In a nutshell
- If it’s your first trip to Thailand and you want the classic Koh Samui experience with sightseeing, beach, and nightlife, we suggest staying at a hotel on Chaweng Beach. Our hotel recommendation: the King’s Garden Resort.
- If you prefer it quieter, our top pick is a hotel on Lamai Beach. Still central, but with less hustle, bustle, and fewer party crowds. Hotel tip: the Pearl of Samui Resort.
- There are two other areas worth considering for a stay in Koh Samui. We’ll outline the pros and cons of all four areas and share the best hotel suggestions for each.
- Koh Samui is among the most expensive islands in Thailand. For a comfortable mid-range hotel, plan on paying at least 2000 baht per night, often more.
Where to Stay on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket – and one of the most popular destinations. The range of places to stay is huge, covering every budget from small guesthouses to luxury resorts.
The main tourist hub is on the east side around the famous Chaweng Beach. Still, there are four areas we recommend for an overnight stay in Koh Samui – three in the east and one in the west.
The four areas are:
- Chaweng Beach: Ideal for first-timers looking for a mix of sightseeing and lively atmosphere ➞ King’s Garden Resort
- Lamai Beach: A great balance of sightseeing and relaxed beach vibes ➞ Pearl of Samui Resort
- Bo Phut Beach & Maenam Beach: Central yet peaceful, with charming village feel ➞ Pico Samui
- Lipa Noi Beach: Quiet and secluded on the west coast, perfect for a peaceful getaway ➞ Tropical Heavens Garden
Planning to see a lot of sights?
Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are the best starting points. Rent a scooter and explore Koh Samui at your own pace to visit Koh Samui’s best attractions.
The Best Areas to Stay on Koh Samui on a Map
We’ve already talked a lot about East and West. For a clear overview, the 4 areas are marked on the map above.
For better orientation, key locations for your Thailand trip are also marked: the airport, Bangrak Seatran Pier (ferry to Koh Phangan), and Na Thon Pier (ferry to Surat Thani).
You can also spot Fisherman’s Village and Na Muang waterfall – two must-see highlights on Koh Samui.
Where to Stay on Koh Samui's Chaweng Beach
A hotel on Koh Samui’s popular Chaweng Beach is perfect if you want to stay central, lively, and right by the sea.
Visiting Koh Samui for the first time and looking for the classic experience? Want a mix of sightseeing, beach, and evening nightlife? Then a hotel on Chaweng Beach is the ideal place to stay in Koh Samui.
Chaweng Beach is the longest and most popular beach on the island, with soft white sand, turquoise water, and usually calm swimming areas.
You’ll never run out of things to do: restaurants, bars, clubs, night markets, and plenty of water activities during the day. The airport is only about 10 minutes away.
We also stayed at Chaweng Beach on our first visit and enjoyed the energy and atmosphere. Still, some streets behind the beach can get messy and smelly after the nightlife.
Pros of staying at Chaweng Beach
- Right on the dream beach
- Perfect base for sightseeing
- Excellent tourist infrastructure
- Vibrant nightlife
Cons of staying on Chaweng Beach
- Very touristy
- Can be noisy near clubs at night
- Some parts of the beach are blocked by hotels
- Hotel prices higher than other areas
The best places to stay on Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach
Looking to stay in a beachfront bungalow on Koh Samui? We recommend the King’s Garden Resort, one of the best places to stay on Chaweng Beach.
For a more upscale option, try the Banana Fan Sea Resort. The bungalows are modern, stylish, and designed with great attention to detail.
Where to Stay on Lamai Beach on Koh Samui
A hotel on Lamai Beach is a good choice if you want a relaxed stay with comfort and variety but without the busy atmosphere of Chaweng.
Lamai Beach, located just south of Chaweng, is less crowded but still lively. It’s ideal if you want a mix of sightseeing and a relaxed beach time and are looking for one of the best areas to stay in Koh Samui.
You still have access to a solid tourist setup. There’s a great selection of beach restaurants, and a few bars stay open into the evening.
A major advantage is the better value for money at many places to stay in Koh Samui around Lamai Beach. Many hotels are right by the sea and have a lovely atmosphere. However, there are fewer top-tier luxury resorts here.
So if you want to stay central but don’t want to be right in the thick of things, Lamai Beach is a great place to stay in Koh Samui. We would choose this area again on a future visit.
Pros of staying on Lamai Beach
- Beautiful, quiet beach
- Great base for sightseeing
- Better value for money
- More relaxed atmosphere than Chaweng
Cons of staying at Lamai Beach
- Less nightlife
- Fewer stores and large supermarkets
- Further from the airport
- Beach can be rocky at low tide
The best places to stay on Koh Samui’s Lamai Beach
The Pearl of Samui Resort is one of the best places to stay on Lamai Beach. Here, you stay in modern bungalows right on the beach.
One of the few higher-end options in this area to stay in Koh Samui is the Pattra Vill Resort. It is centrally located and offers excellent value for money.
Where to Stay on Bo Phut Beach or Maenam Beach
A hotel on Bo Phut Beach or Maenam Beach is especially appealing if you prefer a calmer, more stylish setting or if you’re traveling as a family.
Both beaches are in the north of Koh Samui. You’re still well located, but in a much quieter area than Chaweng or Lamai. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Koh Samui if you want something relaxed.
The atmosphere here is unique. Along with the beach, you get a charming fishing village feel since Bo Phut is right next to Fisherman’s Village.
Many places to stay in Koh Samui in this area are small boutique hotels and quiet seaside resorts with great beachfront restaurants. There are also a few simple and affordable options if you’re looking for a cheaper place to stay.
The sand is a little less fine than in the south, but you’re close to the airport, the ferry to Koh Phangan, and popular sights like Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem. If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Samui for convenience and atmosphere, this area is a great fit.
Pros of a hotel on Bo Phut or Maenam Beach
- Less touristy
- Quiet and very relaxed atmosphere
- Great base for exploring the north
- Good value for the quality
Cons of a hotel on Bo Phut or Maenam Beach
- Very little nightlife
- The water gets deep quickly in Maenam
- Bo Phut can feel rocky at low tide
- Some places are a bit spread out
The best places to stay at Bo Phut and Maenam Beach
A top luxury hotel on Koh Samui is the Anantara Resort. The rooms are beautiful and the food is excellent.
A more budget-friendly place to stay in this area is the Pico Samui. At this small boutique hotel, you’ll stay in spacious bungalows just steps from the beach.
Where to Stay on Lipa Noi Beach on the West Coast
A hotel on Lipa Noi Beach is perfect for you if you want peace and quiet and are looking for relaxation, romantic days or time together as a family.
The beautiful Lipa Noi Beach lies on the west side of Koh Samui. Here you stay on one of the most laid-back beaches and a bit removed from the busier parts of the island. If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Samui for a calm, natural setting, this is one of the best areas to stay.
The sand is soft and pale, the entry into the sea is gradual and the water is often completely calm, especially on windless days – great for children and ideal for swimming or kayaking.
Tourist services are very limited here. There are only a small number of restaurants, hardly any shops, and almost no bars or party spots.
Many hotels here are boutique or luxury resorts with spacious villas, direct beach access and lots of room and privacy. The value for money is often better than in places like Chaweng, making it a very appealing place to stay in Koh Samui if you want comfort without crowds.
Pros of a hotel on Lipa Noi Beach
- Far away from mass tourism and party noise
- Shallow beach with no stones
- Stunning sunsets
- Convenient for ferries and boat trips
Cons of a hotel on Lipa Noi Beach
- Very limited tourist facilities
- Very quiet nightlife
- You’ll likely need a scooter or car
- Not ideal for sightseeing tours
The best places to stay on Lipa Noi Beach
Our favorite is the Tropical Heavens Garden Samui. This small boutique hotel on Koh Samui is set in a palm grove and the rooms have a relaxed, tropical style.
These were our tips for the best places to stay on Koh Samui
Have you ever been to Thailand and know more places to stay on Koh Samui? Or do you still have questions about the best areas to stay on Koh Samui? Feel free to write to us in the comments!