Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand and popular for its beautiful beaches and the 12-meter tall gold Buddha at the Wat Phra Yi temple.
However, Koh Samui also gets very busy and figuring out where to stay in Koh Samui can be a difficult task.
This is exactly the reason why I have decided to create this guide on where to stay in Koh Samui. Planning your next holiday should be a fun thing to do!
After reading this guide, YOU will know everything about where to stay in Koh Samui and will know exactly which area to choose to fit your style and your budget.
Without further ado, let’s begin. Here my guide on where to stay in Koh Samui.
Accommodation in Thailand is rich and varied. Let’s look at some of the best places to stay in Koh Samui.
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Best Airbnb in Koh Samui – Private Resort Room Close to the Beach
Located only 300m away from the beach and walking distance from all the shops, restaurants and massage parlours, this highly rated boutique resort is an excellent choice for a stay in Koh Samui for your first time. This full size air conditioned room includes a king bed, a wardrobe, a flat screen TV, a private balcony and fast WifFi. Guests also have access to a shared swimming pool, a pool table, a restaurant, a bar and a library.
Best Hostel in Koh Samui – Chill Inn Beach Cafe and Hostel
Of Koh Samui’s best hostels! this is our top pick.The Chill Inn Beach Cafe and Hostel is located close to Lamai beach in Koh Samui. It boasts a friendly atmosphere while offering single bunk beds in mixed dormitory rooms. Each guest gets access to a private locker and a shared bathroom with hot showers. A free wifi connection is also available in the hostel.
Best Budget Hotel in Koh Samui – Samui Zenity Hotel
The Samui Zenity Hotel is located close to Mae Nam beach, with a free shuttle available from the hotel to the beach. The hotel also offers scooter rentals for those who wish to be more independent. The rooms are spacious and have a terrace with access to the common swimming pool.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Koh Samui – Escape Beach Resort
The Escape Beach Resort is located right on the beachfront in Mae Nam, in Koh Samui. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar overlooking the sea, as well as a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. The rooms are located both on the main building and in private bungalows and have a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is a stretch of beach located on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui. It is close enough to the airport to be convenient, but far enough from it to not be disturbed by the planes coming in and out.
Lamai
Lamai is a neighbourhood of Koh Samui well-known for its nightlife and its laid back vibes. It is, however, smaller than its northernly neighbour Chaweng Beach and, as a consequence, cheaper. As such, it is the perfect place for backpackers to stay in Koh Samui!
Chaweng
Chaweng is the most lively neighbourhood in Koh Samui and could be treated as a “capital” of the island. There, expect to find plenty of beach bars and nightclubs, making it the best area to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife.
Mae Nam
Mae Nam is a place where people come to take it easy and to have a relaxing beach holiday in a paradisiac setting. Backpackers love the area as it has numerous cheap accommodation choices.
Bophut
Bophut boasts a more traditional feel in Koh Samui. It used to be an old fisherman’s village, with traditional shops and houses. Today, however, the area has developed a much more touristy feel but still remains different from other beach towns in Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is an island nested in the Gulf of Thailand and is a very popular beach getaway for Thailand backpackers. Within the island, expect to find lush jungle and the famous 12-meter tall gold Buddha around Bophut.
The busiest area in Koh Samui is without a doubt Chaweng, a long stretch of sand located in the northeast of the island. If you are after vibrant nightlife, Chaweng is the place to be as it is filled with beach bars and clubs.
Although the scale of things is a bit smaller, the area around Lamai beach is also great if you are looking for good nightlife and a nice beach to laze around during the day. Lamai also tends to be a bit cheaper than Chaweng and is, therefore, a great choice of areas in Koh Samui for travellers on a budget backpacking itinerary.
Bophut, in the northeast of the island, offers a more relaxed and authentic place to stay in, and is our top choice for families in Koh Samui. It is less crowded than Chaweng and Lamai and has a great night market where you can get traditional items to bring back home. Bophut is also where the big gold Buddha is located. Make sure not to miss it!
Great beaches can be found in Choeng Mon, which is also located quite close to the airport. There, expect to find pristine beaches and turquoise waters, in other words, the perfect Thai island postcard!
At this point, you may still wonder where to stay in Koh Samui. Do not panic and check out our detailed breakdown below!
5 Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In Koh Samui
Let’s take a more detailed look at the 5 best neighbourhoods to stay in Koh Samui. There is something for every taste and budget!
#1 Choeng Mon – Where to Stay in Koh Samui your First Time
Choeng Mon is a stretch of beach located on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui. It is close enough to the airport to be convenient, but far enough from it to not be disturbed by the planes coming in and out.
Choeng Mon is more secluded and quiet than other beaches can be in Koh Samui, and is as such perfect for couples who are looking for a relaxing time, or people who do not want music blasting around all night.
In Choeng Mon, you will enjoy spending your days lazing in the sun, with the occasional splash in the pristine water to refresh yourself. When the time comes for food, indulge in some fresh seafood directly from the fishermen around, or choose some fine Thai dining you can enjoy with your feet directly in the sand.
Choeng Mon is also a great place to catch the sun setting over the Gulf of Thailand, the perfect romantic view for couples coming around there!
Things to see and do in Choeng Mon
- Get some quiet time at the beach
- Enjoy some fine Thai food with your feet in the sand
- Watch a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Thailand
Best Airbnb in Choeng Mon – Private Resort Room Close to the Beach
Located only 300m away from the beach and walking distance from all the shops, restaurants and massage parlours, this highly rated boutique resort is an excellent choice for a stay in Koh Samui for your first time. This full size air conditioned room includes a king bed, a wardrobe, a flat screen TV, a private balcony and fast WifFi. Guests also have access to a shared swimming pool, a pool table, a restaurant, a bar and a library.
Best Hostel in Choeng Mon – Samui Backpacker Hotel
The Samui Backpacker Hotel is located very close to Choeng Mon, in Bangrak. It offers twin private rooms with an ensuite bathroom, as well as bunk beds in mixed dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and guests have access to showers with hot water. An outdoor swimming pool is also available.
Best Budget Hotel in Choeng Mon – Samui Makkala Resort
The Samui Makkala Resort is located a 5-minute walk away from the main beach in Choeng Mon. It offers nice and spacious rooms with wooden floors, air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and a flat screen TV with international channels. The resort boasts an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Thai and Western food.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Choeng Mon – PS Thana Resort
The PS Thana Resort is located right on Choeng Mon beach and surrounded by lush gardens. It boasts an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. The rooms are located in individual villas and are fitted with air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and a coffee machine.
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Learn More Now!#2 Lamai – Where to Stay in Koh Samui on a Budget
Lamai is a neighbourhood of Koh Samui well-known for its nightlife and its laid back vibes. It is, however, smaller than its northernly neighbour Chaweng Beach and, as a consequence, cheaper. As such, it is the perfect place for backpackers to stay in Koh Samui!
The nightlife around Lamai is lively, lovely but not too hectic. Beach bars light up at night but are not as noisy as the ones in Chaweng, making Lamai a better place for those who like a good time out without going all out.
For early risers, the morning time offers a stunning sunrise that can be watched from Lamai Beach. Trust me when I say it is worth sleeping a little bit less to see it!
At night, make sure not to miss the walking street market, where you will find all sorts of delicious local food for a bargain.
Things to see and do in Lamai
- Get up early in the morning to watch the sunrise
- Relax on the beach and enjoy the pristine waters of Lamai Beach
- Get some local street food in the walking street market
- Take the kids for a fun day out at Coco Splash
Best Hostel in Lamai – Chill Inn Beach Cafe and Hostel
The Chill Inn Beach Cafe and Hostel is located close to Lamai beach in Koh Samui. It boasts a friendly atmosphere while offering single bunk beds in mixed dormitory rooms. Each guest gets access to a private locker and a shared bathroom with hot showers. A free wifi connection is also available in the hostel.
Best Budget Hotel in Lamai – Weekender Bungalow
Weekender Bungalow offers simple rooms in the main building as well as private bungalows in the garden. Each room features air conditioning, a garden view and a private bathroom. A free Wifi connection is provided for free all around the property and the Lamai night market is located within walking distance from the hotel.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Lamai – Am Samui Palace
Am Samui Palace is a resort located a mere 2-minute walk away from Lamai beach. It boasts a large outdoor swimming pool with a centre island, hot tubs and a children’s pool. The rooms are furnished in a modern Thai style and fitted with air conditioning, a patio, an ensuite bathroom and a flat screen TV with international channels.
Best Airbnb in Lamai – Affordable and Furnished Bungalow
Situated right in the center of Lamai village, this cosy and affordable bungalow is the best and most comfortable place to stay in Lamai for those who are on a budget. Each bungalow consists of a large bed, a wardrobe, air conditioning, a fan, a bathroom, a small kitchen and living room with a TV. Bungalows are in a large lush garden giving access to a shared swimming pool.
Affordable and Furnished Bungalow 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.
#3 Chaweng – Best Area to Stay in Koh Samui for Nightlife
Chaweng is the most lively neighbourhood in Koh Samui and could be treated as a “capital” of the island. There, expect to find plenty of beach bars and nightclubs, making it the best area to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife. Some stay open until late every day of the week, and cheap drinks can always be found. As a consequence though, the area tends to be a bit noisier than other parts of the island.
During the day, plenty of beach activities are available. Of course, you can decide to spend the day just lying in the sun and get a decent tan before heading back home. If you are feeling more adventurous, try out some snorkelling in the clear tropical waters where lots of different fish, stingrays and even turtles can be seen.
For a bit more thrill, you can rent a jet ski or indulge in new activities such as flyboarding, which will propel you high up in the air above the water.
Things to see and do in Chaweng
- Go snorkelling in the clear blue waters
- Rent a jet ski and go on a thrilling ride
- Party the night away in one of the numerous beach clubs
Best Airbnb in Chaweng – Stylish Private Room in The Heart of Chaweng
This modern and extremely central Airbnb in Thailand is perfect for those who want to experience Koh Samui’s nightlife without the hassle of going home. Steps away from all the bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, soak up the nightlife in Koh Samui and walk back home to a very large and comfortable bed. There may be some noises from all the clubs around though, so make sure you bring earplugs with you!
Best Budget Hotel in Chaweng – Timeless Guesthouse
Timeless Guesthouse offers simple but comfortable rooms in Chaweng. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a patio, and a tea and coffee maker. Guests can relax in the lush garden and enjoy Thai and Italian dishes from the in-house restaurant. Room service is also available.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Chaweng – Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort
The Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort is located very close to the centre of Chaweng and all the action, but in a quiet side street that will allow you to have an actual restful sleep! The rooms are spacious and modern and fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a patio and a flat screen TV.
Best Hostel in Chaweng – Liquid Lounge Hostel
The Liquid Lounge Hostel is one of the best rated in Koh Samui. It offers bunk beds in mixed dormitory bedrooms. All beds are fitted with a personal reading light, power socket, and guests each get access to a personal locker. Hot showers are shared between guests, and the bathrooms are clean.
Liquid Lounge 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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Buy an eSIM!#4 Mae Nam – Coolest Place to Stay in Koh Samui
Mae Nam is a place where people come to take it easy and to have a relaxing beach holiday in a paradisiac setting. Backpackers love the area as it has numerous cheap accommodation choices. At the same time, wealthier beachgoers also flock to Mae Nam and its resorts tucked away from sight like nowhere else on the island.
Apart from the beach, plenty of activities are available in Mae Nam. Nature lovers can head to Canopy Adventures, where they will find adventure courses on top of the trees and plenty of zip lining fun to get back down to the ground.
Golfing courses are also located in the Mae Nam area. You can of course indulge into some regular golfing with awesome views over the jungle and the sea at the Santiburi Samui Country Club – which has been recognised as one of the best in Thailand -, but also try out disc golfing. The rules are similar to golf, except for the fact that you have to throw a frisbee at a target!
Things to see and do in Mae Nam
- Try your hand at disc golf at the Samui Frisbee Golf
- Zip line in the canopy of the lush rainforest at Canopy Adventures
- Take a kitesurfing lesson
Best Hostel in Mae Nam – The Mud
The Mud is a recent hostel where rooms are located in several round shaped villas. It boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and a bar. The hostel offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom, as well as single beds in mixed dormitory rooms. Each dorm has its own bathroom and air conditioning.
Best Budget Hotel in Mae Nam – Samui Zenity Hotel
The Samui Zenity Hotel is located close to Mae Nam beach, with a free shuttle available from the hotel to the beach. The hotel also offers scooter rentals for those who wish to be more independent. The rooms are spacious and have a terrace with access to the common swimming pool.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Mae Nam – Escape Beach Resort
The Escape Beach Resort is located right on the beachfront in Mae Nam, in Koh Samui. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar overlooking the sea, as well as a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. The rooms are located both on the main building and in private bungalows and have a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Best Airbnb in Mae Nam – Serene Boutique Resort with Scenic Terrace
This luxurious boutique resort offers fully equipped and spacious bungalows with a terrace facing the lotus pond and overlooking the surrounding ricefields. Guests have access to numerous on-site facilities like a gym, swimming pools, a spa and a restaurant. Located in the countryside, it’s a very cool and relaxing place to stay!
Serene Boutique Resort with Scenic Terrace 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.
#5 Bophut – Best Neighbourhood to Stay in Koh Samui for Families
Bophut boasts a more traditional feel in Koh Samui. It used to be an old fisherman’s village, with traditional shops and houses. Today, however, the area has developed a much more touristy feel but still remains different from other beach towns in Koh Samui.
Fisherman Village is now a bustling night market, where you will love trying out some local street food, buy cheap clothing and get souvenirs for the whole family.
The Big Buddha is also located in the Bophut area. It is a 12-meter tall statue of Buddha made of gold, surrounded by a traditional temple built in the 1970s. The temple itself is actually located on a tiny island off the coast of the main Samui island.
In Bophut, take the kids for a fun day out at Samui Go-Kart, where the whole family can enjoy driving and speeding up along the track. For those who are a bit scared to go alone, double karts are also available. One of the best places to visit in Koh Samui.
Things to see and do in Bophut
- Explore the night market in Fisherman Village
- Visit the Samui Big Buddha, a 12-meter tall gold statue of Buddha
- Take the kids go-karting at Samui Go-Kart
Best Airbnb in Bophut – Spacious Villa Close to the Beach
Perfect for a family with young kids, this spacious two floors villa can accommodate up to 6 guests. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room with a TV and netflix, a kitchen, and a garden there’s enough space for everyone. Guests also have access to a swimming pool, a on-site gym and a tennis court.
Best Hostel in Bophut – Samui Backpacker Hotel
The Samui Backpacker Hotel is located very close to Bophut, in Bangrak. It offers twin private rooms with an ensuite bathroom, as well as bunk beds in mixed dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and guests have access to showers with hot water. An outdoor swimming pool is also available.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Bophut – Smile House Bophut
Smile House Bophut is a nice beachfront resort in Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. The hotel offers rooms in the main building as well as individual villas nestled in the lush garden. Each room is fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom, and some rooms also have a balcony or a patio.
Best Budget Hotel in Bophut – Samui Family
Samui Family offers nice rooms with a pool or garden view close to Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. Each room features air conditioning and a private bathroom, and the hotel offers a free Wifi connection. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a sun terrace. Room service is also available on request.
Samui Family 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.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Koh Samui
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Koh Samui and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Koh Samui…
Koh Samui truly is the perfect beach getaway in Thailand and caters to all sorts of crowds, from backpackers to families to those looking for luxurious resorts.
As a budget traveller, my favourite neighbourhood to stay in Koh Samui is Lamai, as it provides nice cheap hotel options while being a lively area. Still, it is not too noisy and you can get some actual sleep at night!
My top hotel recommendation in Koh Samui is Escape Beach Resort. Located in Mae Nam, it offers comfy rooms right on the beach, with great amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool.
For backpackers, I can recommend the Chill Inn Beach Cafe and Hostel in Lamai. It offers clean and comfortable beds and rooms for a dirt cheap price!
If you’re looking for somewhere more memorable to stay, check out our guide on the best Eco-resorts in Thailand where we have listed some inspiring eco-huts, including options in Koh Samui.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments!
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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!
