Koh Samui is a gorgeous island located in the Gulf of Thailand, popular for its beautiful beaches and the 12-meter-tall gold Buddha statue at the Wat Phra Yai temple.
It’s no wonder then that Koh Samui is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world and gets very very busy! As a result, figuring out where to stay in Koh Samui can be quite a difficult task.
This is exactly the reason why I decided to create this guide on where to stay in Koh Samui, so you can plan your next trip to this tropical paradise without any stress. After all, planning your next holiday should be a fun thing to do!
After reading this handy guide, you will know everything there is to know about where to stay in Koh Samui and will be able to easily choose which area in Koh Samui best fits your style and budget.
Without further ado, let’s begin. Here’s my guide on the best places to stay in Koh Samui!
Photo: Web Design Samui (Flickr)
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Backpacking Thailand is a truly enriching experience, and the country has rich and varied accommodations. Let’s look at some of the best places to stay in Koh Samui.
Best Airbnb in Koh Samui: Private Resort Room Close to the Beach
Located only 300m away from the beach and within walking distance from all the shops, restaurants and massage parlours, this highly-rated boutique resort is an excellent choice for a stay on Koh Samui island 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 Wi-Fi. 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 Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe
Of Koh Samui’s best hostels! this is my top pick. The Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe 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 Wi-Fi connection is also available in the hostel.
Best Budget Hotel in Koh Samui: Samui Zenity
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 beachfront swimming pool with a bar overlooking the sea, as well as a beachfront restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. The rooms are located both on the main building and in private beach bungalows and have a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Best Luxury Hotel in Koh Samui: Meliá Koh Samui
This luxury resort is located right by Choeng Mon Beach and showcases a mix of traditional Thai and modern architecture. Ideal for travelling couples and families, this stunning luxury family hotel offers guest rooms with huge verandas and luxurious boat suites that come with their own private gardens surrounded by water. Enjoy the excellent on-site restaurant (Koko Kitchen), bar (Boat’s Bar) and beach restaurant (Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar), get a massage at the renowned spa or simply float around in the 641-metre-long lagoon that runs all around the resort – the choice is yours!
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!
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.
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.
Koh Samui is an island nested in the Gulf of Thailand and is a very popular beach getaway for Thailand backpackers. Expect to find lush jungles, the famous 12-meter-tall gold Buddha around Bophut and many other things to do in Koh Samui.
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.
Bophut, in the northeast of the island, offers a more relaxed and authentic place to stay in and is my top choice for families on Koh Samui island. 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 and check this and other things off your Koh Samui itinerary!
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 my detailed breakdown below!
Koh Samui’s 5 Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In
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 for Your First Visit
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 one of the more secluded beaches and quieter 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 getaway and view for couples coming around there!
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 Thailand Airbnb is an excellent choice for a stay on Koh Samui island 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 Wi-Fi. 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 is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. This beach hotel boasts an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. The rooms are located in individual private villas and are fitted with air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and a coffee machine.
Best Luxury Hotel in Choeng Mon: Meliá Koh Samui
This luxury resort is located right by Choeng Mon Beach and showcases a mix of traditional Thai and modern architecture. Ideal for travelling couples and families, this stunning luxury family hotel offers guest rooms with huge verandas and luxurious boat suites that come with their own private gardens surrounded by water. Enjoy the excellent on-site restaurant (Koko Kitchen), bar (Boat’s Bar) and beach restaurant (Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar), get a massage at the renowned spa or simply float around in the 641-metre-long lagoon that runs all around the resort – the choice is yours!
Things to 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.
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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 Thailand and 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.
Best Airbnb in Lamai: Beach Villa with Private Pool
This lovely modern villa has an incredible location in a quiet neighbourhood just 250 metres from Lamai Beach as well as to the night market and other restaurants so you’ll be close to all the action! Ideal for 6 guests, you will have access to your very own private pool, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, 2 terraces, and high-speed Wi-Fi. This is the perfect place for families or groups of friends!
Best Hostel in Lamai: Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe
The Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi connection is provided for free all around the property (rejoice, all you digital nomads!) 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.
Things to 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.
3. Bophut – Best Place 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 on Koh Samui island.
Fisherman Village is now a bustling night market, where you will love trying out some local street food, buying cheap clothing, and getting 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.
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, an 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 Budget Hotel in Bophut: Hotel Ibis Samui Bophut
This modern budget hotel is conveniently located right by Bophut Beach (with a private beach area) and is an excellent option for those who want to save some pennies in Thailand. Book early to get a room with a water-facing balcony and enjoy the soothing sea breeze all day! You will also have access to a pool, free Wi-Fi, and bike- and car-rental services to easily get you to another beach or the quaint Fisherman’s Village. End the evening with dinner and drinks at It’s All About Taste, the on-site resto-bar. What’s not to love?
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Bophut: Smile House
Smile House Bophut is a nice beachfront resort in Fisherman’s Village in Bophut and one of the best hotels in the area. 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.
Things to Do in Bophut
- Explore the night market in Fisherman Village.
- Visit the Samui Big Buddha, a 12-meter-tall gold statue of Buddha, as part of a Koh Samui sightseeing tour.
- Take the kids go-karting at Samui Go-Kart.
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Buy an eSIM!4. Chaweng – Best Area to Stay in Koh Samui for Nightlife
Chaweng is the most lively neighbourhood in Koh Samui and could be treated as the “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 getting 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 in this tropical getaway.
You can also choose to take a ferry to party at Koh Phangan island, 45 minutes north of Koh Samui, known the world over for its hardcore Full Moon parties.
Best Airbnb in Chaweng: Studio 5 Minutes’ Drive from Chaweng Beach/City
This modern and extremely central Airbnb in Thailand is conveniently located on a quiet lane just 5 minutes from Chaweng, the beach, Fisherman’s Village, a shopping mall, a supermarket, and a huge night market. You will have access to air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen. The helpful host will gladly give you tips on local attractions, rent bikes, arrange airport transfers, and even organize small day trips to nearby places.
Best Hostel in Chaweng: Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
This amazing beachfront “social hotel” (or hotel–hostel) is located in the very heart of Chaweng Beach. It offers deluxe en-suite rooms with ocean views, family and friends rooms, as well as female-only and mixed dorms. Make friends with your fellow backpackers and hit up the groovy beach club or laze around in the beachfront infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand (IG influencers, rejoice!). This hotel–hostel also offers you access to a swim-up pool bar, a games hub, a floating DJ booth, and a beachside restaurant.
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 on 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.
Things to Do in Chaweng
- Go snorkelling and island hopping 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.
5. Mae Nam – One of the Coolest Places to Stay in Koh Samui
Mae Nam is a place where people come to take it easy and 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 in 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!
Best Airbnb in Mae Nam: Beachfront Bungalow on Mae Nam Beach
This beautiful Thai-style bungalow is set hardly 10 meters from the waves on Mae Nam Beach, so you can be sure to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean during your stay! Part of a family-run resort, this highly-rated bungalow comes with a king-sized bed, smart TV, AC, a mini fridge, and free Wi-Fi. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and bars nearby including the famous Angela’s.
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
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 beachfront restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. The rooms are located both on the main building and in private beach bungalows and have a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Things to Do in Mae Nam
- Try your hand at disc golf at the Samui Frisbee Golf.
- Zipline in the canopy of the lush rainforest at Canopy Adventures.
- Take a kitesurfing lesson.
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FAQs on Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Here’s what people usually ask us about Koh Samui and the best areas and places to stay on the island.
What is the best area for families staying in Koh Samui?
Bophut is the best area for families looking to spend time in Koh Samui. There is a fun night market, must-see attractions, and beautiful beaches. Spacious Villa Close to the Beach is my favourite Airbnb in the area.
What is the best area for backpackers to stay in Koh Samui?
For backpackers on a budget, Lamai is the best area in Koh Samui. It is affordable, with a thriving nightlife and chilled laid-back vibe. Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe is the best budget hostel in the area.
What are the best hotels on or close to the beach in Koh Samui?
According to me, these are the best hotels on or super close to beaches in Koh Samui: Escape Beach Resort, Meliá Koh Samui, and Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort.
What are the best resorts in Koh Samui?
The best resorts in Koh Samui according to me are Escape Beach Resort, Meliá Koh Samui, Samui Makkala Resort, PS Thana Resort, and Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort.
What is the best 5-star hotel in Koh Samui?
For me, the best 5-star hotel in Koh Samui is undoubtedly Meliá Koh Samui.
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 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 those who have a large (or no) budget, just go for the stunning Meliá Koh Samui resort. Your dream luxe holiday is right here!
For backpackers, I can recommend the Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe in Lamai. It offers clean and comfortable beds and rooms for a dirt cheap price!
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below!
And pack your bags for Thailand already! See you there!
Updated May 2023
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