Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Koh Samui's most famous and developed beach stretches for 7 kilometers along the east coast. This is the island's entertainment hub with the widest selection of restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife. The beach offers powdery white sand and clear waters, though it can get crowded during peak season.
- Widest range of accommodation options
- Best nightlife and entertainment on the island
- Excellent restaurant variety
- Easy access to shops and amenities
- Good beach for swimming
- Can be crowded and noisy
- Higher prices than other areas
- Less authentic Thai atmosphere
The island's second-largest beach offers a more laid-back alternative to Chaweng while still providing good infrastructure. Lamai attracts a mix of budget travelers and families, with a relaxed village atmosphere and decent nightlife options. The southern end features the famous Grandfather and Grandmother rocks.
- More affordable than Chaweng
- Good mix of restaurants and bars
- Less crowded beaches
- Authentic local markets
- Better value for money
- Some areas can feel dated
- Nightlife less sophisticated than Chaweng
Home to the charming Fisherman's Village, Bophut combines old-world charm with boutique sophistication. The historic wooden Chinese shophouses have been converted into trendy restaurants, bars, and shops. This area appeals to couples and travelers seeking a more refined, cultural experience with excellent dining options.
- Charming Fisherman's Village atmosphere
- Excellent dining scene
- Friday night walking street market
- Calm waters ideal for swimming
- Boutique hotel options
- Limited nightlife compared to Chaweng
- Can be pricey for dining
A quieter, 7-kilometer stretch on the north coast that remains relatively undeveloped and peaceful. Maenam attracts long-stay visitors and those seeking tranquility, with a mix of local Thai life and low-key tourism. The beach is lined with casuarina trees providing natural shade, and the shallow waters are family-friendly.
- Very peaceful and uncrowded
- Affordable accommodation options
- Authentic local atmosphere
- Safe shallow waters for children
- Beautiful sunsets
- Limited nightlife and entertainment
- Fewer restaurant choices
- Some seaweed during certain seasons
An upscale, horseshoe-shaped bay in the northeast corner of the island known for its luxury resorts and villa developments. The beach is sheltered and pristine, offering calm waters and a sophisticated atmosphere. This area is ideal for those seeking exclusivity and high-end amenities in a beautiful natural setting.
- Beautiful sheltered bay
- High-end resort options
- Quiet and exclusive atmosphere
- Excellent snorkeling nearby
- Close to the airport
- Very limited budget options
- Few restaurants outside resorts
- Can feel isolated
Located on the quiet west coast, Lipa Noi is one of the island's most peaceful areas with stunning sunset views. This residential area features luxury villas and upscale resorts with minimal commercial development. The beach is long and rarely crowded, though swimming can be affected by shallow waters during low tide.
- Spectacular sunset views
- Very peaceful with few tourists
- Luxury villa options
- Authentic local villages nearby
- Close to Raja Ferry pier
- Very isolated with limited restaurants
- Shallow waters at low tide
- Far from main attractions
A smaller, quieter extension of Chaweng Beach separated by a rocky headland. Chaweng Noi offers a more intimate beach experience while still being close enough to access Chaweng's amenities. The area features a good selection of mid-range to upscale resorts with a more relaxed vibe than its famous neighbor.
- Quieter than main Chaweng
- Beautiful small beach
- Easy access to Chaweng's restaurants and nightlife
- Good snorkeling spots
- More intimate resort atmosphere
- Limited dining options in immediate area
- Smaller beach area
The hillside area overlooking Bophut and the north coast offers spectacular panoramic views and luxury villa accommodations. This elevated location provides cooler breezes and stunning vistas, particularly at sunset. Properties here tend to be private villas and exclusive resorts catering to those seeking privacy and luxury.
- Breathtaking panoramic views
- Cooler temperatures than beach level
- Exclusive private villas
- Privacy and seclusion
- Stunning infinity pools
- Requires transportation to reach beaches
- Not walkable to restaurants
- Can be expensive
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
The most popular accommodation type on Koh Samui, ranging from budget beachfront bungalows to five-star luxury properties with multiple pools, spas, and restaurants. Most feature direct beach access and tropical garden settings.
Best for: Beach lovers, families, honeymooners, and those wanting full resort amenities
Koh Samui has an extensive villa rental market, particularly in hillside locations and quieter beaches. Villas range from 2-8 bedrooms and often include private pools, full kitchens, and dedicated staff. Many offer stunning ocean views.
Best for: Groups, families, long-term stays, and those seeking privacy and space
Particularly prevalent in Bophut's Fisherman's Village, these smaller properties offer personalized service and unique design. Many are converted traditional buildings or architect-designed modern properties with 10-30 rooms.
Best for: Couples, design enthusiasts, and travelers seeking character over chain hotels
Simple beachfront or garden bungalows are still available in areas like Maenam and Lamai. These basic accommodations offer fan or basic air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and proximity to the beach at affordable rates.
Best for: Backpackers, budget travelers, and those prioritizing location over amenities
Koh Samui is known for health and wellness retreats offering detox programs, yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. Properties range from simple retreat centers to luxury wellness resorts with comprehensive programs.
Best for: Health-conscious travelers, yoga enthusiasts, and those seeking detox or wellness programs
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Many Koh Samui hotels offer better rates and perks when booking directly through their websites rather than third-party platforms. Look for packages including breakfast, spa credits, or airport transfers. Direct bookings also provide more flexibility for special requests like room location or early check-in.
Each beach has distinct characteristics that suit different traveler types. Research whether you prioritize nightlife (Chaweng), dining scene (Bophut), tranquility (Maenam), or luxury (Choeng Mon). The island is relatively large, and traveling between beaches takes time, so choose your base wisely.
November is the wettest month and can bring rough seas and beach debris. While rates are lowest during this period, some resorts close for maintenance and beach conditions may be poor. September-October offers better weather with shoulder-season pricing.
Breakfast quality and inclusions vary dramatically between properties. Check if airport transfers are included (common at luxury resorts), as taxis can be expensive. Some resorts charge resort fees or require minimum spending at restaurants, so read the fine print carefully.
Hillside properties and those set back from the beach often offer significantly better value with stunning views. However, you'll need transportation to reach beaches and restaurants. Beach-level properties in prime locations command premium prices but offer convenience and immediate beach access.
The quality of Koh Samui properties can change rapidly with new management or deferred maintenance. Check reviews from the last 3-6 months on multiple platforms. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, staff responsiveness, and whether the property matches its photos.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 2-3 months in advance for December-February stays, especially for Christmas and New Year when prices peak and availability is limited. Beachfront rooms at popular resorts sell out quickly. Consider booking refundable rates for flexibility.
March-June and September-October offer excellent value with 1-2 weeks advance booking usually sufficient. Weather is generally good, and you can often negotiate better rates or upgrades. This is ideal for finding last-minute deals while still enjoying decent weather.
During the monsoon months (especially November), many properties offer significant discounts of 30-50% off peak rates. Last-minute bookings can yield excellent deals, though some resorts close for renovations. Check weather forecasts and be flexible with dates for best conditions.
For best rates, book 6-8 weeks in advance during peak season, 2-4 weeks during shoulder season, and remain flexible during low season for last-minute deals. Direct booking with hotels often provides better value than OTAs for mid-range and luxury properties.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.