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.

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, 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. 

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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Busy nightlife and a great beaches! 

Chaweng – Where 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
P168 Hostel Samui
Cheeky Monkey’s
At Hostel Samui
My Samui Hostel

Budget Hotels in Chaweng  – Koh Samui
Nora Lakeview Hotel
First Residence Hotel
Nantra Chaweng Beach

Mid-Range Hotels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
The Briza Beach Resort Samui
Ark Bar Beach Resort
Dara Samui Beach Resort (adults only)
New Star Beach Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
Nora Buri Resort & Spa
Sareeraya Villas & Suites
Buri Rasa Village Samui
Sheraton Samui Resort

Luxury Hotels in Chaweng – Koh Samui
Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort
The Library
Muang Samui Spa Resort
KC Resort & Over Water Villas

Lamai -Where to stay in Koh Samui for honeymoon

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

Budget Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Blu’ Beach Bungalows
Varinda Garden Resort
Siva Buri Resort
Bonny Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Samui Jasmine Resort
Rummana Boutique Resort
Weekender Resort
Samaya Bura

Family Friendly Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort
Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Aloha Resort
Samui Sense Beach Resort

Luxury Hotels in Lamai – Koh Samui
Banyan Tree Samui
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
Rocky’s Boutique Resort

Quiet areas perfect for families

Bophut – Best area in Koh Samui for families

Bophut 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 insipred 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
D.Samui Hostel
2W Beach Hostel

Budget Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Nora Lakeview Hotel
First Residence Hotel
Arina Boutique Residence
Evergreen Resort

Mid-Range Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Mantra Samui Resort (Highly Recommended)
New Star Beach Resort
Saboey Resort and Villas
The Sarann

Family Friendly Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Kanda Residences
Samui Resotel Beach Resort
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
Melati Beach Resort & Spa

Luxury Hotels in Bophut – Koh Samui
Nora Buri Resort & Spa
Royal Muang Samui Villas
Six Senses Samui
The Tongsai Bay

Quiet area for couples and families 

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 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

Budget Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Chaweng Inn
Tong Tip Mansion
Chaweng Chalet Resort

Mid-Range Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Deva Samui Resort & Spa
Choeng Mon Beach Hotel
Panya Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
Royal Muang Samui Villas
Imperial Boat House Beach Resort
Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort

Luxury Hotels in Choeng Mon – Koh Samui
SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort
Tango Luxe Beach Villa

Perfect for Backpackers or people who love quiet beaches

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

Bungalows and Villas in Maenam – Koh Samui
Baan Laem Noi Villa’s
The Emerald Residence

Cheapest Hostels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Beachway

Budget Hotels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Tropical Garden Lounge Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Code Koh Samui
Mimosa Resort & Spa
Amarin Samui Hotel
Coco Palm Beach Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Maenam – Koh Samui
Belmond Napasai
Paradise Beach Resort
Kirikayan Luxury Pool Villas & Spa

Luxury Hotels in Maenam:
W Koh Samui
Infinity Residences & Resort 
Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa
Sensimar Koh Samui (adults only)

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