Beachside bungalows and luxury spa hotels draw sun-seekers and honeymooners to Koh Samui, just off Thailand's eastern coast. A trip here includes palm-lined white sand strands, hillside panoramic viewpoints, snorkeling offshore in Ang Thong National Marine Park, and many other attractions on the island. Every year brings more and more options for where to stay, with the best accommodations increasingly becoming high-end resorts rather than backpacker hangouts. Neighborhoods in Koh Samui are not clearly defined, but different areas have individual vibes ranging from party towns to secluded coves.
Where to stay
in Koh Samui
Where to Stay for Beaches
Koh Samui is a rather small island. While almost all accommodations are within easy reach of a superb beach, the best places to stay are clustered in certain areas. Hotels in Bophut, on the island's north coast, include some of the best luxury options. The generally laid-back atmosphere here is also well suited to families. Farther west, Mae Nam's beaches are much quieter. Accommodations here are popular with budget travelers. Choeng Mon Beach on Koh Samui's northern promontory remains a comparatively secret spot with a mix of boutique hotels and higher-end resorts. Some, including Tongsai Bay, even have their own private sections of sandy beach.
Bophut
The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bophut. Make a stop by Chaweng Beach or Chaweng Lake while you're exploring the area.
Recommended hotels in Bophut
Mae Nam
Mae Nam is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ban Tai Beach and Pralan Ferry Pier.
Recommended hotels in Mae Nam
Best Areas for Bars
Chaweng city center is the most developed part of the island and the best place to stay for nightlife, offering a long strip of white sand surrounded by beach clubs and hotels. The top resorts have large pools lined with lounge chairs and swim-up bars while the less expensive options are simple and functional, designed for days spent on the sand and lively nights that don't end until dawn. Lamai, just to the south, is less developed but still an energetic neighborhood. Many hotels here are right on the beach, ideal for those who want to spend their days snorkeling in the Gulf of Thailand's blue-green waters before coming back ashore to enjoy cold beers and cocktails.
Chaweng City Center
Chaweng City Center is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Chaweng Beach and Central Festival Samui, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bophut.
Recommended hotels in Chaweng City Center
Lamai City Center
One reason travelers love spending time in Lamai City Center is the stunning beaches, and Lamai Night Market is a top place to visit.
Recommended hotels in Lamai City Center
Top Places to Stay for Nature
Beaches are just the beginning of Koh Samui's outdoor attractions. Inland regions have hidden waterfalls, magnificent viewpoints, and fascinating Buddhist temples. For near total seclusion, reserve a private villa near Na Muang waterfalls or book a spot at a hill camp inland from the island's less-visited southern coast. For unlimited budgets, Koh Samui also has a few super-luxe hotels sequestered away from the big resorts, including in Taling Ngam, the island's lush southwestern corner. From here you can hike and snorkel without the crowds. Alternatively, to simply enjoy Koh Samui's beaches in peace consider reserving a beachfront bungalow near Bang Po, along the northern coast near Mae Nam.
Taling Ngam
Taling Ngam is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Taling Ngam Beach and Thong Kut Beach while in the area.
Recommended hotels in Taling Ngam
Bang Po
Travelers come to Bang Po for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Mae Nam Beach and Bang Por Beach while you're in town.
Mae Nam
Mae Nam is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ban Tai Beach and Pralan Ferry Pier.
Recommended hotels in Mae Nam
The most popular accommodation types
More Hotel Options in Koh Samui
- Hotels with Air Conditioning (889)
- Hotels with Free Wifi (885)
- Beach Hotels (716)
- Hotels with a Pool (696)
- Hotels with Restaurants (667)
- Hotels with Free Parking (623)
- Hotels with an Outdoor Pool (621)
- Hotels with Laundry Facilities (609)
- Family Hotels (530)
- Historic Hotels (522)
- Hotels with Balconies (419)
- Hotels with Bars (402)
- Hotels & Resorts for Couples (393)
- Golf Hotels (340)
- Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels (326)
- Hotels with smoking rooms (321)
- Hotels with Room Service (315)
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas (296)
- Hotels with Childcare (238)
- Hotel with a Concierge (230)