Are you planning your vacation in Koh Samui and want to know where to stay?
When it comes to places to stay in Koh Samui there are lots of opportunities. From 5 star resorts and hotels for any budget, there is a lot on offer. Koh Samui’s north eastern portion is a mix of tourist areas, tropical beaches and atmospheres catering to various tastes. From peaceful and secluded to lively and vibrant.
It may initially seem confusing to decide where to stay in Koh Samui, but it all comes down to a handful of choices that will quickly narrow down the options.
How to choose where to stay on Koh Samui?
So, how do you decide where to stay on Koh Samui? Start off by narrowing down the options.
Beaches
If it’s your first time visiting Koh Samui, the beach will likely play a big role in your decision. Some beaches are lively and bustling, while others are more suitable for families and couples due to their relaxed and secluded vibe. Take the time to explore the different beaches around the island and see what each one has to offer. Our detailed Koh Samui beach guide can help you with that.
Location
The next step is location. Some of the best hotels have a higher entry point because they sit right on the beachfront, others are private villas perched in the mountains above Chaweng and Lamai and boast breathtaking views. If you’re willing to stay a little further from the beach, there are plenty of affordable options.
Budget
Once you know the beach and location, you’re left with a handful of options. With these options now consider your budget and deciding becomes much simpler.
These three steps make it much easier to choose the perfect place to stay on Koh Samui. Now, all that is left is to book your dream hotel and start counting down the days.
From Bangkok: There’s regular →direct flights and will get you there in 1 hour. An affordable option is the →all-inclusive bus+ferry option.
From Phuket: There are 2 options either by →air from Phuket airport or an affordable option is via →bus+ferry combo ticket.
Quick Picks – TOP 3 Hotels on Koh Samui
If you are already excited to book your dream hotel in Koh Samui, here are my top 3 favorites on the island.
The Library
- Unique property
- Blood red pool
- Nightlife
4U Resort Samui
- Cozy beach resort
- Quiet area
- Near restaurants
The Stay
- Minimalist design
- Heart of entertainment
- Every close by
Koh Samui Tourist Area Map
Where to stay in Chaweng?
Chaweng is the heart of Koh Samui and is where you’ll find the largest concentration of everything. From luxury beachfront resorts to more affordable lodging options, international restaurants, bars, clubs and even a mall. As a result of the development, it is often busy especially during the peak season.
If you want a place to stay in Koh Samui with kids, there are more suitable options. However, if you are still set on staying in Chaweng, please, at least consider booking a hotel outside the central area. It’s a long beach that stretches 7 km and either north or south is a lot less crowded. Read our Chaweng Beach Resort Guide for in depth details.
1. The Library
Bored of the usual generic resorts? The Library is the answer. Just one look at this place and you’ll realize they do things differently here. The massive blood red outdoor pool will give you an indication of what to expect. This boutique resort sits directly on the beach in Chaweng and offers various room options from super luxury to modern and quirky. →View travel dates
2. Banana Fan Sea Resort
Chaweng with kids? Imagine having your own luxury bungalow with direct access to the beach. At Banana Fan Sea resort the simple and elegant design is a reflection of the Scandinavian inspiration. All the rooms have their own private terrace and some come with their private pool. Regardless which option you choose, there is always the infinity pool and loungers in a gorgeous garden. →View travel dates
3. SALA Samui Chaweng
Do you want a luxury 5 star resort close to the nightlife in Chaweng but can’t excite the idea of being in such a busy location? Only a few places will tick all these boxes and Sala Samui is one of them. The gorgeous white washed property has its peaceful spot just 5 minutes walk to all the restaurants and nightlife. With various entry levels from balcony suites all the way to villas, there is something for everyone here. →View travel dates
Options for any budget
Luxury
Mid Range
Budget
The hills above Chaweng Beach
Tucked away in the hills above Chaweng are luxury private villas delivering sweeping views from their huge terraces. Most of these are complete with infinity pool modern furnishings and a fully equipped kitchen. For families with kids, or possibly a group of friends these place are perfect. For example this unbelievable →private villa with infinity pool. Or for something more affordable check out →The Jungle Club. Or this reasonably →priced private villa.
Where to stay in BoPhut?
Where to stay in Koh Samui with family and kids? Bophut often refers to the fisherman’s village on the northern coast. Personally this is my favorite neighborhood on Koh Samui. There’s a charming pedestrianized road with old buildings converted into fancy restaurants and chic cafes, lounges and resorts facing the clear calm waters. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing family vacation or a romantic getaway.
1. Cielo Samui Boutique Hotel & Spa
It’s fresh, chic and classy and most importantly, directly on the beach in Bophut. Perfect for couples and families. Cielo Samui is a relatively new addition to the luxury resorts in the fisherman’s village. The rooms are huge with their own terrace and some even have a bathtub. And if budget isn’t an issue, definitely check out the private villas. →view travel dates
2. Anantara Bophut
Stay at Anantara for it’s luxury suites and amenities. The massive outdoor area complete with sun loungers and palm trees spills directly onto the beach, perfect for those lazy afternoon cocktails. →view travel dates
3. Zazen Boutique Resort
You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune for a luxury stay in Koh Samui. Zazen Boutique Resort in Bophut may have 4 stars but it’s suites, service and amenities are definitely up there with higher end options. And importantly, wether you only have breakfast or dine here, their food exceptional. →view travel dates
Options for any budget
Luxury
- Karma Resort
- Hansar Samui Resort
- Bo Phut Resort & Spa
- Zazen Boutique Resort
- Anantara Bophut
- Cielo Samui Boutique Hotel & Spa
Mid Range
Budget
Since you’re going to Koh Samui ⤵
Where to stay in Choeng Mon?
Similarly, Choeng Mon is an equal charm. It is mostly a local neighborhood with a handful of good restaurants. Thankfully the beach (it is gorgeous) doesn’t really attract much attention. Entry point is on the higher with exclusive properties directly on the beach but moving further away there are cheaper choices.
Apart from the few restaurants, and possibly some entertainment in the resorts, Choeng Mon is a sleepy place after dark. But all the nightlife in Chaweng is just 10 minutes down the road (by car/taxi).
1. Melia Koh Samui
Maybe the most well known resort in Choeng Mon is Melia Koh Samui. Beyond it’s classy suites with various entry points, the resort wraps around a massive lounge and pool area with sweeping ocean views and the nearby islands. →view travel dates
2. Cape Fahn Hotel
Choeng Mon is already rather secluded. But imagine staying on a private island all-together? Cape Fahn Hotel is a tropical oasis nestled on a small island a few hundred meters from the beach. It’s a luxury 5 star resort with all amenities onsite and obviously a peaceful atmosphere. →view travel dates
3. Kimpton Kitalay Samui
An exclusive Choeng Mon beach resort, Kimpton Kitalay Samui has the most luxurious suites, probably on Koh Samui, my opinion. It’s chic and feels really classy here from the moment you enter, to the suites, amenities and the entire pool area, in some way feels like stepping back into some 1930’s luxury hotel. →view travel dates
Options for any budget
Luxury
- Villa Yao Yai
- SALA Samui Choengmon Beach
- Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
- Kimpton Kitalay Samui
- Cape Fahn Hotel
- Melia Koh Samui
Mid Range
Budget
Where to stay in Lamai?
Where to stay in Koh Samui for affordable accommodation? Lamai in Koh Samui has resorts, hotels and restaurants stretching along the main tourist road parallel with the beach. Most importantly, there are loads of affordable places even on the beach. While it is a popular neighborhood to stay in Koh Samui it isn’t as busy as neighboring Chaweng. Secluded beaches such as Coral Cove and Crystal are in the near vicinity and really deliver on that relaxing island atmosphere.
1. Wild Cottages Luxury and Natural
These cottages are tucked away in a lush tropical landscapes above the beach in Lamai and relatively close to restaurants and bars. You’ll get sweeping views from your private nest complete with private pool and and an open terrace. →view travel dates
2. Ammatara Pura Pool Villa
This is one of the few luxury properties that sit directly on the beach in Lamai. Every suite is has a classy touch of sophistication with its design. Another draw is the oversize pool and surrounding area spills onto the beach. →view travel dates
3. Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
This resort is pretty much luxury at its finest and easily manages to blend in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. You can never go wrong when staying in a gorgeous villa perched on a hill overlooking the beach. Oh yeah, also add in your own private pool and superb on site spa. Perfect!! →view travel dates
Options for any budget
Luxury
- The Rock Samui Beach Resort
- Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort
- The Lamai Samui
- Wild Cottages Luxury and Natural
- Ammatara Pura Pool Villa
- Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
Mid Range
Budget
Where to stay in Maenam?
Maenam is somewhat in between when comes to places to stay in Koh Samui for tourists. There’s a long beach which is never crowded, places to stay are rather spread out and while there are a few restaurants, the majority are local eateries, which you should definitely try at some point. Overall, Maenam is rather quite but you can always head over to Bo Phut, just 10 minutes down the road.
1. The Flow Samui Beach Resort
Probably The Flow is one of the most affordable places to stay in Koh Samui in its category. The designer suites are beautiful and the simple layout means you can plunge into a big pool directly from the back terrace.
And the layout is unlike anywhere else with the every suite having a back door leading to a terrace and direct access to a big pool. →view travel dates
2. Santiburi Koh Samui
A gorgeous resort in Maenam with tucked away in the trees and spilling onto the beach. The outdoor garden and pool area are an additional bonus to this gorgeous property. →view travel dates
3. Khwan Beach Resort
If you want a unique place hotel in Koh Samui, I would say look into Khwan Beach Resort. Beyond being an adults only property, here you’ll get to experience glamping which basically means glamorous camping. And it definitely is glamorous with every tent having air condition, satellite T.V and some even a marble bathtub. →view travel dates
Options for any budget
Luxury
- Explorar Koh Samui – Adult Only Resort
- The Flow Samui Beach Resort
- Santiburi Koh Samui
- Khwan Beach Resort
Mid Range
Budget
Where to stay in Lipa Noi?
On Koh Samui’s west coast, Lipa Noi is not the usual place for tourists to stay on the island. This part of the island is mostly local with very limited amount of western amenities. But if you want to experience the Thai way of living, or just avoid all the chaos in the tourist zones, Lipa Noi is a great choice. And there are some gorgeous private pool villas to choose from.
As you’ll be facing west expect dramatic sunsets, which is also why there are exclusive lounges on this side of the island such as Nikki beach.
1. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
Where to stay in Lipa Noi? If you want the views, the drinks, the food, amazing service, an pool and lounge with exceptional sunsets and all in the comfort of a luxurious resort, then Nikki Beach is the answer. →view travel dates
2. Viva Vacation Resort
It’s a nice resort directly on the beach. In contrast to other resorts, this property is luxurious in a traditional Thai fashion. →view travel dates
3. The Siam Residence Boutique Resort
Where to stay with kids? At the The Siam Residence Boutique Resort there is loads of space to run around either on the property or the beach. It’s a nice place without all the extravagant frills that come with luxury beach resorts. →view travel dates
Options for any budget
Luxury
Mid-Range
Budget
Other Places to Stay in Koh Samui
Worth considering are the numerous luxury properties outside the main tourist areas on Koh Samui. Wether it’s a stunning villa tucked away up the steep hills with sweeping sea views or exclusive and secluded resorts such as the Conrad in the remote Taling Ngam district, there are many places to choose from for extra privacy and added tranquility.
Villas
- Chaweng Noi – Villa Jugraj x5 bed
- Chaweng Noi – Harmony Seaview x3 bed
- Choeng Mon – Villa Obsidian x3 bed
- Choeng Mon – Villa Motsamot x5 bed
- Lamai – Villa Maviela – x2 bed
- Lamai – Villa Malo
Secluded Resorts in Koh Samui
Your questions answered
What is the best place to stay in Koh Samui for everything?
Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Choeng Mon are the places you should be looking at if you want everything. Chaweng is the liveliest and busiest area and Choeng Mon is the most peaceful. Bophut and Lamai are somewhere in between.
How many days in Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is a relatively large island so there is a lot to see and do. My recommendation would be to spend a bare minimum of 3 days and in this time just stick to 1 hotel rather than wasting time moving around.
Is Koh Samui expensive?
Well, it can be expensive if you go luxury. But it can also be cheap/ish. For a mid range budget of $150 a day for 2 people you’ll get a decent hotel, maybe even beachfront in places like Lamai, eat out and even have a few drinks (beer is the cheapest). Just watch out on those expensive cocktails.
Final notes
By now you should have a very good understanding about where to stay in Koh Samui. Before making any otherwise stressful decisions about where to stay, start with basics covered at the start of this article, (1) choose a beach, (2) choose the location, (3) how much you want to spend. When you answer these 3 simple questions the options will be much clearer and a deciding which hotel to book will be easier.
If anything was missed in this article, just leave a comment below and I will get back to you. And if not, even better and I wish you Bon Voyage for your next adventure!!
You may also like ⤵
→Best beaches in Koh Samui
→Best things to do in Koh Samui
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