Where to stay

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.

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.

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.