Where to Stay in Koh Samui ✔️ 5 Incredible Areas & Hotels
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, and a paradise of soft sand beaches, green forests, crystal waters, and coconut groves! I know this must sound irresistible, so you’re already thinking about where to stay in Koh Samui.
Last year, I spent a week in Koh Samui, enjoying the beach and visiting the top attractions. So, I can share with you that Lamai is the best place to stay in Koh Samui, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. It has a stunning beach, plenty of dining spots, and many amazing hotels.
But if that area doesn’t suit you, I also share 4 other areas that are a great choice for a Koh Samui stay. I also handpicked the best hotels in each of the 5 areas to make your planning even easier. There’s a hotel for every type of traveler, from luxury to budget, so anyone can visit Koh Samui.
But I have to warn you to hurry up with booking a hotel – Koh Samui is super popular and all the best hotels sell out super quickly. Just to be sure (and get a better deal), book your stay a few months in advance!
Well, let’s start!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are the top hotels in Lamai, Koh Samui Island:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Check out this map to help you visualize the 5 Koh Samui areas featured in this post:
1. Lamai – where to stay in Koh Samui for the first time
Visiting Koh Samui for the first time? Well, head to Lamai! Situated on the Southeast coast of the island, this is the ideal choice for a variety of Koh Samui vacations. Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, a romantic getaway, or even a honeymoon, Lamai is THE place to go, with its stunning white-sand beach and laid-back atmosphere.
Lamai Beach (map) is the main point of interest here. It offers incredible crystal waters, ideal for swimming, soft white sands, and the best sunrises you’ll see in your life. The beach is lined with bars and restaurants that are mostly owned by locals, so the place still has that authentic and relaxed vibe.
While here, you can’t miss out on the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (map) – amazing rock formations – and the Lamai Fresh Food Market (map), where you can buy fresh fruit and try traditional Thai dishes.
You can hike up to the Lamai Viewpoint & Valentine Stone (map) and enjoy a drink at the bar, or you can go up to the Overlap Stone (map) and snap some cool photos.
PRO TIP: Besides hiking, you can also take a cable car to reach the Lamai Viewpoint. A round-trip ticket costs US$6 and it also gets you access to the viewpoint. Bonus – you can also go ziplining!
If you have more time and want to explore the surroundings a bit, a trip to Crystal Beach (map) is a good idea. It’s just a 12-min ride away from Lamai Beach, so I suggest renting a scooter and enjoying the drive.
Other cool sights nearby include the Na Mueang Waterfall (map) – a 20-min ride away – and the Tarnim Magic Garden (map), just a 25-min ride from Lanai Beach.
Lamai has an excellent selection of hotels, and it also hosts some of the top Koh Samui hostels. However, it’s a bit pricier than the other areas on this list, so keep that in mind before booking. And if you’re planning an upscale vacation, then this is the right place for you!
Luxury hotel
This beach resort is one of the best luxury hotels in Lamai, perfect for a special occasion like a honeymoon. You’ll have access to a beautiful swimming pool, mountain bike rentals, and free kayaks if you want to explore the area. And wait till you see the rooms, offering private balconies with an ocean or a garden view!
Other accommodation options in Lamai
Mid-Range
This beach hotel in Lamai is nestled in tropical gardens and offers an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant
Budget
A short walking distance from the beach, this hostel offers accommodation in dormitories and a shared kitchen
Airbnb
If you want a private house located close to the beach, you’ll love this Koh Samui bungalow!
Things to do in Lamai
- Go swimming at Lamai Beach
- Visit the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks
- Go up to the Lamai Viewpoint & Valentine Stone and enjoy the views
- Snap some photos of the Overlap Stone
- Take a day trip to Crystal Beach
- Drive out to the Na Mueang Waterfall and the Tarnim Magic Garden
- Pay a visit to the Wat Kunaram temple (map)
2. Chaweng – where to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife
If you are looking for a mix between beach and party, you will like Chaweng, located on the Northeast coast of Koh Samui and just a 25-min drive North of Lamai Beach. Chaweng is the heart of Koh Samui nightlife, with an abundance of beach bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as a stunning beach!
Chaweng Beach (map) is a very long stretch of white sand, hosting many cool beach bars and restaurants. The Elephant Beach Club (map) is a popular spot for a night out, and during the day, you can relax or engage in exciting water sports like wakeboarding or parasailing.
The Chaweng Night Market / Chaweng Walking Street (map) is your go-to for a quick bite and affordable shopping. However, if you’re looking for some more upscale shopping and sit-down restaurants, the Central Samui shopping center (map) is right here, too.
FUN FACT: Koh Samui is known as Coconut Island! Once upon a time, the island had the largest number of coconut trees in Thailand and delivered many coconut products!
One of the best places for a night out is The Cocoon (map), an amazing restaurant offering stunning views. It’s extremely popular, so I highly recommend making a reservation in advance – you can do it here!
Just keep in mind that Chaweng attracts lots of crowds due to the party scene – especially young people and couples. So, if you prefer quiet areas (or are traveling with kids), Chaweng Beach may not be the place for you.
Chaweng is also a convenient option if you want to be close to the airport – Samui Airport (map) is just a 15-min drive from the beach!
TIP: Chaweng is ideally located for exploring other parts of the island. The best way to do this is by using songthaews (pickup taxis), the island’s version of public transport. Just wait for one to go by and hail it – it’s cheap, with prices with prices starting at US$1.40, and more reliable than a ride-sharing service or a metered taxi.
Luxury hotel
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Located in the best part of Chaweng Beach, Anantara Lawana is one of the best hotels in Koh Samui. At this 5-star Chaweng beach resort, you’ll find Thai-style suites and spacious villas, a first-rate spa offering relaxing treatments, a restaurant boasting stunning views, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Other accommodation options in Chaweng
Mid-Range
This seafront resort features an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant and also provides tour arrangements and car rentals
Budget
This family-run hotel has cozy rooms decorated with traditional Thai artwork and wood furnishings, plus free Wi-Fi and cable TV
Airbnb
This apartment in Chaweng has an infinity pool and a balcony with a view of the Chaweng Lake
Another great 5-star luxury accommodation option in this area is the Sheraton Samui Resort. Located right on the beach, this family-friendly resort offers a beachfront infinity pool and a salt-water garden pool with a spa area. The spacious rooms have a balcony with sea views, a TV, a refrigerated minibar, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Things to do in Chaweng
- Engage in some water sports on Chaweng Beach
- Go for a walk around Chaweng Lake (map)
- Visit Wat Khao Hua Jook (map), a century-old Buddhist temple on the top of a hill
- Spend a fun night out at The Elephant Beach Club or The Green Mango (map)
- Have a shopping spree at the Central Samui
- Treat yourself to a dinner at The Cocoon
- Try some delicious Thai food at the Chaweng Night Market
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3. Bo Phut – best place to stay in Koh Samui with family
Located on the North side of Koh Samui island and 14 km (8.5 miles) North of Lamai, Bo Phut is an old fisherman’s village that feels like it got stuck in time. This place has a very lively atmosphere and is the perfect place for families, offering something interesting for any member of the family!
Bo Phut Beach (map) is one of the top attractions in Bo Phut, ideal for swimming and diving. Parallel to the beach, you’ll find a charming, old, pedestrianized street featuring many fine dining restaurants, chic bars with refreshing cocktails, and touristy shops… great to buy some souvenirs!
When the sun goes down, the area becomes more lively (without being too noisy and crowded) and hosts one of the best night markets in Koh Samui: the Fisherman’s Village Night Market (map)!
Another great nighttime activity is watching the fire shows at Coco Tam’s (map), a beach bar that serves delicious drinks and food. No worries – the bar is super family-friendly, so you can bring your kids along for the show.
Even though the beach and the night market are super cool, Bo Phut’s main highlight is the famous Big Buddha Temple/Wat Phra Yai (map). This massive golden Buddha statue is Koh Samui’s best-known landmark and a must-visit during your stay on the island.
This is where I stayed on my trip to Koh Samui; I was traveling with a group of friends, and we wanted something quieter and closer to the Big Buddha – that’s exactly what we got!
However, if you stay here, you need to find a way to get around the island. I suggest renting a motorbike, as I wasn’t happy with Grab, and communicating with local taxi companies was a bit of a challenge.
Luxury hotel
Bo Phut Resort and Spa – SHA Plus
This Samui resort offers beautiful Thai accommodations nestled within tropical gardens, within walking distance of the best beaches. Here, you can spend your days swimming in the outdoor pool, playing at the golf course, or just relaxing at the spa, featuring a sauna and spa tub.
Other accommodation options in Bo Phut
Mid-Range
Situated directly on the beach and surrounded by coconut trees, this hotel boasts a pool and a beachfront restaurant
Budget
This capsule hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free private parking and Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool
Airbnb
Find the perfect blend of comfort and luxury in these beachfront apartments, featuring private balconies and en suite bathrooms
Things to do in Bo Phut
- Enjoy swimming or scuba diving at Bophut Beach
- Buy some cool souvenirs from the Fisherman’s Village Night Market
- Watch the fire show at Coco Tam’s
- Visit the Wat Plai Laem (map) Buddhist temple
- Check out the Big Buddha statue in the Wat Phra Yai temple.
- Go on a day cruise to Koh Phagan island
4. Choeng Mon – best area to stay in Koh Samui for relaxation
If you don’t mind splurging a little to access secluded bays, white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters, you will love Choeng Mon. Located on the Northeast coast of the island, a 30-min drive North of Lamai, this part of the island has a very peaceful vibe – perfect if you want a quieter vacation.
This area is favored by couples and families for its quiet atmosphere, but this doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! You’ll find delicious restaurants, bars, and massage parlors and have access to Choengmon Beach (map), one of the best beaches on Koh Samui Island.
The Carnival Beach Village (map) is one of the best beach bars around here; be sure to stop by for a cocktail – they’re absolutely amazing!
Another great thing about this place is its location. It is close to many popular sites, like Chaweng, just a 15-min drive (if you feel like partying), and the Big Buddha, literally 5 minutes away.
Choeng Mon offers many top-rated accommodations – check out the very best below:
Luxury hotel
This incredible Koh Samui resort offers luxurious seaside rooms, surrounded by tropical gardens and a few steps from the private beach. Here, you’ll have literally everything you need: a relaxing spa, a huge outdoor swimming pool, and not one, but 3 restaurants on-site to end your day with the most delicious dinners!
Other accommodation options in Choeng Mon
Mid-Range
This stylish resort offers modern facilities like a pool, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, plus free parking
Budget
This 2-star inn has rooms with private balconies, en suite bathrooms with a shower, and Wi-Fi access
Airbnb
This Koh Samui’s beach villa has a great location within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and bars
Things to do in Choeng Mon
- Relax and soak up some sun at Choeng Mon Beach
- Walk to Koh Fan Yai and Koh Fan Noi islands at low tide
- Try authentic Thai Pasta at The Mother Restaurant (map)
- Enjoy a cocktail at the Carnival Beach Village
5. Mae Nam – where to stay in Koh Samui on a budget
If you’re traveling on a budget, Mae Nam (meaning the ‘Mother of Water’) is the perfect fit for you! Situated off the beaten path, on the island’s North Coast, and a 30-min drive from Lamai, this quiet spot attracts a lot of backpackers and people who want to get away from the crowds.
In fact, Mae Nam’s long, white sandy beach (map) is one of the quietest on the whole island, perfect for tranquil walks in complete peace and reconnecting with nature!
Besides enjoying the beach, you can visit Wat Phu Khao Thong (map), a small Buddhist temple, and do some shopping at the Mae Nam Afternoon Market (map).
The Samui Disc Golf & Football Golf (map) is a great place to spend an afternoon and have fun playing these unique twists on the golf game. I also highly recommend driving out to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui – meeting the elephants is a truly unique experience!
Luxury hotel
Situated on its own private beach, this 5-star resort is among the top Koh Samui hotels, with an amazing outdoor pool, a fitness center with panoramic views of the ocean, a spa, and 2 restaurants. The spacious and elegant rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that will let you bask in the sun from the comfort of your room.
Other accommodation options in Mae Nam
Mid-Range
Offering beachfront rooms overlooking the island of Koh Phagan, this resort has an outdoor pool and provides car rentals
Budget
Each room at this property has a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a desk, and air conditioning
Airbnb
This stylish 5-guest villa gives you access to an awesome rooftop, great for sunbathing and star-gazing
If you are looking for another amazing luxurious hotel in this area then you must check out the W Koh Samui hotel. This amazing 5-star resort has its own private sandy paradise right on Mae Nam Beach. Guests will stay at their own private villas with a large deck with a private pool, decorated in an elegant style with all possible amenities included.
What’s amazing about this place is that it also has two vibrant restaurants where anybody can grab a bite to eat (you don’t have to be a guest!), so if you want to have a delicious meal overlooking their infinity pool and the sea, this is the place for you!
Things to do in Mae Nam
- Have a tranquil walk on the Mae Nam Beach
- Visit the Wat Phu Khao Thong temple
- Go shopping at the Mae Nam Afternoon Market
- Try ziplining at the Tree Bridge Zipline
- Have fun at the Samui Disc Golf & Football Golf
- Meet the elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui
FAQs about where to stay in Koh Samui
🏠 Which are the best places to stay in Koh Samui Thailand?
👪 Which is the best place to stay in Koh Samui for a family?
The best place to stay in Koh Samui for a family-friendly holiday is Bo Phut, with a laid-back vibe, an amazing beach, and great hotels like Bo Phut Resort and Spa and Smile House.
💯 What are the best things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand?
The best things to do during your trip to Koh Samui are to enjoy the beautiful beaches, like the Lamai Beach, see the Big Buddha statue at the Wat Phra Yai temple, or enjoy some cool watersports.
📅 How many days do you need in Koh Samui, Thailand?
I suggest spending between 5 to 7 days in Koh Samui. This should be enough time to see the top attractions and relax on the beach. I spent 6 days here, and it was the perfect amount of time to rest, relax, and see some attractions.
🎒 What is the best area for backpackers to stay in Koh Samui?
The best area to stay in Koh Samui for backpackers is Mae Nam due to the lack of crowds and its relaxing vibe. There are some excellent budget accommodations here, like the Maenam Villa Hotel.
👩❤️👨 Where is the best place to stay for couples in Koh Samui?
One of the best places to stay in Koh Samui for couples is Lamai, with hotels like Rocky’s Boutique Resort – perfect for a relaxing honeymoon. Chaweng is another great choice for couples who like to party, and the Anantara Lawana is a great hotel choice here.
🏖️ Which part of Koh Samui has the best beaches?
The Northeastern part of Koh Samui has the best beaches. Along this stretch of coast, starting North to East you’ll find Mae Nam Beach, Bo Phut Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, Chaweng Beach, and Lamai Beach.
🤔 Is it better to stay in Chaweng or Lamai?
If you want a more relaxing vacation, Lamai is the better choice. But if you like to party and shop, then Chaweng will be a better fit for you.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Koh Samui
You’ve reached the end of this very extensive guide on where to stay in Koh Samui! Now, you know all about the best areas to stay in Koh Samui and the top hotels on the island – you have probably picked one already!
But in case you still have trouble deciding, here are my 2 favorite hotels, both located in Lamai:
- Rocky’s Boutique Resort – featuring 2 swimming pools and a spa, this hotel also offers a free shuttle service to Lamai Beach
- The Hive Hotel – this beachfront hotel has an infinity pool, a restaurant, and a pool with free sun loungers
If you like any of the hotels featured in the post, hurry up and make a reservation. Thailand and Koh Samui, in particular, are popular tourist hotspots, and good hotels are quick to sell out!
Do you have any questions about your stay in Koh Samui? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your holiday,
Yulia
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