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Where To Stay in Koh Samui: Best Areas, Beaches & Hotels

Where To Stay in Koh Samui: Best Areas, Beaches & Hotels

Everything you need to know about the best places to stay in Koh Samui with specific hotel recommendations
Alexander & VictoriaHi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here.
Something for everyone

Koh Samui is a very popular destination in Thailand – and for good reason!

Apart from having great weather and tons of activities, all kinds of travellers can find a place to stay within their budget here.

For an island in Southeast Asia, it’s quite developed and it’s relatively easy and cheap to get to and from Koh Samui. You can also expect to fast wifi in most hotels and cafés.

When we visited in January 2019, it was actually our second time on the island together and Victoria’s third time. This time we stayed for a month and a half while working on our documentary film about coffee.

During that time, we really got to explore the different areas and beaches on the island.

In this guide, you can read all about the best areas and the best places to stay in Koh Samui.

Update: We revisited Koh Samui in 2024 for almost three weeks, staying at Lamai and Bang Po. We’ve updated the article to reflect those stays as well.

Where to stay in Koh Samui:

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  • Luxury: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui – A private island!
  • Value for money: Crystal Bay Yacht Club – Direct access to one of Samui’s most exclusive beaches.
  • Budget: Marina Beach Resort – Beachside pool with direct access to a lovely part of the beach at a great price. We stayed here for 11 nights in 2024.

Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Samui here.

Four Seasons Samui views from villa
Some of Thailand’s most stunning resorts are located in Koh Samui. Four Seasons is probably the top pick, but that naturally comes at a premium. ©Four Seasons Samui (adlink)

What to know before booking

Koh Samui orientation and map

Before deciding where to stay in Koh Samui, it might be helpful to understand the geography a little bit.

Koh Samui is quite big. In fact it’s the second largest island in Thailand.

Driving around the 50-kilometre long ring road of the island takes about 1.5 hours so it’s definitely possible to go on day trips to other parts of the island.

However, where you base yourself will have a huge impact on your vacation in Koh Samui.

That’s why we will cover the different areas and beaches in this guide.

Study the map here to get a better understanding of the island.

Click the icon in the top left corner of the map to find the beaches, activities, best restaurants etc.

How long to stay in Koh Samui

As mentioned, we made Koh Samui our work base for a month and a half in 2019, but for a vacation, we wouldn’t stay that long.

Depending on your travel mood, you can spend three to five days seeing the highlights or you can spend one or two weeks beach bumming, exploring the hidden coves and eating your way through all of the delicious food.

Many people choose to combine Koh Samui with the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and/or Koh Tao if they have two or three weeks vacation time.

If you travel with your family or like to travel at a slow pace, you can easily spend all of your vacation time in Koh Samui.

It really is a matter of preference!

Update: In 2024, we spent almost three weeks staying at Lamai Beach and Bang Po Beach with Adrian (who was 6 months old at the time). Having that much time was perfect for us, even though we didn’t need to revisit most of the sights of the island.

Na Mueang Waterfall 2 view
Koh Samui is full of adventures.
Marina Beach Resort pathway to Lamai
We returned to the island in 2024 – now as a family of three.

When to book in advance

Koh Samui is packed with accommodation options for all types and budgets and you can always find available hotels and rooms.

But, as it really is a popular destination, many of the best hotels and resorts get fully booked months ahead.

Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling in the high season (July and August as well as from December to March).

Koh Samui popular night market
Koh Samui is most popular to visit around July, August and from December to March.

How to choose the best place to stay in Koh Samui

The beaches are plentiful and you can be sure that you will meet friendly people and have amazing Thai restaurants nearby everywhere in Koh Samui.

With that said, each area and beach has its own pros and cons.

Some are awesome if you want nightlife; some are more peaceful if you want a calm place to chill out.

Some are good for families and some are better for honeymooners.

There are so many choices!

Read along to find out where you should stay.

Sunset Lipa Noi in Koh Samui
Sunrises and sunsets can obviously be admired from anywhere. But consider staying on the west coast if you love seeing the sun dip into the ocean.

Where to stay? Koh Samui beach overview

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You might be interested in:A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Samui: 32 Best Beaches & Things To Do Everything you need to know including where to stay, popular activities and where to eat Read more

Where to stay in Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach on the east coast of the island is a very developed beach.

It has clear water, white sand and if you like watersports, you will not be bored.

It’s easily the most popular (and crowded) area on the island and the many accommodation choices reflect that.

Here you can find everything from cheap backpacker hostels to luxury beach resorts lining the beach avenue.

Both the beach and the area is filled with resorts, restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops and all kinds of activities.

The nightlife is buzzing in northern Chaweng, so if you’re looking for a party, this is the place.

Moving from the north end to the south end, you’ll get fewer parties and more of a relaxed and quiet vibe.

South Chaweng is renowned for its nice sand and has great water for swimming and playing.

Be aware that rooms situated close to the road might pick up noise from nightlife and especially from the cars driving around blasting audio messages about Thai boxing matches and other activities.

Who should stay in Chaweng?

Because of its many bars and nightclubs, Chaweng is where party animals should base themselves.

Chaweng Beach is also the obvious choice if you want a beautiful beach and lots of restaurants and shops within walking distance and don’t mind sharing them with other tourists.

Families can enjoy this area as well, but we will recommend that you choose one of the hotels in the southern end of Chaweng Beach.

The best hotels in Chaweng:

Search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here (adlink).

Chaweng Beach sunrise
Sunrise from Chaweng Beach.

Value for money: Buri Rasa Village Samui

We stayed at this 4-star luxury boutique resort for a couple of days and we loved it.

The beachfront hotel is on the more quiet side of Chaweng Beach, there’s a pool and the room we stayed in even had a private garden with a dip pool.

Buri Rasa truly has a village vibe and the wonderful staff treated every guest with attention and great care.

It’s one of the best places to stay in Chaweng Beach.

Check prices and availability at Buri Rasa Village Samui (adlink).

You might be interested in:Review of Buri Rasa Village in Koh Samui: Tropical luxury in the heart of Chaweng - We review our stay at Buri Rasa Village in Koh Samui
Buri Rasa Samui room
Staying at Buri Rasa Village Samui (adlink) was an exquisite experience that we can easily recommend.

Luxury: The Library

If you want a different hotel experience while staying on Chaweng, The Library looks like an enticing option.

The hotel holds a near perfect score on most review aggregators, with people especially praising the personalised service and stylish design.

Check prices and availability at The Library (adlink).

The Library in Koh Samui
The Library; a literary-inspired 5-star hotel on Chaweng urging its guests to “read, roam and reflect”. ©The Library (adlink)

Value for money: Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa

Located in the far south end of Chaweng, you’ll be far away from the action at Samui Paradise – but still have access to the beach.

With the hotel’s 4-stars, you get two outdoor pools, two restaurants, a front desk open 24/7, free parking as well as air conditioning and wifi in the villas.

Check prices and availability at Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (adlink).

Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort in Koh Samui
Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa – great value accommodation on the quiet end of the beach. ©Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (adlink)

Budget: Samui Green Hotel

If you don’t expect any kind of luxury, Samui Green Hotel might just be the place for you.

Samui Green Hotel’s rooms include the modern necessities of air conditioning, free wifi and a private bathroom at a very affordable price.

It’s located in the calmer part of Chaweng.

Check prices and availability at Samui Green Hotel (adlink).

Samui Green Hotel room
Stay at Samui Green Hotel if you just need a basic but comfortable room. ©Samui Green Hotel (adlink)

Where to stay in Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is the second most popular beach in Koh Samui.

It’s less crowded than Chaweng Beach but you can still find lots of hotels, restaurants and bars lined next to each other on the beach.

In other words; it’s a great option if you don’t need that many party and shopping options, but still prefer to have a wide variety of restaurants, massage parlours and big supermarkets to choose from.

The beach is lovely and long enough to never feel completely packed.

It can be a bit difficult to access the beach if you don’t stay at a beachside hotel though.

Staying near Lamai makes day trips to the waterfalls of the south a breeze and also offers you a quick getaway to the less developed parts of Koh Samui.

Who should stay in Lamai?

Families looking for a beach holiday with many activities and food options nearby will love it here.

It’s also a great choice for couples and groups of friends who don’t necessarily come for the parties but still like some action.

Lamai is highlighted as a great place for honeymooners but as the beach isn’t that private, we guess it really depends on which resort you choose to stay at. Consider staying near the northern or southern ends to be further away from the action.

The best hotels in Lamai:

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  • Budget: Marina Beach Resort – Beachside pool with direct access to a lovely part of the beach at a great price. We stayed here for 11 nights in 2024.
  • Luxury: The Lamai Samui – Intimate 5-starred luxury resort with different pool options.
  • Value for money: Samui Jasmine Resort – A good value 4-star hotel at Lamai’s northern end.
  • Budget: Samui Sense Beach Resort – Stay centrally in Lamai by the beach in a cheap, clean room.

Search for the best value accommodation near Lamai Beach here (adlink).

Lamai Beach in Koh Samui
Lamai Beach in Koh Samui.
Southern end of Lamai beach on Samui
The southern end of the beach is more remote. We loved this little mini bay.

Budget: Marina Beach Resort

We stayed for 11 nights at Marina Beach Resort in 2024 and had a great time.

It has direct access to the beach, a beachside pool and perhaps most importantly: it’s budget-friendly.

While we stayed in a standard room near the road, it’s also possible to get your own bungalow closer to the beach.

The people working at the reception were very kind, and all in all we felt like we got a great deal here.

Check prices and availability at Marina Beach Resort (adlink).

Our room at Marina Beach Resort
Our room at Marina Beach Resort (adlink). Not fancy in any way, but it worked for us. The wide bed was very comfortable.
Lamai Beach seen from the southern end
Having direct access to Lamai Beach felt luxurious enough.
The pool at Marina Beach Resort
On top of that, the pool overlooked the ocean.

Luxury: The Lamai Samui

The Lamai Samui is situated a few hundred metres south of Silver Beach on the far end of the Lamai area, nestled between the mountains.

This means you’ll be about a 20-minute walk away from most of the tourist options, but if you’re staying at The Lamai Samui, they probably won’t be needed.

The private beachfront location has stunning ocean views and the resort offers great facilities, including a beautiful seaside pool, full-service spa and a gym.

For visiting Koh Samui’s other beaches and towns, The Lamai Samui offers complimentary shuttle services.

Check prices and availability at The Lamai Samui (adlink).

The Lamai Samui in Koh Samui
Enjoy total peace at The Lamai Samui near Lamai Beach. ©The Lamai Samui (adlink)

Value for money: Samui Jasmine Resort

Check out Samui Jasmine Resort if you’re looking for a good value 4-star hotel in Lamai.

Situated on the northern end of the beach’ action, you’ll have access to plenty of restaurant options while still being away from some of the noise.

Choose between garden view or sea view, and then hop between the pool and the beach.

Check prices and availability at Samui Jasmine Resort (adlink).

Samui Jasmine Resort in Koh Samui
Sunset by the pool at Samui Jasmine Resort. ©Samui Jasmine Resort (adlink)

Budget: Samui Sense Beach Resort

For staying centrally in Lamai by the beach on a budget, Samui Sense Beach Resort is a great choice.

With free wifi, a private bathroom and air conditioning you have your bases covered.

Choose between lounging by the pool or on the beach – and then use the money you’ve saved on accommodation at Lamai’s many restaurants or by getting a relaxing massage.

Check prices and availability at Samui Sense Beach Resort (adlink).

Samui Sense Resort
A cheap, clean room is what you’ll get at Samui Sense Resort. ©Samui Sense Resort (adlink)

Where to stay in Silver Beach

Between the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, you’ll find this little gem surrounded by large rocks.

Silver Beach, or Crystal Bay as it’s called as well, has pure white sand and clear water.

It probably had the prettiest, most saturated turquoise water of all the beaches we visited in Koh Samui. A real treat for beach lovers.

Here you can avoid most crowds while still being just a short drive away from the many options of Lamai or Chaweng.

Who should stay at Silver Beach?

Beach lovers who value privacy will love it here.

Families with small children wanting a quiet and peaceful vacation will find this beach great too.

Search for the best value accommodation near Silver Beach here (adlink).

Silver Beach
Silver Beach really impressed us!

Value for money: Crystal Bay Yacht Club

Located behind the rocks on Silver Beach’ south end, Crystal Bay Yacht Club holds amazing views over the bay.

There’s a pool, the rooms look very nice and according to our research, this is the best value accommodation on Silver Beach.

Check prices and availability at Crystal Bay Yacht Club (adlink).

Crystal Bay Yacht Club in Koh Samui
What a pretty view from Crystal Bay Yacht Club on Silver Beach. ©Crystal Bay Yacht Club (adlink)

Where to stay in Bophut Beach

During our time on Koh Samui in 2019, we stayed very close to the Bophut area for a few weeks and we really liked being close to Fisherman’s Village with its many dining options.

Bophut town is a fishing village by the beach and it’s a bit more authentic than other towns in Koh Samui.

Fisherman’s Village is the historic area of Bophut and it’s home to a bunch of eateries, tourist shops, galleries and accommodation in rustic-style buildings.

On Friday evenings, there’s a huge night market called Elephant Walk on the walking street between the Fisherman’s Village and The Wharf Samui.

Bophut Beach is a quiet beach with a calm atmosphere, although it’s not one of the most isolated beaches.

The stretch of sand is wide and the western part is a good swimming beach with an up-market feeling.

In the east, the sand and water aren’t as good, but it’s a better option if you want to stay close to Fisherman’s Village.

Who should stay in Bophut?

Bophut is a perfect area for families.

The area is not too busy and noisy but definitely not boring or quiet either.

Children of all ages will probably enjoy playing on the beach, walking around Fisherman’s Village and exploring the weekly night market.

Couples searching for a calm place to stay with different food options in walking distance will like it here as well.

The best hotels in Bophut:

Search for the best value accommodation near Bophut here (adlink).

The western part of Bophut Beach
The western part of Bophut Beach.

Luxury: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

For a perfect holiday on Bophut, look no further than Anantara.

At an international 5-star standard, the resort caters to couples looking for privacy and romance with its boutique take on Thai decor.

The highest level of service and amazing facilities are guaranteed.

Anantara is in walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Fisherman’s Village but just west of the walking street.

Check prices and availability at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort (adlink).

Anantara Bophut Resort
The pool area at Anantara Bophut Resort overlooking the beach. ©Anantara Bophut Resort (adlink)

Value for money: Bandara Resort & Spa

Like most hotels and resorts in Thailand, you get a lot for your money’s worth at Bandara Resort & Spa.

Direct beach access, clean and spacious rooms, gym, spa, swimming pools in plural and a huge breakfast all make Bandara a 4-star resort worth considering if you want to stay comfortably in Bophut.

Check prices and availability at Bandara Resort & Spa (adlink).

Bandara Resort
Bandara Resort is a great option in Bophut. ©Bandara Resort (adlink)

Budget: The White Cottage

Staying in one of The White Cottage’s 11 bungalows is a good budget option in Bophut.

Each bungalow features a private bathroom, air conditioning and free wifi. The family bungalow sleeping up to four people looks like it’s outstanding value.

There’s a bit of a walk to the main action of Bophut, but this part of town also houses great local thai restaurants, the usual 7-Eleven and Tops Daily stores, basic shops and massage places.

Check prices and availability at The White Cottage (adlink).

White Cottage pool in Koh Samui
The pool isn’t huge at The White Cottage, but you will only share it with up to 10 other bungalows. ©The White Cottage (adlink)

Where to stay in Maenam Beach

Maenam is a really long beach on the north side of Koh Samui.

Most of the development is on the eastern part. The western half is a lot more secluded and only features scattered resorts and restaurants.

For better or for worse, there isn’t much to do here.

Beach vendors are few and far between, just like other people in general, and compared to the rest of the beaches of Koh Samui, Maenam Beach is very quiet.

You won’t have any problems finding your own spot in the shade of the gently swaying palm trees.

The street leading down to the beach has charming wooden Chinese shop houses built side by side with lots of cafés, restaurants and shops.

Who should stay in Maenam?

Maenam has both budget and luxury accommodations.

Backpackers looking for cheap bungalows and eateries will like it here, and couples longing for a romantic place to listen to the sound of the waves will enjoy the high-end luxury resorts.

Several of the hotels on the beach are for adults only.

The best hotels in Maenam:

Search for the best value accommodation near Maenam Beach here (adlink).

Maenam Beach at dusk looking towards the east
Maenam Beach at dusk looking towards the east.

Ultra luxury: Santiburi

For a luxurious stay right on Maenam Beach, Santiburi is sure to meet your vacation needs.

With a jogging track, tennis courts, soccer, Muay Thai lessons and more, you won’t get bored – and for relaxing, your biggest problem will be choosing between the pools or the beach.

Check prices and availability at Santiburi (adlink).

Santiburi drone in Koh Samui
The beach at Santiburi. Inviting, isn’t it? ©Santiburi (adlink)

Luxury: Sensimar Resort and Spa (adults only)

With most of the rooms featuring plunge pools, private balconies and/or jacuzzis, a splendid private experience is all but guaranteed at Sensimar.

The design is rather minimalistic and unobtrusive, making room for romance and relaxation.

Check prices and availability at Sensimar Resort and Spa (adlink).

Sensimar Samui
Enjoy chilling out at Sensimar Resort and Spa without any kids running around. ©Sensimar Resort and Spa (adlink)

Where to stay in Bang Po Beach

Bang Po Beach is situated in Koh Samui’s northwest; far away enough to feel a bit “hidden” yet still close to the action of Maenam, Bophut and Chaweng.

The beach itself isn’t the widest, but the water is oh so clear on sunny days and just perfect for swimming.

As an added bonus, it’s possible to spot Koh Phangan’s mountainous silhouette across the water.

Who should stay in Bang Po?

If you want to stay at a quiet beach yet still have easy access to a few restaurants and more amenities, Bang Po might be just the beach for you.

Much of the accommodation here is a bit more upscale, but it’s also possible to find budget digs – especially on the other side of the ring road (towards the interior).

The best hotels in Bang Po:

Search for the best value accommodation near Bang Po Beach here (adlink).

Bang Po Beach from a drone perspective
Bang Po in the northwest is Koh Samui without all of the rampant commercialization.

Luxury: The Sea Koh Samui Resort

In 2024, we rented a big villa at The Sea Koh Samui Resort together with Victoria’s father, his wife and their friends.

Literally staying on the beach and having a private pool at the same time was (obviously) a luxurious combination. The three bedrooms had different entrances, so that’s something to be aware of.

According to a few reviews, some of the other rooms/villas are a bit run-down, but we had a great time staying in the beachfront villa.

The resort itself was nice, and we were very impressed with the water quality right in front of it. For some reason, the ocean seemed even more clear and sparkling here than elsewhere on Samui.

You don’t need to rent a villa to stay at The Sea. There are also “regular” rooms along with other accommodation options for different needs.

Check prices and availability at The Sea Koh Samui Resort (adlink).

The Sea Koh Samui Resort from a drone perspective
The Sea Koh Samui Resort (adlink) is definitely one of the better options at Bang Po. The ocean here is glistening and we really enjoyed our stay.

Ultra luxury: Four Seasons Resort

The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui isn’t technically on Bang Po but rather on their own private tip on the northwestern corner of the island.

It’s expensive, there’s no way around it, but if you want the top resort in Koh Samui, this is it.

Four Seasons Samui is about as good as a romantic getaway can get.

Check prices and availability at Four Seasons Resort (adlink).

Four Seasons Samui drone view
If you want the best of the best, look no further than Four Seasons Samui. ©Four Seasons Samui (adlink)
Four Seasons Samui room
The rooms and villas look absolutely stunning. ©Four Seasons Samui (adlink)

Where to stay in Choeng Mon Beach

Choeng Mon Beach at the northeastern tip of Koh Samui feels like a secluded hideaway far from the hustle and bustle.

The public access to the beach is limited so it’s mainly frequented by holidaymakers staying at the resorts.

There are few restaurants at the beach but it’s only a 15-minute drive away to the many restaurants in Chaweng.

Who should stay at Choeng Mon Beach?

The beach is popular with couples and families who like the undisturbed vibe.

The water is suitable for swimming and the sand is fine and white.

Both accommodation and dining options are more pricey here than on the rest of the island.

The best hotels in Choeng Mon:

Search for the best value accommodation near Choeng Mon Beach here (adlink).

Choeng Mon Beach
Choeng Mon Beach is one of Koh Samui’s calmer beaches with great sand and water.

Luxury: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui

Cape Fahn is simply too stunning to miss.

Situated on a private island (!) accessible from land at low tide from Choeng Mon, the 22 villas all have mesmerizing views over the ocean and a truly unique location in Koh Samui.

Check prices and availability at Cape Fahn Hotel Samui (adlink).

Cape Fahn in Koh Samui
The private island of Cape Fahn just outside Choeng Mon Beach. ©Cape Fahn Hotel Samui (adlink)

Value for money: P.S. Thana Resort

At a fair price, you get a spacious villa at P.S. Thana Resort right on Choeng Mon beach with access to the pool area, lush surroundings and breakfast with sea views.

Each villa has a bathtub as well as free wifi and air conditioning.

Check prices and availability at P.S. Thana Resort (adlink).

P.S. Thana Resort's pool area in Koh Samui
P.S. Thana Resort’s pool area. ©P.S. Thana Resort (adlink)

Eco luxury: The Tongsai Bay

Long standing champ of green accommodation in Koh Samui, The Tongsai Bay is renowned for its eco-friendliness and relaxing environment.

Where to start… Leftover food is donated to an animal shelter, pesticide use is non-existent, there’s a ton of wildlife on the premises, no trees have been cut building the resort, there’s an organic garden…

All in all, The Tongsai Bay is a great choice if you want to minimize your planetary footprint while visiting Koh Samui.

And of course actually staying here looks wonderful. The rooms are beautiful, as are the pool and beach, and there’s a huge array of great activities for enjoying your holidays (guilt-free!)

The Tongsai Bay is located just north of Choeng Mon Beach.

Check prices and availability at The Tongsai Bay (adlink).

Tongsai Bay in Koh Samui
The Tongsai Bay is equal parts gorgeous and eco-friendly. ©The Tongsai Bay (adlink)

Where to stay in Lipa Noi Beach

On the west coast of the island, you can find a quiet place to stay on Lipa Noi Beach.

It’s definitely one of the island’s less visited beaches and here you’ll probably meet more dogs and local people than tourists.

The sunsets are amazing here.

Who should stay in Lipa Noi?

Couples or families wanting to have their own quiet slice of paradise.

Restaurants and activities in the area are limited, but so are the number of people.

Search for the best value accommodation near Lipa Noi Beach here (adlink).

Bang Po Beach from a drone perspective
Bang Po in the northwest is Koh Samui without all of the rampant commercialization.

Value for money: Lipa Lodge Beach Resort

We stayed at Lipa Lodge and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful garden and private beach.

From the beautiful beachfront room, we could admire the ocean from sunrise to sunset and fall asleep to the sound of the calming waves.

You can see lots of pictures and read more about Lipa Lodge Beach Resort in our review or you can check prices and availability here (adlink).

A room with a spectacular view at Lipa Lodge in Koh Samui
A room with a spectacular view at Lipa Lodge (adlink).

Where to stay in Taling Ngam Beach

Escape the clubs and bars by staying in the unspoilt southwest coast near Taling Ngam Beach.

The area is about as remote as you can get in Koh Samui.

The beach is pretty but rather narrow and it’s not the best place to swim as the water is quite shallow with rocks at the bottom.

Who should stay in Taling Ngam?

Couples and families looking for a tranquil atmosphere without the need for a good swimming beach.

Search for the best value accommodation near Taling Ngam Beach here (adlink).

Taling Ngam Beach
Jump in and enjoy the refreshingly clear waters at Taling Ngam Beach.

Luxury: InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort

This 5-star luxury resort is built on a mountain overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Ocean vistas, none other than 7 swimming pools and romantic sunsets are just some of the many advantages of staying here.

The resort even has a 5-star kids’ club offering InterContinental’s signature blend of fun and games with traditional Thai culture for a unique experience.

It’s relatively close to the Elephant Gate and Wat Kiri Wong Karam but you’ll most likely have a difficult time pulling yourself away from the enchanting resort.

Check prices and availability at InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort (adlink).

Intercontinental Resort in Koh Samui
Few places in Koh Samui are prettier to view the sunset from than Intercontinental Resort. ©Intercontinental Resort (adlink)

Yoga retreats in Koh Samui

Though nearby Koh Phangan’s fame is more exclusively attained from its huge array of yoga schools, Koh Samui also offers enough options for detoxing and stretching for a lifetime.

Though it is, of course, possible to sign up for single yoga classes or weekly memberships, the best value will usually be attending a dedicated yoga retreat or buying a package including accommodation.

You can, for example, check out Vikasa located between Chaweng and Lamai.

Koh Samui palm trees
We hope you’ll enjoy your time in Koh Samui!

Comparing the beaches of Koh Samui

Should you stay at Chaweng or Lamai?

For those craving lively nights and bustling streets lined with shops and eateries, Chaweng Beach is the ultimate hotspot in Koh Samui, catering especially to party animals.

Conversely, Lamai Beach offers a more tranquil setting, though still providing lots of delicious dining options and activities suitable for families and those seeking a more laid-back vibe.

At Chaweng, you’ll be closer to big supermarkets like Tesco Lotus and Big C as well as to the beaches of Choeng Mon, Bophut and Maenam.

On the other hand, you’ll be closer to the viewpoints and waterfalls of the south at Lamai.

In the end, both Chaweng and Lamai are great areas to base yourself in Koh Samui. The beaches are amazing, and there are many beautiful (and budget-friendly) to stay.

Search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here or Lamai Beach here (adlinks).

Should you stay at Chaweng or Choeng Mon?

Both Chaweng and Choeng Mon are outstanding beaches, but they’re quite different.

Chaweng Beach is known for its nightlife and lively atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking excitement and a wide array of entertainment options.

We like Chaweng quite a lot, we just think you should stay at the southern end to be further away from the party scene in the north.

Choeng Mon Beach offers a more serene and secluded setting, perfect if you crave tranquility and relaxation. It’s kind of a “secret haven”; the kind of place you return to year after year.

Search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here or Choeng Mon Beach here (adlinks).

Should you stay at Chaweng or Bophut?

Though there are similarities, staying at Chaweng Beach is quite different from staying at Bophut Beach.

Chaweng is the most popular beach of Koh Samui, and as such this is also where you’ll find the most options for nightlife, shopping and all kinds of activities and entertainment.

Bophut in the north is more relaxed and there are comparatively fewer options – though you most likely won’t miss anything as especially Fisherman’s Village is quite a happening place as well.

Personally, we think Chaweng Beach is a nicer beach than Bophut Beach. But if you value tranquility and a charming atmosphere over the bustling energy of Chaweng, Bophut Beach might be the better choice.

Search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here or Bophut Beach here (adlinks).

Should you stay at Lamai or Bophut?

Depending on your wants and needs, we think most people will enjoy staying at Lamai Beach more than staying at Bophut Beach.

Lamai has softer sand and is more suitable for swimming. We also think it’s just prettier.

For going out at night, Bophut is more relaxing and family-friendly, though. There are fewer restaurants, but staying near Fisherman’s Village in Bophut means you won’t really miss anything.

As long as you stay away from the central part of Lamai (where most bars etc.) are located, it’s a very serene beach as well.

Search for the best value accommodation near Lamai Beach here or Bophut Beach here (adlinks).

Thanks for reading

We hope you now have a better idea of where to stay in Koh Samui and what will be the best beach or area for you. There are so many to choose from; yet we feel confident you’ll have an amazing time no matter where you base yourself.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help!

Everything you need to know about the best places to stay on Koh Samui with specific recommendations + tips for a wonderful holiday.
Everything you need to know about the best places to stay on Koh Samui with specific recommendations + tips for a wonderful holiday.
Everything you need to know about the best places to stay on Koh Samui with specific recommendations + tips for a wonderful holiday.

 

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