Where to Stay in Koh Samui

Samui has a vast range of accommodation options ranging from some of Thailand’s most luxurious resorts to its most basic beach huts. There is some excellent cuisine here, and at Chaweng in particular you can find an array of different restaurants.

For visitors eager to see some of Koh Samui’s breathtaking waterfalls, there are several incredible accommodation options that will put you in the heart of some of the island’s most stunning natural beauty. One such option is the idyllic Taling Ngam neighborhood, which is home to several of Koh Samui’s most awe-inspiring falls. Another great option for waterfall-seekers is Chaweng. Alongside its vibrant nightlife, Chaweng boasts a number of immaculate waterfalls that are sure to leave you spellbound.

Samui is also noted for its specific ‘boutique’ character which it likes to mention liberally on its tourist brochures, and indeed there are plenty of places boasting this trendy new character for small, intimate, and zen-like resorts.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui – Best Areas

Samui has some of the best beach accommodations in Thailand, and the range of choices is enormous. Whether you want a five-star luxury resort or a cheap hut on the beach, you are certain to find something to suit you here. Most of the beaches have a good range of Koh Samui lodging options to suit all budgets, so the main decision to make is which beach you want to be close to. In general, the east coast is the busiest, the north coast quieter, and the other two sides of the island are virtually undeveloped due to inferior beaches.

Taling Ngam

if you’re looking for an authentic and peaceful experience, then Taling Ngam might just be the perfect spot for you. Located on the southwestern coast of the island, Taling Ngam is known for its secluded beaches, stunning sunsets, and unspoiled natural beauty. The area is home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts, such as the InterContinental Samui Resort, which offers incredible panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding islands. With its serene ambiance, Taling Ngam is a great choice for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil vacation.

Chaweng

This is the most popular and developed of the two east coast beaches, with a lovely long bay with nice sand and water perfect for swimming. As with most of Samui, resorts line the beachfront and blend in well with coconut palms and vegetation. Restaurants on the beach (with seating on mats on the sand) are found at the north end of the main drag. Around the headland is Chaweng North, which is a bit more exclusive with a few high-rise hotels. The main road through Chaweng, set back a few hundred meters from the beach, is a heavily developed area of shopping arcades. McDonalds, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, tour services, and a collection of rustic bars are located beside the inland lake beyond these. There are plenty of other bars and eateries on the main street.

Lamai

This is the second busiest resort, and similar to Chaweng with its lovely lengthy beach, but less crowded. Again, the resorts here are front sea, so that access is via a few lanes between them if you’re staying elsewhere. This beach doesn’t have the evening social atmosphere of Chaweng but is more natural. At the southern end are boulders and the two famous Hin Ya and Hin Ta rocks. Lamai’s long main street is characterized by a ‘village feel’ at the southern end, and lively bars (with the island’s biggest girlie bar area) in the central stretch plus tourist services towards the north. There are a few secluded private bays with one or two resorts sandwiched between Lamai and Chaweng on the hilly headland.

Choeng Mon

It’s a small, delightful, crescent-shaped bay tucked away in the northeast of the island with about half a dozen options to stay in. It’s a lovely relaxed beach with an exclusive character but not far from Chaweng or Big Buddha Beach. It’s a popular choice for families with young children due to its calm waters and shallow shoreline. The area is home to a number of luxury resorts, making it a great choice for those looking for a more upscale experience.

Big Buddha

A sweeping beach with the best parts at the western end where a number of modest resorts and guesthouses have their own patch of beachfront. You can wander for miles on this beach but have fewer options for eating and drinking, and the main street isn’t developed like elsewhere. It’s conveniently closest to the airport and Chaweng, but the noise doesn’t bother.

Bo Phut

Stretches along the central part of the north side and is similar to Big Buddha, with perhaps more upscale, as well as affordable, resort options. There is a fishermen’s village at the eastern end with a pier and a nice atmosphere. A lane runs along the beach giving the public access to parts that are not full of some resort’s private loungers. Also good for long strolls, but without the action of Chaweng or Lamai, this beach is rather stretched out and has nice views of Koh Pha Ngan.

Mae Nam

Farther still from the action and suitable for those wanting to avoid all but those in their resort and sit quietly on the beach all day. You’ll need a rental bike here and it’s probably closer to the Thai island town of Na Thon than the sophistication of Chaweng, but you get much better value here. Like all the northern beaches, they aren’t as perfect as the east coast but still pretty good and with a more down-to-earth feel.

Thaling Nam

It is located in the extreme south, at least 20 minutes drive from Lamai, and has only a couple of upscale resorts with their own private beaches. It’s completely unspoiled and undeveloped.

Deciding where to stay in Koh Samui can be difficult, but by considering your budget, preferences, and travel goals, you can find the perfect spot for you. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, peace, or a family-friendly atmosphere, Koh Samui has it all. 

Whether you want to lounge on the beach all day, hike to waterfalls, or indulge in delicious Thai cuisine, you will find it all here. And the best part? The island is easily accessible from Bangkok. So, why not pack your bags and head over to this beautiful island paradise? You won’t regret it!