Koh Samui is a beautiful island with a thriving local community, complete with buzzy night markets, beautiful beaches, and tons of restaurants, spas and bars to try out as you zip around the island on a motorbike. That’s the way here. Just travel about by road, stopping off at anything cool you see. We love this place.
But given its popularity with not only backpackers but increasing amounts of holidaymakers from all over the world, are prices getting higher? Have the hostels been pushed out by resorts?
No! Thank god – no. There are tons of places to stay on a budget here, and everywhere offers great value for money. But we’ve done the hard work and made life easier for you by categorising the best hostels in Koh Samui for your stay.
So let’s have a look and see what this stunning and laid-back island has to offer, shall we?!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Koh Samui
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Koh Samui – Chill Inn Beach Cafe & Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Koh Samui – P&T Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Koh Samui – KoHabitat Samui
Best Hostels in Koh Samui
If you are backpacking Thailand and headed to Koh Samui, these are the best hostels.
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Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Koh Samui – Chill Inn Beach Cafe & Hostel
- $$
- Bar & Restaurant
- Air Con
- Security Lockers
Staying at this top hostel in Koh Samui you’ll be welcomed with open arms by the family that runs this place. There are sick views of the beach, I mean, it’s literally right in front of you, so how can they not be good views?
It’s the best hostel for solo travellers in Koh Samui because of its awesome social spaces, communal areas, and the fact that the staff actively encourage people to get to know each other. Every night they put on a chat with the guests, letting you know about stuff to do in the area, so you never feel at a loss when you’re by yourself.
Best Cheap Hostel in Koh Samui – P&T Hostel
- $
- Motorbike Rental
- Air Con
- Restaurant
One of the best places to stay on the island, this budget hostel in Koh Samui is modern, clean, has a great restaurant serving up tasty Thai food (of course), AND it’s got a travel agent on site. The ladies working here are super nice and always ready to help you out.
It’s easy (and cheap) to rent a motorbike from here, which you’ll probably want (or need) to get around the island. You can also use the infinity pool at the hotel down the street, which makes up for the otherwise busy road location. Easily the best cheap hostel in Koh Samui.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel for Digital Nomads in Koh Samui – KoHabitat Samui
- $$
- Uber Cool
- Self Catering Facilities
- Free Tea & Coffee
Yep, this place is like a coworking space… but on an island. It really is possible to live the dream working remotely from a paradise island, and here you can do that to perfection. It’s literally, like actually, geared up for being the best hostel for digital nomads in Koh Samui.
The bunk beds are top-of-the-range, more like private curtained little tiny hubs of sockets and comfy mattresses than ‘bunk beds’; there’s loadsa open space with plants and dark wood for when you get your work done. Looks-wise, it’s easily one of the coolest hostels in Koh Samui. And don’t worry – this place does NOT attract party animals.
Best Overall Hostel in Koh Samui – The Tiki Tiki Beach Hostel
- $$$
- Bar (With Pool Table)
- (Infinity!) Pool
- Free Drinking Water (Helpful)
When you’re in Koh Samui, let’s be honest: you wanna be near the sea. Probably anyway. So at this Koh Samui backpackers hostel – run by a cute family – they have a touch of luxury (infinity pool, anyone?) and yes, they’re near the sea. In fact, it’s on the beach.
This place is close to Lamai and its nightlife, which is cool if you’re into that. But coolest of all, the money they make from the hostel (and the bar) go towards a children’s orphanage that they sponsor, which just breaks our heart. How could this not be the best overall hostel in Koh Samui?
The Tiki Tiki Beach Hostel is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Party Hostel in Koh Samui – Ubox Hostel Samui
- $$
- Bar
- No Curfew
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
Is it oobox or youbox? Dunno, but if you stay at this recommended hostel in Koh Samui you’ll also be staying in a container. Like from a container ship. It’s pretty edgy for a tropical island, and their industrial-chic game is on point, so it’s probably one of the coolest hostels in Koh Samui.
When it comes to party credentials, this place is in the centre of Chaweng’s nightlife, close to its famous bars – and, of course, the beach. So whilst being the best party hostel in Koh Samui, complete with its own bar and pool, it’s also dang cool, too.
Ubox Hostel Samui is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel for Couples in Koh Samui – The Boardroom Beach Bungalows
- $$
- Bar
- Cable TV
- Beachside!
Like many hostels in Thailand, this one has bungalows. Even the name of this place sounds like it’s gonna be pretty exclusive and romantic – and it is. You can stay in one of the cute lil’ beach bungalows with their private balconies and ACTUAL glass in the windows (not just bamboo slats) and fridges and air con.
So, as you can tell from what we’re saying, it’s pretty much the best hostel for couples in Koh Samui. It’s easy to get that Sandals feeling on a budget – you know how we do.
The Boardroom Beach Bungalows is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Koh Samui – Aforetime Beach House
- $
- Cafe
- Free Breakfast
- Air Con
Aforetime… aforetime. Hmm. Ok. Anyway, this top hostel in Koh Samui is set inside a 63-year-old traditional Thai wooden house by the sea. But obviously super modern and Insta-worthy. Flashpackers will love this place – and the likes it will get ’em.
It’s small and the private rooms here are so, so cool. So without a doubt, it’s the best hostel with a private room in Koh Samui. Pretty much in the middle of nowhere, you get to soak up traditional Samui life here, making it an experience for people looking for something other than full moon parties and lads on tour.
Aforetime Beach House is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
More Best Hostels in Koh Samui
Are you looking to stay in a specific vibe? Check out our comprehensive guide on Koh Samui’s best areas to stay in, and book the perfect place for your trip!.
Casa Luna
- $
- Bar & Restaurant
- Late Check-out
- Definitely Cheap
Bit of a hippy vibe going on here: patterned curtains and cushions galore. Which makes it even more perfect if you like that sorta thing. This recommended hostel in Koh Samui is owned by some English folk and it’s very good value for money.
Yep, Koh Samui backpackers hostel also serves up tasty food in its onsite restaurant, including frozen cocktails which go down an absolute TREAT in the humidity of this island. It’s located near one of the main piers on the island, so you can easily get to Pha Ngan for the full moon party.
Casa Luna is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Dream Cat-Cher Hostel
- Cats!
- Book Exchange
- Security Lockers
Is there a cat here? Yes, several: you can cuddle ’em. But this place is a cool Koh Samui backpackers hostel by the sea with a cool relaxing atmosphere that feels very nice if you’ve done a bit too much partying in your Thailand trip so far. (We know the feeling).
This top hostel in Koh Samui is a great place to have a few chilled drinks as the sun sinks below the horizon. It’s away from the tourist sights but it’s easy to walk to bars and restaurants from here. Cheap and laid-back, this is a solid option for a hostel in Koh Samui.
Dream Cat-Cher Hostel is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Cheeky Monkeys Hostel
- $$
- Air Con
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
What IS it with hostels and putting ‘monkey’ in the name? Just don’t get it. But anyway… This place is a recommended hostel in Koh Samui partly because of its location in the centre of Chaweng.
Here you can have a few drinkies at the rooftop – yes, rooftop – bar, take a refreshing dip in the hostel pool and meet with some of the other peeps hanging around at this place. Modern, clean, and vibey, it’s basically a very decent Koh Samui backpackers hostel.
Cheeky Monkeys Hostel is one of our favourites in Koh Samui but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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What to Pack for your Koh Samui Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Koh Samui
Wow. As you can see, there’s a lot of quality in these budget hostels in Koh Samui.
Amongst the best hostels this island has to offer, you’ll find cool Koh Samui hostels dripping with Insta aesthetic as much as charming places smack bang on the beach.
And, since you’re in Thailand, the staff are pretty much some of the nicest, chillest and most helpful going. You’ll love ’em.
Whether you want to stay in a buzzy, party town, or somewhere a bit more local, there’ll be something for you on our handy list of the best hostels in Koh Samui.
But if you can’t decide (and we don’t blame you!) there’s always The Tiki Tiki Beach Hostel – our top pick for the best hostel in Koh Samui. It’s definitely a great all-round option for anybody looking to soak up the magic of this amazing island.
FAQ about Hostels in Koh Samui
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Koh Samui.
Travel Safety Tips for Koh Samui
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Thailand and Southeast Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Koh Samui.
Planning an epic trip all across Thailand or even Southeast Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Southeast Asia, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Koh Samui has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
