-minute walk to lively fisherman village. There are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Your stay featured with amazing pool and views right over the sea. All the staffs are friendly and work hard to make your stay perfect. A popular pick for where to stay in Koh Samui.
Peace Resort Samui is another popular choice among travelers when choosing their best stay on the Samui island. The property offers beautiful scenery, especially with the big pool and restaurant overlooking the sea. It is a beautifully designed resort with different types of accommodation. Go with the lovely premium bungalow and you won’t regret it! The rooms which well equipped and have a lovely bath and fantastic view. High recommended!
ibis Samui Bophut is a 3-star hotel located at the beachside location. Relax around the beautiful pool next to the lovely beach, or on the sand by the sea. The room is followed the ibis standard which is spotless, simple, functional, and most importantly comfortable. The staff is helpful and friendly. Good value for money.
Choeng Mon
Another worth recommended area to stay in Koh Samui is Choeng Mon. This area is where you can find Koh Samui’s traditional locals and rural lifestyle areas. The area is famous for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, and is a great place to catch the sun setting over the Gulf of Thailand.
Choeng Mon is an ideal option for those wanting a romantic gateway and is perfect for couples. The sunset there is stunning! Travelers will enjoy and love Choeng Mon for its quietness and peaceful environment. It is closer to the airport where you can stay here before flying back to your home country.
Here is the best-pick for where to stay in Koh Samui – Choeng Mon:
- Luxury: Royal Muang Samui Villas, The Tongsai Bay
- High-range: Tango Luxe Beach Villa
Best Hotels in Choeng Mon Beach
Located on the white sands and clear waters of Choengmon Beach, Royal Muang Samui Villas offer comfortable luxury rooms, villas, and pool villas with pools for your perfect stay. It is situated in a quieter area of Koh Samui but the property provides shuttle buses to take you to Chaweng a few trips a day.
Plus, there are some restaurants and shops just outside the resort. The staff is very friendly. Absolutely fantastic and good value for money.
The Tongsai Bay is a family-run hotel, that offers luxurious seaside accommodation and a 200 m private beach. The property is set in a quiet tranquil location amongst the forest and built on a cliff. The room is elegantly decorated with wooden furnishings with an ocean-view terrace and sun loungers. It is like a paradise on earth with amazing views of the ocean. Everything you’d expect from a 5-star hotel.
Tango Luxe Beach Villa is the best place for a relaxing stay in Choeng Mon. It offers tropical villas with a private pool. All the luxurious private villas are authentically decorated and well-furnished, with air-conditioned, and outdoor seating areas on a private balcony or terrace. The villa is lovely, secluded, and private. It’s located outside the busy street but there is everything you would need in a short drive.
Final Tips on Where To Stay in Koh Samui
Here’s what people usually ask us about the best areas and hotels on where to stay in Koh Samui:
The 5 best areas in Koh Samui to stay for tourists Chaweng, Lamai Beach, Mae Nam Beach, Bophut, and Choeng Mon.
Chaweng is the most popular area to stay in Koh Samui with plenty of beach bars and nightclubs, making it the best area to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife.
If you’re looking for an area more laid back to stay in Koh Samui, Lamai beach, Bophut or Choeng Mon beach may interest and suitable for you.
In our opinion, Lamai is better than Chaweng to stay in Koh Samui. Both Chaweng and Lamai have everything but Lamai just on a smaller scale and without the crowds. The perfect mix with lively and laid-back for a holiday in Koh Samui.
Overview: Best Place To Stay in Koh Samui
All in all, Koh Samui is a great place for your holiday escapes. You could easily spend a week in Koh Samui or more, but most people only have a few days for an island gateway. The island is full of things to do where you can enjoy the water activities, have a temple visit, and enjoy Thai food, whilst staying in great accommodation.
We recommended staying in Chaweng if you want to stay in a lively neighborhood. The Chaweng Cove Beach Resort is a good option. While the Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach is a great option for a stay in Chaweng for budget travelers. If you want to have a laid-back holiday and enjoy the serene atmosphere, we recommended staying in Sandalwood Luxury Villas at Lamai beach and The Tongsai Bay at Choeng Mon.
Lastly, that’s the end for this accommodation guide for where to stay in Koh Samui. Have an amazing trip to the second largest island in Thailand!
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