Koh Samui (also known as Ko Samui) is the second largest island in Thailand, located off of east coast of the Kra Isthmus. While Koh Samui has the features you’d expect of an island- extravagant palm trees and beautiful beaches- it’s also known for its dense rainforest and luxurious spas and resorts.

The most popular aspect of the island is definitely the 12 meters tall gold Big Buddha statue located at the Wat Phra Yai temple in the Bophut area. Regardless of your expectations of Koh Samui, we guarantee that you’ll be impressed with this island. Samui is all about finding the beach that fits your criteria because there is a variety to choose from.

Wondering how long to stay in Koh Samui? That is obviously up to you and how much time you have however, I would generally suggest between 3 days and 7 days. 3 days in Koh Samui if ideal if you are touring around Thailand or up to 7 Days in Koh Samui if you are just looking to relax and decompress.

We will cover off all types of Koh Samui accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Koh Samui hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Koh Samui Thailand, the best Koh Samui hotels, best places in Koh Samui to visit, the best places to stay in Koh Samui, hotels near Koh Samui attractions, Koh Samui neighborhood guide and many more. This where to stay in Koh Samui 2023 guide will breakdown plenty of areas to fit every budget.

Quick note: Prices will obviously vary from high season to low season, in some cases by almost 50%! Low tourist season is from May to October and high tourist season is November to April.

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Chaweng – Where to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife

Wondering what area to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife? Chaweng is the perfect destination for those who love a night out; it’s considered the centre of Koh Samui. Chaweng beach is a long stretch on the northeast coast of Koh Samui, it’s great for sunbathing, jet skiing, and partying! Keep in mind that Chaweng can get quite crowded, although not as crowded as beaches in Phuket so if you prefer secluded beaches and quieter areas, you might want to visit another area of Koh Samui (which we will cover off below).

Chaweng’s busy beaches are always a great place to make some new friends and chat to locals. Once it gets dark, Chaweng has the liveliest party scene in Thailand, which is also unique as most of the bars and clubs are along the beach. You can party all night and then leave the club and lay on the beach, listening to the relaxing sounds of the ocean. There are several bars, souvenir stands, restaurants, and spas along beach road – so there is something for just about everyone.

Where to Stay in Chaweng Koh Samui

Cheapest Hostels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
Blackjack Bar and Hostel
Timeless Hostel
Samui Poshtel
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach

Budget Hotels in Chaweng  – Koh Samui
Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
J4 Samui Hotel
Montien House
The Stay Chaweng Beach Resort

Mid-Range Hotels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
Nora Buri Resort & Spa
Samui Resotel Beach Resort
Synergy Samui
Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana

Family Friendly Hotels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
The Briza Beach Resort, Samui
Chaweng Garden Beach Resort
OZO Chaweng Samui

Luxury Hotels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Sareeraya Villas & Suites
The Library

Lamai -Where to stay in Koh Samui for honeymoon

Wondering where to stay in Koh Samui for couples? Like Chaweng, Lamai beach is popular with travellers because of its nightlife, however on a smaller scale. There are several resorts along the coast, and the water is perfect for swimming, especially in the southern and central areas of Lamai, however access to the beach can be difficult if you aren’t staying at a beach hotel.

The stunning sunrises encourage a lot of travellers to wake up early and walk along the beach just to witness their beauty. Lamai is a bit cheaper than Chaweng in terms of food and accommodation, so for those on a budget, it’s the perfect place to stay. In addition to its pristine beaches, Lamai also has a walking street market that features cheap and fresh food, clothing stalls and lively local music. Lamai also has several kid-friendly attractions, including a water park called Coco Splash.

Where to Stay in Lamai Koh Samui

Cheapest Hostels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Kerton Hostel
The Rock Samui – formerly known as The Rock Residence

Budget Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Sea Breeze Bungalow
Suanmali Samui
Aussieland Bungalows
Samui Seabreeze Place

Mid-Range Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Weekender Resort
Am Samui Palace
Pao Jin Poon Pool Villa
Aura Samui Best Beach Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Jasmine Garden Bungalow
Pattra Vill Resort
Thai House Beach Resort
Amenity Apartel Samui

Luxury Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Ammatara Pura Pool Villa
Pavilion Pool Residence Samui
Zara Beach Resort Koh Samui
Wild Cottages Luxury and Natural

Bophut – Where to stay in Koh Samui with family

Bophut is the best area to stay in Koh Samui for families as it is a very beach-oriented area with scenic views and touristy shops. It features a place called Fisherman’s Village, which began as an area for fishermen (as the name suggests) but has evolved into an area that shows off Koh Samui’s heritage with Thai-Chinese inspired shops and houses. This area has a few art galleries, plenty of eateries and a small section of activities which are very family friendly. Today Fisherman’s Village is considered one of the best night markets in Koh Samui.

Bophut is a perfect area for families as its not too busy and not too quiet, while there is some nightlife, its not as crazy as other areas of the island. Most of the resorts in the area are kid-friendly and offer a variety of activities for the kiddies and adults alike. Also in Bophut is the famous 12m tall Big Buddha statue that can be seen from nearly every spot on the island.

Where to Stay in Bophut Koh Samui

Cheapest Hostels in Bophut – Koh Samui
KoHabitat Samui

Budget Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Avocado Koh Samui
Hotel Ibis Samui Bophut
Smile House
Hacienda Fisherman’s Village Koh Samui

Mid-Range Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
Lanna Samui
Bo Phut Resort and Spa
Mantra Samui Resort (Personal favourite!)

Family Friendly Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Maya Resort Samui
Pico Samui
Chi – The Residence
The White Cottage Samui

Luxury Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Cielo Boutique Hotel & Spa Samui
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
Peace Resort Samui
Celes Samui

Choeng Mon – Best part of Koh Samui for couples

Choeng Mon is on the northeastern tip of the island, just past the airport turnoff. It’s made up of a series of bays with beautiful white sandy beaches. This area of Koh Samui coastline has kept the beaches quiet and the waters clean and is said by locals to be some of the best beaches on the island. Choeng Mon has one of the best beach to stay in Koh Samui.

Choeng Mon is a fairly quiet area with a few restaurants and catered towards couples or families who don’t want to stay near the hustle and bustle, however it is only about 15 minutes north of Chaweng and 5 minutes from Big Buddha, so you aren’t in the middle of nowhere! Choeng Mon doesn’t really offer many backpacking or budget accommodations options, so it’s not considered a cheap area to stay. Choeng Mon is the best place to stay in Koh Samui for honeymooners who want a little more privacy.

Where to Stay in Choeng Mon Koh Samui

Cheapest Hostels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Monkey Samui Hostel

Budget Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Choengmon Residence
Moon Cottage
Chor Chang Villa Resort
Island View Bungalows

Mid-Range Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Paradise Island Estate
Melia Koh Samui
SAii Koh Samui Choengmon
Sea Dance Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Samui Sunset 22G
Mai Tai, luxury 3 bedroom villa
Sasitara Thai Villas
Baan Lom Talay

Luxury Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Royal Majestic Grand Thai Villa
SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort
Cape Fahn Hotel Samui

Maenam – Where to stay in Koh Samui backpacker

If you’re interested in a beach that’s a bit “off the beaten path”, you won’t be disappointed by Maenam Beach. It’s the last true backpackers haven in Koh Samui. Other areas of Koh Samui, like Bang Rak and Chaweng, cater to families or expats and the prices typically run a bit higher as there are more luxury resorts. However, Maenam is one of the most affordable areas on the island, which might be why it’s so popular with the backpacking crowd.

The primary type of accommodation in Maenam is bungalows that are rented at a low rate and offers local hole-in-the-wall eateries that also serve food for cheap prices. Maenam is definitely more like a village than a small town- there are few locals, smaller crowds of tourists and only one traffic light.

While Maenam is more so catered to backpackers, however it does offer a number of high end luxury resorts suited for couples who want to get away from the nightlife or want to relax of their honeymoon.

Where to Stay in Maenam Koh Samui

Cheapest Hostels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Maenam Grand Hostel
Us Hostel

Budget Hotels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Moonhut Bungalows
Baanfah Resort Samui
The Florist Resort
Shangrilah Bungalow

Mid-Range Hotels in Maenam – Koh Samui
The Cosy Beach Resort
Paradise Beach Resort
Tropical Season Villa Resort
Farmers Villa CoLiving Space

Family Friendly Hotels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Maenam Bungalow
Adarin Beach Resort
Samui Paca place
Amarin Samui Hotel

Luxury Hotels in Maenam:
Miskawaan Villa Champak
Explorar Koh Samui (Adults Only)
W Koh Samui
Miskawaan Villa Acacia

 

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