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 | Hi! 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. If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Samui, the island has plenty of options whether you’re after beachfront luxury, cosy bungalows or something in between.
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:
- 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.
Table of contents
- What to know before booking
- Where to stay? Koh Samui beach overview
- Where to stay in Chaweng Beach
- Where to stay in Lamai Beach
- Where to stay in Silver Beach
- Where to stay in Bophut Beach
- Where to stay in Maenam Beach
- Where to stay in Bang Po Beach
- Where to stay in Choeng Mon Beach
- Where to stay in Lipa Noi Beach
- Where to stay in Taling Ngam Beach
- Yoga retreats in Koh Samui
- Comparing the beaches of Koh Samui
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.
To help you find the best place to stay in Koh Samui, we’ll go through 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.
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.
If you’re travelling in the high season (July and August or December to March), it’s a good idea to plan where to stay in Koh Samui early and secure your spot.
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.
That said, each area and beach has its own pros and cons – and finding the best place to stay in Koh Samui really depends on what kind of holiday you’re after.
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.
Where to stay? Koh Samui beach overview
- Chaweng Beach – Koh Samui’s most popular beach
- Lamai Beach – The second most popular beach of the island
- Silver Beach – The crystal bay near Lamai
- Bophut Beach – Quiet beach in the north
- Maenam Beach – A very long beach in the north
- Bang Po Beach – Serene with beautiful waters
- Choeng Mon Beach – A private, up-scale feeling
- Lipa Noi Beach – Private beach with sunset views
- Taling Ngam Beach – Koh Samui’s remote southwest
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.
For many, it might be the best place to stay in Koh Samui. It’s certainly the most popular (and crowded) area on the island, and the huge range of accommodation options reflects 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:
- Value for money: Buri Rasa Village Samui – 4-star luxury beachfront boutique resort. We stayed here.
- Luxury: The Library – 5-stars and one of the best luxury options directly on the beach.
- Value for money: Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa – Lovely villas at the quiet end of Chaweng.
- Budget: Samui Green Hotel – Calm and comfortable option with air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
Search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here (adlink).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
Lamai is the best area to stay in Koh Samui for those seeking a balance between lively atmosphere and peaceful surroundings.
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:
- 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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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. For those seeking a mix of tranquility and local charm, Bophut might be the best area to stay 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:
- Luxury: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort – For a perfect 5-star holiday on Bophut, look no further than Anantara.
- Value for money: Bandara Resort & Spa – Everything you need from a resort at a great price.
- Budget: The White Cottage – Pool, private bathroom, air conditioning and free wifi. What more could you ask for?
Search for the best value accommodation near Bophut here (adlink).
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).
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).
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).
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:
- Ultra luxury: Santiburi – One of Samui’s top resorts.
- Luxury: Sensimar Resort and Spa – Adults only and minimalistic.
Search for the best value accommodation near Maenam Beach here (adlink).
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).
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).
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:
- Luxury: The Sea Koh Samui Resort – Where we stayed on Bang Po. The ocean in front of the resort is just gorgeous.
- Ultra luxury: Four Seasons Resort – The best of the best. But expensive.
Search for the best value accommodation near Bang Po Beach here (adlink).
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).
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).
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.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a bit more exclusivity, Choeng Mon is the best area to stay in Koh Samui for a quiet, relaxing experience away from the crowds.
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:
- Luxury: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui – Stay on a private island at the tip of the bay.
- Value for money: P.S. Thana Resort – Spacious villas right on the beach at a good price..
- Eco luxury: The Tongsai Bay – Probably the island’s most eco-conscious stay.
Search for the best value accommodation near Choeng Mon Beach here (adlink).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
Lamai or Chaweng are both great areas to stay in Koh Samui – with fantastic beaches and plenty of beautiful (and budget-friendly) places to choose from.
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 or Bophut offers two very different experiences.
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.
If you’re trying to decide between Chaweng or Bophut, it comes down to what you prefer: we find Chaweng Beach a bit nicer for swimming and sunbathing, but Bophut wins when it comes to charm and a calmer atmosphere.
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 preferences, Lamai or Bophut are both great options – but we think most people will enjoy staying at Lamai Beach a bit more.
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 bar-heavy part of Lamai, both Lamai or Bophut can offer a peaceful beach stay.
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!
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