Where to Stay in Koh Samui: Best Areas and Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Koh Samui? Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful and most visited islands in Thailand, with sandy palm-fringed beaches, shallow water, and delicious Thai food.
If you’re looking for a real island paradise where you can relax, explore the hidden gems, or enjoy the nightlife. Koh Samui is the ideal place to plan your next visit. The Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut areas are the most popular on the island. But the island also offers many other charming and quiet bays.
In this post, you’ll find where to stay on Koh Samui if you’re looking for nightlife or if you’re coming to the island with family. Also, the best places to enjoy a romantic getaway.
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Where to Stay in Koh Samui
1. Chaweng – Best for Nightlife
Where to stay in Koh Samui if you’re looking for nightlife? Chaweng is located in the north-east of the island, just a 10-minute drive from the Airport. The beach is more than 5 km of soft white sandy beach, fringed with coconut trees.
Several accommodation options are available. If you arrive by ferry to the island, Chaweng is about a 40-minute drive from the port.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this tropical paradise such as live music, dance clubs, water sports, and even plenty of services in Chaweng. The island’s biggest shopping mall is also located here where you can find everything you need.
Chaweng Beach also offers a wide range of beach resorts, restaurants, bars, and shops, providing comfort and entertainment for all visitors.
Chaweng is also the best place for first-time visitors. If you like bustling nightlife and want to be close to everything you want, this is the best area for you.
Centara Reserve Samui
Set at the tranquil end of Chaweng Beach amid lush gardens, Centara Reserve Samui is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Samui Airport. Centara Reserve Samui comprises 184 sophisticated rooms, pool suites, and beachfront pool villas, each with a spacious private balcony or terrace.
For those looking for even more indulgence, the resort’s pool access rooms and ocean-facing villas provide the perfect retreat. The property has a children’s pool and a kids’ club, which make it an ideal choice for families.
Photo credit: Centara Reserve Samui
SALA Samui Chaweng
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is one of the best and top-rated luxury resorts. Divided into two wings on either side of Chaweng Road, the Oceanfront Wing offers 52 villas and suites and 82 villas and suites in the Garden Wing.
All luxurious pool villas and suites have a private swimming pool and sunbathing deck. This modern accommodation is ideal for a relaxing family getaway and couples looking for a peaceful vacation.
Photo credit: SALA Samui Chaweng
Banana Fan Sea Resort
The Banana Fan Sea Resort is located in the southern part of Chaweng Beach, close to the famous shopping and nightlife. The resort has a spacious infinity pool with panoramic sea views. Each room has a private terrace and offers a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of facilities.
Enjoy the peaceful tropical garden or taste the restaurant’s wide selection of international dishes. In the evenings, tables are also set out on the beach, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner.
Photo credit: Banana Fan Sea Resort
2. Bo Phut – Family Friendly
Where to stay in Koh Samui if you’re traveling with family? The Bo Phut area is located in the north of the island, just a few minutes’ walk from Fisherman’s Village. At this night market, you can taste a variety of Thai food, the stalls are full of unique souvenirs, and handmade handicrafts, so it is a must-see.
The local market is not the only place to buy, there are also several restaurants in the area serving a variety of delicious dishes. Both locals and tourists are friendly and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Koh Samui is an ideal family destination in Thailand, where kids are welcome everywhere, and there are many fun activities on offer. Most resorts also offer exciting, family-friendly activities, or let the little ones have fun at the kids’ club while you enjoy a romantic dinner in restaurants with ocean views.
Recommended post → Best Family Resorts and Hotels in Koh Samui
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
Anantara Bophut Resort offers a luxury and family-friendly experience on the beautiful island of Koh Samui. The Resort offers stylish rooms and spacious suites in a fantastic location. Spend lazy days by the pool or take a short walk to the nearby Fisherman’s Village for a taste of the local culture.
The resort offers exciting family-friendly activities on the beach, where you can entertain the kids with adventures and discoveries. Or let the little kids have fun in the kids’ club while you enjoy exotic South American cuisine in the ocean-view Guilty restaurant.
Photo credit: Anantara Bophut
Holiday Inn Resort Samui
Holiday Inn Resort Samui is located on Bo Phut Beach just 15 minutes from the airport. The modern and clean resort has a kids’ club, a restaurant, and a water park. The rooms are perfect for families, very modern and spacious, with lots of thoughtful features to make traveling with kids easy.
There’s also a beautiful adult pool where tropical cocktails are served at the bar for guests. A breakfast buffet with continental and American cuisine is served every morning.
Photo credit: Holiday Inn Resort Samui
Bandara Resort and Spa
This eco-friendly and charming tropical resort is located right on the beachfront of idyllic Bophut Beach. There are 4 different pools for adults and small children and it also provides access to the beach. The Bandara Resort’s modern, Thai-style rooms are spacious with family suites pleasantly decorated and furnished with everything you need.
Savor a taste of Thai and international menus, breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner at Chom Dao Beach restaurant, where you can enjoy views of the blue sky and ocean.
Photo credit: Bandara Resort and Spa
3. Northeastern Part – Couples and Honeymoon
Where to stay in Koh Samui as a couple or honeymooners? This area is located at the north-eastern corner of the island and is home to many luxury hotels with beautiful views of the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Imagine waking up in one of your stunning private villas or luxury suites with your loved one. You’ll admire the breathtaking views, enjoy the fresh smell of the ocean, and experience a romantic floating breakfast by your own infinity pool. These resorts offer the perfect honeymoon setting with idyllic accommodations, romantic fine dining, pampering spa treatments, couple massages, and much more.
Recommended post → Best Koh Samui Honeymoon Resorts
Also visit Chengmon Beach, which is not as crowded as Chaweng Beach, its water is shallow, so it is also ideal for children. There are also many bars, massage saloons, fire shows, and beach hotels. This quieter area offers the perfect getaway for couples and is also a great choice for family travelers.
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
The Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is a secluded paradise set in 28 hectares of breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by a private bay with an exclusive beachfront. It offers luxurious seaside accommodations, a spa, a co-working space, a kid’s club, a tennis court, a gym, a yoga room, 2 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and free Wi-Fi.
Each has an ocean-view terrace with sun loungers, and some terraces have an outdoor bathtub. We highly recommend honeymooners consider booking the Wellbeing Seafront Pool Villa, the Tongsai Seaview Pool Villa, or the Seaview Hillside Pool Suite.
Photo credit: Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Six Senses Samui
The Six Senses Samui is conveniently located near the airport, yet in a quiet and peaceful setting. Six Senses Samui resort is a place where you can laze by a vast infinity pool and lose yourself while gazing out to the sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand.
The villas are secluded and well-suited to the environment, with air conditioning, private pools, beautiful interiors, and stunning ocean or tropical landscape views. The Ocen View Pool Villa, the Hideaway Pool Villa, or the Ocean Front Pool Villa Suite are perfect for a honeymooning couple.
Photo credit: Six Senses Samui
Melia Koh Samui
We definitely recommend Melia for romantic getaways and family holidays. Located on the peaceful Choeng Mon Beach, this incredible resort provides exceptional facilities and exquisite services. The luxury resort boasts 159 well-appointed guest rooms and 41 luxurious suites surrounded by wild and lush vegetation.
Breeza is a beautiful à la carte beach restaurant with a bar where you can experience the laid-back atmosphere of Choeng Mon Beach and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. For the best experience, stay in one of 30 stunning boat suites.
Photo credit: Melia Samui
4. Lamai – Peaceful Retreat
Where to stay in Koh Samui if you want a peaceful getaway? The Lamai area is located on the southeast side of the island, about a 30-minute drive from the Chaweng area. Nearby Crystal Beach has clean waters with beautiful corals and tropical fish, which is ideal for snorkeling. Kayaks, surfboards, and paddle boards are also available for hire on this beach, making it perfect for an active holiday in a stunning location.
But if you’re in this area we also recommend you visit Coral Cove beach, if you like to snorkel you’ll see lots of small fish here too. There are also the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks nearby to see, and if you are looking for a scenic viewpoint with interesting rock formations, we recommend visiting Overlap Stone.
The downside of this area is that there are no big markets, so if you like Thai markets you’ll have to travel a long way. However, if you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the perfect area for you.
Banyan Tree Samui
Overlooking the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui is set in the lush jungle of a private bay in Lamai. This luxury all-pool villa resort offers a tropical getaway with a pristine beach, blissful spa escapes, bespoke dining offerings, locally-infused experiences, a personal Villa Host concierge, and unparalleled views.
Sample international delights at The Edge, a fun BBQ at Sands, an innovative Thai dinner at Saffron, or chilled cocktails by the pool or beach.
Photo credit: Banyan Tree Samui
Rocky’s Boutique Resort
Rocky’s Boutique Resort is located on the beach, with stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, and just a short walk from downtown Lamai. The resort has 2 pools, one located on the beach and the other in the upper garden, where you can relax or enjoy a tropical cocktail.
The beautifully decorated rooms are spacious, clean and offer a magical view of the lush tropical garden, pool, or ocean. There are also a few cafés and restaurants close to the hotel, and the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks are within walking distance.
Photo credit: Rocky’s Boutique Resort
Crystal Bay Beach Resort
Crystal Bay Beach Resort has a stunning location overlooking the white sands and crystal clear waters of Crystal Bay. The resort’s Yacht Club has a large outdoor pool with sun loungers, table tennis tables, and a billiards table.
Relax and recharge with a beach massage, the rhythm of the waves, and the smell of the salty air. The restaurant serves Thai and international cuisine, with special evenings and live music.
Photo credit: Crystal Bay Beach Resort
5. Lipa Noi Area
This area is located on the west side of the island, far from most of the island’s attractions. If you arrive on Koh Samui by boat instead of by plane, you will probably arrive at Lipa Noi or Nathon port. Therefore if you are staying in this area you will not have to travel much after arrival. Many hotels also offer a free shuttle service from the port to the hotel.
However, we strongly recommend renting a scooter in this area as there is not much to do. But if you don’t care about the distance, we can recommend this area as well. We also stayed in this area and liked that we met fewer tourists.
There’s often a night market in Nathon port, so you can try the delicious Thai food here. Lipa Noi Beach is a very nice, narrow sandy beach that is ideal for relaxing as there are fewer people here.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui
The property is about a 10-minute drive from Nathon Pier and a 15-minute drive from the beautiful Na Mueang Waterfall. The resort has a spa, a luxury beach club, a beach restaurant, a 24-hour gym, 2 outdoor pools, a boutique, and a private beach area.
The secluded and spacious villas are situated on a private garden ground with excellent coastal views of Lipa Noi Beach. We stayed at the Signature Garden Villa and enjoyed our stay.
Sea Valley Resort
Overlooking the sandy beach of Lipa Noi, the hotel offers beach beds and umbrellas. Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, with comfortable beds, and most rooms have a private pool. The hotel’s restaurant always serves fresh seafood, grilled, and delicious Thai, European, and other dishes.
The hotel also offers relaxing wellness treatments next to the beach. Kayaking and paddle boarding are free on the beach, and jet skis can be rented. This resort is the perfect place to stay in a quiet location to relax and chill out.
Photo credit: Sea Valley Resort
Anahata Resort
Anahata Resort offers a unique holiday experience for those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This eco-friendly retreat, in a traditional Thai tropical location by the sea, is for people who want to reconnect with nature and their inner self.
The beach bar serves a variety of dishes, from vegetarian to healthy Thai cuisine. The resort offers plenty of great services, from spa services to daily yoga classes. The beach is very quiet, there are no noisy bars or water sports, it is the perfect choice for those who want complete peace.
Photo credit: Anahata Resort
Koh Samui Guide: FAQ
Top tours
Discover Koh Samui’s top attractions on a guided half-day tour.
Take a relaxing sailing cruise on a luxury yacht to the limestone islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Enjoy snorkeling, visit the Emerald Lake, and admire the beautiful sunset.
Book this excellent tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, from December to March.
Getting there & around Koh Samui
You can easily get to the island by plane or ferry. We have a detailed post on how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
The best way to explore the island is to rent a scooter or car. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour that includes transport.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui: Map of the Best Areas
We’ve categorized Koh Samui into 5 areas to help you find the best places to stay.
We hope our post on the best areas and hotels in Koh Samui helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Thailand
- Best Areas and Hotels in Koh Phangan
- 11 Best Villas in Koh Samui with Private Pool
- 14 Best Luxury Hotels in Koh Samui
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Ferry
- Bangkok to Koh Samui: All Options
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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